Has anyone had shingles? I went to the doc today and he said I had them. He was really busy... so I couldn't ask him a lot of questions. How long do they last? I know they are painful. What causes it?

Mandyjo

I had them about 5 years ago. Long before my lapband, but it was a light case. It started with the left side of my stomach getting numb and then the left side of my back started to itch. It took about two weeks of medication to get rid of them. There is a thery that you cannot get them again, but I am not sure. I have heard of people who have had lots of pain for a long period of time but it may depend on how long they waited to be diagnosed. I was told to stay away from pregnant women while I was infected because it can cause some kind of birth defect. It really bothered me at the time because I was substiute teaching for a pregnant teach at the time. But everything was fine. Hope this helps.

you have my sympathies.....if the doc didn't put you on Acyclovir...ask for it NOW...the sooner you start on it, the better it works.

My hubby had a horrific case of shingles.......it lasted about six weeks and two years later, he still has some residual numbness in spots.

It's ugly.......sending you good vibes for a mild case and quick recovery!

Mandy,

I had shingles last summer...on my face and head!! Talk about painful. I totally 100% agree with Harley Girl get on Acyclovir NOW!! Also for the ugly soars I recommend Abreva it will help not with the pain but so it doesn't look so bad. As for pain, the only that helped me was Vicodin.

I hope that yours are not as bad as mine. I am just telling you like it was for me, but I seriously went crazy with the pain for about 2 days.

Good luck!

I just realized I didn't tell you how long they lasted...I had them for about 3 weeks, but 3 weeks on your face is A LONG TIME!!

Also you asked what caused them, they are the same virus as chicken pox!!

My mom had a severe case that lasted about 6 wks. When I spoke to the Dr, he said that those who have had the chicken pox can get shingles. He also said that they occur when your immune system is weak or has been compromised (whatever that means).

One thing I found on the internet is that once you turn 60 there is an injection that you can ask for to prevent them from ever having an episode.

Hope you feel better soon!