Wellness

[Reever]

I had shingles at age 42 and was in no pain whatsoever. The doctor was very interested in my case because apparently shingles is very painful for most people. I had the rash and blisters but didn't feel a need to scratch or any burning. The worst of my symptoms was a lymph node in my groin that became inflamed and painful in resonse to the shingles which rain down my right leg.

[addiegal]

Dancing Barbara, I am familiar with Guillian Barre Syndrome but am interested in your symptoms. I can no longer risk vaccines as I got terrible neuropathy the last time I took one. It was never figured out what was wrong with me but it was terrible, so I just do not take them now. Thanks . And I have had shingles...not fun.

[Nikalette]

Shingles usually just affects one dermatome...that is an area of the skin enervated by one nerve branch. I would ask my doc for stronger pain medication, preferably an opioid. Also, lidocaine patches could work once the blisters fall off. Is was in a research protocol,as a nurse, at UCSF when they were first testing that. Be alert of the pain lingers after the infection has passed. Some people get post herpetic neuralgia with long lasting pain. PLEASE, EVERYONE OVER 50 or 60 get a shingles shot. You can get it at your drug store or doctor's office.

[Nikalette]

That actually doesn't sound like shingles.

On 6/12/2014 Reever said: I had shingles at age 42 and was in no pain whatsoever. The doctor was very interested in my case because apparently shingles is very painful for most people. I had the rash and blisters but didn't feel a need to scratch or any burning. The worst of my symptoms was a lymph node in my groin that became inflamed and painful in resonse to the shingles which rain down my right leg.

[Dancing Barbara]

I am over the shingles and don't have any pain now but it caused me to have Guillian Barre Syndrome again. This is something I have dealt with four times before so I know how it affects me. I am weak, achy and nervous (shaky). The lining of my nerves was attacked thinking it was attacking the shingles. The nerve lining or myelin takes a long time to grow back. It usually takes a year for me. Please keep me in your prayers.

[milly1]

Why isn't the shingles vaccine given as easily as the flu shot to people over 50. Or especially those who are medicare. It seems long term would cost less money if the vaccine was readily available to all.

[Jersey Born]

On 6/18/2014 Dancing Barbara said:

I am over the shingles and don't have any pain now but it caused me to have Guillian Barre Syndrome again. This is something I have dealt with four times before so I know how it affects me. I am weak, achy and nervous (shaky). The lining of my nerves was attacked thinking it was attacking the shingles. The nerve lining or myelin takes a long time to grow back. It usually takes a year for me. Please keep me in your prayers.

I will keep you in my prayers, Dancing Barbara. GBS is a terrible thing for anyone to experience, whether from a vaccine contaminated with Campylobacter Jejunum from the eggs used to produce it, or from eating undercooked eggs or chicken.

[addiegal]

It is more readily available now than a few years ago. It has to be billed correctly through your Medicare Part D not regular Medicare or at least it was in the beginning. I see it really advertised by the drugstores now so must be much easier.

When my husband took his it was much more difficult and some had larger co-pays than others. But if you can take it is does make shingles milder if you have it. He has had another outbreak but it was mild. It is a live vaccine so is contraindicated in some. I can't take it but I'd suggest it is a good thing to do.

[Teddixat]

Oh you poor dear. I have never had them but know of several people who have and it's not funny. One person had it in his eyes. he thought he would go blind and the pain was excruciating but apparently it does eventually go away

About 5 years ago my doctor asked if I wanted the shingles shot and I jumped all over it. I know they say it is not a guarantee you won't get them but so far so good.