Oh, joy - I've got shingles.

[RevCheesehead]

I've been feeling yucky all week, then today the rash appeared. I've called my SIL (a doc), and I will get some medicine, hopefully tomorrow (if I can find an urgent care clinic somewhere).

Not seeking advice, just wanna whine and seek some pity. O8)
But if you have any short-term relief ideas, I'd love to hear it.

x(

[lizziegrace]

1. Ack!

No suggestions, just :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

3. Thanks... but make that a gentle hug, OK?

Damn - how am I gonna get through 2 church services tomorrow? :shrug:

[LeftyMom]

2. Poor cheesy.

Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig :hug: for you.

[RevCheesehead]

5. Thanks, mom!

Whenever I feel really lousy, a hug from Mom makes me feel better. :hug:

[giant_robot]

4. Argh! Very painful!

One of my best friends has a "Harry Potter" scar on his forehead from a bout of shingles about 2 years ago.

[RevCheesehead]

7. Is it shaped like a lightning bolt?

Mine aren't in a visible spot (unless I'm nekkid - and that AIN'T gonna happen in public!). But damn... I feel like 1,000 needles are sticking me. x(

[giant_robot]

14. Naaa. Just kinda jagged and on his forehead.

A Harry Potter scar would probably make him cool with his friends -- if he wasn't 40.


On edit - it's faded and become less noticable over the years. :)

[JVS]

6. This sounds like a job for....

MEDICINAL MARIJUANA :smoke:

[RevCheesehead]

8. Damn....

If only! :smoke:

(anyone in WI got some connections? :evilgrin:)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear Rev.....

I am so sorry......

Wish I could help somehow...

All I have is this: :hug:

I'm sure you will be able to find a clinic tomorrow.....

I just hope you won't get a medication that will make you function less than optimally.....

Get well soonest!

:loveya: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

10. LOL...

Right now, I am functioning less than optimally!

But yeah, the timing sucks. Got church tomorrow, meeting on Monday night, funeral on Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday services. Then again, I might enjoy something that simply knocks me out for a week.

:hug:

[LynzM]

11. Oh man, dude. That sucks.

Many hugs for you. I don't know squat about shingles, but I'll recommend either a cool or hot oatmeal bath (depending on how you're feeling) as a nice thing about any old time. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

15. Thanks.

That's what my SIL said, too. But how much oatmeal do you toss in the tub?

[LynzM]

19. If you can...

Get the Aveeno oatmeal bath... if not, erm... google? The Aveeno stuff is milled *really* finely, so it dissolves well in some hot water, which you dilute with cold if that feels nicer. It did for me, when I had pregnancy itch. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

21. I'll look for that, too.

Thanks! :hug:

[ghostsofgiants]

12. At least now your roof won't leak.

:P

[RevCheesehead]

16. True!

Thanks for the smile. :)

[SoCalDem]

13. Rhuligel..most pharmacies have it..

It is non greasy, and has an analgesic and anesthetic quality to it.. I feel for you.. I have had them too, but NOT in the usual pplaces.. I have had outbreaks on my hand..and that skin is so tough, it aches for days before the blisters erupt :cry:

[RevCheesehead]

17. Thanks - I'll look for it.

Right now, it's ibuprofin for pain. Oh well - it makes life interesting, I guess.

[havocmom]

18. Been worryin about you. With the stress you've had lately,

been hopin you were not getting run down. So sorry about the shingles. It is your body's way of getting your attention to the fact that sometimes you have to pour a little back into yourself, lest the vessel go dry.

Take care of yourself. It isn't selfish, it is a requirement so you can continue to care for others.

Be well, dear Rev.

hm

[RevCheesehead]

20. Thank you!

Here I've been fretting away, worried that i'm not keeping up with church stuff, shut-ins, etc.

Good timing, though. My meeting on Monday night is with the pastor-parish committee. They're supposed to look out for me.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

22. Take good care of yourself!

Remember, someone has to take care of the caretakers! :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

23. Oh, sure...

Go ahead and throw my own words back at me! :hug:

[Cleita]

24. You have a hundred percent sympathy from me.

I got shingles this time last year. Whine and whine because you have to endure it. It takes what seems months to overcome, but overcome you will.

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

25. Thank you.

My only question right now is, where is the cat gonna sleep?
(she likes to jump on my side and lay on top of me once I'm lying down. I just don't think I can do that tonight. :()

[Cleita]

26. You are going to have to keep kitty outside of your bedroom.

She won't like it and feel hurt, but sometimes reality forces you to hurt the ones you love. Fix her a little place she feels comfortable with, something that smells like you might help, a little catnip also.

