Finally got around to calling my primary care physician about the shingles vaccine. Well, 1st I called Anthem, and they told me since I was under 60 that I was ineligible. I really wonder how many people under 60 get shingles. I was concerned, because on previous posts, some people seemed to think there was some correlation between shingles and the onset of AD. Anyhow.....my dr.'s office told me they don't keep the vaccine, and I would have to purchase it from my pharmacy & bring it with me. So I called & the vaccine costs $237! I'm now wondering if I should go for it or not. Just wait until I'm 60?
Dr. Marsh clued me in about not catching chicken pox from the kiddies, but I did have chicken pox as a child. (The virus remains dormant.)
Hi Val, I have no input as to if you get the shot..... But I did want to let you know that I have had shingles twice, at age 31 and this year at 40... so yes, you can get it young.... if that helps
Val-ask anybody who has had shingles about the pain and possible post herpatic syndrome. Personal question-are you anywhere near "legal" age for the vaccine?
Don't want to sound like a know it all but let me tell you I do know about this. I had the shingles when I was 54, 14 years ago, it did severe nerve damage to the motor root, I walk with a limp, am in constant terrible pain from it, stabbing, throbing and burning. Have tried everything and absolutely nothing helps it. I have learned to live with it.
My daughter used to work at the health dept. She talked with the drug rep from the company who makes the vaccine. It is made from a live virus and the rep told her that I absolutely should not have the shot, she said that on rare occassions it has been known to cause the shingles. If I ever have them to the extent that I had them I would want someone to take me to a cow pasture and shoot me. The herpatic syndrome is beyond your wildess dreams, I am living with this and am dealing with the Alzheimer diease with my husband and I often ask what in the world have I done to deserve all this.
The shingles I know had to be the worse thing in the world that has ever happend to me.
I was in my 40's when I first had shingles. It returned about 10 yrs later but that time I immediately recognized the pain (comes before the blisters), went to the dr who prescribed Valtrex and was able to nip it in the bud. Because of the terrible pain I endured the first time I didn't want my husband to have to suffer like that. My dr suggested getting the vaccine through the county health dept. It cost $169 in Sarasota County, FL. It is now also recommended for those who have had shingles but I was ineligible because I am taking a cortico-steroid for colitis, which lowers the immune system. Hope to get off it soon. Try your health dept - perhaps the cost will be lower than what you were quoted.
I didn't know about the correlation between shingles and the onset of AD until I read the previous posts.
So Jane, what are you saying, not to get the vaccine, because it might cause shingles? That's pretty serious for the rep to say you should not have it. Is acupuncture an option for you? It deals with nerves. I had acupuncture and it helped me get out of nerve pain that I had for 3 years, when all else failed.
I had acupuncture, everything that can be offered. No, I am not saying do not get the vaccine. I am saying the rep said it had not been approved for people who had already had the shingles.
Thanks. I think I am following you, in my case it would be o.k., but not in your case. How long did you stick with the acupuncture? I did 2 months with no results, then I told the dr. that the pain was worse, he said great, that's a change & that's what we're looking for. So after one more treatment, now that he knew where he was headed, I awoke to the most beautiful pain free state. And it's never come back. That was 1991. Just wishing for you.
Dee, thanks, I'll check the health dept. We are a very small segment of the population, but already people are showing up that had it in early years. Can't understand why my insurance won't cover anyone under 60. Stupid. They will end up paying a lot more for the care I imagine you need once you've had it. And what is the treatment, if any?
Just my 2 cents, I read up on the vaccine, http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/05/16/its-official-get-your-shingles-vaccination.html "I've already had shingles. Do I still need to be vaccinated? Yes, although recurrence is rare. But doctors usually advise waiting two years after you've had shingles before you get vaccinated, says Schaffner, who has received payments from Merck in the past for services not related to Zostavax."
I am seriously thinking of getting this next year when the 2 years is up... I have already had it twice, and still suffer from the pain... I don't relish a third time! I will of course discuss this with my own doctor. As with everything, it is a personal choice, and you have to weigh the risks.
I got it the first time after one of my brain surgeries... so yes stress induced, but not stress as in I felt stressed, but stress to the body caused by the surgery. I had another attack, in the same area.. (face, eyes) with the stress after my dad passed. I imagine, I will have more deeply stressing moment in my life to come, and I am told I most likely will get it again, so I might just have that shot!
Val-yes my boys still "make bread" as my daughter says. Her cats also continue to knead. It is an expression of bliss. My DIL is an infection disease doc. She said the vaccine is too new for as much info as she would like. Her feeling is when I got shingles it was like a booster shot to my system causing it to make antibodies against future infections. Like I said before-sell a cat for the money and get the vaccine. Post herpatic syndrome is pain caused by permament nerve damage. Would you like me to come with you to hold your hand? I'll even bring you a lollypop.
Val, in answer to your question... "There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent complications. Treatment options include:
Antiviral medicines, sometimes in combination with corticosteroids, to reduce the pain and duration of shingles. Pain medicines, antidepressants, and topical creams to relieve long-term pain"
My DH and I are both over 65 and he has Parkenism/dementia/alt. and out MD recommend we both get the shingles shot last year and we did so. Medicare or suppliment did not pay anything.
So, it sounds like $237 is a drop in the bucket for some piece of mind. One thing to check off my list of things to worry about. I'll think of it as a gift to my son, so he won't have to worry about me, if I get it. (lollypop or not.)
I just wondered if it is something you have to do every 10 years, like the pneumonia shot, which I have already received.
My cat was "making bread" when she was adopted. That's how the vet assistant put it. I thought it was endearing, but thought they grew out of it. It is because of this she has to have her "manicure" once a month. Otherwise, I have scratch marks on my legs & tummy. She looks blissed out when she does it! Maybe I should start kneading.
Val, Not sure where you priced the shingles vaccine, but prices can vary significantly from chain to chain. Try Sam's or Walmart. Don't forget to use your AAA discount (if you have it). Pat
CVS. Thanks for the tip. Will call tomorrow. You just get used to using one pharmacy. Now wondering if this is one of those things you can get from Canada very cheaply. Will check into that as well. So much work, sometimes it seems like it is better just to go ahead & pay & get it over with.
My DS, a grad student, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about 2 years ago, and now has migraines and fibromyalgia. Fortunately, he has "student insurance", so no insurance gaps, but limited coverage, especially meds. Insurance pays half up to 1500. Not much when you need so many meds, so we've found some savings. Health center is great for birth control pills (high volume), but expensive for other meds that are lower volume.
The shingles vaccine is a live vaccine. Anyone with any health problems may acquire shingles from the vaccine. There are many instances where one should not receive it.
Yes that is correct. The virus must already be in your system since child hood. It lays dormant until it gets bored and attacks the nerves. Then all hell breaks loose.