Hi everyone,
I have been suffering with Shingles for the past 3 weeks. I didn't know nerve pain could be so painful. I have been in the hospital for a couple of days while they checked out my heart. What an ordeal. I went into the ER with pain in my back and around my ribs. They immediately put me on a heart monitor and sent me for a bunch of heart tests. I stayed over night to have a nuclear stress test done. The first test I had done was a profusion test and it showed I had a part of my heart that wasn't getting oxygen. Then they did the stress test and it came back normal. They then released me as they determined it was not my heart. Confusing? Yes with me also. They did not care about anything else except my heart.
I actually cried when they released me as I still didn't know what was causing the pain. The Dr said "Well we did what you wanted, to see if it was life threatening" I said, I did not come in with chest pain, I ask about the pain in my back and around my side. He just didn't care as long as it was not my heart. He also said that they thought it was Rheumatoid related and to go to my Rheumy or my GP. I am still in a lot of pain, a 12 out of 10. MY husband was so upset also. I will never go back to Ruby Memorial again.
I went to my GP the next day and we discovered I was breaking out and she thought sure it was Shingles. She treated me and I went back yesterday for a follow up. I was no better and my BP was only 82/50. she was concerned about that and changed some of my meds. She said I just have a bad case of Shingles and it will take awhile for it to go away. It hurts something terrible.
Have any of you had the shingles?
This is the second time I have had them. They are much worse this time. I now discovered there is a shot to prevent them and I will get this after I am better.
Thanks for letting me vent again,
I am so sick of being sick!!!
Love and prayers, Harlin
A child in one of my classes had chicken pox. The next thing I knew, I was having sever pain and trying to stop puss from dripping into my eyes. I listened to tones and kept a bandage over it until it went away. Now I have a lightening shaped scar that reminded the kids of Harry Potter.
It is very painful when this flairs. Meditation, and sleep seem to help.
Zostavax(the vaccine) is a live virus so be sure thru the dr that you are able to take it.It is not recommended for those who are immune system compromised.
It will not prevent the shingles from reoccurring but might lessen your chances of getting it by up to possibly 50% and perhaps reduce the severity of the episode.
It is also recommended that you wait up to a year after your last episode before you vaccinate according to WEBMD.
Just wanted to make sure you know that it is not a guarantee that they will not reoccur.
I hope you are able to get some rest and hope that you feel better soon.
http://senior-health.emedtv.com/shingles-vaccine/shingles-vaccine.html
I had shingles in my middle 20's.....they were around my beltline....it was miserable! I can still remember having nerve pain a good 5 or 6 months after the rash went away. That was the first time I had steroids..........seems like my health as been declining since then!
Good luck and take care of yourself! I can relate to what you are going through!
I had shingles shortly before I was dx with Sjogrens. I had it on my shoulder and it went up my neck to my ear and very close to one eye. It's very serious if it gets to your eyes. Mine did not get in my eye. I also had in my scalp. It was horribly painful and luckily my husband had some left over heavy duty pain pills and I took one each night so I got a little sleep.
I was also sick with SJS but did not know it yet. I was lucly and didn't have any lasting effects. I understand some have residual pain for months after. I think mine was 3-4 weeks. I still somehow think it was connected to the fact that my body was under attack by this nasty disease of SJS. Lucy
I've had shingles that started in the middle of my forehead and went back on to my scalp. I was unlucky as it got in my right eye. Almost lose the vision in that eye. I didn't ever think of shingles since I was not yet 50. I didn't go to the doctor for about 2 weeks. I was just going to tough it out. Shingles is one if not the most painful thing I've ever had. i got the vaccine about 6 months before I was diagnosed with SJS.
My mother had open heart surgery many years ago and a week later she developed the shingles. She was in so much pain, she said she would rather go through heart surgery again! The thought of ever having shingles scares me.
Harlin, I hope you start feeling better soon.
Liz D.
Oh my dearest angels and harlin!
Shingles are terrifying. If you get them when you are very elderly, they can disable you. I've seen it happen.
And sometimes the nerve pain doesn't go away, even when the blisters are gone. The pain can last for years and years.
Sigh
If you've had chicken pox or a cold sore, you are especially vulnerable to shingles.
I have had the singles vaccine, which is only about 50% effective, and costly, about $200. But I wanted to do whatever I could to keep them from happening to me.
I hope you recover well, harlin. I'm sooo sorry this has happened to you.
Please keep us posted.
Gentle hugs, or just thoughts of hugs, maybe!
Elaine
So sorry to hear about this Harlin. You certainly have had a rough time lately with several things. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
((Harlin)) - sorry you are dealing with shingles. I've had it before and it's not fun, that's for sure!!
I hope it's almost over running it's course and you will get some relief from the pain.
Hang in there.
Take care.
Bucky
I had shingles about 8 years ago. I was lucky to be able to see my PCP within 24 hours, and get the steroid treatment -- probably Prednisone -- started. Apparently it needs to get started within 48 hours or so, in order to be effective in pretty much negating the pain, though it didn't completely stop the itching.
