FYI: Another ugly wrinkle for this pandemic: Shingles

[Brainfodder]

Last edited Wed Apr 1, 2020, 03:15 PM - Edit history (4)

It's brutal and can be deadly. (another post advised to adjust wording: done: most will recover.)

Generally the cause is: STRESS! (as it was for me!)

If you have had chicken pox, you have the ability to get shingles.

It's also very contagious (for chickenpox), and the vulnerability of the victim is elevated?

Prescriptions/M.D. help needed to fix, ASAP!

Can re-occur....

Why am I bringing this up?

I have had it twice and I got it the first time at 33 years old, and got the full meal deal then.
Re-occurred in 2015 and I caught it early and didn't suffer.

This is one to definitely CALL IN ONLY and ask for cream prescription sent to pharmacy, what a clusterfuck for anyone unlucky enough to get this SOB now, +it's very contagious for the first 24 hours, no clinic or H is gonna want suspected shingles anywhere near it, right now!

Good Luck everyone!

This bad Twilight Zone episode will end.

*Death Count Donnie getting shingles however?: PRICELESS!

Jokes aside:

New additional info, the worry about contagiousness, apparently showing shingles, you can spread chickenpox not shingles itself, that way:

https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-contagious
Shingles is a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles itself is not contagious. You can’t spread the condition to another person. However, the varicella-zoster virus is contagious, and if you have shingles, you can spread the virus to another person, which could then cause them to develop chickenpox.

Thank you informed reader!

[NightWatcher]

1. I had it on my face in January/February

Now I feel my facial nerves tingle when I get anxiety.

It freakin hurt and made my face look at times like I had a mild palsy.

I started distancing around that time and cranked it to 11 in early March.

[Brainfodder]

9. Yikes, got the cream?

Mine was in the common middle of the upper back location, 10 or so roundish scabs appeared, the permanent light scars are probably still visible if given a really close inspection?

The re-occur, I noticed those coming back in the same place.... got the cream, no days of horror!

The pain came around through the arm pits to the chest, a pain you just aint ready for, and in the elderly, easily could give heart attacks, it's that bad and that deadly for the elderly.

I remember the doctor telling me I was one of the youngest they had seen with it (33).

I am only lucky in that I have an MD uncle to call for the prescription if needed, but he's now near retirement and I suspect a tad busy right now, but his wife is his notch above normal R.N. and can write scripts too.



Good Luck, I hope no one needs the info, but a need to know!

[CTyankee]

2. Yup. Had a bad case several years ago. Now have post herpetic neuralgia big time. I treat with

Pregabalin, 3 50mg capsules a day. Makes me drowsy. I delay early dose til after I've run errands in car.

[Aristus]

3. We generally treat with an oral anti-viral, as well.

Plus, something for the pain. I see 5-6 cases of shingles every year.

I've never had an eligible patient turn down the Shingles vaccine.

[Brainfodder]

10. Interesting, that vaccine any good if you've had it already?

I'll keep that in mind, thank you!

[mantis49]

32. Yes.

My husband has had one outbreak of shingles about 25 years ago. He got the vaccine last year per his Dr recommendation.

[Brainfodder]

34. 2 doses months apart? I am a bit scared after reading one person's experience in this thread.

...that and long since lost my doctor... Starting all over again but only if absolutely necessary, at this time.

Thanks!

Good luck!

[Delmette2.0]

47. What's this about 2 doses?

I have not heard that and my pharmacy didn't say anything? I got my Shingles shot about 4 years ago.

[Skittles]

50. was it Shingrix?

you get one shot, then after two months you get another one

[Delmette2.0]

52. It's been at least 2 maybe 3 years ago.

Do you think different brands are the reason for the dosage difference?

[Skittles]

53. you need to consult with a pharmacist, to be sure

yes INDEED

[Delmette2.0]

55. I will the next time I'm there. Thanks.

[Greybnk48]

4. I've had it 3 times, but gratefully, never severe.

The first time in my 40's. Last year I had a VERY mild case after having the original shingles vaccine. This past Fall I had the new 2-shot vaccine and I'm hoping it stuck and I'm done with it.

