Re: shingles

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

Sorry to hear that. Fingers crossed it will be on the mild side. I have not intentionally put it off. It just happened. I was scheduled for CVS earlier this month but they canceled. Didn't have any vaccines. I really need to reschedule.

Toppers3 · ‎10-25-2016

@webbgarner1 wrote:
Thanks everyone. I had intended to get the vaccine for a while but just never did go do it. I now havd a prescription for valtrex. Thanks for all of the suggestions. You all have been very kind.

I'm really glad that you got the Valtrex.

From what I understand, it's best to start taking it within the first 48-72 hours after developing the shingles so that it can be most effective.

I came down with a mild case of shingles back in June.

I thought at first that I was breaking out in hives due to the intense itching. I'm prone to developing hives and allergic reactions to things.

Then I saw the pattern of the break-out rash, and then I saw the break-outs develop fluid in them and then I realized what they were.

My doctor's office prescribed Valtrex for me right away, and I also had a bottle of Calamine lotion on hand here at home that I started applying to the itchy areas and that really helped to dry up the break-outs, too.

The rash stopped developing within the first week or so and the Calamine lotion really helped with the intense itching.

I already take an antihistimine daily for year-round allergy purposes and a medication to help with neuropathy anyway and one for pain so I'm sure that those medications combined were already helping.

I had intense shooting nerve pains happening in my right arm that were really painful, and that was the side where I had developed the shingles.

When I think about it, those pains were probably related to the shingles. I don't have them anymore, thankfully.

It took about 6-8 weeks before I really felt better, because not only did I have the rash/break-outs, but I was feeling ill/sick/feverish, and nauseated and I had GI bathroom symptoms as well. I also lost my appetite and I didn't feel like eating, either.

From my understanding, the Shingrix shot is not meant to be a preventative shot against getting shingles. You can still get shingles even though you have received the shot. The shot is just supposed to make the shingles less severe if you do get them.

Pink123 · ‎07-10-2019

Is "shingles" in the "herpes" family? Herpees is a virus too.

I was just curious.

I've always been cautious about men and if they had or have herpes throughout my life.

Toppers3 · ‎10-25-2016

@Pink123 wrote:
Is "shingles" in the "herpes" family? Herpees is a virus too.

I was just curious.

I've always been cautious about men and if they had or have herpes throughout my life.

Shingles is a Herpes virus. It's called Herpes Zoster.

There are two other different types of Herpes viruses that affect other parts of the body.

The chicken pox virus is what also causes shingles when you're an adult. It stays dormant in your body after you've had chicken pox when you're younger and then reactivates as shingles when you're older.

Herpes Simplex 2 virus can cause the other type of herpes that you're worried about, but so can Herpes Simplex 1.

The Herpes Simplex 1 virus can also cause oral Herpes, or cold sores or fever blisters.

ellaphant · ‎12-13-2010

@on the bay wrote:
I"m so sorry @webbgarner1!
I hope to never get it but I admit I'm also afraid to get the shot!

A friend of mine had shingles terribly. She had it on her head and forehead and it affected her eye. She was in such pain she had to get a nerve block in her neck.

The shingle shots are a series of two, given 2 months apart. No different than a flu shot.

Get it. You dont want shingles!

webbgarner1 · ‎06-13-2017

@Sage04 Oh what a sweet post. Loved your statement at the end. Yes, I have been to the doctor and am starting to feel a little better as far as the rash but am having a lot of trouble with back pain and pain into my rib area.Thanks for your kind words.

webbgarner1 · ‎06-13-2017

@Toppers3 Sounds like you had a tough time. Like you my rash has improved after the valtrex, but i am having terrible back pain and pain in my ribs. Have slept very little. Thanks God one day this will be over.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

After reading this entire thread, you all have convinced me to get the shingles shot so I thank you all for giving your experiences.

I've always gotten the covd boosters and tetanus, but the prevnar20 flu had me the sickest.

My elderly aunts and mother all had the shingles and no reactions but I still was afraid of it.

I hope all esp @webbgarner1, who started this thread and all who are still suffering so much from shingles, will recover even if slowly, that you will!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@on the bay wrote:
After reading this entire thread, you all have convinced me to get the shingles shot so I thank you all for giving your experiences.

I've always gotten the covd boosters and tetanus, but the prevnar20 flu had me the sickest.
My elderly aunts and mother all had the shingles and no reactions but I still was afraid of it.

I hope all esp @webbgarner1, who started this thread and all who are still suffering so much from shingles, will recover even if slowly, that you will!

@on the bay that's terrific. Everybody is different. If you get a sore arm, that's nothing compared to getting shingles. Make your appointment and come back and give an update lol.

Sage04 · ‎07-10-2011

@webbgarner1 wrote:
@Sage04 Oh what a sweet post. Loved your statement at the end. Yes, I have been to the doctor and am starting to feel a little better as far as the rash but am having a lot of trouble with back pain and pain into my rib area.Thanks for your kind words.

@webbgarner1 don't know if what you are feeling is nerve pain but it's horrible. Gabapentin works for nerve pain and it helps you to sleep. Hope you get some relief very soon.