Mine started across my right side under my right breast, as a bright red rash, that then went around to my back. The noticeable thing was that the rash stopped at the midline, both front and back.
Also, I was working as a reader/grader for an art professor, who got shingles on her face -- also, only on one side of the face, starting as a bright red itchy rash that began to spread and darken. She also got early treatment, and continued teaching, and the rash cleared up.
I did not get the vaccine, before I got autoimmune diseases. I really don't want to go through that experience again! -- especially now that I don't have immediate access to my doctors -- any of them!
Be aware!
Soycoffee
Quote from: Carolina on February 02, 2012, 06:09:14 PM
Oh my dearest angels and harlin!
Shingles are terrifying. If you get them when you are very elderly, they can disable you. I've seen it happen.
And sometimes the nerve pain doesn't go away, even when the blisters are gone. The pain can last for years and years.
Sigh
If you've had chicken pox or a cold sore, you are especially vulnerable to shingles.
I have had the singles vaccine, which is only about 50% effective, and costly, about $200. But I wanted to do whatever I could to keep them from happening to me.
I hope you recover well, harlin. I'm sooo sorry this has happened to you.
Please keep us posted.
Gentle hugs, or just thoughts of hugs, maybe!
Elaine
Chicken pox and Shingles are both caused by the Varicella Zoster virus.Shingles is in fact reactivation of childhood chickenpox.You cannot get shingles if you havent had chickenpox shingles is reactivation of the virus that has laid dormant since chickenpox outbreak-you CAN get chickenpox from exposure to someone who has shingles if you have NEVER had chickenpox which is why you should avoid children who havent had the chickenpox or the vaccine for it and pregnant women as the fetus is vulnerable if you are broke out-both the shingles and chickenpox are airborne.
Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus type 1-genital herpes are caused by Herpes Simplex type 2.The are also both incurable and when they "go away" it is the virus returning to its dormant state.
So having cold sores does not predispose you to shingles-only having had chickenpox and something causing the virus to reactivate.
Both shingles and cold sores are prone to occur when you are ill,have significant sun exposure,stressed,tired or other things that might cause your immune system to dip and allow the virus to pop thru again as the viruses are maintained and suppressed by a healthy immune system.
All three are members of the "herpes" family but are different biologically and the way they are spread.
kim,
Thank you for all the valuable information and clarity about shingles. I appreciate it!
dear harlin,
I have not had shingles, but I have a sister-in-law who had a terrible bout with it about a year ago. I suppose it's one of the most painful things to ever have. You know you can always come here to vent away!
I'm so sorry you're going through this, and hope you can get some relief soon.
Melinda
Hi Harlen.
You got a good description of the how and why of shingles from the others.
My mother and I have both had shingles. I was lucky enough to know what I was getting when mine started. There is Acyclovir and Zovirax(sp) that are helpful if started right away. My mom found some relief by drinking a "tea" made of romaine lettuce boiled in water. Having already seen my mother's issues, I recognized it and had a much easier time. I keep Acyclovir on hand just in case. It helps to prevent fever blisters, too.
Good luck and feel better.
Harlin
I feel your pain! I had shingles in 2010. following two surgeries, and although I think mine was only a mild case, the pain around my breast and back felt intense at times.
I hope you feel better soon.
Kathyx
I had shingles last year. The worst for me was the night. Ugh, the pain of having a sheet on me.... I can feel it now. The lightest touch made me cringe.
Thanks everyone for the great information! I am still having a difficult time. Also especially at night. Mornings are rought also. My pain meds wear off by morning and it takes 3 hours to get them back in my system to work again. I have been in the house 3 weeks today. The pain is not getting any better. I feel for anyone who has to experience the shingles.
Love and blessings, harlin
Harlin
Three weeks is a long time to suffer from such pain. I was taking amitrtiptyline when I developed shingles, and I'm sure that helped. Could you get your doctor to prescribe some?
Kathyx
Hi Kathyx
I use to be on Amitriptyline. I am taking Savella now but it isn't working either. I went back to the Gp yesterday in tears from so much pain. She told me to double up on the Horizant and to call her back on Monday if I am not better. So far I am feeling a little better after taking the second one yesterday. It works on the nerves which is I guess what is hurting so much. I wouldn't wish the shingles on my worst enemy (if I had one). They are the most painfull thing I have ever been thru. :'(
I had so many plans for the winter months after Christmas. I was going to clean out my basement. Now I can't do anything but lay on the bed.
Thanks for everyones help. It is so great to be able to come here and everyone will understand what you are feeling.
Love and prayers, harlin
Harlin
I'm pleased that the Horizant is helping the pain. Let's hope those horrible nerve pains burn themselves out soon.
Kathyx
Shingles are one if not the most painful things I ever had too. They didn't use amitriptyline when I had them in 2002. I sure hope you don't have the neuralgia I still have 10 years later.
