Question:
My poor mother who is 82 has the virus that causes chicken pox ans
shingles in both of her eyes. At first she was told she had pink eye
but we know now what it is. My sister is caring for her (I live out of
town) and she is beside hersle. My mother is totally miserable, even
talks of not wanting to live anymore. She is under the care of her
family doctor and and opthamologist. Yet we know these sypmtoms could
last for a long time. She's been ill since Easter Sunday. She can't
even stand to be awake and my sister, with the go ahead from her drs.
has been giving my mother sedatives to help her sleep. Is there
anything else we can do for her?? Anyway to ease her symptoms? Thanks
in advance..

Answer:
Hey jadesothermimi, how are you doing? Treatment of the symptoms of
shingles through compresses and pain relievers is usually recommended
by doctors. The virus can be reactivated when the body's immunity to
the virus breaks down due to normal aging, or the body's immune system
may become weakened due to stress from illness, physical or emotional
stress, fatigue, poor nutrition, certain medications, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, or other factors. The use of antiviral
medications may be recommended by your doctor. The medication most
commonly prescribed is acyclovir. Lubricating eyedrops or
antibiotic eye drops may aso be prescribed. Localized herpes zoster
requires secretion precautions to guard against spreading of infection
by direct contact with secretions from vesicles and from
secretion-contaminated articles. Occasionally, steroids may be
prescribed to reduce inflammation. By its very nature, herpes zoster
infections are prone to return from time to time, especially when the
immune system is weakened. Best wishes,