[leftstreet]

27. I'm sorry Rev

That sucks.
Take care of yourself!

[RevCheesehead]

28. Thanks.

I find that if I sit perfectly still, then I'm not in pain.
Oh - then there's breathing. :)

[auntAgonist]

29. my first husband

had a horrible case of shingles. Started on the roof of his mouth and spread to his inner ear (left side) then erupted around his left eye. It was awful! The poor man was in terrible pain and generally felt very ill.

I hope you get over them soon. Take good care of yourself. I think his Dr put him on huge doses of vitamin C (IV infusions) and zovirax.

:hug: get well soon!

[RevCheesehead]

62. My doc showed me some pics of shingles in med books.

Some of them people got in their private areas, too. :scared:

I'm on an anti-viral, and Vicodin for pain. :smoke:

[Oeditpus Rex]

30. I dunno from shingles

Had chicken pox as a kid, but...

But if it's makin' the Rev hurt, ah hates it.





*whacks shingles with mallet* GET BETTER, SHINGLES!

:hug: :loveya:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

31. Ack, Rev that sucks the big one.

I had a case of shingles years and years ago. But I still remember how painful and annoying it was. I still have the scars as well.

Get yourself some meds and pain killers and take care of yourself.

Your body is definitely telling you something.

Cherish yourself... :hug: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

61. Thanks, moh..

The doc done fixed me up real good. :)

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

60. Awww, shucks!

:loveya:

[FuzzySlippers]

32. Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear this!

:(

[RevCheesehead]

80. Hi, Fuzzy!

How could I have missed your reply? :spank:

I'm already feeling mildly better. Gotta love pain meds. :)

:hug:

[FuzzySlippers]

131. Hon, I'm glad you're a little better.

Take good care of yourself.:hug:

[merh]

33. Take L-Lysine

Load up on it sweetie, it helps that nasty virus go away!

I've had the live herpes virus running through my blood stream since I was 23 months old, have had to battle it forever. Shingles is a form of the virus that effects the nerve endings in the torso area.

Take plenty of L-Lysine, I promise it will help you.

Sorry you are feeling so poorly, I hate that for you. :pals: :hug:

Of course, I'll be chatting with the big guy about you. :loveya:

take care and I hope you sleep well. :hug:

Oh and cold compresses on the affected area will bring you relief. You've got fever blisters at the nerve endings of the affected area, the cold helps relieve the discomfort.

Take care, sweetie! :hug: :hug:

[Vektor]

39. Aw, merh -

I'm sorry to hear that. How did it happen if you don't mind my asking? I knew a kid who used to get herpetic outbreaks on his hip/trunk area from the age of about three. Always in the same spot. Nobody knew why.

[merh]

43. They figured it was from

the vaccines I had been given earlier in the week. The way the story goes, nurse asked Mom if I could chew, Mom said yes. Nurse puts sugar cube with vaccine in my mouth, I bite down on it, but it pops out. Nurse gets pissy cause vaccine cubes were precious and puts cube in my mouth and holds my mouth shut. I bite down on cube and inside of mouth and send stuff into my system that way.

Within a matter of days, my entire mouth and throat were covered in fever blisters. They had to hospitalize me (and I still remember part of that).

It's just one of those things and I appreciate your care.

L-Lysine is one of the only things I have ever found to help prevent the buggers and make them go away when they do show up.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

122. Herpes viruses, whether chicken pox (varicella) or herpes simplex, infect

the nervous tissue and lie dormant in the nerve roots.

When the infection "reactivates" as zoster, or shingles, the infection creeps out along the nerve. That is why the characteristic pattern is in the distribution of a nerve or nerve root. This is the source of the Greek word "herpes", which means "to creep".



The huge majority of humans have been infected with one or more herpes viruses, either varicella or herpes simplex I or II at some point in their life. Reactivation can happen for any number of reasons, but is more likely with compromise of the immune system due to stress, illness, medications, aging, HIV, etc.

Where the infection recurs usually reflects the distribution of nerves where the original infection was.

What most people know as "cold sores" are generally a reactivation of herpes simplex I, usually acquired in the oral or facial area. This infection is usually acquired very early in life, probably from parents kissing their baby etc. It's pretty common, in fact I think most people test positive for HSV I whether or not they recall ever having a cold sore.

Genital herpes is usually a reactivation of herpes simplex II which "prefers" that area, although I believe it is more and more common for genital herpes to be herpes I these days.

Shingles along the trunk I believe are usually from varicella (chicken pox), where the infection was usually all over.

