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I had shingles 2 weeks ago and it has now cleared up.Two weeks prior to the shingles I had symptoms of joint pain in my fingers,severe fatigue,headache and sick to my stomach without the vomiting.These sympoms are still present and I'm not sure if its related to the shingles.I dont have the muscle aches associated with shingles except for the first day I broke out.I have been to the doctors since then and my blook work came back negative.Any info.would be helpful.Can it possibly be depression?

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Depression can cause physical symptoms. Signs of depression can include feeling sad, hopeless, worthless, or guilty, loss of interest in activities that previously gave you joy, fatigue, problems concentrating, problems sleeping, either too much or too little, appetite loss or weight gain, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Symptims also include headaches, muscle aches, and digestive problems.

If you are feeling the emotional effects of depression is addition to the physical problems, your symptoms are probably related to depression. You should discuss this with your doctor so you can get treatment.

Shingles does not usually cause prolonged joint pain, upset stomach, and headache like you describe. However, depression can suppress your immune system and make you more prone to infections like shingles.

Here is a website on depression:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep3

Here is one on shingles:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/shingles.htm

I hope this answered your questions. If not please let me know.

If this helped you please click the "accept" button. If not please post further comments or questions...Linda

Reply to Linda's Post: Hi Linda,Just a few more comments and questions.I wanted to add that I am a 43 yr.old female and had a partial hysterectomy 3 yrs.ago.My overies were not removed.Can a hormonal change be taking place?Would you recommend that I make an appt.with my Gyno to take blood work?Can a hormonal change give me the symtoms that I described or do you think its more of a depression or anxiety state I am in?I currently take zanax for anxiety but the fatigue is different than being just "tired".Thanks for the web sites and for your helpful answer.P.S.My daughter is in the nursing program and has 1 yr.left.We have been looking at her nursing books for answers but havent come across anything yet,thank you

Hi, Mystique,

Hormonal changes, possibly due to early menopause, can cause irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, and poor concentration, but those symptoms are more likely to be caused by something else. A general practioner doctor can do a blood test to check your hormone levels to see if you are menopausal. Although it is a good idea to be checked yearly by your gynocoligist, I would see your primary care health practitioner first.

Your primary care doctor can help you find the cause for your fatigue. Even though depression can give you those symptoms, an undetected infection can also cause you to feel like that.

I would recommend a visit to your primary care health practioner. Discuss all your symptoms with them. There area a lot of possibilities, and a doctor can order labs to determine what may be causing your symptoms.

Let me know if you have more questions.

If this helped you please click the "accept" button. If not please post further comments or questions...Linda

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