Shingles
Sounds horrible, wishing you a speedy recovery....
havent had it Ben, but I hear the strong medical grade Manuka honey on the rash may help. It has helped me with other strange painful skin rashes arising after tick bites
and at risk of getting attacked on here, it would seem your immune system is slightly compromised at present (allowing the old chicken pox virus to reemerge), perhaps a result of covid and/or the vaccines, or is it the other way around... The spike in shingles cases is undeniable.
all the best with it
Bad luck Ben, it's horrid. It can return when you get run down, so something to keep an eye out for.
GreenJam wrote:and at risk of getting attacked on here, it would seem your immune system is slightly compromised at present (allowing the old chicken pox virus to reemerge), perhaps a result of covid and/or the vaccines, or is it the other way around... The spike in shingles cases is undeniable
Certainly quite likely that my immune system is compromised, though to be honest I've been running at 150% for about twenty years now. Ironically, early last week when it all kicked off, I was very relaxed, camping down the coast with family and friends!
But I've been aware for a while that I need to slow down. Recently had my knee go on me, also had to get glasses for the first time, etc. Not enjoying this slow decent into middle age (I'm 47).
yep, I hear you. similar age and recent major work stress/overload plus a peak in medical issues leading to an operation, I'm currently in a phase of active slow down. It is going reasonable well. Managing the stress is key...
I'd also recommend getting lots of vit C powder into you 3xday, a zinc supplement, something like olive leaf extract or high-absorption turmeric supplement, coconut oil on the rash may also help, and some medical cannabis to help ease the pain and support better sleep while you battle this one. Cheers.
thermalben wrote:GreenJam wrote:and at risk of getting attacked on here, it would seem your immune system is slightly compromised at present (allowing the old chicken pox virus to reemerge), perhaps a result of covid and/or the vaccines, or is it the other way around... The spike in shingles cases is undeniable
Certainly quite likely that my immune system is compromised, though to be honest I've been running at 150% for about twenty years now. Ironically, early last week when it all kicked off, I was very relaxed, camping down the coast with family and friends!
But I've been aware for a while that I need to slow down. Recently had my knee go on me, also had to get glasses for the first time, etc. Not enjoying this slow decent into middle age (I'm 47).
Always the way. You finally relax and you get sick.
You’ve been in chronic fight flight, and the hyper-adrenal state actually protects you from illness, then you sit back, relax and the rest of your immune system has been depleted and doesn’t protect you as well as it could.
Here's where I'm at right now.
Got them in my early 30s starting day 1 of a 2 week trip to the sth coast. Dr confirmed shingles day 3 of the trip in Merimbula. Drove home and spent next 2weeks in bed. Right shoulder, neck and up to my face covered in tiny pimple like blisters. Very sharp shooting pain up my neck to my face every time I moved my right arm or shoulder. Nothing you can do but bunker down and rest Ben, good luck.
Wow just saw that photo, bloody hell, take care
I had them early last year. Along the top of my eye and towards the temple. I thought it was just a couple of mossie bites at the start. They never got superficially bad, a bit scabby at worst. But the pain was not enjoyable. As you said Ben, a constant kinda dull pain. Like I was getting punched in the eye but from inside out. Doctor said it's lucky as they usually only attack one nerve or soemthing. If it had spread to the eye - no bloody bueno.
Jeez, that looks horrible.
Nick Bone wrote:I had them early last year. Along the top of my eye and towards the temple. ......Like I was getting punched in the eye but from inside out. Doctor said it's lucky as they usually only attack one nerve or soemthing. If it had spread to the eye - no bloody bueno.
Had them on the face too. Got under my eyelids. Felt like a combination of being jabbed in the eye with a stick and having the eyeball getting a light rub over with 40 grit.
Hey Ben,
I also had them last year. Rash wasn’t too bad just a bit on my chest and back. I kept my sores dressed with fixamull and Manuka honey under it to stop it from drying and me scratching it. My worst symptoms for me were really bad fevers and head aches as well as nerve pain in my back rather than a rash. The doc loaded me up with anti-inflammatory’s and some anti-virals I think and they took the edge of a little bit. I had a few other health problems at the time but I was pretty easily the sickest I’ve ever been. I was properly bed ridden and absolutely exhausted for at least 2 weeks but probably felt it’s lingering effects for at least a month or 3.
Just try to rest up and take it easy even when your feeling a bit better as it may linger for longer than expected.
I feel for you and hope it’s not too painful.
