Sunday, October 18, 2015

Shingles Selfie


See that shit near my armpit?  That wraps around to my back. but there's no one else here to take a back photo but me and Charlie.  I tried a few times and gave up.  The shit follows neural pathways.  If you touch it, it hurts like hell. Wearing clothing is painful.

20 % of shingles sufferers suffer permanent nerve damage from the disease.  And it can reappear, in the same or different locations.  I was told today that triggers include a low immune system (not that I'm aware of) and stress.  Bingo!  Stress is coming out of every orifice of my body.  If they could convert stress to electricity, I could probably light up a mid-sized town.

I remember asking my physician about the shingles vaccine last year.  He didn't seem too enthused.  Check out this site: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm  Even the CDC admits that the shingles vaccine is only about 60% effective.

So, we'll see how this progresses and take it from there.  Hopefully I got on the anti-viral soon enough.  Whatever, once I'm healthy again, I think I'll get the shingles shot if my insurance covers it.  I heard it's expensive.  But if there's anything I can do to avoid a repeat of this, I'm going for it.

I hear it can take a long, long time for shingles to heal.  I don't know if I have that much time left.

13 comments:

Beejay said...

My doctor was fine with me getting the shingles vaccination. He did say I could still get it, but it would be milder.

Anonymous said...

Sounds rough -

Maybe you should try a bicycle generator! Seriously:

http://www.econvergence.net/

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/a10245/pedal-power-how-to-build-a-bike-generator-16627209/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWzxq0aCfLE

hale-bopp said...

Ouch! That sucks. Hope it goes away soon.

Even if you get shingles, the vaccine typically means it will be a milder case. I am not in the age range its recommended for yet, but I will definitely get it.

OrbsCorbs said...

Beejay, my regular doctor is trying to kill me.

Toad said...

Orb's, NO, that's the Republicans trying to kill you. BTW. I know they hurt like a SOB. My wife had them. The only shingles I want Is, Shit on a Shingle, and I purchased two packages today, made by my mom Mrs. Stouffer. She lives In the freezer section of the grocery store. I wish I knew something that would ease your pain, but I'm not certain anything exists.

OrbsCorbs said...

The doctor gave me Vicodin for pain, but I don't like those. Vicodin is the first drug I've encountered that literally makes me angry. I know it sounds nuts, but it's true. I take one and half an hour later, I'm pissed at everything. I'll live with the pain.

OrbsCorbs said...

Hmm. When I drank , I got angry, too. So I guess Vicodin is the second drug that affects me like that.

Instant asshole: just add alcohol.

lizardmom said...

Orbs, I'm so sorry. I've heard it's wicked, I hope the meds head off the worst and it goes away soon for you!

Tender Heart Bear said...

Daddy Orbs- I hope you don't have to much pain from this and if you need anything please call us. We are here to help you.

OKIE said...

I hope the meds will kick in quick Orbs. Nasty nasty thing to have.

kkdither said...

My doc fluffed off my inquiry about the shingles vaccine, too. Instead, he was hot to administer the Tdap (Whooping Cough/Tetanus/Diphtheria) shot. That sucker hurt like a son of a gun for almost a week afterward. I couldn't even lay on that shoulder it hurt so much.

I hope you feel better soon. It looks like it hurts like heck. Probably worse than that. I'm not a fan of the Vicodin or Oxycodone either.

OrbsCorbs said...

Hurts like hell, doesn't seem to have spread anymore. It's hard to sleep.

kkdither said...

I know they recommended Aveeno Oatmeal Bath products when my kids had the Chicken Pox. The very fine oatmeal in the product really soothed the sores. I'm thinking that might not be a bad idea? They also make a bar soap for about $3.00 if you aren't keen on the bath idea.