Good resource article:

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/7/1680_53993.htm

[RevCheesehead]

63. Hey, woman!

Thanks for your phone call! I got in to urgent care this afternoon, and just got home. Got some meds and pain killers, plus a cortizone shot, since it just started. I honestly think it's eased some of the pain already. But just in case, I popped half a Vicodin. I should be nodding off any time now.

:hug::loveya:

[merh]

85. Be sure and get yourself some L-Lysine.

It will help you more than you know. Something about missing amino acids helps the little virus happen. And limit your vitamin C, it can iritate the virus.

I hope you do nod off and get some rest!

:hug: :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

87. I'll have to look for that tomorrow.

Would that be in the vitamins/herbs area? I kinda doubt that Algoma would have anything fancier than hydrocortizone cream... so I'd have to look in Green Bay.

Thanks for the tip on Vitamin C - here I thought it might help, but you say it can irritate it? *whew*

:hug::loveya:

[merh]

91. The only scientific test I can provide you

is my own personal experience. Too much vitamin C (orange juice, tomatoes and the like) and vitamin D (sun exposure) have made my blisters happen and/or have kept them angry longer than they should be.

The L-Lysine is in the vitamin section and there is actually a lip ointment made with it sold at the drug store.

Take care :pals: :hug: :loveya:

[liberaltrucker]

34. Talk to your SIL about acyclovir(sp)

I have oral cold sores a few times a year.
HSV causes both. Good luck:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

64. That's just what the doctor suggested!

You must be a genius! :hug:

[liberaltrucker]

158. I'm not a genious...

Just delt with HSV Type 2 all my life.

But thanks!:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

35. A non-painful cyber hug for you, Rev

My grandfather had shingles a few years before he died. The good news is, you DO get over them!

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

65. Hopefully, not by dying!

Thanks, SG! :hug:

[suffragette]

36. I feel for you

Been there and it's no fun.
You've had some great advice here:
From what I understand from the research I did when I had it, the Acyclovir can help reduce the duration, but you need to start on it in the early stages, so be sure to talk to your doctor about it right away.
The Aveeno oatmeal someone mentioned can be soothing. It's colloidal oatmeal (different from the regular) and there are instructions on the box about how much to use - it is messy. They also have soap and lotion with this, a little milder and more soothing than regular. It's expensive, but worth it. I ended up using the soap and lotion more.
Calamine lotion can help with the itching sensation and the rash, though not with the nerve zaps.
It can be really difficult to tolerate clothing, especially anything that has loose fibers brushing you. Loose cotton sheeting material might feel better since it's smooth and cool.
The Germans (who tend to test more herbal remedies) have done clinical tests that show that a combination of allantoin and Melissa extract (lemon balm) can be helpful. You can find this here at places that carry natural and herbal products. Be sure to check first to make sure you don't have any allergies or contraindications. Here's a site with more info: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10043,00.html

It can be scary going through the phases of this. Feel free to pm me. I have no medical expertise, but I can share with you what's it like to go through it and to come out the other side.


:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

66. Thank you so much for your suggestions!

I did pick up a few things while I was out - and I quickly glanced thru this thread before I left. I got the Aveno body wash, lotion, and bath. Problem is, I'm gonna want to add maple and brown sugar to the mix! :)

So far, I'm alive. :hug:

[suffragette]

81. Glad you went to get help on this right away

It's so important to start treatment as early as possible, especially so you can get needed rest during this.
Mine started shortly before 9/11 - in fact, I had to postpone a trip to Europe because of it.
It's very painful, but you will pull through.
:hug:

[Marlie]

37. Don't know about yours but mine was so painful

The rash I had extended across my entire back and boy did it hurt. I don't
remember the prescription they gave me other than the vicodine but it lasted a
good month. I usually don't take pain meds but I really needed them with the
shingles. I had heard about shingles but never realized where the rash is, your nerve endings are being attacked, thus the pain. Take care of yourself and
get well soon. Follow doctors orders.

[RevCheesehead]

67. I think we caught it early enough.

But he gave me a scrip for Vicodin, plus a refill - then he solemnly said "you're going to need it." :scared:

As Barney Fife would say, "we're gonna nip it in the bud." :)

[Vektor]

38. Oh God. Ouch. Get on Valtrex AS SOON as you can.

The sooner the better - this will lessen the severity and duration of the outbreak. Any clinic will treat you for this. Shingles appears only on one side of the body - it never crosses the mid-line. Is this how your rash looks?

Until you can get to the doctor, try over the counter pain relief for now.

I'm so sorry! :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

68. Thank God for urgent care clinics!

I walked in after church, and the place was just about empty!

