Shingles=Ouch

[Dutchboy901]

Had them a few years ago. Shingles ain't no joke!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Had shingles last winter. Not a pleasant experience!

My doc gave a prescription for anti-viral medication (pills, oral ingestion) that seemed to have knocked out the infection in about 2 weeks.

In the meantime we still have to contend with the constant itching, burning, bugs-crawling-under-the-skin symptoms. I found that keeping the infected areas very clean using hot soapy water helped. I also discovered "ICY HOT" ointment with Lidocaine (about $10, non-prescription) greatly reduced the itching and other annoying symptoms for 4 to 6 hours, which allowed me to get some needed rest.

Keep the infected areas thoroughly clean using hot soapy water, the apply the Icy Hot-Lidocaine ointment. Repeat every 6 hours or so. Have your doc prescribe anti-viral meds and take as directed. In a couple of weeks all you will notice is the scars from where you scratched yourself stupidly while trying to deal with the problem.

Best regards.

 

[Rustyt1953]

After reading this thread, I went to 'My Chart' and found I am overdue for my shingles vaccine.

I have never had shingles, chickenpox nor the mumps. That is a hat trick I wish to never pull off.

Now, having just said that, I gotsta go finds me some rabbit's feet.

 

[Hawker800]

After reading this thread, I went to 'My Chart' and found I am overdue for my shingles vaccine.



I have never had shingles, chickenpox nor the mumps. That is a hat trick I wish to never pull off.



Now, having just said that, I gotsta go finds me some rabbit's feet.

If you've never had chickenpox, you're not at risk.

 

[WTN1271]

I am just getting over an episode of the shingles. Never got any of the preventative shots as I am under 50. Mine started with neck and shoulder pain about 1 week before the rash appeared on the left side of my head behind the ear extending to my neck. Doctor gave me Valtrex right away and the rash subsided in about 1 week. Not horrible pain but persistent discomfort, kinda like a case of poison ivy on top of sunburned skin. Not fun but bearable. Gabapentin (a nerve block med) takes the edge off.
The real pain came about 1 week after the rash cleared up. Feels like boiling water under my scalp trying to get out. It only lasts for 30 seconds or so but the pain is very intense. Residual discomfort lasts for a few hours. A bag of frozen vegetables used as an ice pak helps to calm down the affected nerve but it is no joke when these attacks occur.
As most have stated, get the shots if you can. I will be looking to get mine once this over.

 

[shouldazagged]

I had a mercifully light, quickly diagnosed and treated case on my ear, head and face. Miserable but soon under control. I have no desire to repeat it.

I've had the old vaccine, but I intend to get the first round of the new one when I get the hepatitis A vaccine (strongly recommended by my primary doc because of my existing health problems).

 

[MT99]

Treatment with antivirals within the first 72 hrs is crucial. Be aware of the symptoms so you know when to go in. Definitely get the vaccine. I am seeing more shingles in younger people. I think it is because kids get vaccinated so the adults never get exposed. When I was a kid, it seemed like there was always kids in the neighborhood that had chicken pox so everyone around them got a little boost in the immune system.

 

[kpap]

I was 25 when I had the pleasure of the shingles. My Dad suggested going to see a acupuncture specialist. After 4 visits they where gone and so was the pain. That was the only time I've ever used acupuncture in my life, and I'm grateful I did....

 

[Ματθιας]

A couple of months before my dad passed from complications from radiation treatment for lymphoma, his immune system crashed and he got shingles.

My mom is a retired nurse and knew what it was. I took a couple of pictures of the first spots on his lower back and emailed them to the my dad's hematologist's PA along with a description of my dad's symptoms. She confirmed the shingles and got us a Rx for, I forget what it was, and we started treatment within 12 hours of the first spots showing up.
Once we got that cleared up, due to my dad's crashing immune system, he got Bell's Palsy and then his general health went into an inverted flat spin at low level with no time and space for recovery...

 

[bobcat]

Got the second dose on Thursday, Friday woke feeling like I had the flu, advil and rest all day, Saturday & today have been fine except for soreness in my arm, hopefully, I'll never have to deal with what some of you fine folks have gone through with the shingles!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have had both of the new Shingles shots.
No problem!
Have had my Flu shot.
Also no problem.
Talk to your Doc- you may to get these too.

 

[bgrafsr]

A couple of months before my dad passed from complications from radiation treatment for lymphoma, his immune system crashed and he got shingles.

My mom is a retired nurse and knew what it was. I took a couple of pictures of the first spots on his lower back and emailed them to the my dad's hematologist's PA along with a description of my dad's symptoms. She confirmed the shingles and got us a Rx for, I forget what it was, and we started treatment within 12 hours of the first spots showing up.
Once we got that cleared up, due to my dad's crashing immune system, he got Bell's Palsy and then his general health went into an inverted flat spin at low level with no time and space for recovery...

Wow on the Bell's Palsy. I got it when I was in the Air Force.
Spent 2 weeks at the big Hospital at Lackland Air Force Base. I was flown there from Webb Air Force Base, TX. where I was stationed.