shingles

harrie · 08-03-2007, 12:26 AM

I believe there is a vaccine for shingles now.

Gina · 08-06-2007, 12:35 AM

Hi, Rinaina,

I am SO sorry you are suffering from shingles...it is horrible according to every thing I have read. I was wondering, if you had a chance to try some OLIVE LEAF for relief...as it is anti-viral, among other things, it might speed the long healing process. I also read that LEMON Balm tea ( a sort of refreshing lemoning mint tea) is very good for viruses -- you can drink it or put it on the shingles with cotton soaked in the tea.

Last but not least, thanks to responding to the Simian line thread. None of us really knows what it means but I thought since I had one and have her-2 and have noticed some connections between left-handedness and her-2 bc that it was worth exploring with these great folks on the sight and I was not disappointed. If I learn anything else for shingles or about the straight line, I will let you know.

Please feel better soon,
Gina

Matt · 10-08-2007, 05:11 AM

Hi Rinaina:

I've just recently been told that I have shingles. I've been run-down lately and under alot of stress from work, so even though I haven't been suffering from a previous illness (that I know of), I still managed to get shingles.

I was wondering how you made out? I've managed to get shingles on my upper left forehead. I wasn't at all sure what it was at first, but I knew for sure it wasn't a boo boo (pimple), then the two bumps continued to get bigger and eventually I started to get a series of little bumps which looked like a rash.

I had a swollen gland on the left side of my face, which was actually what I originally saw the doctor for (as the rash wasn't too bad at first and thinking that I had an outbreak of pimples I had the rash covered up with tinted clearsil).

I went to see the doctor who originally thought it was just a swollen gland that might be blocked and that he'd prescribe an antibiotic. However when I asked if the bumps on my noggin' might be connected to the problem (because they both happened around the same time) he said "whoa ... I know exactly what you have ... it's shingles".

Of course it didn't make me feel better that as he said that he backed off like I had the plague or something. Anyhoo, he prescribed an anti-viral medication called Valtex which is just the brand name for valacyclovir medication. You take 1 tablet three times a day for a week. This is only my 2nd day and I haven't had any side effects from the medication.

My big concern about having it on my face is it's the same nerve pathway for your eyes / ears and could lead to deafness or blindness if the shingles spread.

I realize that I'm a lad probably on the wrong site to be asking for suggestions, but it's the only site I've found online where folks are talking about shingles. I was just wondering how you made out and if you have any suggestions for the pain?

Thanks,
Matt

rinaina · 10-08-2007, 09:52 AM

Hi Matt,

I am doing fine now and I have no residual effects left from my bout with the shingles. I was very lucky, as I caught my shingles very early on, within 3 days and the valtrex worked beautifully for me along with Lyrica for the discomfort and to help me sleep. My shingles were confined to the right side of my back, waist level, and never spread once I started the valtrex. I hope yours clears up without causing any of the horrible problems it can cause in the area of your eyes and ears. I'll be praying for you. Keep me up to date.

Ina

Linda · 10-08-2007, 09:53 AM

Hi all. I was one of the lucky ones to have shingles 3 times way before bc (not during tx or after.) It's the chicken pox virus that lays dorment and then becomes active when your immune system is down. Usually people only get it one time! (some lucky ones like me have repeat episodes.) I don't think there is a way to avoid it, but you can up your odds by not stressing your body -- getting enough sleep, etc, especially when you're around people who are sick with other viruses (colds, etc.).
I'm also curious about the new vaccine. If we are eligible to get it, it might not be a bad idea.
Linda

rinaina · 10-08-2007, 09:58 AM

According to my doctor, the vaccine is for only 60 yr old of older. I am 56 now and have never wanted to think about 60 until now. I don't ever want to go through having shingles again....or bc for that matter. I will press my doctor for the vaccine because I am sure the only reason they say 60 or older is because that is the test group they did the study on. What's four years?

Linda · 10-09-2007, 10:40 AM

Thanks for letting me know. I'm 54, so pretty close, too. Let's all follow this and share info. Shingles is a big problem for lots of older people, and after our txs, we may be more than usually susceptible.
L