Shingles again so I can't see my DW

ghphotog

The MC said I need to stay away for a couple of weeks. My heart is heavy because of that. She will be all alone. Even though she doesn't know I'm there from one day to the next she still senses time between visits it seems.
It's on my chest. Second time I've had it.

harshedbuzz

@ghphotog

I am so sorry.

Gosh, that sounds like an over-reaction. I recall when my son had a bout of shingles in summer school. His were also on his chest and the teachers (3 of them pregnant) wanted him out until he was heeled. I'm assuming you wear clothes when you visit.

HB

M1

Ghphotog they are incorrect in what they are telling you. Shingles is only contagious by direct contact to someone who hasn’t had chickenpox (like a newborn or young unvaccinated child) or someone who is severely immune compromised. If the area is covered you’re not going to give it to her.

jfkoc

I agree that the instructions are not valid. Maybe check again with them.

Iris L.

Agree with M1, shingles is not contagious except in a few rare instances.

Iris

ghphotog

So far I'm breezing right through it. Got started with valtrex on day one. There's a little bit going on but so far pretty mild. I feel bad for my DW struggling without me and I worried for her so much day in and day out that I've made myself ill so honestly I needed the break.

I don't know what shape she will be in once I return but I suspect she will have digressed significantly. We'll see.

fmb

@ghphotog You may be surprised at how well your DW does during your forced absence. My car broke down and I had no way to visit DH for 8 days last month. When I was finally able to visit him, it was like I had been gone only a day or two. DH was well taken care of by the facility and his hospice team in my absence. I finally learned to trust them.

I used that time as a much needed caregiving respite and focused on my needs. Because I had no other choice, I didn't feel guilty about not visiting, even though I had been seeing him every day. This break enabled me to see how I was over-stressing about his care and how that was affecting me physically and emotionally. When I returned I felt a little grief over the realization that he didn't need me to be there every day, but I realize that this is part of the ever-changing relationship between us. While I still am his advocate when necessary, I am now able to visit and simply enjoy being his wife. This is a precious gift, and I treasure the time we have left together. ((Hugs))