Yeah, I have a classic case. Lucky me. I asked him if I get some kind of special prize or treat for getting them for the first time. :)

[Vektor]

111. Happy to hear you got treated!

I hope you feel better soon, Rev.

:hug:

[In_The_Wind]

40. Damn, I'm sorry to hear that Rev.

I have them too.

[RevCheesehead]

69. Thank ya, darlin' Joani.

Then you know. x(

I think I was lucky in catching this as early as I did. :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

77. My doctor misdiagnosed my case.

He thought is was a simple case of Bells Palsy. So he didn't prescribe any treatment.

It was actually Ramsey Hunt Syndrome (a form of shingles) and needed to be treated within 72 hours.
I saw him within 18 hours of the original presentation of the symptoms. I had a 70% chance of full recovery had it been treated quickly and properly.

[RevCheesehead]

88. Damn... that's awful!

Do you still get outbreaks? And if so, does it get better if you get treated right away?

It seems odd for someone to mis-diagnose shingles. The doc told me he sees a case every 3 days or so... this in a city of 15,000 people.

[In_The_Wind]

99. Yes. I do still have some bad problems.

I can feel an episode of outbreaks before the onset. The little blisters aren't the worst of my shingle problems. I do treat them with essential oils as I am an aromatherapist. The blisters subside within a few minutes. However the pain doesn't go away. Sometimes it's so severe that I can't even stand to clothing touch my skin. It effects the side of my face and very often I can't wear my hearing aide in that ear.

The doctor didn't know it was shingles. There were no visible blisters on my skin. They were inside my ear canal. I've been stuck with this condition and the outbreaks since 12/26/02.

[RevCheesehead]

100. I understand that about clothing.

Today in church, I was in agony. I'm glad I asked one of the retired pastors to help with the service, so I could just sit for a while. But that robe seemed to find every aching spot on my body!

I'm so sorry that you continue to live with that, Joan. :hug:

[In_The_Wind]

105. I hope the treatment stops any future outbreak for you Rev.

It's wonderful that you had assistance today.
I'll give you a virtual hug because I know real hugs can hurt sometimes. :loveya:
Thanks for your concern. Remember ~ be good to yourself!

[flygal]

41. Had those - worst pain I've ever known

I remember wanting to be put out of my misery. The only thing that helped were anti-histamines. Then I went on that herpes medicine, but that was after the pain. The medicine made me feel like I had the flu. Good luck.

[RevCheesehead]

70. Thanks.

I've had worse pain, but this is so very different. Nerve endings feel like they're on fire. I hope the Vicodin takes the edge off it.

[samplegirl]

42. Well sorry to hear that

I hope you are able to obtain meds. as soon as
possible. My Mom had them and they can be a real
bugger to get rid of.
Sending you get well vibes.

[RevCheesehead]

71. Thanks.

I am so glad the clinic was open today!

[Callalily]

44. Sure hope that

you were able to get a good nights sleep and that you are feeling better today.

Ah ha! No I can keep you in my prayers.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Gentle

[RevCheesehead]

72. Sleep? What's that?

Last night was agonizing. But now I've got my pain meds, and I'm sure I'll do much better.

Prayers always help! Many, many thanks! :hug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

45. OH! ouch

my daughter just recently had a real nasty case of shingles. She said "mom , it is the worse backache you can imagine "



((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))) from Jitterbug

[RevCheesehead]

73. That's what I thought I had...

until the rash appeared last night. Then I called my SIL - and she said "get to a clinic ASAP - get on meds."

Wise people, these doctors. :)

:hug:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

46. Hey Rev, if you haven't gotten the meds already, do so as quickly as

possible.

If it is shingles (and if you've had it before, you'll sure know it), starting treatment promptly (within 72 hours of appearance of the rash) may lead to a decreased incidence or duration of painful symptoms after it resolves.

Whether the incidence of pain occurring is reduced is controversial, but it seems that even if it happens, the severity/duration may be reduced by prompt treatment, presumably by lessening the amount of nerve damage.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10735485&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_DocSum

(BTW, shingles = herpes zoster)

J Fam Pract. 2000 Mar;49(3):255-64.

Does treatment of acute herpes zoster prevent or shorten postherpetic neuralgia?

Alper BS, Lewis PR.

