Rams Fan done got "the shingles"

[polksalet]

He is 36 and this seems odd to us. Everyone we have known with this disorder has been a LOT older. Granted, he had abused his body so I suppose that would increase his risk but that still seems pretty young. Is there any test for this other than the doc just goiving an opinion based upon a set of symptoms? Otherwise, what is known by the huddle collective about this?

[keggerz]

He is 36 and this seems odd to us. Everyone we have known with this disorder has been a LOT older. Granted, he had abused his body so I suppose that would increase his risk but that still seems pretty young. Is there any test for this other than the doc just goiving an opinion based upon a set of symptoms? Otherwise, what is known by the huddle collective about this?

i got shingles when i was around 36 too.....small round patch that hurt and itched like hell on the side of my waist....went to the doc he looked at it and diagnosed it...gave me a script for some meds(cant remember what kind)...think it took a couple of weeks and then all was fine

[westvirginia]

I got shingles a couple years ago, at 33. Doc gives you a weeks supply of Valtrex (yes, the herpes med) for it, so you of course have the cutest young pharmacist on duty when you go geth that one filled...

 

It hurts like a mofo, too.

[Menudo]

Wow, the timing on this is crazy.

 

I went to the Dr's on Monday with a rash near my chest, and I was diagnosed with Shingles. I'm only 33. The Dr. didn't seem concerned. They put me on Acyclovir which I have to take 5 times a day. Damn thing itches like crazy, but, it hasn't been too bad for me.

[keggerz]

fwiw, i think shingles is related to chickenpox that you get when you are a kid

Edited May 21, 2008 by keggerz

[keggerz]

fwiw, i think shingles is related to chickenpox that you get when you are a kid

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-tre...-topic-overview

 

What is shingles?

 

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection of the nerve roots. It causes pain and often causes a rash on one side of the body, the left or right. The rash appears in a band, a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury, certain medicines, or other reasons. Most people who get shingles will get better and will not get it again.

What causes shingles?

 

Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox starts up again in your body. After you get better from chickenpox, the virus "sleeps" (is dormant) in your nerve roots. In some people, it stays dormant forever. In others, the virus "wakes up" when disease, stress, or aging weakens the immune system. It is not clear why this happens. But after the virus becomes active again, it can only cause shingles, not chickenpox.

 

You can't catch shingles from someone else who has shingles.

What are the symptoms?

 

Shingles symptoms happen in stages. At first you may have a headache or be sensitive to light. You may also feel like you have the flu but not have a fever.

 

Later, you may feel itching, tingling, or pain in a certain area. That’s where a band, strip, or small area of rash may occur a few days later. The rash turns into clusters of blisters. The blisters fill with fluid and then crust over. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the blisters to heal, and they may leave scars. Some people only get a mild rash, and some do not get a rash at all.

 

It’s possible that you could also feel dizzy or weak, or you could have long-term pain or a rash on your face, changes in your vision, changes in how well you can think, or a rash that spreads. If you have any of these problems from shingles, call your doctor right away.

How is shingles treated?

 

There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may help you get well sooner and prevent other problems. Call your doctor as soon as you think you may have shingles. The sooner you start treatment, the better it works. Treatment may include:

 

* Antiviral medicines, sometimes given with steroid medicines, to help you get well sooner and feel less pain.

* Medicines to help long-term pain. These include antidepressants, pain medicines, and skin creams.

 

Good home care can help you feel better faster. Take care of any skin my obsession, and keep them clean. Take your medicines as directed. And use over-the-counter pain medicines to relieve pain.

Avoid contact with people until the rash heals. While you have shingles, you can spread chickenpox to people who have never had chickenpox. Be extra careful to avoid people with weak immune systems and pregnant women and babies who have never had chickenpox.

 

Who gets shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. You have a greater chance of getting shingles if you:1

 

* Are older than 50.

* Have an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your body’s own tissues.

* Have another health problem or stress that weakens the immune system.

 

If you have never had chickenpox, avoid touching someone who has shingles or chickenpox. If you are at least 60 years old, you can get a vaccine that may prevent shingles or make it less painful if you do get it.

Edited May 21, 2008 by keggerz

[BYoder]

I had it a couple years ago when I was 25. The worst part was that it hurt like hell at times and it took forever for it to completely go away.

[westvirginia]

I had it a couple years ago when I was 25. The worst part was that it hurt like hell at times and it took forever for it to completely go away.

 

Same here. Mine never itched that bad, but my stomach, lower chest and sides were so tender it was tough wearing a shirt for a couple days.

[BillyBalata]

Same here. Mine never itched that bad, but my stomach, lower chest and sides were so tender it was tough wearing a shirt for a couple days.

