Posted on 12/17/2005 8:48:59 AM PST by emiller
Hi- Need some help...
My brother, Ray, is coming down with a case of shingles. From what I understand, it is pretty much Biblically Job-like, as a disease. Extremely painful. He doesn't have a rash yet, just a stabbing pain in one side of his back, and the skin is so sensitive, it hurts when clothes touch it.
He has some accliver (sp?) coming today- an antiviral, but other than that, I would really appreciate any advice I can give to him. I think he caught it soon enough, before the really bad symptoms appear, to do some good. So it would be great if we could knock it out before the real pain sets in.
My dad was in the hospital early last month, and is very sick, so I think the stress from that has weakened the immune systems of my entire family. Little sleep, and constant worry.
Most importantly, after the advice, I'd appreciate any prayers you could send his way. Like I said, his name is Ray, and he lives in California. Thanks everybody- you can always count on a Freeper.
So I didn't want to worry you too much by mentioning the possibility of permanent neuropathy (the hypersensitivity I mentioned in my #15), but others mentioned it. It's only a small minority of shingles patients that develop this, so don't get too afraid now.
The vaccine that some folks were mentioning is actually the chicken pox vaccine that is given to children. Some studies have been examining if administering the vaccine to adults over 50 years old helps to prevent shingles, as the chance of an adult developing shingles at some point in life (especially in old age) is pretty significant. I don't think that there have been any conclusive results on the studies yet.
Hey there, buddy...I thought you may have something to add to help out this FReeper. Hope all is well.
A close friend of mine just got over shingles a little while ago. It was very painful, she was out of work for 6 weeks but she's fine now. It will take time but he'll be o.k.
I'm currently on Neurontin anti-seizure. Really works well for me (not endorsement; personal experience). Best of all, it has no dependence or tolerance syndrome. Really a plus in my book.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1542174/posts
Shingles vaccine given OK by FDA advisory panel..
"The vaccine, Zostavax, was developed by Merck & Co., which sought to have it approved for use in people aged 50 and older."
While not fully approved for the market yet, it may be available through various testing programs, etc..
Take lots of fluids and lots of vitamiins + L-Lysine at least 500 mg. Prayers going up.
Prayers go out to Ray and his Family,may the Lord Make him well.
My brother had shingles shortly after my mom passed away.We just found out my husband is diabetic.He his neuropathy and it bothers him daily.Do you have any advice I would greatly appreciate any help.
I have treated shingles alternatively. Chiropractic adjustments and a 48-hour juice fast will do wonders.
Prayers to you and yours.
Phantom pretty much told you what you need to know. Anti-viral's are probably going to be of limited help. If taken early on, they may lessen symptoms (since they prevent more virus from replicating), but usually don't do much.
Some people get "post-herpetic neuralgia", which is a fancy name for nerve pain after shingles. The treatment is usually Neurontin, or (I think) some of the tricyclic antidepressants (Tofranil, Trazadone, etc).
The drainage from the shingles is contagious until they are crusted over. I would imagine that he will soon be developing the rash soon. No need to avoid other people, as long as it is covered. The only exception: people with compromised immune systems should steer clear for a while.
You might find that an application of a paste made from corn starch and water will help dry the blisters up.
As for the B complex vitamins, that was good advice.
Otherwise, all you can do is make sure he gets lots of rest in a quiet enviornment. I found darkened rooms to be the best, for some reason, but that just may be me. Always seems to relax me somehow.
I join in urgent prayer for your brother!
My sister had it and went to a clinic which helped her through drug therapy.
Done!
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