If you’ve had chickenpox, it’s possible to get shingles. It commonly hits after the age of 65, and almost 2 out of 10 of those people will end up with postherpetic neuralgia, which is severe nerve pain in the area of the shingles rash. That pain can last a month or longer. Shingles can also get into the eyes and cause vision loss.
What is shingles? After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus that causes it remains dormant in your body. About one out of three people find the virus returns decades later. It causes a rash, usually in a band on the torso. The rash may have blisters and be very itchy. Fever and headaches may also be present.
Your mom has shingles, and she’s experiencing pain and discomfort. She’s going to need some help for the next month. Here are the things she’s going to need you to do.
Your mom’s doctor may recommend a prescription anti-viral medication to help her fight shingles. Pain creams and patches are other things the doctor may prescribe. Someone needs to pick up her medications and any other supplies she needs.
Get a list of the things she needs. She’ll want to have the kitchen stocked with easy to prepare items, such as low-sodium canned soups, sandwich makings, and cereal. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, too.
Your mom won’t feel great for a while. She’s not going to want to cook. Shingles can also cause nausea, so some of the foods she needs won’t be appealing. Make sure she has some ice water or ginger tea nearby to sip at all day.
Make some meals that people can heat for your mom. Aim for nutritious soups and smoothies that are easy on the stomach. A chicken noodle soup with ginger can help soothe her stomach. In the mornings, a smoothie with frozen berries, ginger, and pomegranate is packed with antioxidants.
If your mom’s doctor wants to see her, she will need a ride. The pain may make it hard for her to concentrate on the road and traffic around her. Take over driving for a while. If you can’t drive her, you need to make sure she has someone who can.
FMLA allows you to take time off to care for a family member, but that time is unpaid. If you can’t afford to use up your personal days or vacation time to help your mom out, call an elder care agency. She can have an elder care aide around to cook her meals, take her to the doctor, and keep the house clean. Make a call and talk to an expert about the services that could best benefit your mom.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/surveillance.html
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