I got them a while ago when i was 21. After id had a bad bout of glandular fever, a sinus infection bla bla then was at the doctor about something else and said btw this rash started appearing yesterday. he immediately said it was shingles and got me on medication. So in a way i got lucky by getting on top of it very early and so avoided getting it too bad.
as someone above wrote, for me it was very much at a time when my immune system was a bit shit.
the more i hear about long covid and all the different effects it reminds me of what i went through back then.
Boss leads by example + Crew's Shingles diagnosis & symptoms is first rate...Excellent Med Advice!
Stress > Sunburn > Virus > Vax > Age ...all compromise immune system to bring on a bout of Shingles.
Not contagious unless touched by Unvaxed C' Pox > Contracts similar Virus > Chicken Pox
Keep away from Pregnant Women.
1/3 Aussies > 1/2 to 80 years will get shingles
99.5% 50+ have the Virus > At further risk by residing with immuno suppressed
25% get PHN ( Nerve Pain ) For months > Years > Life
Main stream Med reports confirm wot crew say about Covid + Covid Vax increasing Shingles!
Link a few mainstream med media reports for Ben & Crew to verify the immuno suppression link.
[+] 15-20% higher risk
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2022/08/16/If-youve-had-Covid-look-ou...
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/covid-19-linked-to-higher-shin...
Covid Vax - Incubation period of 'many Vaxes' increases Shingles risk.
https://www.healthline.com/health/covid-vaccine-herpes#vaccines-and-shin...
No shortage of disruptions to immune systems that are mandated or simply part of the Family Life.
Like the crew ...
Family break Up > Aged 13 tbb also suffered (Mystery) Glandular condition in Hospital for weeks
Got out & immediately after got shingles on side rib cage/s
Note Ben is modelling his Shingles on one side only...( Mostly targets one side )
Experts say it's just the one side but you can get a lesser patch on opposite side...tbb had both sides!
Can recall many convincing tbb it was just the one side, only tbb still have the spot scars on both sides?
Bizarre how folk go around transplanting false memories...who does that? + How is that a real Job!
Pain / Itching remains after rash...sufferers will likely suffer torment on both sides rash or not!
Insane extreme Itching & nerve racking with shock like shivers shooting from the shingles patch.
Oddly also up the back which would contort & writhe yer body...nasty it is! Can & will drive you insane.
tbb's 1976 Treatment was buckets of Calamine Lotion + Do not bust the blisters.
New Prescription swear Lotions makes it worse...tbb can agree, it sure felt like that.
Reckon it lasted about a month...
Relapse! You can occasionally get one or two smaller episodes in same area over time.
Each mostly a random solo blister or open welt, is of less concern each time over 5 > 10 > 20 years.
As for scarring...
Over 20 years the scarring may leave darker mole like spots but loses the patchy lumpy texture
Around 30 years maybe the last rare exposed itch in that area of almost zero consequence!
Meaning you may still scratch an isolated itch of one of the spots...not more & not for long!
It is weird that outta the blue ya get an urge to scratch that itch & break the flesh. (Yes! Occasionally!)
Kinda like a Hot Spot Release Valve for yet pet Shingles Bug to get a breath of fresh Air...off ya go!
40 years on are slight freckle like small bumps of no real concern...resisting the urge to scratch. (Kinda!)
If any are concerned over aesthetics...eg: as in scars on yer face!
If you go in the sun often, these spots may grow darker with tan...like sun spots & moles.
Interesting...as sufferers are meant to keep outta the Sun / Bright Lights.
Even now...Beach crew or close family members may ask what are those patch of spots...
Shingles do leave their mark for longer thru life.
Queue at the Hillsong Cure All Caravan & beg for Pastor Morrison's Free Shingles Vax..
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBsSViDUcBseRkY?format=jpg&name=900x900
Nov 2016 - 31st Oct 2023 ~ Oz seniors 71-79 yrs ( Recall the Rollout of TV ads)
How to treat...Health Direct has great info on Shingles Treatment (Regime)
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20cure%....
Shingles Jingles + Q&A
https://www.knowshingles.com.au/
Clearing up now Ben ?
The rash and blisters are on the way down now, but the nerve pain cranked up again this week (after subsiding a little last week). And the itchiness is off the hook.
Not a lot of fun at all.
An update: it's now 7.5 weeks since the first onset of pain kicked in, and the last few days have been the first time I've felt that I may have recovered to a reasonable degree - though I'm still taking daily pain medication (Gabapentin 3x times a day, and then Nurofen through the day as required for flare-ups).
