So apparently the stress of losing extreme amounts of weight can cause enough stress on the body that it might trigger shingles even in a younger demographic. After being diagnosed with shingles this morning, I came across several posts where people have gotten shingles during active weight loss phase. Fun times!

HW-292 • SW (6/29/17) 256.6 • CW 179.8

oh no! I'm so sorry your going through this. I know they are extremely painful. I hope you recover quickly. This is something I have not heard in WLS community... Hugs

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Wow. Sorry to hear.

I'm so sorry you've been diagnosed with shingles! They are agonizing, but hopefully you will recover from them soon. I had shingles a few years ago, during one of the calmer, less stressful times of my 20s, before becoming obese or having weight loss surgery. I have autoimmune issues that made me more susceptible, but another contributing factor was having a severe vitamin D deficiency. Many people are deficient in vitamin D, and it's even more common in those who are overweight due to how the body stores this vitamin. I definitely recommend that everyone have their levels checked and treat the issue if necessary before undergoing WLS or anything else that could be stressful.

A new vaccine with a fantastic rate of efficacy has been developed, but most insurance companies will only cover it if you're older. It's possible they'd be willing to provide the coverage if your doctor could argue that you have an underlying condition that would put you more at risk. The vaccine that is currently available isn't as effective, though it does still help. My dad had shingles last November on his eye, and his doctors said it could have been severely damaging. He'd had the old vaccine, and though it didn't prevent shingles, it greatly diminished the severity of it.

I hadn't realized I had shingles until the blisters had erupted, and started the antivirals late. Ice packs helped reduce the pain and itchiness a lot. I also got a cream from Whole Foods that was pricy but worth it for how it helped. I actually still have it in our medicine cabinet and can get the name when I'm home tonight if you think it might be of use.

That stinks. So sorry!

YUP! I had shingles in November!! It was very minor and went away in 2 weeks because I caught it early but yup! Started out with severe shoulder blade pain into my chest and I thought I had severely done something wrong, went to a chiropractor...the pain mimicked a "slipped rib" so I thought I could get adjusted and feel relief but nope! Then I noticed a couple red spots that were raised on one side of my shoulder blade a day or two later then on my neck and chest and went to urgent care and they confirmed it was shingles! That whole area is shared by the thoracic nerve so the high volume of stress I dealt with the surgery, work, personal life all affected me and I had shingles at 26 years old.

Then I got the flu because my immune system was at an all time low from the surgery and shingles...lol it was not a fun month or two for me from november to december!

Best of luck to you! @alcn1derlnd

Edited February 2, 20188 yr by sleevedshereen

Mine started out as shoulder pain also and then spread to my neck. It was two weeks before I got the blisters. I had gone to the chiropractor two days ago to work on my shoulder and neck. Since I’m already two weeks in the doctor was hopeful I was already getting close to it being at it’s worst pain wise.



HW-292 • SW (6/29/17) 256.6 • CW 179.8

WOW!! This MAMA can relate totally!! I have had Shingles 2 times, one right after the other. I did finally convince my PCP to ok the shot, which I did have but as was said above it isn't the good one. I could more than likely get the new shot if I pushed for it, But I think I wil wait until I am a little older. I'm 61 but I will try to wait. It is very painful for sure. I had my DR in Weiser Idaho (he didn't tell me but) he put it down as if I had Herpes. So I got it for free. I was so mad at him!! I would have paid 100's before being labeled like that. BTW my Shingles broke out to to my FIBROMYLGIA and my stress level.

16 hours ago, alcn1derlnd said:

Mine started out as shoulder pain also and then spread to my neck. It was two weeks before I got the blisters. I had gone to the chiropractor two days ago to work on my shoulder and neck. Since I’m already two weeks in the doctor was hopeful I was already getting close to it being at it’s worst pain wise.



HW-292 • SW (6/29/17) 256.6 • CW 179.8

wow lol such similarities with us!!

17 hours ago, shedo82773 said:

WOW!! This MAMA can relate totally!! I have had Shingles 2 times, one right after the other. I did finally convince my PCP to ok the shot, which I did have but as was said above it isn't the good one. I could more than likely get the new shot if I pushed for it, But I think I wil wait until I am a little older. I'm 61 but I will try to wait. It is very painful for sure. I had my DR in Weiser Idaho (he didn't tell me but) he put it down as if I had Herpes. So I got it for free. I was so mad at him!! I would have paid 100's before being labeled like that. BTW my Shingles broke out to to my FIBROMYLGIA and my stress level.

Are you waiting to have the protection last longer when you're older?

Edited February 2, 20188 yr by Postop

1 hour ago, Postop said:

Are you waiting to have the protection last longer when you're older?

Nope my DR doesn't think I need the BETTER vaccine. She said insureance is hard pressed to pay for it. I might just try again.

Edited February 2, 20188 yr by shedo82773
I hope you were joking

41 minutes ago, shedo82773 said:

Nope my DR doesn't think I need the BETTER vaccine. She said insureance is hard pressed to pay for it. I might just try again.

Double check with your insurance. Many pay at 60.