That’s how the website describes Shingles. I’d say that’s pretty accurate. These blisters covering my left hip and all the way down the backside of my left leg seem to be in the beginning phase of the healing process so why is the pain still here? (the itching makes sense to me….not the pain) Saw Doc Ana today and she explained *again* that the rash is only the symptom and the real issue is the inflammation of the nerve root. I’m visual and try not to picture that. Web says pain can last 2-4 weeks (I’m in week 2) but Doc Ana says in reality it can last for months. Says the pain can get so bad that she’s had to send patients to a psychiatrist at about the 3-4 month mark. Great. I’m just not believin’ this.

Which brings me to a strange predicament. Most everyone knows I have a really high pain tolerance so this pain is more aggravating to me than anything although I certainly cry Uncle! and go down from time to time. Most everyone also knows how I feel about pain medication. Yet here I am with a Doc who now insists on beginning pain meds with anti-inflammatory properties to try to help the nerve root begin to dis-inflame (that can’t be a real word). Pain meds, more lab work and now pain patches. Last week, the tech took 11(!) vials of blood. I’ve got things to do, places to be, and people to see and this is seriously cramping my style. Bill says I look like a 75-yr-old woman getting in and out of the car and Doc Ana says to tell him I’ll likely look like that for a while to come. I cannot tell you how fun *sitting* is and since a large portion of my professional day is spent sitting…well, DRAT!

Enough about the Shingles. This process is clearly telling me to do something about the stress in my life so today I will begin to make a plan to address same….all prayers for this to heal quickly and go away are deeply appreciated and welcomed!