Can things get any worse?

Uncommon health problems are not uncommon to me. Example: The nerve problems in my right arm are rare, and I was only the third case my doctor had heard of. There have been other things throughout my life that surprised doctors.

So when I began to get a rash on Sunday that was abnormal, I was not exactly surprised.

Well, it turns out that I have a mild case of SHINGLES. Yes, shingles. It was suspected yesterday by a nurse in Pennsylvania (my "Pennsylvania Mom" as I call her), and confirmed by a doctor here.

It's actually quite fascinating how this came about. Apparently, the Chicken Pox virus never goes away once you have it--rather, it lies dormant in the nerve cells in your spinal cord. I was told that the virus can come out when under stress, among other things...that explains it right there! I'm a college student, and stress is expected. That is what they suspect caused the virus to "awaken".

So, I have to take 800 mg of this anti-viral medicine, five times a day, in order to contain the virus and to reduce the effects that it can have. Luckily, it is not contagious, it is only in an area about the size of a silver dollar, and it is not too incredibly painful. It burns a bit, and every once in awhile it itches a lot.

Still no results from my blood work that was done last week. Will call the lab tomorrow. Allergies are still bothersome. Sunburn has finished peeling for the most part, but is still not wonderful.

Sigh...but I suppose that things could always be worse, right?