Best health care system in the world my fuckin ass!

[csziggy]

52. Doctor wouldn't let me get the shingles vaccine until after I turned 60

I had chicken pox as a child which is the major factor that predisposes one for shingles. In addition I have had a herpes zoster infection in my left hand for 40 years (only recently diagnosed) - the same virus that causes shingles.

But despite those two factors, I was not allowed to get the shingles vaccine until after I had turned 60. Nope, couldn't get it a few months ahead of time, before my surgeries. Had to wait until after my birthday, then had to wait until two months after my surgeries.

And now I am not sure if the danged expensive vaccine is gonna help - it has not stopped the recurring infection in my hand which flared up last week. I dread what shingles will be like. That small place on my hand feels as though a cigarette is being put out on that spot. Continuously, for a week even WITH the Valtrex anti-viral.

If shingles covers my back as it did for my Dad, I'll want to be knocked out until it goes away, the bad will be so bad.