Shingles

kawee

Has anyone out there developed shingles.  I am into this horrible beast about 5 weeks now.  They have prescribed Lyrica.  Saw that a major side effect is hand and leg swelling.  Since I have lymphedema, is this safe.  Has anyone out there had any experience with this medication that has lymphedema.  I urge all of you over 50 to get the shingles vaccine!!!!!!!

proudtospin

oh dear, I got shingles about a year after ending rads as I was still very run down

really did a bummer on my vacation as it hit while I was sailing off the coast of Maine and celebrating getting past th rads

My lumphedemia had not hit at the time but I can tell you that there is a med for shingles...then do get the shot to help prevent it reoccuring

I used cortisone 10 cream when I had the itches

kawee

How long did the shingles last for you?  Have not talked to anyone who had them. Like I said, I'm in my 5th week.  Pain is still intense.  Went to a nuerologist yesterday, because my foot is involved.  He says my sciatic nerve is really irritated and will take a while to calm down.  Have had anitviral, vicodin, and now they want me to do Lyrica.  Forgot to tell Dr. about lymphedema.  Anyway, was just wanting to hear about your experience.

Karen

gentianviolet

I have had shingles three times.  The first was about 25 years ago, the second was in 2009 just months before I was diagnosed with bc.  I got the vaccine  after round 2 but then this year I ended up with shingles again.  But due to the vaccine it was the shortest duration, it lasted about 10 days.  It did not affect the arm that is subject to lymphedema.  Although it was on the quadrant of my back that is bothered by LE, yet it didn't seem to cause any extra swelling.  I did not try Lyrica, so I can't speak on that issue.  Sending good thoughts, I know just how miserable you feel. 

proudtospin

she not sure how long, but I had it went I left on vacation, had it a week later when I finally got home and to the docs for med (not many doctors off the coast of maine.....

think it lasted about 3 weeks after~~total was likely 5 weeks

kawee

Thank you for your posts.  Mine is across my butt and down my thigh.  Now numbness and pain in foot.  Getting a little worried at this point.  Like I said, 5 weeks and still in lots of pain although shingles are totally gone.  Anyway, don't know whether to start Lyrica or not.  Maybe call the pharmacist or my Dr., but wonder if they will really know how it affects lymphedema.  Definitely don't want anymore hand swelling.

pupmom

I've been told I can't get the vaccination until I turn 65. Does anyone know if this is correct?

kawee

It says on mayo clinic website everyone over 60 should get one.

pupmom

Wow, we went to get flu shots at our local CVS and the pharmicist said I should wait until age 65 to get the Shingles shot5. Think I will go to my GP for the shot. I'm 63.

purple32

60 and over should be okay w/ most drs.

BTW - It USUALLY costs app $265 and INS generally does not cover.

pupmom

Our insurance covered it for DH. What I'm wondering is if it only covers it for those over 65. Will check on that.

BeckySharp

My insurance covered it for those over 60.  I got mine at Walgreen's when I was 63 and did not have to pay anything.  They billed my insurance. 

Perry89

I was 50 and got my shingle shot before starting chemo. My oncologist office did it at my request to the doctor. I had tried CVS and was not able to get the shot because of age. One of the patients who was doing radiation at the same time as me developed Shingles during treatment and thst is when I knew I needed to get a vaccine if I was going to have chemo.

SyrMom

I'm looking into this for myself.  Does anyone know from a cancer perspective if the shingles vaccine should be avoided (live vaccine)?  I understand it should be avoided while on chemo or if the autoimmune system is compromised.

Anonymous

Syrmom, I would DEFINITELY check that out with med team if youre doing chemo.

As for my take on shingles....I can some it up in 2 words. SHINGLES SUCK I got it at around 20 Dreadful pain only lasted 2 or so days but once the blisters appeared the pain abated.  The itch that came after was something horrific. I felt the after affects for months and it took a couple of years to completely disappear. My heart goes out to all who suffer this dreadful thing.