I had shingles last year in August. It started on my neck and at first, I thought it was normal rashes. But I had this painful burning sensation, so I went to see a doctor.
It was a very painful journey. I had this sharp stabbing shingles pain, like being caught in barbed wire. The virus that caused my shingles triggered the Ramsay Hunt Syndrome1^. It spread from my neck, to my face and ear, and even half of my scalp. I felt that half of my face was paralyzed I couldn't smile, drink water, or even blink my eye.
I was worried that I would have hearing loss, or that if the shingles spread to my eye, it would cause vision loss as well. I had blisters filled with smelly fluid, that flowed out onto my pillow while I slept.
“THE SHINGLES SCARS ARE STILL ON MY FACE. I REALLY HOPE THAT NO ONE WILL EXPERIENCE THIS.”
I was on medical leave, but I couldn't work for about three months. There was a lot of lost income and work opportunities. I couldn't accept new projects because I didn't know when my condition would improve. Can you imagine… if I cannot smile and speak properly, I cannot host onstage. Not great for a professional actor and MC.
I couldn't even celebrate my birthday with my family. They were worried about my condition because my scars were very bad, and my Ramsay Hunt Syndrome was very bad as well.
I felt very helpless and I was just wondering when will I recover completely. I went through so much pain and the shingles scars are still on my face. I really hope that no one will experience this. I encourage all of you to speak to your doctor about the shingles prevention.
Did you know that the chickenpox virus can reactivate even later in life as shingles? Assess your risk
All statements are based on patient’s testimony.
1Harpaz R et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 2008; 57:1‒30
^Nick was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome which is an uncommon complication of shingles.
