About the Shingles?

I was diagnosed with shingles 5 weeks ago. I went to the doctor because of a sharp pain in my side for 3-4 days. The original diagnosis was diverticulitis but the CT scan ordered didn't confirm it. The next morning the rash appeared confirming shingles. Lucky for me, the rash was on my side from waist to boob and navel to spine. I had to take 4 pills 4x per day for two weeks and used Advil for the pain. The Advil wasn't enough so was prescribed Lyrica 2x per day (one at 5PM the other just before going to bed) in addition to the Advil as needed. I couldn't wear a shirt for more than a couple hours. Lying in bed was agony. The material brushing against skin outraged nerve endings. Sometimes a slight breeze was enough of a brush. The need for Advil has diminished to a point I don't require it any more although there are times when I think I need some. I take a Lyrica an hour or so before going to bed to help me sleep.

My doctor told me shingles is part of the chicken pox virus that lays dormant in anyone who has had the pox. It is uncertain what causes it to activate and it usually activates in people over 60 when it does. I am 55. People "usually" get shingles only once. The rash clears up in less than a month (it did in my case) but the nerve damage is something one should prepare to live with the rest of their lives.

The first thing I do when I get home is take off my shirt. I am used to the dull pain but the sharp pain of nerve endings being rubbed against is nearly too much to bear at times.

Gary

Gary............sure understand your shingles mess. I don't know what else to call it. It took me four to six months to heal even though I had very early treatment for them. I am willling to say the treatment worked based on reports from others that did not have treatment or got the treatment after the shingles were somewhat underway.

My doc hightly suggested the shots following my healing period. I'm 73 so he was at least thinking it worth my while. Insurance did not cover the shot. It was $120.00 shot but I gritted my teeth and had it about eight months after the shingles were confirmed and thought to be healed. I can not say one way or the other but it is comforting to know that the doc said he has taken the shot for himself. I do not think I could live through another dose of the shingles with the other issues I am weakend by. That hurts my cookie jar but the other option might leave me with no need for the cookie jar. I challenged my insurance and lost. However I now hear that the shot may be covered soon.

My SE (spousal equivalent) asked if she should get the shot and my doc recommended she wait a while. I figure the reason is somewhere between getting me "cured" first, waiting till she gets closer to 60 or thinking the insurance company may soon view it as an allowable procedure. My doc admitted he hasn't had the shot but he's been thinking about it since he's nearing 60. I'm thinking since I had shingles once it is unlikely I'll get them again. I've been wrong before.

GK - I had shingles twice, a year apart. The second episode took far longer for
recovery.

I had a little boy in my 1st grade class several years ago. Everytime he would get sick, he would have the shingles afterwards. He was in remission from luekemia and the doctor kept a very close eye on him. Doctor said he had it so often because his immune system was so low.

I pray I never get Shingles. If I should happen to be that unfortunate I would not hesitate to head straight to my neurologist for treatment.
My Dad who is 88 yrs. old has PHN (post hepatic neuralgia) due to a severe case of shingles back in the 80's. It damaged the nerves so bad he has had to be on prescribed meds ever since. He had to take an early retirement due to his medical condition.

I think there is enough reason here in stated for anyone over fifty to consider the preventive shot. It's a case of fact that most who have had the shot do not have to deal with shingles.

Came across this thread and have taken to heart the advice. Had the vaccine and hope never to deal w/this problem.
So sorry for those have; but thanks for posting here so others can learn more about shingles.
Kiska

Me too! I've been following this thread and today recieved a prescription from my doctor which I had to bring to a special pharmacy as the vaccine is in great demand and is on back-order. They will call me when it arrives and I will then go directly to my doctor for the injection. My cost is only $25 co-pay as per AV -MED my insurance company. Thank you for this article as I had shingles when I was 25 directly after my pneumonia and he said that I was susceptible.

My mom just got an update that her plan will now cover the shingles shot.

Sally that's great. I know that is a relief for you and your Mom.

I talked to my doctor about the vaccine for myself. Turns out I am not a candidate for the drug. :( I am on immune suppressant drugs for Rheu. Arthritis and am advised not to take the drug for Shingles.
I sure hope I never get them.
Lin

Lin- me too (hope you never get them)

Sally I sure hope you never get them either.

Lin