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It Just Keeps Getting Better and Better

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Biguglygremlin +0 points · over 4 years ago Original Poster Sleep Enthusiast

From the moment I first experienced CPAP I was captivated.

It has just the right combination of elements to invoke all my favourite things.

Nostalgic recollections of my horseriding days with that special moment after hours of rounding up the reluctant beast and coralling him when I finally got to re-introduce him to the bridle and bit.

Delighful images of a much loved dog the neighbours owned being led away to his own version of paradise, wearing a muzzle.

Fond memories of the cabin I lived in as a young child, with the most wonderful storm rampaging outside and hissing through the cracks in the wall beside my bed.

For these and many other memorable reasons me and my CPAP have a very special relationship

So when I was thinking that it just doesn't get any better than this I was wrong!

Twas the night before christmas when all over my scalp

I developed a most wonderful rash of shingles so how cool is that!

All you CPAP users our there will appreciate just how much more endearing my machine will become from now on.

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Sierra +0 points · over 4 years ago Sleep Patron

That would be ugly! I am just hoping my shingles vaccination works...

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Biguglygremlin +0 points · over 4 years ago Original Poster Sleep Enthusiast

Practical and to the point as usual Sierra.

I had planned to ask my doctor for a vaccination as soon as I had resolved some more urgent medical issues but it would take some pushing because the free shot is only available for over 70s in Australia and I'm not there yet.

I might have given it more priority if I had realised that there was a version that affected the head. I'm reasonably able to block/ignore issues in most places but the head is more up close and personal and very hard to block even before I reach for the CPAP gear.

I don't think shingles on the head is common but they are painful and irritating anywhere you get them so yes, getting vaccinated would be a smart move.

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SleepDent +0 points · over 4 years ago Sleep Commentator

Shingles can have potentially serious side-effects, please seek medical attention ASAP, if you have not done so already. Time is of the essence. Dr. Luisi

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Sierra +0 points · over 4 years ago Sleep Patron

Yes, I had forgotten about that. There is a short time window that antiviral drugs can be given.

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SleepDent +0 points · over 4 years ago Sleep Commentator

Absolutely correct. If you do not get antiviral medication right away with Shingles, you run a much greater danger of getting post-herpetic neuralgia, and, believe me, NO ONE, wants to get saddled with that. Dr. Luisi

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Biguglygremlin +0 points · over 4 years ago Original Poster Sleep Enthusiast

I managed to acquire the antivirals but now I'm not sure it was such a good idea because this reactivated virus started as an encephalitis and spread to the eyes and scalp and face and, of course, the antiviral war is following the same pathway, so I've ended up with encephalitis or some kind of toxic reaction in there all over again.

There is a silver lining to this though. I'm having the most vivid dreams I've ever had before which has lifted the RBD to whole new heights. :)

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SleepDent +0 points · over 4 years ago Sleep Commentator

This is exactly why this whole Shingles thing is such a tough deal. The course of the disease is so unpredictable and so variable. You just have to pray the it avoids or, at least, doesn't do permanent damage to critical organs like your eyes and your ears. As you say, the antivirals themselves are not particularly benign and some of the side effects can definitely make you feel even more uncomfortable. You have my sympathy in the extreme. It won't be easy for a while, but, hopefully, you will get through it O.K.. Dr. Luisi

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