SHINGLES...help

[linnilue]

Hi Everybody,  I know this isn't an AN issue, but this is the only group I trust to go to for info.  I think everybody here has a wealth of information and experience to share.  Anyway,  I was diagnosed with shingles today.  In case you hadn't noticed, I haven't been posting much lately and that's because I have been in so much pain and just feeling so sick.  I have the shingles rash down my left leg and honestly, nothing I do seems to get rid of the pain for long.  I'm on narcotics, valtrex, motrin, tylenol, hot and cold packs and nothing works...I'm in constant motion just trying to get comfortable.  Does anyone have any suggestions for m?.  I'll try just about anything.  I'll check back later.  Thanks..Holly

[Mark]

Hi Holly,

Very sorry to hear about the Shingles outbreak. I haven't had that experience but my father had it last year and was miserable for several months. I know you have a nursing background and probably have already checked the internet, but just in case, here are some links I found that might have some helpful ideas

Mark

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/138/main.html#TreatmentofShingles

http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/hardin/md/shinglestreatment.html

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/Shingles/Shingles-Treatment-Overview

http://www.healthology.com/main/article_print.aspx?content_id=3744

[linnilue]

Thank you Mark,  I will review these sites.  Yes, I have looked at a couple and I have to say, I ahd no idea just how bad this disease is.  I have an appointment this afternoon with the pain clinic to do some sort of nerve block.  I hope to God it works.  I haven't slept in days and I'm just exhausted from the pain.  Thanks for the sites.  Holly

[Cheryl R]

Someone I work with took Lyrica for their shingles.    She was taking Vicodin along with it and said felt like a zombie but it did help her with the pain. 
   Think I have seen patients get neurontin for it also.     
                                       Cheryl R

[Captain Deb]

Oh Jeez Holly, I can sympathize, I've had those buggers, TWICE! Once at 27 and again at 46. They SUCK! All I could do was take good pain meds, anti-virals and wait it out. Some believe thay are connected to ANs somehow. Hmmmm.....
Just hang in there baby and know we are here if you need to complain a little.  Out thoughts and good vibes are with you!

Capt Deb

[Sheryl]

YIKES - how awful they are!!  My primary care M.D. talked me into a shot called Zostavax which will help prevent shingles especially if you are elderly like me - 60!!  Had my hubby get it too.
Sheryl

[linnilue]

Oh Jeez Holly, I can sympathize, I've had those buggers, TWICE! Once at 27 and again at 46. They SUCK! All I could do was take good pain meds, anti-virals and wait it out. Some believe thay are connected to ANs somehow. Hmmmm.....
Just hang in there baby and know we are here if you need to complain a little.  Out thoughts and good vibes are with you!

Capt Deb

   Thanks Captn,  I didn't know there was a cnnection to AN's.  Do you know where you might have heard that.  What an interesting concept.  Abd you got it twice!!  That's extremely rare.  But the pain is incredible isn't it???!!!  Whoa Nelly.  I liken it to being in labor totally out of your mind in pain with no relief in site.  I did get an epidural yesterday at the pain clinic.  The shingles lay in the L4 deretome of the spine.  i am more comfortable today but I am exhausted.  Pain is brutal.  I know you suffer from migraines and i have ahd a headache everyday for a week along with this so I can't imagine what you go through.  I am on narcotics, motrin, tylenol.  I'll take anything to get relief.  Thanks for the sympathy,  Holly 

[Sue]

Oh, man..so sorry abou your shingles. They are awful.  I had, literally, a spot of them at my waist line when I was in my early 30's.  I remember they mostly itched.  I have a scar from them because the spot is towards the back of me and I couldn't see it and I just itched the heck out of it before I went to the doctor.  I remember the doctor visit because my old doc said, " Oh, you know what this is?"  And I thought..."Well, no...duh. That's why I'm here." Recently,  I asked my doctor about that vaccine and he said they weren't recommended for anyone under 65.  I helped with care giving of a lady in her 90's who got it and she was quite miserable. They had her on a patch to wear that had some kind of narcotic in it.  She got quite dependent on the patch and  had to get off of it.

