The Vent and Rant Thread

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

I'm also pretty sure that older people who may have already had the older shingles vaccine are being advised to get the newer, better one. I know my father was.

Yes, that's right. Mayo Clinic, I think it is, has an updated article that says that and every Shingles expert I've read today says the same thing. The new vax is far superior to the old.

Hitch

[Rumpelteazer]

I hope you feel better soon Hitch!

My father had it on the side of his ribs last year and was a stabbing pain. Because of that our doctor called an ambulance before coming herself. He hadn't noticed the rash. It was quickly determined it was probably the shingles, but just to be sure he had some tests done in hospital. That's when they found blocked arteries, before he had a hart attack.

It didn't bother him much after that, except when they covered it up with bandages and/or salve, when the stabbing would return and he would get a fever. As soon as they uncovered the rash he immediately started feeling better.

At the same time a 39 year old neighbour also had shingles.

You can get the shingles vaccine in the Netherland when you're over 50, but it isn't covered by health insurance (which is strange IMHO), so you have to fork out €350 for the two shots.

[CRussel]

I got the Shingrex vaccine (2 shots, several months apart) last year. And yes, it should be covered, but still isn't under BC's health plan. So I forked up myself. No real problem with the first dose, but a day and a half of feeling pretty punk with the second. Worth it!

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by CRussel

I got the Shingrex vaccine (2 shots, several months apart) last year. And yes, it should be covered, but still isn't under BC's health plan. So I forked up myself. No real problem with the first dose, but a day and a half of feeling pretty punk with the second. Worth it!

I'll tell Mr. H. He's feeling like someone beat him with a 2x4". If that only lasts a day and a half (hopefully) he should feel better by tomorrow. I still think it was the right thing to do, given what I've been through. Feeling "punk" for 1.5 or 2 days is NOTHING compared to the 3 I just went through and the promise of more.

Thanks!

Hitch

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

At the same time a 39 year old neighbour also had shingles.

You can get the shingles vaccine in the Netherland when you're over 50, but it isn't covered by health insurance (which is strange IMHO), so you have to fork out €350 for the two shots.

Dang, I was all happy that I'm not 60 yet and didn't need to worry.
Guess I'd better see if it's covered for me.


ApK

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

I hope you feel better soon Hitch!

My father had it on the side of his ribs last year and was a stabbing pain. Because of that our doctor called an ambulance before coming herself. He hadn't noticed the rash. It was quickly determined it was probably the shingles, but just to be sure he had some tests done in hospital. That's when they found blocked arteries, before he had a hart attack.

It didn't bother him much after that, except when they covered it up with bandages and/or salve, when the stabbing would return and he would get a fever. As soon as they uncovered the rash he immediately started feeling better.

At the same time a 39 year old neighbour also had shingles.

You can get the shingles vaccine in the Netherland when you're over 50, but it isn't covered by health insurance (which is strange IMHO), so you have to fork out €350 for the two shots.

Thanks, Rumple.

I don't care if it's not covered. We can afford it, thankfully. I'm not thrilled, but I'm glad that he got it, covered or not. As I said, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, and I'm usually pretty vengeful. It's a major character flaw, I admit it--but I still would NOT wish this on anyone, ever.

Hitch

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by Hitch

I'll tell Mr. H. He's feeling like someone beat him with a 2x4". If that only lasts a day and a half (hopefully) he should feel better by tomorrow. I still think it was the right thing to do, given what I've been through. Feeling "punk" for 1.5 or 2 days is NOTHING compared to the 3 I just went through and the promise of more.

Thanks!

Hitch

Everyone is different, but in the vast majority of the cases it's over in a day or two. And seriously -- a couple of days of feeling punk is NOTHING.

I'm assuming, in your case, that once this episode subsides, you should be able to get the shingrex shot and it will help. If so, I know you won't hesitate.

[CRussel]

Originally Posted by ApK

Dang, I was all happy that I'm not 60 yet and didn't need to worry.
Guess I'd better see if it's covered for me.


ApK

Even if it isn't, but you've had chicken pox, just go ahead and get it if you're even close to that 50 mark.

[cromag]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

Do you need vaccine is you already have had Chicken Pox? Shouldn't it be the opposite?

Chicken Pox and Shingles are caused by the same virus. In many cases (perhaps most cases?) when a person has Chicken Pox some of the virus invades the nerves and can remain dormant for decades. When you get older your immune system becomes a little less efficient and the virus can re-activate within your nerves. I'm not a medical professional, but I think that's the gist of it.

More (and more accurate) information here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/syc-20353054

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by CRussel

Everyone is different, but in the vast majority of the cases it's over in a day or two. And seriously -- a couple of days of feeling punk is NOTHING.

I'm assuming, in your case, that once this episode subsides, you should be able to get the shingrex shot and it will help. If so, I know you won't hesitate.

Nah, apparently, once you're infected, it's too damn late. I was an idiot. People, ask your doc to be sure, but don't be stupid like I was.

Originally Posted by CRussel

Even if it isn't, but you've had chicken pox, just go ahead and get it if you're even close to that 50 mark.

Yup, can't say it loudly enough. I'm now a proselytizer for that vax.

Originally Posted by cromag

Chicken Pox and Shingles are caused by the same virus. In many cases (perhaps most cases?) when a person has Chicken Pox some of the virus invades the nerves and can remain dormant for decades. When you get older your immune system becomes a little less efficient and the virus can re-activate within your nerves. I'm not a medical professional, but I think that's the gist of it.

More (and more accurate) information here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/syc-20353054

Yup, that's exactly it. Couldn't have said it better myself and I'm now a bit of an expert--an unwilling one, lemme tell ya--on freaking Shingles.

Hitch

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

Do you need vaccine is you already have had Chicken Pox? Shouldn't it be the opposite?

No, see ==>> https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles

Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can develop shingles. The chickenpox virus stays in the nerve cells near the spine but is not active. Shingles occurs when the virus becomes active again.

A work colleague got it in his 30s, wasn't bad, a recurrent rash.

BR

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

No, see ==>> https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles



A work colleague got it in his 30s, wasn't bad, a recurrent rash.

BR

Yup, but you don't know how bad you'll get it, that's the gamble. I can honestly say if I'd known then what I know now, I'd have lined up on my 60th. NO hesitation.

Hitch

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by Hitch

Uh...did I say that? If I did, I mistyped. (Sorry if I did!!)

No, if you have had the chicken pox and you are older than 60 (some experts say 50!), you should have the new vaccine against Shingles. (As Diap mentioned, there's a new, even better one.)

Ok, I know the virus, not myself (thanksfully) but friends of mine, and yes, it's awful.

[cromag]

And now, for some reason, Google is sending me ads for Shingrix. Go figure.

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by Hitch

Thanks, Rumple.

I don't care if it's not covered. We can afford it, thankfully. I'm not thrilled, but I'm glad that he got it, covered or not. As I said, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy, and I'm usually pretty vengeful. It's a major character flaw, I admit it--but I still would NOT wish this on anyone, ever.

Hitch

There's been talk about getting it covered by health insurance for years. When, in eight years time, I'm eligible for the vaccine I'll get it, no matter the cost

Current rant:
Brushing your teeth is so much fun when you've been breathing through your mouth for 24 hours due to a stuffy nose. My mouth now feels like someone took sandpaper to it and then poured pure alcohol on it. But I'm feeling better, no more sore throat, just a stuffy nose. Tomorrow morning test no. 5.