Shingles...

[Karen]

I see the post for the Shingles vaccine in my doctor's office and remember when my elderly neighbor Kay had it, so when I am of the age I will definitely get the vaccine. I know I had chicken pox - it was the only time I ever missed school in elementary school, and I gave to Lady's Human, who was a little baby, and we kept having to put socks over his hands so he couldn't scratch the itchies! Kay said it was excruciating, I hope to never have to have Shingles.

[redbird]

I see the post for the Shingles vaccine in my doctor's office and remember when my elderly neighbor Kay had it, so when I am of the age I will definitely get the vaccine.

I never knew there was a vaccine for Shingles till yesterday when my pharmacist told me about it. I also didn't know you had to be a certain age either, you learn something new every day.

[Catty1]

Here's a link to some home remedies - stuff you can put on the rash to help the pain: http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=179

[Karen]

The posters say anyone can get Shingles at any age if they have had chicken pox exposure, but the vaccine is recommended for anyone over 60.

[phesina]

I looked into getting the vaccine after I heard about shingles last year or so, but it turned out the vaccine would cost something like $250 and it wasn't covered by my prescription drug insurance. So... no shingles vaccine! I just have to hope I don't get shingles.

[Grace]

Definitely get the vaccine before you turn 65 and go on Medicare. I thought I heard that they are now paying for it, but after what Pat said - maybe not.

I was past 65 when I had the vaccine, because it wasn't available earlier; fortunately my supplemental insurance is fantastic, and paid for the entire cost

[Louie and me]

Yup - I've had shingles twice too. Nasty stuff. There is a medication you can take that prevents the rash from spreading but you have to take it within 24 hours of the first symptoms. I was lucky last time because I recognized straight away what it was down my arm and wrist. It was miserable still but could have been worse. Sorry I don't remember the name of the drug. Canada hadn't approved the vaccine at that time but I think they have now.

[phesina]

Definitely get the vaccine before you turn 65 and go on Medicare. I thought I heard that they are now paying for it, but after what Pat said - maybe not.

I was past 65 when I had the vaccine, because it wasn't available earlier; fortunately my supplemental insurance is fantastic, and paid for the entire cost

Thanks, Gretchen. I'm 69 and did have chicken pox as a child. Maybe it was my Medicare supp. insurance that didn't pay for it. I know Medicare didn't, at least not then, a year or two ago when I first heard about it and checked into it. Maybe I should check this out again.

Pat

[kuhio98]

I looked into getting the vaccine after I heard about shingles last year or so, but it turned out the vaccine would cost something like $250 and it wasn't covered by my prescription drug insurance. So... no shingles vaccine! I just have to hope I don't get shingles.

Pat, Thanks for the information. I didn't realize the vaccine was so expensive. Though, from what I'm hearing -- about how painful shingles can be -- I'm thinking $250 sounds like a small price to pay to not have this painful experience.

[caseysmom]

My husband had them a few years ago it was awful. I asked my doctor if I could get a shot even though I am 52 and she said yes I just need to get in there and get it I had surgery 9/12 and didn't want to do it right before or after. Luckily my insurance fully covers it.

[redbird]

Here's a link to some home remedies - stuff you can put on the rash to help the pain: http://www.myhomeremedies.com/topic.cgi?topicid=179

Since there is no rash showing as of yet, my Dr. couldn't say for sure if it is Shingles so he didn't give me the anti-viral meds. He did give me a prescription for a pain medication which I have to pick up from the pharmacist today. I'm sure it's Shingles since I've had it before and I had the rash before but up till now, I still don't have the rash. Thanks.

[smokey the elder]

I had them 3 years ago. They were on the left side of my head, down my neck. They started with sharp pains on my scalp. The med my Dr. gave me was called "acyclovir" and he also gave me some topical stuff but the blisters hurt too much to put them on!

You need to keep them covered to protect people around you who have not had chicken pox.