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I have shingles for the 2nd time in 2 yrs.

Posted , 4 users are following.

Clairebear66
Clairebear66

I started 2 new jobs and felt quite stressed. The spots are at the base of my back same as before. They are itchy but not painful. Mine dont seem typical as i have odd similar spots randomly on my tummy also. I felt feverish and dizzy and was started on Acyclovir which make me feel weak tired and dizzy. My mood is low through being off work. Can anyone suggest ways of preventing further recurrences

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Manny321
    Manny321 Clairebear66

    Posted

    If it was stress and you mentioned. Then, you've already answered your own question.

    Try to find ways to curtail such stressors as going to therapy and learning coping skills to better manage you're anxiety/stress. Try mindfulness meditation, do light exercises, go for a long walks to disconnect from the world, do things that you love, and If possible, try to cut one of the jobs. Spend time with your love ones. That will relieve those stressors.  I say this as a 33 year old who didn't properly manage their anxiety/stress and got it a month back. Also, had two of my closest friends who are in their mid 20's who got shingles due to stress. They've been able to overcome by it what I've recommended to you, and I'm also trying to follow, even though its hard at the moment. 

     

    • Clairebear66
      Clairebear66 Manny321

      Posted

      Thank you for the advice i know others on here are suffering more than me
  • sheila24138
    sheila24138 Clairebear66

    Posted

    Hi Claire

    My recommendation is to get the new shingrex vaccine as soon as  rash clears.  The success rate is 97 % .. you need two shots, second one from 2-6 months for booster. It is expensive $300 for both  here in Canada.  They let me pay $150 for first and will pay $150  when I get my booster  in the next month. 

    I couldn’t really afford it as I am on a Pension but decided that I refused to go through that pain of shingles ever again! I put it on my credit card and will pay off that way.

    Sorry to hear that you are suffering again and wish you well soon. 

    • Clairebear66
      Clairebear66 sheila24138

      Posted

      Thanks sheila the vaccine is only available in the uk to those over 70 i will see if it is available privately
  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 Clairebear66

    Posted

    Hi Claire,

    It is not the Acyclovir that is making you feel weak, tired, and dizzy, but the actual symptoms of Shingles.

    To prevent Shingles I suggest the following:

    1. Obtain the Shingrex Immunization.

    It is two injections spaced at least one month apart and covered by insurance in the US.

    2. Decrease your stress levels.

    Examine your employment situations and evaluate whether they are worth the anxiety and stress.

    3. Remove toxic people from your life, seriously. Examine your family and friends and evaluate whether they are worth the anxiety and stress in your life.

    4. Avoid UV radiation ie sunlight. Sunlight triggers the Herpes Varicella virus.

    5. Google High Lysine Low Arginine Diet Herpes. Foods high in Lysine prevent Herpes and foods high in Arginine trigger Herpes.

    6. You can try maintenance therapy with an Antiviral with preferably Valcyclovir or Famciclovir. Acyclovir is the least efficacious of the three.

    I hope this helps you.

    Best Wishes,

    Merry Juliana

    • trish82895
      trish82895 Merry19451

      Posted

      Hello Merry!  I still have PHN (n the S3 Pudendal nerve distribution) after Shingles in March/April 2011.  I was told that I couldn't have a Shingles vaccine until the PHN disappears (if it ever does ...).  But just wondering if this new vaccine would be a possibility - or do the rules still apply?

      Thank you so much for your constant support and information - you help HUNDREDS of sufferers!

      Trish

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 trish82895

      Posted

      Dear Trish,

      You certainly can have the Shingrex vaccine, even with Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN. You should not have it during an active episode of shingles, however. You certainly qualify as a candidate to have Shingrex now! Please let the forum know how you do! I plan on getting it as soon as it is available in my area!

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • sheila24138
      sheila24138 trish82895

      Posted

      Hi Trish 

      I have had PHN for close to one year now I had my first shingrex shot two months ago and PHN has improved., I get some numbness that comes and goes. I will get my booster shot in another month.  I was told to wait about a month after shingles was active. 

    • trish82895
      trish82895 Merry19451

      Posted

      Dear Merry,

      Thank you so much!!! SUCH good news!

      Will definitely update when I’ve had the new shot!!

      So appreciative!

      Trish

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 trish82895

      Posted

      Trish!

      I have been so hopeful for so long regarding the Shingrex Immunization for everyone, the individuals with Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN and recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles, and the ones yet to suffer! May the suffering cease forever!

      Best Regards

      Merry Juliana

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