I was lucky - I was taking amitriptyline for neuropathy when got shingles. It must have helped, as my pain seemed a lot less than other people have had to endure.
Kathyx
I have had a few bouts of shingles, they are so painful. I got them on lower back in a band round to my tummy. So painful. When I get another bout I don't get such a large amount, but the nerve pain is just as bad and lasts for months after the rash has cleared.
I wouldn't wish shingles on my worst enemy either
Harlin, you might want to consider setting your alarm to wake you up to take your pain medication 3 hours before you get up? That is what I did when I had surgery. It is easier to keep the pain down than to get it up again.
Sharon
I'm so sorry Harlin...Praying you are feeling better..My sister has Sjogrens and Lupus and she gets Shingles..I know she has so much pain from them. Hang in there.
((Harlin)) - how are you today, dear? I hope bumping your Horizant dosage up has helped you.
Thinking of you and wishing you a good weekend.
Bucky
Well, thank you all my friends.
The pain is still there, nothing is helping. I have been sleeping a little better tho. I told my husband it feels like a knife is sticking in my chest into my back. I just hope it goes away soon. It really wears on your nerves. All of them.
It has lasted about a month now and I am really sick of it all. You can't sit or laydown. It is really miserable.
I pray that none of my friends out there ever have to get this.
Love and prayers to all, harlin
Update on my dreaded Shingles,
I thought after Sunday and Monday that I was on the mend and boom. Last night they were every bit as painful as in the beginning. I was up till 2 then back up at 6. I hate taking the pain meds but sometime it is really a must.
Please everyone say a prayer for me that these dreaded things will be gone soon. They are wearing on my nerves!! no pun intended.
Love and prayers, harlin
I have had chicken pox and shingles.
Harlin, it's good to see you still have your sense of humor!
I see on WebMD that shingles can last longer if you don't take your medicines, so I was glad to read you're getting medicines regularly.
Holding you in the light, my friend! :)
A little update.
It is 4:02 am and I have. Even up since 3. The pain is terrible
and I can't hardly beath. I took a pain pill at 3:30 and it takes forever
for it to work. Just laying here catching up on the new threads waiting
for it to kick in. I think I will call the dr tomorrow as I am not getting
any better.
Sorry for ranting I just needed someone to talk to in the middle of the
night!
Thanks for listening
Love and prayers
Harlin
Dear Harlin -
I just wanted to add my voice and my prayers for your pain to go away. I have heard the pain is beyond words. Please contact your doctor and BEG for some much need additional med for pain relief. You need it and you deserve it. So sorry you have to go through this and hoping it will go away NOW.
Hugs (very gentle ones!)
Jodie :(
(((Harlin))) - sorry those nasty shingles are still causing you so much pain. :(
I would definitely give the doctor a call and tell him/her you need SOMETHING to ease the pain - that the Horizant just isn't cutting it.
Does it itch too, or just the deep, intense pain?
I know this whole ordeal is wearing you out . . . wish I could help you.
Hugs,
Bucky
I know when I had the shingles in 2002 nothing seemed to help the pain. I think I read that most pain relief doesn't help shingles pain. Shingles pain is nerve pain and you need different pain reflief .
Continued prayers for you!
I went back to the Dr today and she is getting all my
records from when I was in the hospital in Jan
and she is scheduling ct scans to look further into
everything to make sure she didn't miss anything.
She told me that I could take the Hydrocodione before
the pain gets so bad instead of waiting every 4 hours.
Other than that, that is all she could do until after she goes
over all my tests.
I pray that the pain eases up so I can sleep tonight.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers
Love and blessings harlin
Sorry to hear you are going through Shingles. My Dad had it twice, 20 years apart. It was so hard to see him have it and go through it. He had it on his head on the side of his face. It was very painful for him and he had pain last awhile with it. He also had Bells Palsy. He later had Diabetes and Colon Cancer. I have never had it. Just had teh Chicken Pox at age 10. $200 for the shot? Wow that's alot. Do you do it every year or just once?
Thanks Cathy
I don't know anymore about the shot other than its cost. I think
everyone should check into it tho.
My ct scans we're yesterday and I have a Dr apt tomorrow
Hopefully to get the results. Will let you all know.
Love harlin
I have had the shingles vaccine back in February of 09. My insurance only paid 50.00 dollars of the 200. But I really think it is worth it. My Rheumy says that it prevents 60 percent of shingles and will lesson the effects of the shingles and neuralgia if you get them. You only need to take it one time not every year.
Harlin
I hope the doctor was able to help you some more after getting the notes. How are you doing now?
Kathyx
Harlin
So sorry you have had to endure such pain for even an hour let alone so long.
Can't you get something stronger for pain? I will pray for you my dear, my heart goes out to you. :)
praying for you that the pain begins to fade soon! I have had two bouts with shingles but I can't say I went through what you have....as soon as I started itching I went into my PC, she gave me something like acyclovir and it nipped it in the bud before I had a bad breakout.