topic Re: Well I got Shingles in Wellness

Well I got Shingles

Allegheny — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:25:29 GMT

Much to my surprise. But as soon as I started to itch on my shoulder blade I knew. I was surprised because I had shingles in my 20s and they say it is rare to get them again. I had the Zostavax vaccine years ago, but my PCP never told me I needed to get it every 5 years, but had recommended to get the newer vaccine. So I ended in Urgent Care to get the valtrex and hope this is soon just a memory.

Life is just ironic sometimes. DH & I for the past month have been searching for a place to get the Shingrix vaccine, but it is in short supply where we live.

Re: Well I got Shingles

NicksmomESQ — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:28:51 GMT

I’ve had shingles 4 times!! It’s not fun.Although each time was less severe than the previous one.

I hope you get better quickly!!

Re: Well I got Shingles

Jordan2 — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:31:04 GMT

@Allegheny wrote:
Much to my surprise. But as soon as I started to itch on my shoulder blade I knew. I was surprised because I had shingles in my 20s and they say it is rare to get them again. I had the Zostavax vaccine years ago, but my PCP never told me I needed to get it every 5 years, but had recommended to get the newer vaccine. So I ended in Urgent Care to get the valtrex and hope this is soon just a memory.

Life is just ironic sometimes. DH & I for the past month have been searching for a place to get the Shingrix vaccine, but it is in short supply where we live.

@Allegheny, I 'm sorry for you, hopefully you'll be feeling better soon. I actually got the new vaccine, it is a two part vaccine, I had a really hard time finding a pharmacy that had the vaccine in, as the CDC is limiting the amount each pharmacy gets. I was told I wouldn't have to get the vaccine again.

Re: Well I got Shingles

AuntG — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:38:03 GMT

Hope they were caught in time. I never want to experience them. The commercials are unpleasant enough.

Re: Well I got Shingles

Allegheny — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:38:26 GMT

@Jordan2 Thank you for the kind thoughts. It really isn't bad, though I feel a little fatigued. I was just surprised. To boot I was just at the dermatologist 4-5 days previous.

DH & I are suppose to be able to get the vaccine thru the Minute Clinic at CVS (paid by our supplemental insurance) but when we went there last month, their staff gave us grief. So after a conversation with the National Minute Clinic who verified our supplemental is to be billed we are going to try again. I just have to clear with my PCP when it is OK to get it after the current outbreak.

Re: Well I got Shingles

BirkiLady — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:42:26 GMT

Oh, no! So sorry to read your post. Sending wishes for a milder case than before and a quick recovery. I have also had my first shot, but have been on a waiting list for the second shot for four months at my PCP's office. Am getting anxious about my six month time-frame and beginning to search for other places. So far, it's not looking very positive. Seems the vaccines are in short supply nationwide. (Wonder if Medicare & BC-BS will pay for another first shot if I don't get my second shot in time? ) Keeping you in my thoughts. @Allegheny

Re: Well I got Shingles

Allegheny — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:43:41 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
Hope they were caught in time. I never want to experience them. The commercials are unpleasant enough.

@AuntG Me too, but the rash had already started, so I don't know for sure. Since I had it before and had the old vaccine, it is only a small patch about 3 inches long. Keeping fingers crossed the medication stopped the spead. The first time I had them (29) I didn't know what it was and scratched my skin raw. I still have the scar about my left breast. That was a total mess.

Re: Well I got Shingles

bonnielu — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:49:02 GMT

I got the Shingles vaccine about a year ago, so did my hubby. Only problem he got the Shingles twice after getting the shot. SO I AM GOING TO LEAVE IT ALONE NEXT TIME AROUND for him anyway.

Re: Well I got Shingles

Allegheny — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:53:17 GMT

@BirkiLady I know....isn't this just a bear. They advise to get these vaccines, then they aren't available. That is beyond annoying for us all. I wish they were available at our PCP's office. The reason they told us previously with the Zostravax was it had to be stored at specific temperatures which they weren't capable of doing.

Re: Well I got Shingles

Allegheny — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 00:56:43 GMT

Wow @bonnielu makes one wonder if he didn't get the vaccine if he would not have gotten shingles. I concur with your and his decision to let it be for him.

Re: Well I got Shingles

Drythe — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 01:05:20 GMT

@Allegheny

Sorry you have the shingles - again.

Don’t know your situation, but for those of us who are immune-suppressed, it is not unusual for them to make a repeat performance.

Re: Well I got Shingles

Azcowgirl — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 01:14:37 GMT

Another immune suppressed four time recurrence shingles

survivor here,

you sure have my sympathy! I’m glad you got in and got the valtrex.I hope you heal quickly .

Re: Well I got Shingles

hckynut — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:44:12 GMT

@Allegheny

Sorry to hear this and hopefully it is short lived. I've had it also and mine lasted about 6 months. Uncomfortable for sure.

hckynut(john)

Re: Well I got Shingles

millieshops — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:45:19 GMT

I know the info that came with the old shot said we might still get shingles, but the outbreak was likely to be milder.

Is that the same with the new shot? I haven't quite figured out how to time getting that one since availability seems to be so limited and I already live a split life as a snowbird.

Re: Well I got Shingles

lovesrecess — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:50:48 GMT

DH and I are just trying to find a place that has the new vaccine...so far, we can't find it. Neither of ours doctors have it and couldnt get ve us any ideas about where we might find it. I just read the old vaccine needed to be repeated after five years....my dr never told me that!

Re: Well I got Shingles

Nightowlz — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 02:55:08 GMT

Sorry you have Shingles. No fun. Do you have excruciating pain?

I had Shingles in Apr 2017. I only had a few of the sores it leaves with no itching. I had excruciating pain for over 6 months.

My pain started during dinner so I thought at first I had indigestion or maybe a heart attack. That passed but the pain got worse so thought I had Shingles. Went to the doctor Mon. he told me it was not Shingles because I did not have those sores so he would not prescribe anything. I had to go to the hospital for ultrasound. 1 week later those few sores showed up at which time he prescribed Tramadol & Acyclovir. Little to late for the Acyclovir.

Mine was left side of stomach, side & back. My younger sister had hers on her face. My older sister has had it twice on the right side.

I guess my pain was worse. They both had the sores & itching.

I just thought everyone had the pain like I did.

I kept applying tea tree oil all over once I thought it was Shingles. Wonder if that kept the sores & itching at bay.

Re: Well I got Shingles

september — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 03:00:10 GMT

I'm sorry. I'm on wait-list to get the new vaccine. Also have immune issues, so I hope my turn comes up soon.

Re: Well I got Shingles

tsavorite — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 03:21:57 GMT

What age are you ladies getting the vaccine at? Both my Mom and Grandma came down with it at age 80...neither was given vaccine! I couldn't believe my Mom's doc didn't do that. Not sure there was one for Grandma. My internist mentioned age 60 to me before for the vaccine...

Re: Well I got Shingles

september — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 03:28:21 GMT

@tsavorite. My insurance covers the vaccine for anyone over age 50. Got the older one a few years ago, but do want to get the newer, more effective one

Re: Well I got Shingles

Sweet_Serenity — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 04:17:36 GMT

@tsavorite

Received Shringrix vaccine ( two shots) sixty years old. Important noting that the vaccine boosts the immune system added benefits as we age.