"Severe case of shingles on 78 year old man"

Felt increasingly unwell-hot and feverish/very tired and weak/no appetite.

Discovered big rash on my left arm/thought it might be meningitis possibly.

Called doctors/they asked some questions- then sent paramedics to my house.

They arrived very quickly-established it was not meningitis-thought maybe Covid.

Concerned about the nasty rash-they drove me to Lewisham Hospital-least waiting time. I was seen quite quickly and diagnosed with shingles. Given antibiotics and pain killers-sent home. I was not tested for Covid though.

My unwellness got worse-went and had a Covid test locally-negative.

I became so weak i was barely able to walk/stand. Could not get in/out of the bath/shower or get up from the settee unaided. My wife called the doctors and through an appt and phone appts they organised the Mobilty people and nurses to come to my house and assess what i might need to help me do things in the house. They came really promptly and were super efficient and most helpful. I got a walking stick and also a bath seat-and if i were to need anything else-just to let them know.

It was very reassuring and i will keep that in mind for the future.