Shingles By My Eye

 tynajoymetzner

Shingles Near My Eye

Oh the swelling! 

I delayed going to the Dr. because at first I thought I was getting hives from a new skin care serum I had started using. When the pain and swelling kicked in, I knew I needed to get checked out.

In addition to seeing my primary, I was seen by an eye specialist because the virus was so close to my eye. Fortunately I was able to get right in to an eye Dr. 

I was so relieved to hear that my eye wasn’t infected. I had a follow up appointment yesterday. I got the all clear conclusion that shingles is no longer a threat to my eye! 

As with everything that happens to me medically, I researched this virus from head to toe. I was surprised to learn that 1 in 3 people who have had chickenpox will get this awful virus! Herpes Zoster is the medical term for shingles. 

I was given an anti viral medication to take even though my primary thought it may be too late. I did take it and I believe it helped. The most concerning symptom to me wasn’t the actual lesions on my face. Under my eye, the bag filled with fluid. It was an odd sensation and very itchy. My brow bone was so painful! Pain radiated from my check to behind my left eye. This fluid under my eye just sat there so full that the swelling obstructed my vision. It was a humbling experience to try to get out and mix in public.

I kept busy although I had that crushing viral fatigue. I walked and I baked a pie between resting in bed. Did all of my normal household chores around laying in bed.

After the lesions appeared and scabbed over, I knew I was on the mend. Within a week of rest I was thrilled at my progress. The fluid is disappearing!

What an experience. Contributed factors in getting shingles- Stress, Immune system decline and age are the perfect trifecta for shingles. 

Things that helped get through the miserable symptoms- 

Ice packs on the forehead lesions and my eye. I took Tylenol a couple of times. I ate healthy foods. I drank a lot of water, took my anti viral med. I rested. Now, I am taking a multivitamin. I’m hoping this is a smart move? My Dr. told me Lysine is a good supplement for the immune system. Zinc as well. Vitamin D3. 

This is me today. Two weeks in to the shingles diagnosis. I’m definitely feeling better every day. I hear that you can get shingles over and over again. I was told that in 3 months, I can get the shingles vaccine. I’ll have to really consider this. I definitely don’t want shingles again! 

My initial symptoms started weeks before the lesions erupted. I had a burning and painful gland behind my left ear. This pain lasted a few hours. I wondered what the heck that was. My other symptom was random pain of my left eye . Severe burning pain 2 weeks before I became sick! Numbness, extreme tingling around my left eye was another odd sensation. 

*General fatigue and weakness… headache in my eye. 

*Raised welts and red rash. Fluid filled lesions- swollen glands 

Stay well! My hope is that by sharing this experience it will bring awareness to someone who might benefit from this post.