Hello all. I am a retired nurse and consider my n

medical knowledge base to be quite good, or so I thought. On August 8, 2020 I developed an aggravating headache of the right front of my skull. Despite numerous home remedies nothing seemed to alter this constant pain and the general area was sore as if I had been struck there. On the morning of August 11 th I made an appt to see my family physician as I had already decided I had a brain tumor. I got an appt for 2 days later. About fifteen minutes later I touched my scalp area for the 500 th time and felt three ridges on my scalp and then saw they were extremely red, I then re- diagnosed myself as having Shingles. I managed to change my appt for the next day, however within 2 hours all areas on the top right quadrant of my face were swollen, very red and affecting my eye. I saw my physician that afternoon he confirmed the Shingles diagnosis and started me on a 5 day loading dose of Valtrex. He also said I needed to see an Opthalmologist soon.

in my lifetime I never experienced the degree of pain that ensued and continues 3 weeks later. I saw the Opthalmologist the following day and he described great concern for the swelling and distortion of my eye area, I was told I needed Motrin for the swelling and some pain relief. I routinely take Vicodin for chronic sciatica and despite taking this I had no relief for my head and face. I got the rash mostly on my scalp and forehead as well as eyebrows and eyelashes. Since 8/12 I have been to see the Opthalmologist 4 times and there are concerns for my retina. My pain management physician has altered my pain meds to 3 x my normal dose, I do not take all of that because I am afraid of dependence but the increase has helped so I can cope.

at this point it appears that the area of greatest tenderness and rash is slowly moving towards my right ear and the pain level has diminished about 1/3 rd. The itching and rash is also moving. I was advised that my use of cold packs was not advisable.

i am aware that the usual run of Shingles is 3-7 weeks but am seeking info from other persons who have had this condition which I would not wish on anyone.