It's too bad you can't just take something and sleep through the next few weeks.  Well, as we all know, it's from the Chicken Pox virus that stays in our system only to wreak havoc on us at a later time, usually when our immune system is down.  The lady in her 90's had radiation on a cancerous lung tumor and she got shingles after that episode.  That's why I asked my doc about it, since I had GK.  Perhaps I shall ask him about this vaccine again.  I don't want shingles!!  I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  Except maybe Bin Ladin or somebody like that. 

But not you, nikynu.....I pray you get better soon.

Sue in Vancouver

[linnilue]

Thanks Sue for your support.  The doctor basically told me that my immune system was quite depleted.  So, I'm going to go on Amazon and look for books on how to boost it.  I didn't know there was a vaccine, but I guess I won't need it now but I'll pass the word on to my friends that it's available.  My leg is breaking out in lesions by the hour, it's UGLY.  I did feel well enough to ride to Starbuck's with my husband to get my daily fix, so that's good.  this virus just wacks you down.  And I too would wish this on Bin Laden or Amadinijad, yeah, that's sounds good!   Have a nice day , Holly   

[Mark]

Holly,

I do believe Shingles is impacted by immune system related issues. I've always been a proponent that consistent exercise is probably the best method to increase white blood cell and other immune system indicators. I found some links to web sites that offer other ideas

Mark

http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/10_ways_to_boost_immune_health

http://www.microsoft.com/canada/home/healthandwellness/2.2.25_boostyourbodysimmunesystem.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/using-your-immune-system-to-stay-well

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3647.html

http://www.wellnessletter.com/html/fw/fwLon16Immunity.html

Hope that saves you a trip to the library or Amazon 

[linnilue]

Thanks Mark,  You're a really nice guy to do all his legwork for me.  I greatly appreciate it.  Holly

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Holly:

Although I haven't experienced shingles (and hope I never do) I still wanted you to know that you have my condolences for the severe pain you're going through.  You'll definitely be in my prayers.  I hope (and will pray) that this affliction leaves you, soon.

Jim

[Gennysmom]

Hi Holly!  My dad had a bad bout with them last year for about 3 months...he was on morphine that whole time...and to put that in perspective, by day 3 at home after a quintuple bypass he'd weaned himself off of pain meds.  He's a lot like me in that way.  But he was miserable with the shingles.  I also know that stress is a factor, which would of course lower your immune system, so feed yourself well, and try to do anything to relax yourself.  Get plenty of sleep, which I think is always the best medicine.  I hope they resolve soon!!!!  Will be crossing my fingers for you...

Take care!  Kathleen

[linnilue]

Thanks Everybody for all your support and kind words.  I have to say, you DO NOT want this disease.  It is brutal.  i'm only able to go online when my narcotics kick in and that doesn't last long.  The pain is difficult but there are all kinds of wierd feelings in my leg, like creepy crawlies or something and my leg makes me feel so restless with pain that I can't get comfortable.  I had a horrible night last night and I pray that I can get a few hours tonight.  This morning I has just fallen asleep (having been awake for hours) and the darn phone rang at 7:30!  I was ready to scream because I was so tired.  My husband and I decided to temporarily put an answering service on our line in the a.m. so that I can be certain to get some much needed rest.  I do know that I have no immune system and so I am working on educating myself on giving it a much needed boost.  I realize that this thread is outside the ANA scope but it has helped me to feel all your support and get all your advice, thoughts and prayers.  I'm proud to be apart of such a kind group.  Thank you all  and here's to a good night's sleep for all of us, Holly   

[OTO]

nikynu -

I had the shingles when i was 38 years old.   I was lucky it didn't last too long.  The only thing that help the pain was a cool towel (very light towel)...  I would soak it in ice water and wring it out and lay it on my stomach.  That was the only thing that I could tolerate.

I think having the AN surgery must stress out your body.  I remember for four days prior to surgery, the doctor prescribed a medicine (can't remember the name).  I looked it up on WebMD, and it was an anti-viral medicine for prevention of herpes (same virus that causes shingles).  I know when I was post-surgery in the hospital they gave me that medicine too.   Luckily no shingles.