I hope you're like me Brainfodder, and if you do get it, which I hope you don't, it's mild.

[redstatebluegirl]

5. I have had the vaccine.

Hurt like hell two shots 30 days apart but worth it. I had chickenpox as a kid, it was so bad I was in the hospital for two weeks.

[OriginalGeek]

6. i get it every couple years

always in the same place on my lower back (or, as my wife likes to correct me, my upper butt). It's painful for a couple weeks and then fades away. My docs say I'm too young for the vaccine (I'm 56 and have been getting the shingles for about 6 years) and won't give it to me while I'm having an outbreak anyway but I just got over my most recent one a few weeks ago so I hope I'm clear for another couple years.

I had Bell's Palsy about 10 years ago so I wonder if that was related. To be honest, I'll take the shingles over Bell's Palsy. That knocked me out of work for over a month and it hurt to try and talk and eating and drinking was a super royal pain - However I did discover Negra Modelo beer bottles were short enough to hold a straw so that was nice. I'll still get a 12-pack of them when they go on sale as thanks for getting me through that month and change.

[OneBro]

20. You are eligible for the Shingrix vaccine at 50.

Contact your pharmacist. I got a fairly mild case of shingles 5 or 6 months back. Can’t remember what cream I used. Once the shingles went away I got the vaccine at Walgreens. I’m 52. There was a shortage for a while, but I think it’s widely available again. Insurance covered it. Otherwise, I think it costs $300 to $400.

[OriginalGeek]

45. cool, thanks

I'll check it out - we have the best insurance my company offers so hopefully that's in there...

[Ms. Toad]

7. Specifically what you need is an anti-viral

(acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir) My spouse has never had a cream - so I was not aware it came in cream form.

That said, no reputable doctor would give you prescription without confirming it is shingles. If you've had it before - perhaps, since you are in a position to recognize that it is actually shingles. But if you haven't they likely are going to want to see you,

[monmouth4]

11. I had shingles the end of last year, still have red scars and twinges now and them I wouldn't wish

that awful disease on anyone. Painful...awful..

[Ms. Toad]

16. My spouse has had it twice (at least)

and she has not actually broken out in blisters at all - she recognizes the symptoms early enough to prevent it progressing that far. She sees her doc, he prescribes acyclovir, she is in agony for a few days but doesn't break out in the blisters. Both times (there may have been a third I've forgotten) it hit her trunk - right around the height of the bra-line - can you imagine wearing a bra on top of the shingles. Yeouch!

She was on narcotics for the pain.

[monmouth4]

19. I was on Tylenol with codine, never heard of the cream but am terrified of getting it again..n/t

[Ms. Toad]

25. I hadn't heard of the cream either.

The antivirals my spouse has been given is oral - I can't imagine a cream being effective (aside from topical relief). But there is an anti-viral cream available . . .

Tylenol with codeine is likely what my spouse was on - I don't remember, specifically.

[Brainfodder]

12. My first time was 20 years ago, I went to an E.R. I was actually on my job at the time!

I got the rest of the week off and days of grief I will never forget.

Cool, some choices there, I will rest easier!

Thanks!



*I bet I forgot the 100% medicine end of it, was so awful.

[Ms. Toad]

17. Acyclovir is the one my spouse has taken

It doesn't prevent the agony (bad enough to require narcotics the first time), but she has been able to get it early enough to avoid the blisters both times.

[SheltieLover]

8. K&R

[MyOwnPeace]

13. Never had it........

had some family and friends that did - it was terrible to see them suffer with that!

I had the first vaccine for it several years ago and just completed the 2-step "new and improved" round last month. After watching others suffer like they do - no way was I going to take the chance! And yes, the arm hurts for a few days.

Quick healing for those suffering now....

[Raven]

14. There is a vaccine for Shilgle...at most pharmacies. Worth getting it. n/t

[Books_Tea_Alone]

15. Ask your doctor if it is ok to get the vaccine now

I was so very sick for 48 hours after getting the vaccine as were others I know. It felt like the worst case of the flu I've ever had- fever, chills, felt like run over by a truck. Could not get out of bed- just about made three steps to bathroom. I have to get the second shot in April but no way will I put my body through that again.

