Shingles

momand2kids

Stage 2 sisters--- 

I am just starting to recover from a case of shingles.  I am not old enough to get the vaccine--- and never saw this coming---

felt flu like about a week ago--exhausted--- thought it was from work stress and xmas running around.  The next day I was on my way to work, was in a tiny fender bender (I think I was going 7mph) no injuries, no damages.  Still felt flu like, and now had a little back ache to go along with it.  Struggled through the week, back pain got worse, but it was in my mid-left upper back, so it seemed strange that it would be associated with the accident. Went to dr. had taken so much advil that my bp was sky high and they focused on that and not the back pain.... pain got worse, then subsided a little--was miserable all weekend.  Woke up on Monday with a small rash on back and front left side--- back to dr.  Yup--shingles.

Thankfully, it was discovered in time for the anti-virals to be given (what a difference they make!!!)  The pain is gone, but the rash remains--- but the big surprise is the utter exhaustion.  Remember how tired we were in chemo or at the end of rads?  Well, this tired is right up there.  Have been out of work all week, no shopping, it is exhausting to just go from one room to the other--these are, as I have read, common side effects that will lift in a few weeks, but what a surprise.

I also read that people who have had chemo and rads might be more likely to get shingles-- I would have thought that would have happened almost 5 years ago when I was having those treatments-- it was actually something I worried about back then.

I have been under a fair amount of professional stress and  although I have always been a meditator and exerciser to help manage stress, clearly what I was doing was not working.  This may be the year when I finally figure out another way to make a living!!!  Thankfully I was going to be out of work for the next 2 weeks anyway, so I figure I will be in a much better place by January 6th.

If you ever have unexplained pain in your back or sides, or see a small (and the rashes are soooo small) rash on your body, run to the dr. to get the anti-viral meds--they are most effective in the first 72 hours--- really, the pain is so severe, and it is now completely resolved.....

Stay healthy everyone!

NatsFan

I am terrified of getting shingles.  Both my PCP and MO would love for me to get the vaccine and it's been approved for ages 50+, but since it's recommended only for 60+ insurance won't cover it and it's a very expensive vaccine to self pay.  My 58th birthday is Christmas Eve, so I just have to luck out for 2 more years, unless the insurance coverage changes.  Thank you so much for your warning to take even the smallest rash and unexplained pain seriously and get medical help ASAP to get the anti-virals.  Hope the fatigue resolves soon for you.   

Gracers55

Ladies,

I got shingles at age 57 when I was in the middle of my divorce. Stress related. I was Dx with breast cancer about 6 mos later and could not get the vaccine until chemo was complete. I hear and onow of more and more people getting shingles well under the she of 60. I had no issues with my insurance company...thankfully. You should be able to appear their denial decision. Best of luck and love to you all.