Most of the itchniess has been gone for a few weeks but the nerve pain has been very slowly subsiding since about the start of December - but the degree of pain when it starts shooting is way more manageable.
I've taken the kids out surfing a few times over the last week, but yesterday was my first proper surf (fitness is way down thanks to a few months out of the water) and there were no major issues, so I reckon I can get back on the horse. Energy levels have taken a major hit though, I'm exhausted at the end of most days, especially if I've done any physical activity. Been having lots of afternoon siestas, which I think I may quietly slot into my daily routine from now anyway :D
Shingles hasn't been a lot of fun at all, and to be honest I don't really have any recommendations for anyone who gets it - my experience and that I've heard from others is that it's simply very hard to treat. There is a vaccine available that I'll look into a little more, but I have had some advice that having had shingles now, it may not be worth it as the chance of re-occurrence is now low for me.
Damn, that sounds awful. Glad to hear that you're getting back on the horse, albeit slowly.
Heal well.
Jeezus, it's a terrible disease to go through.
Good luck getting the surf fitness back Ben.
I found it helpful to do short sessions until I had some paddle conditioning back.
Sounds torturous!
Glad you can get wet again though.
Best of luck on the recovery Ben.
Just saw this so I`m definitely looking into the vaccine. Had nerve pain from compressed nerve in my back which ran down my leg and into my foot which was the most intense, relentless pain I`ve experienced. Still having trouble surfing due to numbness in my foot. I don't want to go through that pain again.
Anyone who hasn't experienced nerve pain I would suggest having a look at the vaccine. No fun.
Good to read you're recovering Ben.
Jeez, don’t mention the ‘v’ word around here, someone will start banging on that all you have to do is develop natural immunity.
There was a bit of hesitation over the keyboard when I was typing "that" word for sure.
Well I’m going to mention it.
If you have never had chicken pox and have varicella antibodies should you still get the shingles vaccine?
More organic avo, no sugar and a better mindset is all that is needed.
Healthy fit people don’t get sick.
My mother had shingles 20 years ago and still has to take eyedrops and has ongoing issues from it. It is a shitty thing to get.
Don't take my word for it lostdoggy as I may be completely wrong but I thought you had to have had chicken pox prior to getting shingles. Same virus. Someone a lot more knowledgeable than me maybe able to confirm or not.
If you had chicken pox as a child, then there is a chance that you can get shingles as an adult. My mother had chicken pox when she was a little girl and got shingles when she was in her late 70s. The doctor said it was the worst case he had ever seen and my mother suffered debilitating nerve pain right up until the time she passed away. She wished she had known about the vaccine.
December 2022 : Shingles "New US Research" Health Update!
That can't be good news...apologies to former & current sufferers.
Very large 200k+ Study
Doctors long thought Shingles led to Stroke & Coronary Heart Disease.
New research confirmed this link is more significant than previously thought.
How much more?
30% Higher Risk for 12 years or more!
Stroke > 38% Higher risk! (Especially 1st 3 months > Year)
Coronary Heart Disease > 25% Higher Risk!
How / Why?
Childhood Chicken Pox virus remains in the body (90% have Chicken Pox virus in nervous system)
Chicken Pox Vax > 1 y/o is said to Double Shingles in wider younger population
https://elifesciences.org/for-the-press/1ccc3639/chickenpox-vaccination-...
1/3 > cases reactivates in later life (50% more in Seniors) but as less contagious Shingles.
These tiny "Shingles" Exosomes contain protein that clot & form platelets resulting in Stroke.
Again...affecting mostly those in senior years...
Any reduction / alteration in immunity > (Current examples) Stress / Flu / Covid / Vaccines...brings it on!
Note: Each day Covid is infecting more Senior / Vaxed Populations resulting in more Shingles.
This is why Govt are obliged to run the Grim Reaper Ads.
Prevention : Recommending over 50 y/o Vax
Treatment : Antiviral therapy with 72 hours
More on this study...
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mystery-solved-how-shingles-ca...
Roadkill wrote:My mother had shingles 20 years ago and still has to take eyedrops and has ongoing issues from it. It is a shitty thing to get.
An ex of mine was on the verge of losing her sight.
Finally stopped taking pain relief three days ago. There's a tiny undercurrent still popping up every now and then, but by and large almost all of the pain is gone.
By my calculations that's almost twelve weeks from go to whoa.
Geez Ben, that is harsh. Hopefully you come good soon.
All better now thanks D!
Now, where did I put my fitness? Hmmmm, will keep searching this morning.
An update almost two years down the track - I've gone ahead and got the vaccine. One of two shots already done, the other coming up in a month or so.
