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Post by Marci on Nov 6, 2006 3:00:32 GMT -5
I had to look it up to find out what it is. Yep what I thought it was. Bummer. But I did find this page. www.myshinglescure.com/?REF=GOA Haven't a clue if it would help. Perhaps a natural food store would know of something? There might be something herbal or homeopathic. I know Arnica kicks the pain out wonder if it would work on shingles? Oh but one thing I did find out with poison ivy if it itches take a really hot as you can stand it bath and you get a few hours relief from the itching. Course at her age a hot as you can stand it bath might not be a good idea. |
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Post by goaliemom on Nov 6, 2006 8:24:12 GMT -5
My dad was 75 when he got shingles and we found that a bath in Fels Naptha soap really helped calm the fire. I could find it in the laundry section of the store and it was in bar form. I held it under the water and filled the tub and then dad washed with it. It helped him a lot. I hope that helps some.
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Post by snaffle on Nov 6, 2006 8:32:32 GMT -5
I had always heard that stress can bring on shingles and it is very itchy...
it just went around the nurshing home where my mil is...(first time I ever heard it is contagious)
not everyone got it...
one of the workers got it.. had one teeny tiny spot and didnt know what it was.. dr gave her a prescription that cleared it up immediately.
one old codger was put in 'quarantine' when he had it.. which was nice for everyone else cause he is such a big mouth!!!
I would try the health food store and see what they suggest...
also.. go to yahoo groups and try to find a group that discusses it... get their remedies
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2006 8:48:18 GMT -5
I've had shingles:( No fun. They were brought on by stress and were treated with Valtrex....yes, the stuff they prescribe for herpes. It's simply an anti-viral and rated a class B pharm. I took it while I was pregnant with my third child  I often wonder if it possibly had something to do with her disorder, but because of the class they consider it safe to give to pregnent women. But then again, it simply could've been the shingles that was the problem...or, or, or... Anyway, shingles is treated with Valtrex and it works. There is also a topical that helps with the itch. It doesn't only itch though...it can be VERY painful.  |
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Post by KarenN on Nov 6, 2006 9:19:10 GMT -5
Ted had it very very bad several years ago - the prescription drug treatm,ent was the only thing that helped and it helped VERY quickly. Thie ie one disease that I compltetly recommned the Dr's prescription over more holitisc treatments - not to leave them out entirely, but use them together with.... prayers for your MIL, I wouldn't wish them on anyone!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2006 9:48:34 GMT -5
That's really sad that no one seems to be giving what so obviosuly works. I'm sorry to hear that!
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Post by Mary Ann on Nov 6, 2006 9:59:37 GMT -5
Coyote, here's how it can be contagious. Some viruses, like the herpes viruses, can be passed but then lie dormant on the sheaths of nerves. They can be then be activated by vaccinations like flu shots, stress, hormonal shifts, etc. Now it's normal to give a senior a flu shot because the risk is so great if they get sick. But I'd question whether she'd be a good candidate for them again. No doubt the doctor could guide you on this. My vet had shingles in his eyes and face. It was awful pain. I don't know how for sure he treated it, but I do know he had a really rough summer one year on account of it. Best wishes for an uneventful recovery for your MIL. Poor thing. |
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Post by rhapsody on Nov 6, 2006 10:57:44 GMT -5
If you've ever had chicken pox, you can get shingles. The virus, as MA said, can lay dormant in your nerves and it can crop up at times of stress. I ended up with shingles on my arm in college (totally unusual place!) and had to keep it covered and dry. Covered to prevent any of the fluid from contacting other people (if the blisters break, you can spread the virus via the fluid in the blister) and dry to try to speed up the breakout's drying out.
I had several of those occurrences throughout college. It's been awhile since it came out on my arm, but I've had it crop up on my abdomen (a more typical place) on a couple of other occasions.
It's very painful even with small breakouts. I can't imagine how a mass breakout would feel . . . During one of my breakouts, I tried the Valtrex but it gave me a horrible headache.
DO NOT USE Cortisone cream on shingles! At one time, I did get an ointment for my arm but I don't remember what it was called. If it's really bad, could the Dr perhaps prescribe some anesthetic ointment for her? I had an Rx for a lidocaine ointment at one time but I don't think it was for the shingles outbreak. You'd have to check whether something like that could be used on shingles for the pain.
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Post by KarenN on Nov 6, 2006 11:16:53 GMT -5
Aycylovir - that's the drug I was trying to remember that kicked Ted's case in the butt! He has had it three times now, and each time the Acyclovir kicked it. Worst part of his is that he gets them on his back and IN his throat! YUCK
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Post by rhapsody on Nov 6, 2006 11:18:53 GMT -5
Yikes! IN his throat? That's awful, Karen. I don't know how he handles that. *shudder*
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Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2006 19:58:54 GMT -5
Now you've reached the reason no one is treating like we all have been treated. I don't know about the acyclovir but I know the drug companies were testing new drug for "lingering pain" from shingles. And this was a good while back..so maybe it's ready for scripting? The poor thing, I feel terrible for her. Sending prayers for comfort and relief from her shingles.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2006 12:39:02 GMT -5
I never gave getting it again a second thought...How common is that? I trusted my doctor at the time to get me through it and she did. I had NO idea people had such complications with Shingles. Shows how much I don't know. I knew about the "lingering pain" study from TV but didn't know it was common.
Hopefully they figure out what works for her soon. I don't know what the topical was she gave me but it helped with the itch and ache. I wish I could remember for you. Maybe it would help.
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Post by Ella Fitzgerald on Mar 7, 2023 5:42:12 GMT -5
I've had shingles:( No fun. They were brought on by stress and were treated with Valtrex....yes, the stuff they prescribe for herpes. It's simply an anti-viral and rated a class B pharm. I took it while I was pregnant with my third child I often wonder if it possibly had something to do with her disorder, but because of the class they consider it safe to give to pregnent women. But then again, it simply could've been the shingles that was the problem...or, or, or... Anyway, shingles is treated with Valtrex and it works. There is also a topical that helps with the itch. It doesn't only itch though...it can be VERY painful. |
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I often wonder if it possibly had something to do with her disorder, but because of the class they consider it safe to give to pregnent women. But then again, it simply could've been the shingles that was the problem...or, or, or...
