Sequelae of shingles / 帯状疱疹の後遺症（English＆Japanese）

【ENG】

My shingles seems to be healing without spreading significantly. Maybe it was a good thing I saw a doctor early, or maybe it was a mild case to begin with.

However, the area where the rash developed is throbbing and painful. I looked it up on the Internet and found that it is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a post-herpetic neuralgia. Even light rubbing with clothing causes burning pain. If the symptoms had been like the ones I saw on the Internet - spreading widely from my chest to my back - I don't think I would have been able to bear it.

This weekend we will be going back to my parents' house. My boys are very much looking forward to it, but I find it somewhat of a hassle. Because I and my brothers are all married and have children of their own, so for me, going home has become more about "socializing with relatives" than "going home to my own home.

The photo shows the approach leading to Hatta-san Soneiji Temple, which I visited when I went back to my parents' house in 2016. If possible, I would like to go there again this year and eat dango to ward off bad luck.

💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫💫

【JPN】

早めに受診したのが良かったのか、そもそも軽症だったのかは分かりませんが、帯状疱疹は大きく広がることなく治りそうです。

ただ発疹のできた部分がズキズキと痛み、調べたところ帯状疱疹後神経痛（PHN）という後遺症があるようで。衣類で軽く擦れるだけでも焼けるように痛むので、もしネットの画像で見たような――胸から背中にかけて大きく広がるような症状だったら、大変だっただろうと思います。ほんと、酷くならなくて良かった・・・

今週末から実家に帰省です。子どもたちはとても楽しみにしていますが、私はやや面倒です😅弟たちもそれぞれ結婚し、子どもが生まれ・・・「家に帰る」というよりも「親戚づきあい」という感じになってきたからでしょうか。

写真は2016年に帰省した時に訪れた、法多山尊永寺へ続く参道です。できれば今年も行って、厄除け団子を食べてきたいです。