I've had very faint tingling sensations from the shoulder region over the last year or so - probably just the nerve endings doing their thing - but it brings back vivid memories of the excruciating pain. Really not keen to ever go through this again.
What’d it cost Ben?
Sounds like such a good idea , Ben .
Great there is a vaccine 4 such a terrible affliction .
Had cold sores around the lips if sunburnt , as a kid , so lots of them .
Can still feel them starting , but freeze em
Probably had chicken pox , mum just confirmed .
Am getting older and my immune system is 2 .
Something I can ask my doctor about , thanks for the post !
The vaccine may help with other skin irritations 2 .
Maybe mozzie bites and blue bottle stings , won't B as bad :) ? !
seeds wrote:What’d it cost Ben?
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/shingle...
thermalben wrote:An update almost two years down the track - I've gone ahead and got the vaccine. One of two shots already done, the other coming up in a month or so.
I've had very faint tingling sensations from the shoulder region over the last year or so - probably just the nerve endings doing their thing - but it brings back vivid memories of the excruciating pain. Really not keen to ever go through this again.
Ben, a quick search online will show you that after the infection you have immunity for very long time.
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/spotlight/2022/12/vidd-laing-natcommun...
seeds wrote:What’d it cost Ben?
Two doses at $300 a pop. Yeah, not cheap. But I weighed the options, discussed it with the doc and decided the benefits were worth it.
burleigh wrote:thermalben wrote:An update almost two years down the track - I've gone ahead and got the vaccine. One of two shots already done, the other coming up in a month or so.
I've had very faint tingling sensations from the shoulder region over the last year or so - probably just the nerve endings doing their thing - but it brings back vivid memories of the excruciating pain. Really not keen to ever go through this again.
Ben, a quick search online will show you that after the infection you have immunity for very long time.
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/spotlight/2022/12/vidd-laing-natcommun...
I did my own research too, and discussed the issue with a few people, but ended up going with my doctor's advice.
Shingles is nasty, a friend of mine almost went blind from it.
Nothing reputable I've seen says that you are immune after having it - one study found that within 7 years, the odds of getting it again may be almost 5%, which is about the same as getting shingles the first time.
If it's suitable for you, why wouldn't you.
"Nothing reputable I've seen says that you are immune after having it". Too right Andy. It comes back. Repeatedly. Particularly when you are stressed or run down. Bastard of a thing.
"after the infection you have immunity for very long time."
Burls where does it say that?
The wife's sister was an avid anti vaxxer (thanks to her teenage son who does his own recurch), until she got shingles, had it on and off for years, painful embarrassing rash all over her face and back, finally had no choice and got the jab. Hasn't had it since.
old-dog wrote:The wife's sister was an avid anti vaxxer (thanks to her teenage son who does his own recurch), until she got shingles, had it on and off for years, painful embarrassing rash all over her face and back, finally had no choice and got the jab. Hasn't had it since.
I’ll take $200 for things that never happened
I bet you 10k its true if you like, I can easily prove it.
Shingles. It’s a Herpes species, zoster in fact.
We also have well known species such as Herpes simplex and Herpes complex.
Chicken pox virus is the main cause. AW
Anyone had 'em before?
Had a bit of a crook neck last Monday, persisted into Tuesday then migrated to a headache that night and into Wednesday (headaches are rare for me, too). Felt a smidge worse Thursday, then Friday noticed a few small red marks appearing near my shoulder. That night it developed into a full blown rash across my shoulder and chest.
Yep, I've got Shingles.
Gotta say, the pain is bad, but in a weird way. I've got a permanent dull ache across my shoulder, as if the collarbone has been broken. There are occasional sharp shooting pains from my shoulder up into my neck. The rash should be itchy, but it isn't (yet!). So right now I'm feeling the opposite of what I thought it'd be like.
Not looking forward to the scabs falling off, either.
I'm on antibiotics, but the pain relief medication isn't doing much (apparently this is common, for nerve pain?). Not keen to go higher than Panadeine Forte either.
So, at the risk of scaring the crap out of myself, has anyone else had this? I've already heard a few stories, from "worst pain of my life, for a month" through to "moderate annoyance for a week". Apparently Shingles can re-occur down the track too, though there is a vaccine available (I'm outside of the eligible rebate age bracket, so apparently it costs $280).
Either way, I'm not looking forward to the next fortnight. Already had four terrible nights of sleep.
Only good news is that my kids won't have to go through this, as they've been vaccinated against Chicken Pox.