Shingles : 28 Year-Old : Nursing Student/Aide

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Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate your input on this health dilemma. I have Crohn's Disease. I am 28 years old. I'm a nursing student in an ABSN program and a nursing aide. I went to the dermatologist yesterday because I was developing a rash around my right eye, forehead, and scalp. It was effecting my confidence and causing a lot of pain at night. She diagnosed me with shingles and immediately recommended to see an ophthalmologist. She also prescribed me anti-virals. I went to the ophthalmologist: Thank god my eye is ok. All I have to do is wear my glasses until the scabs heal up.

I am so nervous and anxious especially about all the classes and clinicals I am going to miss. I sometimes wonder if these are all signs not to become a nurse. Nursing is my love and passion though. It is everything to me. My experience with illness enables me to provide the best possible care to my patients. My ability to empathize is heightened.

My doctor recommended I stay home for a week. These headaches have been killing me. Tylenol is not cutting it. I've been so weak. Sometimes I think I should take a leave of absence to rest, but it's going to take longer to graduate. I am currently taking pharm, med surg, and psych. The teachers are pretty straight forward about what's going to be on the exams. Please give me some recommendations on how to deal and cope with this newfound disease. I would greatly appreciate it. I'm so worried.

All the best.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

The shingles are likely a manifestation of your stress and anxiety. Shingles will heal from this episode but you will be contagious for spreading the virus until the lesions dry up. I recommend you follow your doctor's advice, stay away for a week, and spend the time studying. Then, regroup, pull up your boot straps, and go kick some butt. Your "newfound disease" will stay with you for life. Keep a supply of zovirax on hand and take it as soon as you feel that "itch" coming on. Plus, if you have repeated outbreaks, your MD could order the shingles vaccine and hopefully lessen the frequency. Good Luck!! Keep on keeping on!!

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Thank you for your quick reply. I think studying will make me get even more anxious. I think I'm just going to take it easy. I know it's for the rest of my life, but as long as it's manageable: I feel like I will be alright. I'm very sensitive to everything. I need a lot of rest as it is. I am just so thankful I don't have children nor am I married. I can take the time to focus on my wellbeing.

Please anyone out there: share your suggestions on how to manage this in the midst of nursing school and working as an aide. Thank you.

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I've had shingles before and it's nothing that should change the direction of your life! There is no reason to assume that you will suffer from repeated bouts of shingles-you may never be afflicted again. Once you are healed, you should discuss with your physician the possibility of getting the vaccine to reduce your risk of getting it again.

There is no reason to let a bout of shingles derail your life and your plans. Good luck.

Please also note that you cannot transmit shingles to other people. However, you could transmit chicken pox to someone who has never had chicken pox, so for that reason, you should consider yourself "contagious" until your lesions have healed.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
The shingles are likely a manifestation of your stress and anxiety.

True that. My first shingles outbreak was right after I graduated nursing school...I was so busy typing up the end of nursing school, I was too busy to be stressed. But after graduation, with all this free time to think, and with an upcoming surgery, the NCLEX and a long job search ahead of me...I wasn't too surprised when it happened. Fortunately, it was on my back, so I just kept it covered until it healed.

That was my only shingles outbreak to date, despite life being rather stressful at times since then. So while shingles may be forever, it may not necessarily mean dealing with regular outbreaks.

I agree, I wouldn't let it derail you, but at the time time you are contagious until the lesions heal so you need to be careful.

Feel better!

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Specializes in school nurse.

Having shingles can boost your immune response to the varicella virus and decrease the likelihood of subsequent episodes.

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