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CapeM1's avatar
CapeM1
Explorer
Jul 08, 2016

Looking for suggestions regarding Shingles..

Ugh...we are supposed to be headed for our annual trip to a local CG with all the grandkids next week. It is something we do every year and the kids just love it. Unfortunately last Thursday I felt a familiar pain developing under my arm and unfortunately was apparently getting a recurrence of shingles!!!! Of course this was all developing over the 4th of July weekend and so I couldn't get into my doctors office until Tuesday, which was long past the 72 hour recommended for starting Valtrax. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper at the moment! Does anyone have any suggestions to help with pain/blisters? So far the blistered area is only about 1-1/2 inches long but but is getting longer and redder by the day. The pain encompasses a much larger area...any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! I am praying that this starts to diminish by time we leave for our trip next week!
RV Lifestyle
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    Tough it out, nothing else you can do. I got 'em on my face while away from home and could only suffer.
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    It's not fun for sure. I went thru the same thing while recovering from back surgery so it was a double whammy for me. Just curious, have you had the shingles shot?
  • CapeM1's avatar
    CapeM1
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    JnJnKatiebug wrote:
    It's not fun for sure. I went thru the same thing while recovering from back surgery so it was a double whammy for me. Just curious, have you had the shingles shot?


    No I did not have the Shingles shot. I didn't think I'd get them a second time,yea I know,big mistake! To top it off it am recovering from a heart attack I just had 3 months ago. What a fun Spring/Summer so far (NOT)!!!
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    CapeM1 wrote:
    JnJnKatiebug wrote:
    It's not fun for sure. I went thru the same thing while recovering from back surgery so it was a double whammy for me. Just curious, have you had the shingles shot?


    No I did not have the Shingles shot. I didn't think I'd get them a second time,yea I know,big mistake! To top it off it am recovering from a heart attack I just had 3 months ago. What a fun Spring/Summer so far (NOT)!!!

    The shingles shot lowers your chances but, is no guarantee you will not get shingles. :(
  • JnJnKatiebug's avatar
    JnJnKatiebug
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    CapeM1 wrote:
    JnJnKatiebug wrote:
    It's not fun for sure. I went thru the same thing while recovering from back surgery so it was a double whammy for me. Just curious, have you had the shingles shot?


    No I did not have the Shingles shot. I didn't think I'd get them a second time,yea I know,big mistake! To top it off it am recovering from a heart attack I just had 3 months ago. What a fun Spring/Summer so far (NOT)!!!

    The shingles shot lowers your chances but, is no guarantee you will not get shingles. :(


    My doctor told me he had not know anyone who had the shot and still had shingles.
  • paula_b's avatar
    paula_b
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    You might want to look into L-lysine for shingles. This is something I heard about when my SIL had a horrible case. Google it and decide if it may be something you'd be interested in trying. Good luck.
  • kayakcrazy's avatar
    kayakcrazy
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    When I got them a few years ago a friend suggested acupuncture for my paralysis. I took 28 needles to my face and head but healed very quickly. The needle that hurt the worst was into that valley between my nose and upper lip
  • pennysmom09's avatar
    pennysmom09
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2016
    I had the shingles twice, the second case quite mild, fortunately. I took neurontin for the pain and it worked very well. I was on it for several weeks after the first case, which was severe. The second case passed quickly. I don't expect to get them again!! It's been over 10 years.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 08, 2016
    Well.......

    If this is second time then you already know.

    Not much to do except try to relieve symptoms
    Use cool, moist compresses if they help ease discomfort.
    Lotions, such as calamine, may be applied after wet compresses.
    Apply cornstarch or baking soda to help dry the sores so that they heal more quickly.
    Soak crusted sores with tap water or Burow's solution to help clean away crusts, decrease oozing, and dry and soothe the skin.

    With recent heart attack..........consult DOC for meds to relieve pain

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