Shingles are not just for the Roof!

I have been feeling under the weather for about 2 months.  If you have spent any time with me, you probably quickly saw it.  I was not good at hiding it but tried to take a "non-whining" stance.  A lot of days, I was unsuccessful in that endeavor.  I couldn't really explain it.  I didn't feel "sick" but I didn't feel good either.  It was like this achiness all over my body.  Some days it was my stomach.  Some days it was my head.  Sometimes it was...well, you get the point.

Anyway, I have felt worse the last week or so.  Very tired and lethargic.  I felt so bad on Friday that I decided I was going to the doctor.  The first call was to the Chiropractor (increased headaches and a really bad backache).  They were closed.  What about a massage?  That should help for those same symptoms.  I called her.  She was booked until Monday evening.

I then activated Plan C (to go to the actual doctor).  I called them.  But of course with it being Friday, they couldn't see me until Monday.  But Monday I had 3 meetings and a court hearing (for one of my clients).  So, I set my appointment for Tuesday morning.

My boss convinced me that I just needed to relax and drink a beer.  (Let me tell you, it did not take a lot of convincing).  To Farley's I went.  We sat on the patio and drank a (used very loosely) beer.  Let me tell you, it didn't take long for my headache to fade, along with my aches and pains.  So, I enjoyed my time out on Friday.  I haven't been going out because I just haven't felt good.  It was brought to my attention that I hadn't been out since before my birthday.

Anyway, when I woke on Saturday, my nose was a little sore/sensitive.  I knew I probably had a sinus infection but had already made the doctor's appt.  I didn't think much about it.  On Sunday, it felt like I had several small cuts on my nose.  I kept complaining to Amber about them hurting.  Monday morning my nose was red (like I had a cold).  By Monday evening, those little "cuts" had turned into blisters.  Let me just give you a little idea of what I am talking about in pictures:  (scroll fast if you are sensitive)

Monday @ 10:24pm (see the blisters?)

Tuesday @ 7:32am (see the pouty lips)

Tuesday @ 9:50am (as I sit and wait for the Doctor)
My appt was at 8:45am.  I was getting irritated.
(see the yellow crusty puss?)

Well, I saw the doctor.  Guess what!  I was right.  I have a sinus infection.  But guess what else!  SHINGLES.  Yup.  I have never heard of shingles on the face.  Usually people who get them, have them on their torso or abdominal area.  Well, we began talking about it because I just couldn't believe I had the Shingles.  She (a very great doctor) said that my immune system had been fighting this active virus for a while.  The Shingles virus is in your body if you have ever had the chicken pox.  Well, something activated it.  So, my body has been fighting it.  That explains all of the "not well" feelings I have had over the last two months.  She said that was about the right time frame.  My body was trying to tell me to stop and help fight this viral infection.  But finally, it wore out my immune system.  She said it could have come out on my nose due to the sinus infection.  That sinus infection left my nose and facial area compromised.  So, the virus hit hard and just came out at the weakest spot.

I was treated with an Antibiotic (take 1 tab 2xs daily for 10 days) and another medication specific for the Shingles (take 1 tab 5xs daily for 10 days - but not at the same time as the antibiotic).  REALLY?  Are you SERIOUS?

So, I know take a pill at 7am; another at 8am; another at 11am; then again at 3:00pm; 7:00pm; then the night ones at 8:00pm and the last one at 11:00pm.  That is utterly ridiculous!

Are you grossed out yet?  Well here is the progress:

Tuesday @ 12:30pm

Wednesday morning  

Wednesday @ 6:50pm

I am glad to report that since this is my 3rd day (well 2 1/2 days) my nose is hurting less.  It is also pussing less.  Which are both really good things.  Of course, the medication is making me really sick to my stomach but hopefully, that will clear up really soon.

Wanna hear a funny story?  After we left the doctor's office (in Artesia) Tuesday morning, we headed home (back to Roswell).  We had found 6.8 acres for sale that we wanted to check out.  So, we took the old Dexter Highway back (it was on the way).  Well, it had been raining here off and on for about a day and a half.  We turn on the road to where the acres were supposed to be.  It had been a dirt road, but now was more of a mud road.  I thought I did well, navigating around the water puddles, but just as everyone in the car, besides me, started questioning whether we should continue on this very muddy road, we see an Aaron's Delivery Truck.  He is obviously stuck in the mud.  I immediately (about 2 minutes to late) try to turn around.  Nope!  Stuck in the mud.  Not only do I have Shingles on my FACE but now we are stuck in the mud.  No one in the car had on tennis shoes or boots.  No, Amber and I were wearing flip flops and Gladys was wearing dress shoes.  

This did not go over well!  Amber began to get pretty upset.  And just then, Gladys jumps out of the car and is in the front pushing.  Amber jumped out in her flip flops and began pushing as well.  We made a little head way, but then lost traction.  Amber used some weeds under the tire and we made some more headway.  We finally got out.  I questioned whether we should give the Aaron's guy a ride back to town.  But do you know, he did not even get down to help Amber and Gladys push.  We were only feet away from him and he not once, offered to help.  Ugh!  Anyway, the car has more mud on the inside than the outside - how funny!  

So, hope you guys have a great day!