<p>I’d like to suggest that those of you that haven’t gotten the vaccine check with your state health clinics. Our local library had a shingles vaccine clinic last fall and ANYONE who was over 50 could get the vaccine for…$5! Most of the people on staff and a couple of volunteers got it. The workers said that legally they couldn’t deny anyone.</p>
<p>I’m over 60, and paid out of pocket at Costco. My insurance wouldn’t pay, and I didn’t fight it. Having seen people with shingles, it was worth the money. Heck, I’d lose more money for each day I missed work. </p>
<p>Just a quick update on the insurance question – I got the shingles vaccine on Tuesday and the insurance claim has already been processed – bill for the shot was a little under $245, insurance paid 100%. I have a high deductible policy, but this was covered as preventive care. I am age 60. I don’t think my insurance would have paid if I was younger. </p>
<p>For anyone considering getting the vaccine … I’d suggest you do. I had a case of the shingles and it sucked. It was far from life threatening but it was pretty uncomfortable for quite awhile. There was a couple days delay before I realized I should see a doc and then a day delay to get in to see the doc … by the time I got there it was a pretty big case … fortunately in a “safe” place … but still pretty uncomfortable to live with for awhile. From my seat if one shot reduces your risk by 50% it is a no brainer … especially since it is now likely I will have multiple episodes over my lifetime.</p>
<p>Even DH, who avoids flu shots, says he will do the shingles shot when 60.</p>
<p>My Dad is 87. I can’t imagine why his doctors did not recommend vaccinations. The bad news is that the urgent care doc that chewed him out last week for ignoring the rash a few days put him on the wrong antiviral. Argh. He started a different antiviral med this week. </p>
<p>OP how is it going? Update?</p>
<p>3togo, my husband got shingles when he was only 41. Lots of stress at that point - without work, and our baby was 9 weeks old. It was pretty bad. The good news is that he’s 60 and has never gotten it again. So I hope you have similar luck.</p>
<p>I remember how miserable my mother felt with shingles that I made sure to get the shingles vax as soon as I turned 60. Didn’t have a reaction. My insurance didn’t cover it. </p>
<p>I saw a sign at Costco which said any one over 50 qualified for the shot covered by insurance.</p>
<p>I revived this helpful thread on June 2nd. At this point I am happy to report the elderly (but very young at heart) patient is doing better. He’s disappointed by the forced rest regimen, but the pain seems more under control. Yay - he had a good night’s sleep this weekend. </p>
<p>c_m, great news!</p>
<p>That’s good to hear, cmom! As the OP of this thread, I can say that I still get a twinge now and then, but am basically all recovered. It was a long, painful haul.</p>
<p>Glad to hear there’s improvement.</p>
<p>I wish they’d come up with a more modern dignified name for this. “Shingles” sounds like something out of the Depression, like rickets or lumbago. </p>
<p>Thanks for reviving the thread. I’m willing to pay out of pocket if necessary, though I will check around for clinics. DH should be covered since he’s 60.</p>
<p>Well, you can call it “herpes zoster”. Or call it “chicken pox strikes back”.</p>
Diagnosed today. 48 years old. Just after a vacation that was pretty nice —minus the two horrible long car rides with children/bickering sibs and driving in LA traffic that nearly ended our marriage (the first is true, the second an exaggeration).
I’ve had Bells Palsy/chicken pox/trigeminal neuralgia and I knew I was at risk but too young for shot without full out of pocket. Came on yesterday … started with two sharp pains in my lower back that I actually thought were scorpions in my pants (we have those here and sometimes they get in your clothes). Stripped my shorts off in the kitchen but no creepy crawlies. A few additional shocks that night…so I had suspicions and took some left over prednisone.
This morning I got the numb face/around eye much like Bell’s starts. Went right away to urgent care and got antivirals and prednisone. More scared then painful at 8 a.m. After I got home found what might be the rash on my neck/jaw. We’ll see… and meanwhile I will read this thread top to bottom to see if I can find any good tips. I sound like I am coming down with a cold as my voice doesn’t sound like me…is this part of it?
So sorry! I hope it is mild.
Oh @TempeMom, I hope you caught it in time. Good luck.
@TempeMom, is your shingles outbreak on your lower back? Typically, it happens only in one place on one side of the body, in the same place where the prodromal discomfort was felt. I guess I’ve never heard of it happening on the back and later manifesting on the face.
I didn’t have any symptoms of a cold. However, you are fighting a fairly powerful virus, perhaps your immune system is compromised and vulnerable to other infections.
I sure hope you feel better soon.
84 yr old mother had bad case of it, after 6 weeksin rehab for broken pelvis - ( high off the chart stress)
Sounds like your trip high stress !
Antiviral key first 48 hours.
Hers started on lower side of body, wrapped around to front, but did not cross over, as mentioned it usually stays within nerve area effected.
Ice packs helpful for the burning heat pain.
I think gabapentin was brought on board, but now not 100% sure. Start slow, and titrate up with that drug. ( had we taken her primary’s advice, she would have been knocked for loop.) experienced family member counseled us to go slowly.
I hope it’s mild- no fun. Sorry you are dealing with this.