Shingles

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

Ever had it?

 

[#1hoosierfan]

Yes, twice. Got the shingles vaccine last year.

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

Yes, twice. Got the shingles vaccine last year.

Sorry you had to go through that.

I've had it once.

 

[tvguy]

Nope.
Got the vaccine when I was 59, had to pay $200 out of pocket since I wasn't 60 yet and my insurance wouldn't pay before then.
Then found out that vaccine really didn't work, got the two dose vaccine when I turned 65, for free.

 

[FairyGodmother00]

Unfortunately........Yes

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Twice as well - both times in my early 30’s. Pretty awful so highly recommend getting the vaccine if/when you are eligible.

Also just as a general PSA - I was completely unaware that stress could trigger shingles. Was a real wake-up call since my work/life balance was practically nonexistent. Obviously, we can’t avoid stress entirely but it’s definitely made me more aware of the impact my emotional state has on my physical health.

 

[Disneychick13]

Yes. I got it when I was too young to get the vaccine. And then I got the vaccine once I turned 50. For me shingles wasn’t that bad but I realize I was very lucky (and that’s why I got the vaccine).

 

[ralphie]

Twice, got the original vaccine only.

 

[ncc1701]

Not yet but got the 2 shot vaccine this year. DH had it about 7 years ago. He had a mild case and got the his 2 shot last year.

 

[ncc1701]

Nope.
Got the vaccine when I was 59, had to pay $200 out of pocket since I wasn't 60 yet and my insurance wouldn't pay before then.
Then found out that vaccine really didn't work, got the two dose vaccine when I turned 65, for free.

When DH has his bout with shingles 7 years ago , his Doctor said the 1 shot wasn't effective.

 

[greeneyedchick]

Yes, it's horrible. I got it in my late 30s.

 

[Deb]

Got the two dose vaccine a few years ago. I know someone who lost sight in one eye from it, so I didn't hesitate to get the vaccine.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Then found out that vaccine really didn't work

his Doctor said the 1 shot wasn't effective.

It actually was effective, just not very much. The first shingles vaccine (zostavax) had it's strongest effectiveness against shingles in the first year (67%), which dropped to 50% the second year, 27% the eighth year, and 15% after 10 years. And because shingles is really bad, I got the first single shot vaccine in spite of the low effectiveness. In my opinion 30% was better than 0%. My sister had shingles as a child and was miserable, she still has scars around her midsection (60 years later).

I got the 2 dose Shingrix vaccine as soon as it was available, also.

 

[HeatherC]

No shingles but got my second dose of Shingrix last week. My brother has had Shingles in his eye recurring every so often. The first time was absolutely horrific and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Hospitalized several times, almost lost his sight, no pain meds could touch it and to this day over 10 years later it recurs and he still has nerve pain from it and needs to be treated asap. My advice is get the vaccine if you are able.

 

[jo-jo]

No shingles but got my second dose of Shingrix last week. My brother has had Shingles in his eye recurring every so often. The first time was absolutely horrific and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Hospitalized several times, almost lost his sight, no pain meds could touch it and to this day over 10 years later it recurs and he still has nerve pain from it and needs to be treated asap. My advice is get the vaccine if you are able.

Your brother gets it over and over? Even with vaccine?

I might have had a super mild case years ago. I had a band about my waist feeling like a burn. No blisters. Just very tender to touch. Thought it was irritation from waistband. But then it moved beyond waist area. I walked about with frozen gel packs tucked into clothes. Never got so bad to check with dr, so not sure. Nothing since getting shingix.

 

[Miffy]

DH has it now. No fun at all.
He's unvaccinated but will get the vaccine as soon as this is over and the doc says okay.

 

[hertamaniac]

I actually just had my Shingrix shot #1 almost 2 months ago. I need to wait 1 more week for the follow-up shot (it's recommended to have it done from 2-6 months post shot #1). Interestingly, there is some recent data suggesting that the latest vaccine has a positive effect on dementia.

My insurance covers the cost of the shots, 100%.

 

[tzolkin]

I had it when I was 12. It was awful and I had scarring for a long time.

 

[WDWEPCOT]

Yes more times than I care to mention- through the vaccine and while on medication for it - they blame stress but seriously I’ve been more stressed and not gotten them so I don’t know - but I’m tired of getting them !!! They seem to like breaking out in my eyes and on the palms of my hands and of course my back - the eyes hurt like the devil !!! Goes same way each time before it hits so I know when it’s coming ! Dr tried keeping me on medication as maintenance that didn’t work either - I really think something else is triggering this I just have no clue what Dr Google has been no help at all

 

[HeatherC]

Your brother gets it over and over? Even with vaccine?

I might have had a super mild case years ago. I had a band about my waist feeling like a burn. No blisters. Just very tender to touch. Thought it was irritation from waistband. But then it moved beyond waist area. I walked about with frozen gel packs tucked into clothes. Never got so bad to check with dr, so not sure. Nothing since getting shingix.

Yes…he has had it several times now. Luckily never as bad as the first time. His doctors won’t let him get the vaccine because they are afraid it may actually make it worse for him. Just last month he had a small outbreak that sent him back to the hospital with eye issues again. I feel,so bad for him. He is otherwise extremely active and healthy and in his mid fifties. Shingles is nothing to mess around with.