Pennsylvania State University/Good Samaritan Hospital Family and Community Medicine Residency Program, Lebanon, USA. [e-mail]

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine if any treatment of acute herpes zoster alters the incidence or duration of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common sequela in elderly patients. SEARCH STRATEGY: We systematically searched MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library. We also examined the reference lists of identified trials and reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized controlled trials of treatments of zoster published in English that included assessment of pain at any time after rash healing. DATA COLLECTION/ANALYSIS: Forty-two trials met inclusion criteria, and 2 reviewers independently evaluated them for methodologic quality and the statistical and clinical significance of results. MAIN RESULTS: Four placebo-controlled trials of oral acyclovir with 692 patients provided marginal evidence for reduction in pain incidence at 1 to 3 months following zoster onset. Famciclovir significantly reduced duration but not incidence of PHN in one placebo-controlled trial of 419 patients. Valacyclovir significantly reduced duration but not incidence of PHN in one acyclovir-controlled trial of 1141 patients. Steroids had no effect on PHN. Amitriptyline for 90 days reduced pain incidence at 6 months in one placebo-controlled trial of 80 patients. A single trial of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) in 50 patients suggested a decrease in pain incidence at 3 and 6 months compared with famciclovir. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence that current interventions prevent or shorten PHN. Famciclovir and valacyclovir have been shown to reduce the duration of PHN in single published trials. Well-designed and larger trials of amitriptyline and PENS should be conducted.

[RevCheesehead]

75. That's just what the doc told me, too!

We got it in time! :woohoo:

He also gave me a cortizone injection, saying "it might help." I thought, hell, why not try it?

Thanks for the info!

[neoblues]

89. Yes, Start ASAP!

It's not all that common, but PHN is excruciating and often worse than the pain/itching of the rash. Defined as pain lasting more than a month beyond the rash, it can last for years as well as leave the area permanently numb and tingly. So, take the drug advice and get on an anti-viral immediately; hours count! And take it religiously according to schedule.

I've read an alternate option, at least for those who can't get/afford something like Valtrex... and that is to take several over-the-counter Tagamet (stomach acid reducer), one every six hours or so and two at bedtime...

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-123.shtml#cime

[WritingIsMyReligion]

47. Ooooh.....Sorry 'bout that, Rev.

:D

:hug:<------------very gently done :P

[RevCheesehead]

76. Gentle hugs are most appreciated!

:hug:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

82. Sure thing!

:hug:

[miss_american_pie]

48. Oh that's awful

I hope you're feeling better soon. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

78. Thanks.

I feel better, just knowing I've got the meds and am doing all I can. :hug:

[TheCentepedeShoes]

49. Oh, shingles are awful (is awful?)

Mine started in my left eye on a Friday about 6 years ago. Very dangerous, I heard later, could cause blindness. Anyway, felt like somthing in my eye but couldn't see anything or make it go away by doing the eyelid thing. Still hurt the next morning, so hubby took me to the eye clinic where the dr said I had a scratched cornea. He gave me some ointment to keep out infection. The next morning (Sunday) I started to break out at the top of my nose, spreading over the left side of my forehead. Monday AM I was at the doctor's where he immediately said "shingles" and gave me a prescription (don't recall what). Called in sick on Tues and Wed also, which kinda ticked off my boss. But he understood when I showed up on Thurs looking like I'd gone through a car windshield. Don't remember how long it took to clear up but not too long. Still have a scar over my nose, though.

Hope you get well soon.
:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

79. Oh, that sounds awful!

The doc showed me some pics in his medical book. The ones on the face looked just horrible! They're no fun on the torso, either - but still, I would think the face is one of the most sensitive areas of the body.

Did you have any recurrances? Or was it just a one-time deal?

[TheCentepedeShoes]

103. Just the one time

(crossing fingers, knocking on particle board). Do not want to go through that again. The doc did say that if I got it again it wouldn't be in the same place. You get your meds, I'll send some good vibes. :hippie:

[RevCheesehead]

107. I don't think that's correct.

Shingles are limited to the main nerve in a cluster that wraps itself halfway around your body. But the virus doesn't jump from nerve to nerve. If you get them again, you will get them in the same area, but maybe not specifically the same spot.

Listen to me - one trip to the doc, and suddenly I'm an expert?? :)

[RetroLounge]

50. Damn, I had those back in my 20's

here's a gentle hug...

:hug:

RL

[RevCheesehead]

83. Thank ya, darlin'.

:* :hug:

[Deja Q]

51. Get better soon, take care!

:hug:

I do not know how to give short term relief, however.