[Brainfodder]

22. Ouch, I'm sorry! That is what concerns me, having had it already and badly!

Sadly shingles, isn't even in my top 3 pains in this life.

[chia]

57. First shot was fine, second shot was just as you described, felt like a bad case of flu,

with fever, chills, overwhelming fatigue, too much effort to even open my eyes. So glad to have gotten the vaccine, but wow, I wasn't expecting that reaction. If you got that with the first vaccination, it would be hard to contemplate a second!

[BeckyDem]

18. When I can I need to get the vaccine. K&R

[Maru Kitteh]

21. I must point out that shingles is NOT deadly "in most cases" as you stated in any population

I think it would be a helpful thing for you to rephrase that part of your op. Shingles are hideously painful, but I hate to think of anyone out there reading this and flying into a full-blown panic because they (or someone they love) was just told they might have the shingles and they're a little older.

[Brainfodder]

29. Thanks for that, adjusted the wording!

[Maru Kitteh]

30. Thanks for that! There's so much stress and fear right now and you're right,

stress definitely makes things worse!

And thanks for reminding me, I need to set aside some time and find the most appropriate place to get my vaccine.

[Hortensis]

23. Stress absolutely brings it on! My husband has had 3

attacks of trigeminal neuralgia -- the shingles in the face/head. Fortunately the intense pain forced us immediately to the doctor and treatment, so dreadful, permanent nerve damage was avoided.

But the 3 attacks over 2 years all occurred immediately after intense stress, in his cases when he reacted to something in great rage instead of staying cool. The immediacy of the second result was striking, and with the third the connection and agonizing result made a true believer out of him. And he hasn't had an attack of either "uncontrollable" rage or shingles since.

Btw, I can tell best how really concerned my normally easygoing, rather heedless almost-80yo husband is by how very seriously he's taking all this. He's even fishing less because he's reluctant to go to the gas station. (I'm doing our shopping.) But he's reading and keeps informed, so there are no scary-unknowns in the dark of his world. He knows what's going on, and that helps him keep what might otherwise be outsized worry in check.

[librechik]

26. The new two-dose vaccine is 90% effective, twice as much as before-worth it!

I just got my first shot! Waiting for 2 months, then #2 dose.

[underpants]

27. I keep forgetting to get my second shot

I hope there isn’t a limit on the time between them

[comradebillyboy]

35. The Costco pharmacy called me up to remind me

when it was time for the second shot. I was on a six month waiting list for the first shot though.

[zeusdogmom]

28. Shingles s**k

I was hit with it at the end of October on my forehead and in my eye. That's the really bad part - the eye. My vision was in doubt for awhile due to wrinkles on my cornea. But thanks to valacyclovir and prednisone drops for my eye, I am on the road to recovery. It has taken a good 5 months and multiple visits to the ophthalmologist to beat back this nasty virus. Slowly tapering off the drugs to see if my body can take over. I'm not sure why the outbreak - yes I'm 72 but normally very healthy, wasn't stressed, had the original shingles vaccine - which obviously didn't do its job. As a result of this attack I have lost some distance vision (need driving glasses), will probably always have to use drops for chronic dry eye, extra sensitive to sunlight, have a couple of red patches on my forehead which I can cover with make up, etc. if I so desire, and my eyebrow and side of my nose itch. 😄. But thankfully no nerve pain. Could have been a whole lot worse.

So, if you haven't gotten your shingles shot, GO GET IT!!!!!

[bobbieinok]

31. Live alone. Heard side effects can be very painful, swelling, etc. What should I do

80 yo female. Have pernicious anemia, low thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis

[Mosby]

33. If you get a cluster of blisters, seek immediate treatment

Don't wait to see your pcp, go to a walk in clinic or something.

If you treat it right away you can avoid the nerve pain/damage.

[murielm99]

36. I got the vaccine as soon as I was eligible.

My dad had bad shingles. My mother had a hard time keeping him from scratching them, because he had dementia.