 

Got my case when I was in my 20s as well. Was all around my torso. Didnt itch....freakin' HURT LIKE HELL! Lasted a good two weeks.

[Rams Fan]

He is 36 and this seems odd to us. Everyone we have known with this disorder has been a LOT older. Granted, he had abused his body so I suppose that would increase his risk but that still seems pretty young. Is there any test for this other than the doc just goiving an opinion based upon a set of symptoms? Otherwise, what is known by the huddle collective about this?

 

Hey guys & gals...!

 

I went to see the doc earlier today, and he was fairly certain I had the shingles. I am just not so certain, but potentially out of ignorance of what the shingles really are. Earlier today I would have said it was a rash just like the chicken pox. :-)

 

Here are the facts:

 

• Sunday morning I woke up with a headache and just thought it was related to seasonal allergies / sinus problems. I live in Arkansas and we have bad pollen counts, etc.

• By Monday, when the headache had not gone away, I started wondering what was going on...

• To explain a little further -- if you find the mid-point between your right temple and the outside of your right eye and then go up about two inches. Now make a triangle between the 3 points and you have the area that is in discomfort. It is not a pulsating or radiating pain; it is more of a constant dull (although after 4 days it is getting really annoying) pain. When I close my eyes hard or open them really wide, I guess it pulls or strains the area and therefore hurts more as well. I really have not had any other pains... no fever, no aching, no rash, etc... The pain is more pronounced at the end of the day and actually ends with soreness in my brow area on the right side. Odd thing is my left brow/forehead has no pain, etc. It seems to worsen as I am more exhausted at the end of my long days.

• The doctor said it could also be exhaustion or stress (I do work 80 hours a week and own my own computer services company with 25 employees) related. He also said that it could possibly be that I needed a new eyeglass prescription although localized to one side seems to rule that out.

• Ultimately he wanted to treat the shingles since it was so close to my right eye as it could have long term impact on my vision and wants to play it safe there.

• A friend who has had shingles said that it was a radiating pain from the nerve and that it was tender to the touch -- i have neither. She actually said don't play around, go get an MRI. :-)

• A few other tidbits to explain polk's comments above.... I am on a medically managed diet and have taken several meds over the past couple of years... 3000 mg metformin (1500 morning/1500 night) for diabetes/high blood sugar, Diovan HCT in the morning for high blood pressure, phentermine each morning (part of the medically managed diet), citalopram each morning (also part of the managed diet), and 1 centrum complete each morning. I have lost approximately 60 pounds since mid-February and just last week cut the metformin in half (750 each morning & night). I am still a large 400 lb guy, so I have a long way to go... Additionally, up until 6-7 weeks ago, I took Diovan, and then they changed it to Diovan HCT.

• I was prescribed Methlyprednisone & Valtrex by the doctor today. I am concerned because the phentermine has already affected my sleep very badly and the metformin has kept my bathroom functions very active if you know what I mean. I am told that the steroid will cause weight gain & water retention of which I need neither one. :-)

• I am considering a second opinion, but where? I am not in severe pain, but it is certainly not normal and I don't want to ignore it and live to regret it. If I get a second opinion, will my doctor be insulted if he is right and would he later give me lesser service because I doubted him...? Today it is more of an annoying pain, but who knows where it goes.

 

Bottom line I am worried and do not want to wait too long if this is NOT shingles. I also do not want to make a mountain out of a mole hill... Anybody got any ideas on how to CONFIRM this is shingles or what could be done to figure it out besides taking a bunch of needless tests and questioning my doctors opinion?

 

The doctor wants me to take the meds for 7 days and if anything changes (blurry or shaded vision, dizziness or slurred speech) call him immediately.

 

Sincerely,

RamsFan

[DMD]

Shingles is not that uncommon. I got it in my mid-30's too and the doctor said most of the cases in older people are because of stress coupled with not getting enough rest. I just had a small patch on my hiarline that went away really fast with the nedications.

[Avernus]

my brother had them when he was about 18....that's weird..

[polksalet]

Hey guys & gals...!

 

I went to see the doc earlier today, and he was fairly certain I had the shingles. I am just not so certain, but potentially out of ignorance of what the shingles really are. Earlier today I would have said it was a rash just like the chicken pox. :-)

 

Here are the facts:

 

• Sunday morning I woke up with a headache and just thought it was related to seasonal allergies / sinus problems. I live in Arkansas and we have bad pollen counts, etc.

• By Monday, when the headache had not gone away, I started wondering what was going on...

