Diary of an Adult Chicken Pox Sufferer

Had a good night slept through to 7am, but got up once at 3am sweating, but fell back to sleep. Scalp feeling much better. Face still a little itchy but the sores are scabbing over nicely. No new sores that I have noticed. Been feeling ok, still eating well, drinking lots of juice. Everyday been oberving my oral hygiene routine which is important. Sores on gums and in mouth meant needed to be very gentle. And also been using an antibacterial mouthwash [Please seek your medical advice always]. Cough seems to be dying down a bit too, throat seems to be getting better too. 10:15 Body temp 36.9C (98.4F) Feeling ok, showered gently washing hair gently with baby shampoo. Did not use any soap on body and have not since getting chickenpox. 19:00 Have tickle in throat and chesty cough again!

Very bad night, face is so itchy. The growing beard doesn't help either. Lots more pox appearing, but some scabbing over. Temperature still high. Getting pox further down arms and torso, arms, buttocks, genitals, feet, hands, ears, mouth and I think my throat. I hate this. Can't look in mirror. On plus side have still got my appetite. Still bathing and using calamine lotion, not helping much. For my personal circumstances painkillers every 4 hours are a must since fever still there, and when they wear off I feel rough. Got the cough again, a dry chesty one. Friends and family from around the world have been calling/emailing/IM'ing, and it does give me a boost. Its amazing how many adults do get chickenpox. The stories of peoples recoveries are uplifting. Today has been the lowest day so far in this journey. Not looking forward to tonight. So tired. It is becoming very apparent that to fight this virus you need a positive mental attitude. Easier said than done. Will sign off...

Woke up feeling feverish. Took temperature, 38.8C (102F). However, still went to work. Kept feeling hot and cold throughout the day. Neck was still aching. Had a bit of a dry cough. When I got home I was feeling terrible. Was taking pain killers throughout the day. Took a hot water bottle to bed. Had a itchy scalp but didn't make too much of it. In the night woke up in a severe sweat, but fell asleep again.