SHINGLES

[kloofnek]

Is there anyone out there who can tell me more about this:
twice a year I get a sort of boil(it is not one),which has like little water blisters on the surface.It gets very red, hot and sore....always in the same place.

I have just been to the docs where I saw the nurse,after being told she could diagnose it...she said it was "shingles"...I nearly fell through the floor,I had shingles on my shoulder years ago and it was very painful,so I know what it is like...this is NOTHING at all like that.

I shall seek a second opinion from a DOCTOR ,surely nurses are not qualified to diagnose and prescribe..they.don`t have the knowledge.
The only reason I agreed to see her was that there was no doctors available.

Be interested to hear what you all have to say.

[boxtops]

Kloofnek - I do know what you mean - I was treated like a simpleton once by the nurse who was conducting the breast screening checks. It wasn't about her competence, it was about her attitude, she was supercilious and rude, she really upset me at a time when I felt vulnerable. I reported her to the screening service - I didn't want anyone else to be similarly affected.

[kloofnek]

At last...someone knows how I felt.!
She was soooo patronising and so superior!!!

I really want to make her see that she cannot be like that with patients.
But,it is my word against hers,isn`t it.

Some of these people should realise that if it wasn`

[kloofnek]

continuation: if it wasn`t for us,they would not have a job.The same applies for similiar situations where they are uppity with one...banks ,shops etc.

I always maintain that Public Relations courses should be took before one deals with the public

Have a nice weekend.

[albaqwerty]

Even if she was having an 'off-day' she should have left it at the door. Any professional person would do that. (well, they should imo)

[slaney]

Kloofnek - sorry about the link.
If the rash is on your buttocks then it is likely to be one of the Herpes simplex viruses.
I would see your GP, as she/he may be willing to prescribe antivirals for you to take at the first sign of recurrence to try and abort the attacks.

[888sally888]

I totally agree - sounds like herpes.

[kloofnek]

Slaney,I was given ant-viral tablets,seem to be working very well,touch wood!
Next time it accurs,will see the doctor NOT the nurse.
It was the receptionist,who,on asking what my medical problem was,referred me to the practice nurse....

You are quite right ,albaqwerty, personal problems should be left at home,not brought into a workplace.

[ojread2]

Kloofnek, when my GP's receptionist ask what I want to see the Dr for I always reply that it is personal. they don't like it but then I don't want them knowing what my GP knows

[albaqwerty]

Many years ago, my mother's friend suspected her son had german measles and phoned to ask for a home visit. Receptionist insisted she bring him to the surgery. She did. On seeing the doctor, he started to tell her off for bringing him into the surgery (Waiting room was crowded). She told doctor what happened. He then promptly went to give the receptionist a piece of his mind.

(Nothing to do with your situation, I know, but some, only some, receptionists should just make the appointments)

[boxtops]

It concerns me when receptionists attempt to triage - many surgeries now do have a triage phone service first thing in the morning, but they should be manned by a clinical person, not a receptionist following a protocol. Telephone triage is a clinical skill, not an admin task.

[Sqad]

kloofnek

There is an obvious answer to your problem...........when the rash returns, see the doctor and ask if he considers lab investigations to differentiate HSV infection and herpes zoster.

[EDDIE51]

Yes I agree if it is always in the exact same place it does not sound like shingles. Shingles is random rarely the same place twice.

[kloofnek]

In future,I will say it is personal,ojread2,I have thought to do this many times but did not want the receptionist to think I was being awkward.
albaqwerty,Fancy telling anyone to bring someone to the surgery with German Measles..where are their brains!!!!

[albaqwerty]

Exactly Kloof, we were all horrified. (Hope you don't mind being shortened to Kloof)

Our new lot of receptionists are very good. If you can get through early on a morning, the nurse will phone back and ask questions and will then allocate an appointment with either nurse or doctor or arrange home visit. It's great.

[kloofnek]

albaqwerty...how lucky you are !!!..no such service at my doctors practice...it is as if they try to stop one having an appointment thus not seeing the doc...it`s hell on earth to get appointments....can only make one on the day or two weeks ahead.