I did get a mild case when I was under a great deal of stress. There were a handful of blisters on my upper back. The vaccine is not 100% effective. I can't imagine how bad it would have been without the vaccine.

[JCMach1]

37. I woke with a gout attack in my toe and scared shitless

To go to ER about 10 days back.

Thanks to teladoc, steroids, tart cherry, baking soda, and a detox diet I have recovered without an unbearable pain attack. I caught it quickly.

[ananda]

38. It's an awful malady.

Both my parents and my great aunt got it.

I was able to get the vaccine, so I'm hoping
I will never get it.

I feel for anyone now who needs an urgent
med.

[NRaleighLiberal]

39. get the 2 dose Shingrix vaccine!

[DemoTex]

40. Shingles, on top of mono, got me drafted in 1968, and ultimately to Vietnam.

At age 19, I had a wicked case of mono and was hospitalized. Went back to college, taking half an academic load due to my weakened condition (doctors' orders). Developed a bad case of shingles during that term because of my compromised immune sysyem from the mono. So I had to drop what classes I was taking and recover. I returned the next term, still under my physicians' orders to take a reduced academic load.

Later that year I lost my full-time student deferment, then got a draft notice. I petitioned the local draft board with documentation from my physicians. They didn't give a rat's ass, and said that if I passed the draft physical I was THEIRS. I passed the physical at the Atlanta AFEES facility, and was instructed to report back two weeks later to be sworn in and shipped out. So, the next day, I enlisted to go to Army flight training and maybe maintain some control over my destiny.

All because of mono and shingles.

[catbyte]

41. I've had 13 bouts of shingles since 1994. Multiple bouts run in my family, My immune system

is completely normal; haven't had a cold in 2 years, but not so lucky with shingles. All but one have been down my right sciatic nerve, so I now have permanent nerve damage. It sucks. If any of you haven't gotten the vaccine yet, please get the series. Shingles sucks.

[Brainfodder]

42. I gasped at 13! YIKES*10!

Good luck!

[LudwigPastorius]

43. I came down with it last year. Ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve...

It felt like somebody was jamming a red hot poker into my eye socket. The doctor said I was lucky I didn't lose the sight in that eye. All because the damned insurance company wouldn't pay for a vaccine until I turned 60.

Well, now they're paying for daily doses of pregabalin for post-shingles pain. Tell me, how did saving that money on the vaccine work out for them?

Every now and then I reduce my dosage to see if the nerve damage is getting any better, but it looks like I may have to deal with this for years, or for the rest of my life.

And yeah, stress and lack of enough sleep can definitely trigger an attack or make PHN pain worse. I got, and paid for, the Shingrix vaccine as soon as it was available. I don't ever want to go through that again.

[Ilsa]

44. Please, those who can, should get the new shingles vaccine. It is

followed by a booster several months later.

[Brainfodder]

46. Added to OP, chickenpox not shingles is what you can spread when shingles hits you.

Good luck!

[zackymilly]

48. I had Shingles on my back several years ago.

I thought I unknowingly gotten in some acid at work. Very painful.

[kskiska]

49. I just got my second Shingrix shot a week before this coronavirus crisis began.

My mother had Shingles and I definitely do not want it. I had no side effects except a sore arm for a few days.

[CountAllVotes]

51. I suffer from a chronic form of shingles

If it starts to get going, I take an acyclovir for it. If I do this for a few days it often helps.

If you have shingles, keep it covered with a bandage, etc. as much as possible so it cannot spread.

[Brainfodder]

54. Good point, and those sores/scabs were so ghastly in my case, cover up was automatic?

The pain from armpit and chest hairs was... breath taking?

But, the proper motivation to seek to end it ASAP!

[CountAllVotes]

56. Yes, they are very painful

Luckily the last time they popped up I started the Acyclovir right away and covered the sore up. I took the bandage off a few days later and it disappeared!

Whatever form of shingles/Epstein Barr it is, it does not like those Acyclovir pills. They run away and haven't come back for a couple of years.

I still keep some around regardless.

I wonder if they've tried the antiviral Acyclovir of COVID-19?