Chickenpox symptoms and conditions

Hello everyone! I just want to thank each and every one of you for your postings. On more than one occasion I would come to this site because without all of you I probably would have truly lost my mind. I just want to give a brief history of what's been going on with me because if it can help one other person then it's all worth it. In 2005, I go vaccinated for chickenpox, I work in health care, never had them, and wanted to start having children since I'm 36. A month after the vaccine I broke out in a horrific rash ALL OVER and had it until April of 2008. I went to the hospital where I had the vaccine, 5 dermatologists, 3 Infectious Disease, various medical doctors and no one knew what it was. This April, I was admitted to the hospital with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. After 3 hematologists, the last one feels the vaccine threw my immune system into a tizzy. I started with 60mg of Prednisone and eventually got down to 2.5mg. The hemolysis(body produces antibodies that attacks it own body) started again so I went to a new Hematologist and was put back up to 30mg and just got put down to 10mg today. Right now my biggest concern is the hair loss. I use to have such thick hair and now I cry almost daily because I loose so much. I am going to try the Ensure like someone posted just to see if that helps. I drink protein shakes, take Silica, multivitamins (Solgar) that have biotin, and going to try Nioxin shampoo. I have terrible mood swings and now I feel like I am going through withdrawal. It's almost like I want to take more just to feel better. I know that sounds crazy. The big fat moon face, my joints feel like they pop out, confused easily, can't sleep, and just can't really leave my house and live a normal life since April. I HATE IT!!! The only thing that helps me feel better when the daily prednisone "kicks in" is walking and exercising. I feel so bad for everyone this drug is just awful. I get angry because not one person told me what life was going to be like on prednisone. I think that is just mean. That's why these postings are so important. I know this is entirely to long but I feel so much better getting my story out there. Did everyone's hair eventually grow back. I don't know if I will have any left next month. Thank you all so much.
GG

Thanks to everyone for their courage to post their effects. I was tested 4 months ago and found out I was hypothyroid at 27 yrs old. I started on .25mcg and now at .50 daily of levothyroxine. I have developed a horrible skin rash on my neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. It looks like small blisters/acne, like chickenpox. Ive never had a skin problem till I took the medication. I have consulted with several doctors and they have given me the usual skin creams, etc. but nothing works and its getting worse. It seems to me that no one knows what to do and I am the only one doing an y research on it. Now, I have an appointment with a dermatologist but my pharmacist said that many thyroid medications can have this reaction and there is little to be done to cure it. Yikes!!!

My daughter contracted what I thought to be the flu at age 5. She was vaccinated for varicella as part of her childhood immunizations at least two years ago. After she got over her fever and most symptoms, she developed 8 blisters, 5 on her thigh, one on her face and two on her fingers. These looked exactly like chickenpox. Very odd. Any information anyone has would be very appreciated.

I am currently using Kenalog diluted in lotion for topical treatment of eczema. I had used it seven years ago for the same thing but don't remember having any side effects. All I know is that it is the ONLY thing that has made my itchy, weepy/crusty blisters disappear and make my skin soft and smooth again, getting rid of all redness and pain.

FYI - This is copied directly from the pharmacist's information sheet given to me yesterday at Wal-Mart for my prescription of Kenalog.

ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, barbituates, rifampin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-freeding.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that MAY go away during treatment include acne, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headache, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or sweating. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF: you experience rash; muscle pain or weakness; slow wound healing; fever or chills; sore throat; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; changes in eyesight; changes in mood; or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. **Serious side effects may occur if you suddenly stop using this medicine. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN as provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR OR LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAKES YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESSES, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with infection. If you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB) while taking this medicine or during the twelve months after stopping this medicine, call your doctor. Also report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) for up to 12 months after stopping this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING ANY IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. **This includes medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. **DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES AND USE INSULIN, this medicine may affect you blood sugar and insulin requirements. Check blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your insulin.