I got shingles about 20 years ago on my left side. Covered an area about the size of my hand. I let it go 2 or 3 weeks because we were always told not to go running to the doctor for every little sniffle, sneeze or itch you get. In other words, don’t waste the doctor’s precious time.
So what’d I get?... “If you’d come in earlier, sir, it wouldn’t be as bad as it is.”
Well,
Number 1: It’s bad? It itches and stings a little.
Number 2: I was doing YOU a favor. Like good patients are supposed to do. Or so I’ve always been told.
Then she prescribed some oral medication that I had to take seemingly forever. It did stop the affected area from spreading any further. But it took a good six months, maybe eight (it was a long time ago) for the stinging and itching to go away. And I mean constant, highly irritating itching and stinging. THAT I would not like to go through again.
Afterward they recommended I get a shot to prevent it coming back, but not the newer series of shots. They were for younger people only. Ten years on they told me that they had tweaked the vaccine and now everyone could take it, but there was a shortage of some kind. Still haven’t gotten it, but I ask everytime I go in. Ten year shortage, I guess.
Seriously, though. You don’t want to get shingles. There can be real complications. For instance, if it gets in your eyes, it can blind you. Tell your brother to get the first shot as soon as it’s okay, and keep pestering the doc for the second shot.
What if I never got CP, but was exposed and immune? Does that mean I should, or shouldn’t get the shingles shot?
Do you need a shot if you have never had chicken pox..this topic confuses me. I presume I have had chicken pox but dont know.
I had shingles when I was 17 (heavy immune suppression). I used some topical lidocaine, which is now available over the counter at pharmacies at 4% potency or greater, and antibiotic ointment when sores broke open. I had it on my forearms, and kept them wrapped so that clothing wasn’t rubbing up against the sores, though I changed bandages regularly.
I recommend the vaccine. I have to get mine still, and am waiting until it’s time for my flu and Pneumovax 23.
I had heard from videos that low-carb (Keto) can help with shingles (and just about any other auto-immune condition), but I see much more on the web to the opposite, so maybe do a bit of research and decide for yourself.
Good luck!
A few days ago I received this from a friend:
Re: Shingrix vaccine
https://thevaccinereaction.org/2018/09/new-supercharged-shingles-vaccine-has-serious-problems/
I had the new Shingrix two-shot vaccine last year (95% effective according to some doctors.) My family doctor had recommended it. Haven’t gotten shingles, never had shingles, so there’s no way to know if it works.
It was one of the most uncomfortable vaccines I’ve had, though. Muscle was sore for several days, and I felt run down for a day or two afterward.
Had both shots last year with no repercussions. Of course, I’ve heard of folks being down and out for a day or so, but beats all hell out of shingles, with its deep pain and, frequently, lasting long-term,
I have a friend that had the shot but got shingles anyway. I do not know the interval of time between the shot and the shingles.
Home remedies for dealing with shingles. ACV seems to be a favorite.
I took the vaccine about 6 months ago. Can’t say anything more than that. Haven’t had shingles. I guess I can say that.
Had the shingles 3 times in 10 years. I don’t fare well with reactions to vaccines. I have a compromised immune system.
I heard the pharmacist say it is two shots that have to be taken within a certain period, if not, the next try you have to have 3. They only had one in the pharmacy and couldn’t give it because they didn’t know if/when they were getting more so they could give the second shot within the appropriate time frame.
Yes and Yes!
My advice...get it. It is a very effective vaccine, with the main side effect being pain near the injection site for a few days. Make sure you get the new vaccine, as the old one is not nearly as effective. You may have to wait, as there are widespread shortages of the vaccine.
I just got finished with the second dose, my wife got the first, but only after a case of shingles cleared up, and she described it as the most painful thing in her life.
L-Lysine is an amino acid that is very effective against shingles outbreaks. I have relatives who swear by it. You can get it online or any health food store.
You have to take a pretty large dose for several days, though, for it to clear it up. Helps alot with the pain.
Yes had the shot no problem.
Mom, 72, just had a case of shingled right after surgery. :/
I’ve been researching this lately for myself. I’ve read that there is some possibility of having a life-threatening reaction. Given what shingles did to my dad (his Dr said it was the worst case he had ever seen, and it kept him on pain medications for years), I’m still going to get the vaccination (maybe tomorrow), but I’m going wait around afterwards in case I have a negative reaction.
There are two major brands of shingles vaccine. One uses fetal cells, the other doesn’t. Something to research before using.
I hope your brother has been to a doctor and is getting treatment
Do not let shingles run its course naturally, because the pain can last for months or years afterwards. - Tom