[RevCheesehead]

84. Aw, just be your good-natured self!

Thanks, Toady! :hug:

[redwitch]

52. A friend of mine got them two weeks ago.

Get the drugs quickly! Quick response seems to keep the nastiness down. My friend is actually feeling really good just two weeks later.
Feel better soon Rev! :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

86. That's what I'm hoping for.

Thanks so much! :hug:

[Catchawave]

53. Oh Rev, this too shall pass

but here's a nice safe cyberhug :hug: for you :loveya:

My son came down with shingles when his twin babies were 8 weeks old, and he wasn't allowed near them for about a week because the virus is contagiously related to chickenpox (?). I recall he got some good meds to make him comfortable til it ran it's course, but his wife still wanted to kill him :rofl:

[RevCheesehead]

90. Hiya, Catch!

I told the doc I was worried, because I just baptized a little baby last week. And it turns out she has some kind of viral thing they're trying to diagnose. I wondered if maybe someone came to church (or dinner) with the chicken pox.

Their other 2 kids have had the chicken pox injection. But I kept my distance from them, just to be safe. Apparently, I'm also an uncertain risk to be around people with AIDS, or people undergoing chemotherapy. Considering my job, it's a good thing to be aware of.

On the bright side, your son got out of diaper duty for a while, eh? :)

[RedOnce]

54. You might try Tagamet.

"Herpes simplex and herpes zoster are viral diseases that can be kept in remission by a healthy immune system....there is evidence dating back more than 20 years that the drug cimetidine (sold over-the-counter as Tagamet) is highly effective in shortening the duration or preventing the outbreaks of herpes and shingles."

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2001/mar2001_report_tagamet_1.html

[RevCheesehead]

92. That's good to know.

Thanks for the info!

[Shine]

55. I'm sorry to hear this, Rev. I am wishing you well and sending you

vibes of Comfort and Relief. Hope this passes quickly for you. :hug:

xoxo,
Shine
:loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

93. Thanks so much!

You really live up to your name, Shine! :hug::loveya:

[stellanoir]

56. Massive doses of Lysine

and a salve called Sting Stop from a company called B &T available at most health food stores will eradicate your symptoms really quickly.

[RevCheesehead]

94. Merh was telling me about the L-Lycene.

"Sting Stop" sounds like it would work wonders. However, I'm a big fan of his, and would not want to hinder his career in any way! :)

[WolverineDG]

57. Oh Rev

Sorry to hear about this. :hug: I hope you can get some relief very soon!

dg

[RevCheesehead]

95. Thanks, kel.

I'm glad I got in to see the doc today. Now the healing can begin!

:hug:

[bigwillq]

58. Oh that stinks!

I hope you feel better! :hi: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

96. Thanks.

I'm looking forward to sleeping very well tonight! :hug:

[Roon]

59. I had shingles when I was 23

It sucked, although I got good pain killers. It hurt for a long time afterwards and the scars take forever go go away.

[RevCheesehead]

97. I understand the nerve endings are inflammed.

Geez - I wouldn't want to be a chicken-pox conduit, either. Poor little nerves.

Actually, I was thinking (on the way home) that the person who came up with the line "you are getting on my last nerve" must have had shingles.

At this point in my life, I don't care about scars. Well, at least those that wouldn't be visible to most persons. :)

[Roon]

123. Shingles is also called Zoster

Can you imagine getting it in your eyes? Like some people..

[RevCheesehead]

126. Or in your nether-regions?

I saw pictures today. Yes - you can get them anywhere. :scared:

[Roon]

130. That would be rough too

I have to admit....

[crispini]

74. Oh sweetie, I just saw this!

Take care, get well. :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

98. Thanks, Crispi.

Now I know why I felt so crappy last week. At least I'm not crazy... although, I never did ask for a diagnosis on that one! :D

Thanks for the hug! :hug:

[Zookeeper]

101. Oooh. 'So sorry to hear that!

My teenage daughter just had a very small outbreak of shingles near her shoulder (just before she went to her first "dress-up" dance wearing a strapless dress). She kept complaining about the rash, which was only about an inch or two long, but was causing her a lot of pain. We were both surprised to find out from her Dr. that it was shingles.

I don't have any new advice for you about the pain involved, especially because yours is so much worse than hers. But, I will pass along her Dr.'s suggestion to use a scar-reducing cream once the lesions have healed.

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

102. That's really helpful!

I hadn't considered that. Thanks! :hug:

[Ptah]

104. Without reading any of the responses, I think you should

smell two of these every day:

Eat two slices of this each 24 hours.

ponder this for contentment:

[RevCheesehead]

108. Thanks, Dr. Ptah.

:hug::loveya:

[MissMillie]

106. ouch... I'm sorry.

I had them years ago (when I was 13). They are very painful.

I hope you get better soon.

[RevCheesehead]

109. Thanks, MissMillie.

I was just able to get a couple hours of sleep. Heaven. O8)

[Whoa_Nelly]

110. I get shingles every time am exposed to chicken pox

When I was teaching, had a standing order with my doc for an antiviral.

