Shingle Bells
The holiday season is over and ’shingle bells’ is still ringing in my ears in acknowledgement of my getting shingles at Christmas, still having them through the New Year and now slowly getting rid of them.
Originally, pleurisy was my diagnosis; aches and pains in the right side of my chest. Unfortunately, however, as soon as the rash appeared from the center of my back, under my arm on the right to the center of my chest; in a broad band, then shingles made itself known.
Since I was out of town in AngelsCamp, I had to find medical assistance which was provided by Angels Camp Medical Clinic, CHW group. There, I was seen by a Physician’s Assistant who pretty well did everything by the book; and yes, I do mean by the book. Once the diagnosis was reconfirmed, the book was out and medicines were prescribed in accordance with what was recommended there. Apart from the basic work-up of weight, temperature, blood pressure and pulse, no reference was made to my current medications or medical history.
When I got home on the Thursday, after New Year, I was still in a state of major hurt and had no beneficial sleep; but was able to get an appointment for the next day with my regular physician who, upon seeing the swath of the rash, said “Oh, you poor man”. All the prescriptions were on the mark; except that the one for pain should have been a little more frequent and a slightly larger dose - the strength was fine.
Last night was the first night that I was able to sleep through and beyond the usual without waking to take anything for the pain. It looks as though I am on the mend.
Happy New Year and may it be happy, healthy a prosperous
