Somehow I managed to not get the mumps, measles, or chickenpox. My mother would actually ask the parents of other children if I could stay and keep their infected child company. My brother got all three, but not me. My mother was worried I would get one of those conditions when I was older, and supposedly it was worse on older people. @Von Jones did your doctor say you could use anything kind of lotion or ointment to help keep your shingles from scaring you? I have a friend that was scared by his shingles.
Very similar except on my left side. Before I saw my doctor I was trying every thing so that I could keep that area under my arm from touching the blisters for fear of bursting. I finally applied baby powder with cornstarch and wore my husband's shirts. I found that to be a comfortable way around the house.
@Von Jones Yes, only once. From Wikipedia: The shingles vaccine is routinely recommended for adults older than 60 years of age. The vaccine is given as a single dose and is only given once. The shingles vaccine is recommended even if you have had a previous episode of shingles, as long as the disease is not active.
No, he didn't. Which I was surprised about that. Maybe he is waiting until my follow-up visit to discuss what happens next. Anyway, I read coco butter was recommended to help lessen the scarring. I'm not to concerned with the scarring because of where the rash is located. Once the blisters start to scab I will be using vaseline and let my skin color return naturally, or if not I'll wear my battle wounds proudly as a shingles survivor .
@Ken Anderson based on what I've read it's purely up to the individual to get the shingles vaccine 'after' having had the shingles. My understanding of is shingles is like a movie similar to Harry Potter or Twilight - Shingles - The final episode of having the Chickenpox - there's always the possibility of a continuing storyline or a remake - Superman or Batman.
My wife, from what she remembers, had Chicken Pox when Shaw was young. Her brother had it also. This past Saturday, we went to CVS Pharmacy for her Shingles shot. Her brother got the shot a few years ago. Now, from what I remember, the only disease I had when young was measles. I asked the Pharmacist if a person who has not had Chicken Pox should get the shot and she said “yes”. I’m going to find out what my VA PCP says about me. BTW, the shot cost us $233. Medicare “D” Prescription Plan will pay for part of the cost, but we only have Medicare A & B. Our Prescription Plan, Humana Walmart, will only pay $30 out of $200. My wife’s PCP charged $345 for the shot. No thanks! So, for me, just waiting to hear from my VA doctor. We will both be getting the Senior Double Dose Flu shot in a couple of weeks. That is 100% free thru Medicare B.
I got my shingles shot a few years ago at Walgreens for $200. After seeing what my ex went through, I knew that I wanted to avoid that whatever it cost.
Myself and both daughters have had all the child hood diseases. They both came down with chicken pox at the same time and had bad case. Few years later at age of 9 0r 10 youngest one had shingles down her back. My mother had light case on her knee one time. Very painful stuff. Probably should get the shot but can not afford that. The pneumonia shot and flu shot in 2015 ....thought I was going to croak...so skipped last year. Oct.is usually when we get the shots still trying to decide.
Shingles is very painful and ugly! My wife’s youngest sister got Shingles a few months ago. Doctors at the hospital told her the break-out was due to lots of stress she was going thru at the time. I just need to know, from my doctor, if I need the shot since I’ve never had Chicken Pox.....that I know of/remember.
I'm glad to know the cost of a shingles shot. I don't have medicare but it seems that any contageous disease would be covered in full by any insurance. I understand why so many choose not to get a shingles shot now.