• To explain a little further -- if you find the mid-point between your right temple and the outside of your right eye and then go up about two inches. Now make a triangle between the 3 points and you have the area that is in discomfort. It is not a pulsating or radiating pain; it is more of a constant dull (although after 4 days it is getting really annoying) pain. When I close my eyes hard or open them really wide, I guess it pulls or strains the area and therefore hurts more as well. I really have not had any other pains... no fever, no aching, no rash, etc... The pain is more pronounced at the end of the day and actually ends with soreness in my brow area on the right side. Odd thing is my left brow/forehead has no pain, etc. It seems to worsen as I am more exhausted at the end of my long days.

• The doctor said it could also be exhaustion or stress (I do work 80 hours a week and own my own computer services company with 25 employees) related. He also said that it could possibly be that I needed a new eyeglass prescription although localized to one side seems to rule that out.

• Ultimately he wanted to treat the shingles since it was so close to my right eye as it could have long term impact on my vision and wants to play it safe there.

• A friend who has had shingles said that it was a radiating pain from the nerve and that it was tender to the touch -- i have neither. She actually said don't play around, go get an MRI. :-)

• A few other tidbits to explain polk's comments above.... I am on a medically managed diet and have taken several meds over the past couple of years... 3000 mg metformin (1500 morning/1500 night) for diabetes/high blood sugar, Diovan HCT in the morning for high blood pressure, phentermine each morning (part of the medically managed diet), citalopram each morning (also part of the managed diet), and 1 centrum complete each morning. I have lost approximately 60 pounds since mid-February and just last week cut the metformin in half (750 each morning & night). I am still a large 400 lb guy, so I have a long way to go... Additionally, up until 6-7 weeks ago, I took Diovan, and then they changed it to Diovan HCT.

• I was prescribed Methlyprednisone & Valtrex by the doctor today. I am concerned because the phentermine has already affected my sleep very badly and the metformin has kept my bathroom functions very active if you know what I mean. I am told that the steroid will cause weight gain & water retention of which I need neither one. :-)

• I am considering a second opinion, but where? I am not in severe pain, but it is certainly not normal and I don't want to ignore it and live to regret it. If I get a second opinion, will my doctor be insulted if he is right and would he later give me lesser service because I doubted him...? Today it is more of an annoying pain, but who knows where it goes.

 

Bottom line I am worried and do not want to wait too long if this is NOT shingles. I also do not want to make a mountain out of a mole hill... Anybody got any ideas on how to CONFIRM this is shingles or what could be done to figure it out besides taking a bunch of needless tests and questioning my doctors opinion?

 

The doctor wants me to take the meds for 7 days and if anything changes (blurry or shaded vision, dizziness or slurred speech) call him immediately.

 

Sincerely,

RamsFan

 

Have you thought, What would Polk do? Ina situation like this would P worry about insulting his doc? Is P trusting enough to put his health in one person's hands?

[polksalet]

I would go see these people. A friend of ours swears by them. If you go to an American doctor and then a Chinaman who were trained totally different and both reach the same conclusion I would say you have done your due diligence.

 

http://www.littlerockacupuncture.com/

[Duchess Jack]

hmmm. I have never met anybody with Shingles.

 

I only have one answer for this. The Huddle causes shingles.

[TheShiznit]

Hey guys & gals...!

 

I went to see the doc earlier today, and he was fairly certain I had the shingles. I am just not so certain, but potentially out of ignorance of what the shingles really are. Earlier today I would have said it was a rash just like the chicken pox. :-)

 

Here are the facts:

 

• Sunday morning I woke up with a headache and just thought it was related to seasonal allergies / sinus problems. I live in Arkansas and we have bad pollen counts, etc.

• By Monday, when the headache had not gone away, I started wondering what was going on...

• To explain a little further -- if you find the mid-point between your right temple and the outside of your right eye and then go up about two inches. Now make a triangle between the 3 points and you have the area that is in discomfort. It is not a pulsating or radiating pain; it is more of a constant dull (although after 4 days it is getting really annoying) pain. When I close my eyes hard or open them really wide, I guess it pulls or strains the area and therefore hurts more as well. I really have not had any other pains... no fever, no aching, no rash, etc... The pain is more pronounced at the end of the day and actually ends with soreness in my brow area on the right side. Odd thing is my left brow/forehead has no pain, etc. It seems to worsen as I am more exhausted at the end of my long days.

• The doctor said it could also be exhaustion or stress (I do work 80 hours a week and own my own computer services company with 25 employees) related. He also said that it could possibly be that I needed a new eyeglass prescription although localized to one side seems to rule that out.

• Ultimately he wanted to treat the shingles since it was so close to my right eye as it could have long term impact on my vision and wants to play it safe there.

