Back Again

Ever had shingles? I have just had two very bad weeks. It started with a sensation of extreme tenderness on my chest and right arm. The sensation progressed to a feeling similar to a scalding burn. Then red areas appeared. Then the rash. At first, I thought I picked up something off the dogs' coats from them being outside. Then reality. Shingles! The rash was worst on my chest and shoulder then ran down my right arm and even onto the palm of my hand. I thought it was just a rash that would itch for a while and then I'd be fine. But two weeks later I am still recovering slowly. Part of the problem for me was a bad reaction to the anti-viral medication. I was supposed to take it for 10 days. I managed 5 before stopping. The side effect headache it gave me was worse than any headache I have ever had. The image I have of the headache is like an earthquake seismograph that is recording very strong very fast tremors. Dense and jagged. Horrible! Then my lowered resistance resulted in a bad sinus infection and pressure headaches and dizziness. Back to the doctor for more medication. Side effects include -- headache and dizziness! How do I tell which is which now?

But I am improving and plan on returning to work today. I was off work at first because of the extreme sensitivity of the rash (I could not bear anything touching it) then the side effect headache then the new sinus infection and dizziness.

Seems like all I have done lately is report on illness. Things will get better.