Re: Aftermath of shingles

Hippiified · ‎03-21-2017

Also, being old is stress in itself.

Jersey Born · ‎03-10-2010

Hi, Momtodogs. I would have him look into trying coconut oil (topically, and internally ingested, if he is not allergic to coconut, that is) and monolaurin supplements. It may help him, and it may not, but it may be worth his looking into the possibility of using it if he is suffering so greatly. I recommend that he consider doing an online search for "coconut oil and herpes zoster relief" and even "coconut oil and herpes zoster neuralgia" to see if he might like to try it. I wish him the best, regardless.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@Mom2Dogs, it isn't known for being used specifically for post-herpetic neuralgia, but infusions of ketamine are being tried/used now for severe nerve pain in general. Google "ketamine for nerve pain."

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Gooday · ‎03-23-2010

My DH developed shingles in 2010. We are "snowbirds" and were getting ready to return home. For him, it's a stressful time. It's just his nature. Anyway, a few days prior to our departure, his left hand broke out in tiny white spots. He also had pain in his left upper extremity and into his neck. We got on the road and his pain increased. We called his PCP from the road and after a few hours he called and immediately SUSPECTED shingles. He saw him the next day after we got home but at that point, all he could do was prescribe Acyclovir (sp) and told him to take extra strength Tylenol. DH has a compromised immune system being a kidney transplant recipient. He also has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

After 5 or 6 months, he continued to have horrible pain and PCP ordered an EMG which showed permanent nerve damage to his neck and left arm. The doctor prescribed Lyrica which DH takes on and off. He takes it at night as it makes him drowsy.

I was 57 when this happened and the doctor recommended I have the shingles shot to protect DH as well as myself. I got it and was fortunate that the insurance I had at that time covered it.

My late uncled used Capsazian cream when his pain recurred.

I really feel for those who have had to suffer the post herpetic pain.

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

Are shingles becoming more common? It seems to me that they are mentioned so much more than a decade ago.

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

A relative of ours got Shingles in his 50's and overall it was not a terrible case. He has suffered with terrible nerve pain/damage for the last 18 years. He has tried everything including accupunture. It is a terrible situation.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

I had chickenpox when I was little.

I'm going to try to remember to call my doctor tomorrow and see if she recommends getting the shingles vaccine, although I'm a bit leery of it.

I surely don't want to get shingles, though.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@AuntG wrote:
Are shingles becoming more common? It seems to me that they are mentioned so much more than a decade ago.

I had an Aunt who got shingles more than once in her lifetime. I remember her being in pain when I was a young girl. I also heard my parents talk of people who had the shingles, but I had no idea what that was.

i got shingles when I was around 50 while on vacation...no stress involved. I know people who have had shingles in their teenage years and early 20's. It is not a disease of only old people or those with compromised immune systems. Anyone can get them if they had chickenpox.

Not everyone can get the immunization for various reasons and the vaccine only works for about 50% of the people who get it, but it is quite effective in preventing the after pain the OP's friend is experiencing.

Most younger people have been immunized against chickenpox. These people will not get chickenpox or shingles. Soon, very soon, it won't be necessary for anyone to get the shingles vaccine.... it will be history.

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

@Hippiified wrote:
Individuals with autoimmune diseases cannot take this shot because it is a live virus. So not everyone can have the ability to prevent shingles.

The good news is that next year, probably, Shingrix will be available. It's a deactivated (non-live) herpes zoster vaccine reportedly better than the current one, which may be only 50% effective.

I'm not clear whether people who qualfied (by age or risk group) for the live vaccine will be indicated for revaccination. Don't know the price or how the insurers will handle it.

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

@YorkieonmyPillow wrote:
I had chickenpox when I was little.
I'm going to try to remember to call my doctor tomorrow and see if she recommends getting the shingles vaccine, although I'm a bit leery of it.

I surely don't want to get shingles, though.

Two things to consider:

You may be too young to qualify for it, so you might have to pay for it out of pocket. Your insurer could tell you.

Second, next year hopefully Shingrix will be approved. It's a deactivated zoster vaccine and reportedly more effective than the current live vaccine, which works, I have heard, only about half the time.

I do understand wanting peace of mind. I'm waiting for the deactivated vaccine.