• A friend who has had shingles said that it was a radiating pain from the nerve and that it was tender to the touch -- i have neither. She actually said don't play around, go get an MRI. :-)

• A few other tidbits to explain polk's comments above.... I am on a medically managed diet and have taken several meds over the past couple of years... 3000 mg metformin (1500 morning/1500 night) for diabetes/high blood sugar, Diovan HCT in the morning for high blood pressure, phentermine each morning (part of the medically managed diet), citalopram each morning (also part of the managed diet), and 1 centrum complete each morning. I have lost approximately 60 pounds since mid-February and just last week cut the metformin in half (750 each morning & night). I am still a large 400 lb guy, so I have a long way to go... Additionally, up until 6-7 weeks ago, I took Diovan, and then they changed it to Diovan HCT.

• I was prescribed Methlyprednisone & Valtrex by the doctor today. I am concerned because the phentermine has already affected my sleep very badly and the metformin has kept my bathroom functions very active if you know what I mean. I am told that the steroid will cause weight gain & water retention of which I need neither one. :-)

• I am considering a second opinion, but where? I am not in severe pain, but it is certainly not normal and I don't want to ignore it and live to regret it. If I get a second opinion, will my doctor be insulted if he is right and would he later give me lesser service because I doubted him...? Today it is more of an annoying pain, but who knows where it goes.

 

Bottom line I am worried and do not want to wait too long if this is NOT shingles. I also do not want to make a mountain out of a mole hill... Anybody got any ideas on how to CONFIRM this is shingles or what could be done to figure it out besides taking a bunch of needless tests and questioning my doctors opinion?

 

The doctor wants me to take the meds for 7 days and if anything changes (blurry or shaded vision, dizziness or slurred speech) call him immediately.

 

Sincerely,

RamsFan

 

Rams Fan....since you have diabetes...it is an autoimmune disorder. And once you get one..it will usually beget another...like thyroid disorders...and the like. The reason you have HCT with the diovan now is for water retention. HCT is Hydroclorothiazide...helps with water retention and if I remember Diovan is blood pressure. My wife has Behcets syndrome and status post graves disease(hyper...now hypothyroidism). I have learned a tremndous amount over the last 6 years dealing with this. If I make one recommendation. Get yourself in to see an Endocrinologist is you do not have one. They manage diabetes better than a general practitioner. She/he can also help and keep tabs on any other auto immune problems you may incur. It sounds like some of this may be weight related and congrats and good luck on your current weight loss. So, if you haven't yet...get into a specialist/endocrinologist. Good Luck!!!

[tbimm]

I had shingles a year and a half ago. 39 or 40.?.? The one thing they told me is that it will stay on one side or the other of your bodies centerline. I got it right below my right eye and it moved to my upper lip. It was miserable to say the very least! My whole right side of my face was swollen and it hurt like hell.

When the doc was giving me my herpes script he also wrote me one for Vicodin with 3 refills. I was like . He said " Fill this you are going to need it!"

Ramsfan... It sounds to me like you need to get a 2nd opinion as what you are describing doesn't sound at all like what I had. Before the actual rash broke out for me there was no pain. It just felt like a few pin pricks that were just a bit tender to the touch. I felt that a day or so before I broke out. You will know fairly soon as I think everyone gets some sort of a rash in the affected area with shingles.

[Piles]

Rams Fan....since you have diabetes...it is an autoimmune disorder. And once you get one..it will usually beget another...like thyroid disorders...and the like. The reason you have HCT with the diovan now is for water retention. HCT is Hydroclorothiazide...helps with water retention and if I remember Diovan is blood pressure. My wife has Behcets syndrome and status post graves disease(hyper...now hypothyroidism). I have learned a tremndous amount over the last 6 years dealing with this. If I make one recommendation. Get yourself in to see an Endocrinologist is you do not have one. They manage diabetes better than a general practitioner. She/he can also help and keep tabs on any other auto immune problems you may incur. It sounds like some of this may be weight related and congrats and good luck on your current weight loss. So, if you haven't yet...get into a specialist/endocrinologist. Good Luck!!!

 

Spot on with the endocrinologist recommendation. Diovan known as a angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is very important for diabetics. Not only to manage high blood pressure but it also helps to protect a diabetics kidneys. It is standard of care that diabetics be on either an ARB or ACE inhibitor and a statin for cholesterol. I've included a link for from the american diabetes association. Just click on "executive summary" and you can read the latest recommendations.

 

ETA: the recommendations are quite clinical in nature. If you have further questions just PM me. This is what I do for a living (talk to people about their drugs)

 

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/vol31/Supplement_1/

Edited May 23, 2008 by Piles

[TheShiznit]

This is what I do for a living (talk to people about their drugs)