3 weeks ago I was dx'ed with shingles, although (thank goodness) they never broke through the skin.

They gave me a shot, prescribed anti-viral (which I refilled once) and pain meds (non addictive).

I have the prickly, almost feverish pain. SOME itching sometimes. Clothing w/ANY elastic hurts. I'm wearing elastic-free baggy shorts and a tee (no bra).

Here's the thing: My going back to work is not "normal". I am a police officer, 90% of my work is outdoors, I'm in Texas and we've been in the 3 digits for a while now with no relief in sight. I don't wear regular clothes. I wear a poly/wool uniform, a DUTY belt and a VEST. My superiors don't want me to return until I can wear my uniform (which includes the duty belt & vest of course).

I'm wondering if I return to work & stay on the LIGHT pain meds (like taking several Tylenol, really) if I'd be OK. My concern is the FACT that I WILL be out in the heat in all that gear, stress, etc.

Will this prolong the actual healing (pain)?
Would I be susceptible to another outbreak or making them worse?

I want to get back to work, but I don't want to until I know I'm 100% and there's no risk of another outbreak or worsening it...

In my experiences with shingles(more than 3 outbreaks),Neurontin(sp) was the medication I was prescribed.

I needed to be off work and with the least amount of stress for as long as I could be.The last time I had an outbreak,it was summer,I was,like you are,very uncomfortable with close/clingy clothing,even T-shirts would become uncomfortable in the heat of the day(namely when I would sweat)

I was advised not to return till all symptoms were gone,and then a few more days after to make sure I wasn't returning too soon.

I am self employed,time off was VERY costly.

If you have the sick leave from the job,take it,all you can have.seriously,the longer off,the better the chances you won't have a repeated outbreak.

From what I understand,this illness resides in the spinal fluids,like any other herpes virus.It is triggered by?? I don't know,all I do know is that once I had it,I would ALWAYS have it.

Take care, they might need you on the line,but you need to take care of you too.

Anything happening,any changes?Are you feeling better?