I have been dragging all week thinking I have not been this run down since I had mononucleosis back in 1980. I was falling asleep early, I was getting up late and no matter how much coffee I drank, I was not hitting first gear let alone second or third gear.
Being in my early fifties and I normally exist on no more than six (6) hours of sleep per night I had to ask what was up. By the way, the picture above is not of me but is one of the models we use for these types of articles.
Friday rolled around and I was thankful the end of the week happened which is again not like me and my bride told me I have shingles. I of course told her I was not old enough to have shingles. Of course at than point, my bride told me the symptoms of shingles so here they are.
- Pain – During the past week, my body has hurt everywhere. Joints, muscles, you name it, it has hurt and over the counter drugs have done nothing to dull the pain. Once the rash finally hit and as I move towards blisters, my torso hurts as well.
- Fevers – I was lucky, I only had a low grade fever so I did not have to deal with this.
- Itchiness – I had numbness initially around the area the rash occurred on my torso but now it itches and hurts as it goes from rash to blister.
- Fatigue – I have been the walking dead all week and a bit on the grumpy side. I could not get enough sleep and I did not want to get out of bed. Coffee did little to wake me up.
- Sensitive Skin – It was numb before the rash but now it is sensitive as ever and hurts to no end.
- No Rash Only Pain – I have rash spots but I also have areas than hurt in between rash spots than meet this requirement.
- Light Sensitivity With Migraines – All week long, I had issues working with the shade up. I had to close the shade and turn down the lighting.
- Headaches – Aspirin, Tylenol, Motrin, etc… would not touch the headache.
- Blisters – Just started enjoying the lovely blisters. Not sure if the pain was worse before I had blisters or after.
- Rash – After the numbness, the rash came but I also have areas where there is no rash.
She also showed me a picture and guess what, my bride is correct for the millionth time since we were married thirty years (30) ago. They look like this and they hurt – OUCH.
I would like to confirm that I have been right a few times in thirty years of marriage but I am normally wrong. When it comes to medical issues, I am always wrong.
So, we went through the list of symptoms and I scored a perfect 10 which is great since I am well beyond my athletic prime. I agreed with my bride that I am old enough for shingles so we will deal with it and asked her how long it lasts.
Well, now for the great news. Shingles will normally be active for a few weeks and after effects can last for months. This was definitely the news I needed to hear. Not only was I old enough to get shingles but we were going steady for an extended period.
So on Friday night it was clear to my bride and myself that I wasn’t going to be my normal cheery self since I am terrible at being sick. Yes, on a scale of 1 to 10, I am probably an 8 in drama when I am sick and I am certain others will give me a perfect 10.
It is now Saturday, I feel a bit better since I am putting some over the counter medicine on the rash/blister area on my torso and although tired, I am trying to control my whine so my drama score is maybe a 5.
Its great being Fifty Plus Going On Fifteen (50 Plus Going On 15) but I still think I am to young for shingles.
Wishing you a safe, healthy and successful day.
Jay Patterson