Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Shingles!!

Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
I was on Imuran for about 3 months but it wasn't working so, with my Dr.'s permission went off of it and started Enbrel. Now I have shingles! I've heard so many horrible stories about them that I freaked. I noticed a few bumps on my scalp and they really hurt...I MEAN BAD!! I went to my Dermotologist's and she said it was shingles. So it was from the Imuran! Now I have to stop the Enbrel until the shingles go away....about 2 weeks. I feel like a dog chasing my tail! I thank God that the shingles didn't spread and there is only one spot. I can't imagine having this stuff all over. It's pain is hard to describe. Anyone else ever had shingles?
achymom
achymom
Wow, must really proof before posting, sorry! Still getting used to typing on the iPad instead of a real keyboard.
Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
achymom,
Hi! Just got your post. No..don't ever stop your med's without talking to your Doctor first. As far as I've heard, and felt, shingles do always hurt, and feelings of tingling around the area, but everyone is different. My shingles did arrive a few days after my Enbrel shot but I was also on Imuran. Who knows!!! Anyway, good luck! Let me know what you find out!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had the shingles pre RA. I had developed severe back pain. It took me 4 weeks to go to the doctor and once I did he said I had shingles and they would disappear within about 2 more weeks. They did. I only had a few spots on my back and had no idea i was the shingles. I was in such horrible pain that I thought I was dying or a hypochondriac! You can believe I was happy to get a diagnosis and know I wasnt crazy. It is unfortunate that you have to be off your meds til this goes away. Just know it will vanish as mysteriously as it came. Hope you are feeling better soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, going through my second bout of shingles . . . valtrex and high dose of pred the first time (the Pred helps to prevent later bouts of neuralgia) and valtrex this time.

My rhuemy told me that if I keep getting shingles it may be worth it to get the vaccination. Pricy, though, and most insurances won't cover it. They said it was definitely worth it, though.

To be honest, though, the RA is bothering me more than the shingles is.
Lifeis2short
Lifeis2short
Madi
Hope your feeling better from the shingles! Take care!