Hope the meds you get from your SIL help you out tremendously! First time I had them, while the rash was bad, it was the couple of months of after pain that made me miserable.

Helpful hint: Put rubbing alcohol on the rash. It makes it dry up really fast. Don't rub, just lay it on with a cloth. I use those little alchohol wipes.

Also, my doc told me that when the shingles were active, I had to stay away from the kids. Apparently I was as infectious as a kid spreading chicken pox (am sure you know shingles is the same virus as chicken pox--herpes zoster.)

Feel better fast!

[RevCheesehead]

112. Hmmm... what you say makes sense.

I'm wondering if I was exposed to chicken pox last Sunday. Maybe not at church, but perhaps someone at the restaurant we went to later.... The baby I baptized has been sick this week, too, with an unknown viral problem.

I'm gonna stick with this theory, because it's mine, and it makes sense. :)


Thanks for the Curious George hug!! :hug:

[DemoTex]

113. Been there. Done that. Mono and shingles got me to Viet Nam.

In late 1967 I got mono. Bad. Two weeks in the hospital with a cardiologist on the team. Heavy meds, including prednisone. All that for heavy kissing (I DID NOT SCREW HER! Until a few years later).

Then, compromised, I developed a nest of mad hornets on my upper left arm (elbow to wrist), shingles. At the age of 19 I was on pain pills and narcotic sleeping pills (the pain was unbelievable .. hornets) 24/7 for about three months. Missed two quarters of school at Auburn. Got drafted.

Thinking those illnesses, plus a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in about 1964, would disqualify me at the AFEES Center, I joined to avoid the draft. They could have cared less about all of my infirmities. My ass was their's and my ass ended up where I was trying to avoid: Vietnam, Republic of. Know what I mean, Vern?

[RevCheesehead]

115. Damn.

That just sucks.

Tis a shame you didn't enroll in the Cheney deferment plan. :grr:

[DemoTex]

118. That was then, this is now.

I had another outbreak in about 1994 in the same place. It was very mild. More like little pissants stinging, as opposed to nests of mad hornets. Might have been the new drugs too.

Good luck, dear Rev. You are a favorite of mine, and I want you on this board pain-free. Keep me posted (by PM if necessary). Shingles is a continuing gift. We (you and I) shall pray that a cure is found B-4 we get 2-old. I had an elderly aunt die of Parkinson's complications, mainly shingles. You never know where it will pop up if you carry it.

The good news is that it is not contagious. By any means we know.

Mac

[RevCheesehead]

125. If I slug enough Vicodin, I'll be pain free!

Thanks, Mac. Hopefully, we got this caught early enough to lessen the outbreak and symptoms.

:hug:

[Maestro]

114. Sorry to hear that.

Have you been under some stress? I hope you can manage through this fine.

[RevCheesehead]

116. Oh, just a tad.

I appreciate the concern. :hug:

[Maestro]

119. Let Keith know you're sick.

He might spare some TLC. :)

[RevCheesehead]

124. Yeah - he could do the show in a cheese hat!

"And now, for my #1 fan, I will do the news in my favorite hat." :rofl:

Maybe he'll wear the Garcia tie we sent him, too! :)

[Maestro]

146. How are you doing today?

BTW, I have several Garcia ties. I love them.

[RevCheesehead]

147. I'm managing to survive the pain.

Between naps, I'm also able to get a little work done. It's a good thing, since this is one of my busy weeks. (thanks for asking)

We (the KOEB) bought Keith two ties - one of them a Garcia - for his birthday.

[Olney Blue]

117. Rev, I'm sorry about your shingles.

:pals:

This is a very, very gentle hug. Get well soon!

[RevCheesehead]

127. Bless you, Olney.

:hug: Now you know why I haven't been posting much in the KOEB.

[Olney Blue]

134. I will be glad when you are back in full snark!

[Redstone]

120. They need to find a new name for that.

"Shingles?" Well, you have them on your roof, and they're a little rough, no big deal...but from what I understand they hurt like hell.

And I know two women who have "Restless Leg syndrome." Doesn't sound like a big problem, does it? Sounds like you have a leg that kinda just goes off on its own...but it's really agonizing and hideously painful, like shingles.

Any suggestions for better names for these two things; names that sound more serious, in keeping with that way they actually feel?

Rev, my friend, feel better.

Redstone

[RevCheesehead]

128. Thanks, buddy.

How about "Chipped Beef?" I do feel like shit on a shingle. :)

I don't have the classic restless leg - but I do have trouble keeping them still. They need to be constantly in motion, though. I've had it all my life - even as a kid, I'd kick my legs at night to get to sleep. Maybe "Kid brother" would fit here - as a general annoyance that just won't go away.

