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Shingles

lilusmom

lilusmom

Gonna really shine!
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Dec 2, 2013
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I have just found out that my dear mother has shingles. She suffers from COPD and just got over a bug that we were worried would take her. She finally kicked the bug but now has the shingles. Does anyone have any ideas of things that can help to ease the pain? I have never had the shingles shot but I am worried since the last time I got a flu shot I got the "flu" which turned out to be an outbreak of another of the herpes family, roseola (who knew?) and have had chronic fatigue since. I worry now about getting any of the shots out there for us "more mature" people. But since shingles is contagious I will have to chance it so I can help my little sis take care of her. Does anyone know how long it lasts and when it is most contagious? Thanks guys for listening and any suggestions you might have. Debby
 
My grandmother has had shingles; and I know it's extremely painful, but that's about all I know. I think you should contact your primary care physician BEFORE you go over to take care of her. They may suggest you get the shingles vaccine. They can probably answer your questions over the phone; but rather safe than sorry, right? Good luck!!
 
Sorry to hear about your Mum's Shingles, they are just horrid. My MIL had them recently after she got run down and was miserable. Hope your Mum gets better soon :heartlub
 
Oh my goodness - sounds like she has been through so much already. I know people who have had them but like others don't know any of the medical details. They do tend to rear their ugly heads when under stress. I would call your Dr as well! Big hugs to you and hope your mom recovers quickly.
 
The shingles vaccine is indicated for adults 50 years and up. It is contagious on the blister stage. If they are scabbed or it is before the blister stage, then not contagious.
 
I've had no experience with the shingles except hearing how painful it is!
I'd ask your doctor just to be sure, cuz it would suck to be suck and unable to help your sister take care of your mom!
 
So my husband just had shingles this last winter (he was only 34 then!) Needless to say- we were under a good deal of stress & that's what the dr thinks caused his. He had CLASSIC shingles symptoms- it just wasn't on our radar since it's considered an 'older person' problem! ;) ANywho- for him cortisone cream really helped the itching & aleve for the pain. He isn't much of a medication person- he would barely take the aleve. Ice packs on the inflamed areas helped him too- I think it just numbed the skin so it wasn't so itchy! :D His lasted about a month from when he first started noticing symptoms (wasn't for a couple weeks until he saw a dr.) They are contagious but not after the scabs have formed. Thankfully no one else in the family got them. Sorry I'm not more help! I hope hers passes quickly!
 
Shingles are the WORST. I had them when I was 22 and doing student teaching in college. They burn, itch, and ache all at the same time. I wish I could be more help, but it was so long ago and I had a milder case. I had them around my waist and I do remember that I couldn't wear anything with a waist band for several weeks. I echo what others have said...give the dr a call. I hope your mom gets some relief!!
 
amien1 said:
So my husband just had shingles this last winter (he was only 34 then!) Needless to say- we were under a good deal of stress & that's what the dr thinks caused his. He had CLASSIC shingles symptoms- it just wasn't on our radar since it's considered an 'older person' problem! ;) ANywho- for him cortisone cream really helped the itching & aleve for the pain. He isn't much of a medication person- he would barely take the aleve. Ice packs on the inflamed areas helped him too- I think it just numbed the skin so it wasn't so itchy! :D His lasted about a month from when he first started noticing symptoms (wasn't for a couple weeks until he saw a dr.) They are contagious but not after the scabs have formed. Thankfully no one else in the family got them. Sorry I'm not more help! I hope hers passes quickly!
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The sister of one of Bianca's teammates just got the shingles, SHE IS 16!!!!!!!! It was stressed related.
 
Shingles here too when I was 30! Stress! lol but.............the doctor gave me the most awesome cream (I am in my 50s now, so can't remember the name). I had horrible scarring on my arm and waist. My husband and I prayed, and watched the scars disappear before our eyes!
I so agree, your doctor is a the one to ask for the big guns of pain relief. so sorry she is going thru this..it is a rough one.

and I have to say, you made my heart flutter with happy at the adjective of your "dear" mother. That is just so sweet! ♥
 
I've had a few of my friends get it....I'm beginning to think it's not just for "old" people. Or maybe I'm old? I'm not sure what they've done to relieve the pain. I'm so sorry.
 
I had a mild case several years ago... right at the bra line on my left side. I got medicine from the doctor. However, I have some acquaintances that have had lots of luck with controlling the pain and itching by using essential oils. Specifically Ravensara essential oil mixed with distilled water and misted on the area. This is also what I have learned in the aromatherapy school I'm attending.
 
HavaDrPepper said:
I had a mild case several years ago... right at the bra line on my left side. I got medicine from the doctor. However, I have some acquaintances that have had lots of luck with controlling the pain and itching by using essential oils. Specifically Ravensara essential oil mixed with distilled water and misted on the area. This is also what I have learned in the aromatherapy school I'm attending.
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My daughter in law is into essential oils and I am calling her tomorrow. Thank you so much for the suggestion. Debby
 
amien1 said:
So my husband just had shingles this last winter (he was only 34 then!) Needless to say- we were under a good deal of stress & that's what the dr thinks caused his. He had CLASSIC shingles symptoms- it just wasn't on our radar since it's considered an 'older person' problem! ;) ANywho- for him cortisone cream really helped the itching & aleve for the pain. He isn't much of a medication person- he would barely take the aleve. Ice packs on the inflamed areas helped him too- I think it just numbed the skin so it wasn't so itchy! :D His lasted about a month from when he first started noticing symptoms (wasn't for a couple weeks until he saw a dr.) They are contagious but not after the scabs have formed. Thankfully no one else in the family got them. Sorry I'm not more help! I hope hers passes quickly!
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Thank you for the suggestions. I will call my sis about the cortisone cream. Debbt
 
Within the first few days, the doc can give medication, that stops it from developing fully, check if it has been discovered early enough, it is expensive ,but worth it. After that not much you can do apart from let it take its course, and keep her comfortable. My mum had it badly,it is definitely one of the ones to try to avoid. Lots of vitamins and relaxing herb teas for you, while you look after her. Crossing fingers.
 
Oh no, that is terrible. I feel so badly for her. I don't have any suggestions for pain relief, but I bet you'd find some in a Google search. Google is my best friend. As far as the vaccine, I have had it and had no ill effects. I understand that some people can still get it, but that it will be a much milder case. Thinking of your Mom, hugs.
 
I'm so sorry, let's hope she does not have a really bad case. I had shingles a few years ago and was probably lucky that I happened to have a doctor's appointment the very day the sores emerged so I got on a drug regimen from the onset. It was not fun, I called it breast leprosy, yep great place to have them!!!

I hope your mom will recover quickly.

... and while I'm here, let me encourage anyone who has not had the shingles shot to get it. My doctor had me get one even after I had the disease, I surely don't want to get it again.
 
My MIL had a terrible case years ago and she had some kind of cortisone cream that really helped but don't know the name of it. I sure hope she recovers quickly. Hugs to her.
 
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