Shingles

[rickthedrummer]

For the last week I have been dealing with Shingles. It's caused by a virus that if you had chickenpox as a kid, can sit dormant in your system for decades. In my case it's been 67 years. Once past 50, 1 out of 3 people will get it.

It can get bad to the point that during WWII, William"Bull" Halsey had to be pulled him out of his fleet and put him in the hospital for 3 months.

Mine fortunately isn't quite that bad but it is painful. It's on the right side of my face. I found that out when I got up 1 day and my right eye wouldn't open. I looked like I went 10 rounds with Tyson as my right eye was swollen shut. (That has since been dealt with). Along comes the headaches that lasted for almost 2 days nonstop. Your stomach reminds you not to stray to far from the house and the worst is that you just feel sick all over.

The main reason that I writing this post is to remind people, especially if you are past 50 that there is a vaccine for it which I, in all my brilliance, didn't think of getting even though there was a sign for a couple of shots including shingles that I saw literally every day for months.

I remember about 8 years ago, after my heart surgery, saying that people should get checked even if you feel great like I did and then have a Doctor tell you that in a year and at the outside, 2, I would have had a massive heart attack.

Don't take what I'm saying lightly, believe me, you don't want this s**t. If you had chickenpox that virus is in your system, consider the shot.

[CycleDude]

Sorry to hear that you're dealing with this Rick. I know other people who've dealt with shingles and everyone says the same as you. Its an absolute bear.

Get well soon buddy

[rickthedrummer]

Sorry to hear that you're dealing with this Rick. I know other people who've dealt with shingles and everyone says the same as you. Its an absolute bear.

Get well soon buddy

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate that.

It's a lot better than it was 5 days ago. Just keep in mind that if you had chickenpox as a kid, that virus is still in you and can pop up at anytime (usually after 50, but that's not carved in stone). Mine hung around for 67 years.

[drummer]

Rick, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with that. I just had my 1st vaccine and am getting the second dose next week. I still waited too long. I consider myself lucky.

[rickthedrummer]

At least you got the vaccine. I saw the sign for the shot almost every day and ignored it.

[MDK]

Sorry to hear Rick, I have had shingles twice which is very rare. 1st time (51) was on left side of my belly to almost my back and Hurt pretty good, even a T-shirt brushing against it was like someone rubbing my skin with sand paper. 2nd time (54) was much less painful and was on my neck. Although the pain was about a 4 or so for about 2 weeks the 1st time I did not feel it was enough to warrant a vaccine as I was told it was rare to get it a 2nd time. Well when I got it the 2nd tiime it only last about 5 days and the pain was a 1 at best. Still have not gotten vacine but am reading up on it more and talking to a few DR. friends.

[rickthedrummer]

2 to 4 weeks is what it usually lasts. I'm hoping to get in under the 2 week mark.

I'll probably get the vaccine when this is over. No sense pushing my luck.

[slanddad]

Just reading this.Hope you start feeling better soon.Thanks for the reminder.

[rickthedrummer]

Just reading this.Hope you start feeling better soon.Thanks for the reminder.

Consider the shot Rick ( talk to your doctor 1st.) Believe me, you don't want this crap.

[slanddad]

I have known a few people who have had this. You"re right,they"re no joke.

[Olimpass]

Also I believe if you have Medicare that this vaccine is covered.

[rickthedrummer]

Also I believe if you have Medicare that this vaccine is covered.

I can get mine through the VA, but I believe that some of the chain stores have it for free.

[pgm554]

Believe it or not ,Justin Bieber has it.

[rickthedrummer]

Believe it or not ,Justin Bieber has it.

I'm not sure as to who he is but isn't he a kid?

[Bish]

So far....65.5 and no signs. I live very dangerously. My doc is not happy with me.

[EyePea]

Got coov in March this year.

The thing bought on my CP virus and I got shingles.

OMG this was unbelievably painful on my chest left side

Took 1.5 months to go away completely.

I'm close to the age mentioned.

Will discuss what you say with my doc. Thank you.