[Redstone]

132. Guess those Vikes haven't kicked in yet. Get some rest, would you?

Sleep is the universal curative.

(PS: As someone who grew up as a Poor Kid in the late 1950s and early '60s, I remember SOS, and actually liked it. Some day, I'll get Mrs R to make some.)

Go to bed, Rev. You'll feel better tomorrow if you do. I'm going to do that myself, hoping I can shut it all off for a while.

Redstone

[RevCheesehead]

133. That's exactly what I'm gonna do right now.

Ah, sleep. Almost time for the next pill! :) :boring:

[DawgHouse]

121. Sorry, Rev

Hope you feel better soon!

[RevCheesehead]

129. Thanks, Dawg.

I hope so, too. :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

135. No fun...no fun at all.

MrG had those, and he found that the 800 mg Ibuprofen worked better for pain relief than the Vicodin I gave him.

Feel better! :hug: <<<but not too close. ;)

[RevCheesehead]

136. Vicodin is funny stuff.

I suppose it's taking the edge off the pain - but I still feel pain.
I'm only taking 1/2 pill, because the full dose makes me totally loopy.

Thanks for the :hug:

[suffragette]

137. That's what it did for me as well

Took some of the edge off, but still had a lot of pain. Still, it's much worse without it. And it can help to calm - stress is a factor with shingles.
I remember the pain and the variety of it: hypersensitivty - especially to clothing, intense itching, nerve tingles, then the major nerve pain that I thought of as 100's of ants biting at once and the zap of a cattle prod. Sometimes in succession, sometimes at the same time. Sometimes I'd literally jump from it. Different things help with the different pains, though nothing handles it completely. You just want to minimize as you can. Ice helps, bags of frozen peas are most flexible. Colloidal oatmeal soothes somewhat. So does Herpilyn. Calamine helps, I went through a bottle of the stuff. And the Vicodin can reduce the jolts somewhat.
I wore loose dresses for months, favoring smooth cotton - couldn't bear waistbands or anything even nominally close fitting.
Hang in there. And, hard as it is, catch what sleep you can.

[Strong Atheist]

138. Sorry about that. Get well soon.

:hug:

No advice.

PS: I sympathize. I think I am getting my first cavity...:grr:

Edited to add: I have had (and still do) several skin conditions, so I DO sympathize ...

[RevCheesehead]

139. Thanks, SA.

I appreciate the hug. :hug:

[ralps]

140. Hi RevCheesehead, I hope you get better soon

:hi: :loveya: :hug: :pals: :woohoo: :hug: :grouphug: :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

143. Aw, ralps....

you are such a sweetie! :hug:

[Lavender Brown]

141. Oh no...

My mom had that a few years ago, it was terrible. But she recovered soon enough. I hope you feel better very soon! :hug:

[Berry Cool]

142. Poor Rev.

I just heard about this. I hope you can get rid of this garbage and be feeling much better very quickly!

[RevCheesehead]

145. Thanks, Berry.

I've had better times, for certain - but there are others who suffer much more than this every day. Just a minor (painful) irritation. I'll be back in snarking form pretty soon. :)

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

144. Thanks, Lavender.

It's not so unbearable, as long as I'm medicated. :toast:

:hug:

[WCGreen]

148. Well, I have never had the Shingles.....

But my brother did....

Oy.....

Prayers, baby....

Prayers....

[RevCheesehead]

153. Thanks, sweetie.

:hug:

[madrchsod]

149. do any of the shingles look like ---

if so-no wonder they are painfull! take your meds and get better!

[RevCheesehead]

154. All of the above...

except make them red and inflammed.

Yeah, this is no picnic. *ouch* x(

[CC]

150. Just saw this.

Big hugs with out actually touching you cause it would hurt. No advice to give, just hugs and wishing you better fast.

[RevCheesehead]

155. LOL!

Ferrettessa, you're the best! :hug:

[CC]

159. Thought that might make you

smile. Now YOU should be in bed, trying to rest. So should I so heading that way.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

151. You have my thoughts, prayers and best wishes for a speedy and

comprehensive recovery :hug: :hug: :hug:

My parents both had shingles so I know some of what you must be going through :hug: I hope you feel well soon :hug:

[RevCheesehead]

156. This is my first time.

And I sincerely hope, my last. Damn - I had no idea how awful they are.

Thanks. :hug:

[Minnesota Libra]

152. I am so sorry to hear that you are sick and......

.....have shingles. If you have a rash a hug might not be a good idea so I will just say :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

157. That is very much appreciated!

:) Thanks so much! :loveya: