https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:27:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093196 Fri, 17 Jan 2020 03:33:07 +0000 Jaime 2093196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I am so sorry Jenn! No advice, just commiseration.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093158 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:43:11 +0000 L'Abeille 2093158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry Jen! My 87 year old mother has just gotten over a lingering bout.</p> <p>The best tip I have heard (possibly on YLF?) is to keep a set of pj's in the freezer and change into them when the burning gets to you at night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093131 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 21:32:50 +0000 Jorja 2093131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear this! Shingles was my response to 9/11! I’ve had it several times since then and sometimes I’ve caught it early enough so the antivirals were very effective in shortening the duration of it.&nbsp;<br />What really helped me was acupuncture during and afterwards for pain management. The only time I could sleep was after a treatment. It also relieved the PHN ( post herpetic neuralgia) I had &amp; that I hope you don’t get!&nbsp;<div>I found my acupuncturist through a friend’s recommendation and I find that can be a good way to find alternative health and even medical health care providers.&nbsp;</div><div>I still haven’t gotten the vaccine - it’s available &amp; covered - but I’m a little bit anti-vaccine.&nbsp;</div><div>Hope this helps.<br /><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093116 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 18:59:12 +0000 Jenn 2093116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much for all the support and advice, especially from those who have had shingles in the past.&nbsp;<b>Carla,&nbsp;</b>your thorough advice was especially appreciated!</p> <p>I had a whole set of responses typed up and lost them before submitting, so I'm sorry for that!</p> <p>I've been listening to my body and going about normal activities as much as possible. Shingles is only contagious to those who haven't had &nbsp;chicken pox (or the vaccine) and who have direct contact with the rash, so I'm not worried about transmission, so long as I'm wearing a shirt and avoid touching my back. Non-strenuous movement seems to help me most, along with naps to make up for not sleeping well at night. Sitting still or lying down for long periods makes the pain worse. (I would describe it as feeling like having a deep bruise that someone is pressing down on, along with a sunburn over the top of it. &nbsp;Not pleasant!)</p> <p>As for the vaccine, I'm 46, so it was never really on the table! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093096 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 17:52:49 +0000 Gretchen 2093096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I"m so sorry to hear this! I had shingles after a particularly stressful time about 20 years ago. Thought it was a rub from my underwire for the first week, and finally went in when I started having nerve pain.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, the best options were to keep ice or gel packs right on the site of the flare up, and minimize any clothing that could rub (no bras for 2 weeks). I also borrowed a tip from a friend and tried wet, cooled tea bags. Something about the tea was supposed to help w healing? (Suggest you google this one... this may be an old wives tale!)</p> <p>I also took my Dr's warning that I was potentially contagious to pregnant women to heart, and took a combination of leave and work from home for 2 weeks. I think forced vacation helped.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've never had any recurrence, or lingering nerve pain, and hope the same for you.&nbsp;Sending all good wishes for a fast recovery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093062 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:27:56 +0000 Bijou 2093062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry to hear this news. If you are up to watching Netflicks, I am enjoying Derry Girls - a show about Northern Irish schoolgirls in the 90's who attend a convent school. I think the Nun who is the headmistress is my favourite character. It really has some laugh out loud moments and the soundtrack is fun too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2093043 Thu, 16 Jan 2020 13:18:08 +0000 Aquamarine 2093043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no Jenn. My sister-in-law got shingles right before the holidays and is still dealing with lingering effects...she is in her 50s. No advice to give you...she just had to deal with it and spent much time working from home.</p> <p>Last year my doctor recommended the new vaccine (I am now 55 and she said 50s was not too young, and they are considering lowering the age even more here in the U.S.). I did receive the 2 shots (several months apart) and became really ill (flu-like symptoms) after each one, a not-uncommon side effect. Supposedly that speaks to the strength of this new vaccine, compared to the old one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092904 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 19:25:55 +0000 Jenni NZ 2092904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What happened for us in NZ re the vaccine was it was licensed from age 50 and at first not subsided. So we encouraged patients to get it, and the whole practice staff, if over 50, got it. None of us have had shingles since. Then the government brought in a subsidy for it if you were 65 with 2 catch-up years for those who were 66-80 to get a dose. After 1 April this year it will have to be the year you are 65 to be covered. The older you are, the worse the nerve pain after can be. So your relative youth is on your side, Jenn! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092881 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 18:08:05 +0000 Carla 2092881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I read your title, I immediately thought <i>Jenn’s got shingles. &nbsp;</i>You’ve had a stressful&nbsp;2019 - so I’m not surprised. &nbsp;I got shingles in December 2017 - at the end of difficult year.</p> </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shingles-2">https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shingles-2</a></p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>I used 2 malleable gel packs that I rotated through the freezer. &nbsp;I had splitting frontal lobe headaches, so tied the gel packs to my head with a bandana. &nbsp;I also used a grain filled ‘Magic Bag’. &nbsp;It was bulky for my face (I would lie on it) but it might work very well for your back. </p> <p>For a year afterwards, I experienced persistent neurogenic ‘pain’ along the nerve that runs from my right side forehead to the back of my head. &nbsp;It really wasn’t ‘pain’ but rather a sensation of itchiness, and I caught myself frequently rubbing at my forehead or scratching my scalp. &nbsp;The sensation reappears when I’m overtired or stressed. &nbsp;Sometimes you will see a red patch above my right eyebrow in my selfies.</p> <p> </div><div> </p> <p>I had just turned 57 when I got shingles. &nbsp;I knew about the vaccine, but where I live (Ontario, Canada) it is ‘promoted’ for folks 60+. &nbsp;My NP suggested I get the vaccine, but wait 1 year after my outbreak. &nbsp;I got the prescription November 2018, but due to shortage of the vaccine, was on a waiting list for 2 months. &nbsp;I got 2 doses of Shingrix in early 2019 with no reaction. &nbsp;(I do have an autoimmune condition - a form of scleroderma - so have to be careful.) &nbsp;The vaccine&nbsp;was covered by my insurance, but if I had to pay for it myself - I would. &nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div><br /></div><div>My understanding is that it usually takes 2-4 weeks to ‘recover’ and that young’uns have better recovery and lower incidences of residual neuropathic pain. &nbsp;What I’ve read is that most residual neuropathic discomfort resolves within 1 year. </p> <p>I hope this helps. &nbsp;</p> <p> </div><div> </p> <p> </div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092838 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 15:46:35 +0000 nemosmom 2092838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, Jenn! I have no advice for you as I haven't had it (yet; knock wood) but I wanted to send healing thoughts your way. Hope you get rest and some relief soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092831 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 15:13:30 +0000 Janet 2092831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no! I'm sorry to hear this -- it sounds truly awful. Sending you good vibes for relief and a quick recovery. Take it easy. I seem to remember that one forum member from years back had shingles and found relief from spending a lot of time in the swimming pool.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092798 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:43:44 +0000 Anonymous 2092798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shingles are The Worst! I got it years ago right after taking 7 classes, doing a play-including writing all the music, and running my business. Thought it was a spider bite, cause I had minimal physical signs. Ended up going to ER after a couple weeks, but still it lasted like a month or more </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092793 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:34:22 +0000 Inge 2092793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I have no advice, Jenn, but am so sorry you are going through this. Shingles are so painful :-(( Please rest as much as possible and we are here if you want to vent or just need some distraction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hugs,</div><div>Inge</div><div>xxx<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092778 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:22:39 +0000 Style Fan 2092778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, how awful!&nbsp; I know several people who have suffered from shingles.&nbsp; Sounds like you have a great doctor.&nbsp; Rest and take care of yourself.<br />Mr. SF and I got the vaccine.&nbsp; It is covered here.&nbsp; But I would have paid for it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092766 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 10:31:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2092766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a good doctor! Starting the antivirals early is the best thing, otherwise just the pain relief, rest etc. I saw a woman today who is recovering well, it is a month tomorrow since her pain started, her rash is very very faint now and she feels back to normal. It won’t be nearly as bad as it is now even if the rash does take weeks to clear up- and yes get the vaccine once you are the recommended age. Poor you - hugs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092734 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 06:21:54 +0000 Anonymous 2092734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I am so sorry that you are suffering with shingles. I ‘ve had them and then got the shingles shot in case they come back. Try not wearing anything were they are the worst. ( I could not wear a bra, ,keep busy and distracted. Listening to audiobooks might help. My cousin who had a very bad case says acupuncture helps the pain the most. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092727 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:08:22 +0000 Suz 2092727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Jenn, that is AWFUL. I'm so sorry.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have this weird feeling that it may be more common among younger people than it used to be. We have had several forum members come down with this. I hope they weigh in if they are here.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually got a vaccination against it. I don't know how well it works but the government here was recommending it so I went for it.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/v.....index.html</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092690 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 23:18:53 +0000 Helena 2092690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Jenn, I'm sorry I have no helpful advice, but sending love and healing thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092683 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:41:03 +0000 Cardiff girl 2092683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oo,that’s nasty!Shingles is no fun.As has been suggested cold held against the rash can be soothing and ask your doctor about pain relief.l hope you are feeling better soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092675 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:14:33 +0000 Angie 2092675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(((HUGS)))</p> <p>That's grotty and rotten luck. I believe shingles are very painful, and I'm sorry you have to suffer through it, <b>Jenn</b>. Hang in there, and take care. Make sure your boys give you extra TLC. Much love from a snowy Seattle. xo</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092671 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:02:25 +0000 Sal 2092671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh so sorry to hear this!</p> <p>I had a very mild case (we think) back when I was in my 20s.&nbsp; I was very stressed at the time.&nbsp; I was advised to take St John's Wort and avoid cheese and chocolate......which I did.&nbsp; St John's Wort is something I do take from time to time.</p> <p>Aside from that I guess whatever makes you most comfortable....and a few Netflix shows ( we have just started The Witcher?)</p> <p>I think sometimes when you finally relax you get sick - or I do anyway.&nbsp; It is not uncommon for me to get sick on holiday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092665 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:23:35 +0000 taylor 2092665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My daughter is only 34 and she is recovering from shingles. &nbsp;The medication is really working well for her and she is feeling much better!. Hopefully you will have the same quick result and are feeling much better soon too!<br />i heard this is caused from the chicken pox virus ...as I remember &nbsp;she had a nasty case of chicken pox when she was 2 yrs. old, &nbsp;so I’m not really sure how this virus behaves. &nbsp;They do say that stress is a factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092663 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:08:06 +0000 rachylou 2092663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohmigosh. I’m sorry! That’s wretched! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092662 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:07:12 +0000 Jenn 2092662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>JAileen,&nbsp;</b>it can show up at any age, but becomes more likely as you get older. &nbsp;You're right in that I'm below the recommended age for the vaccine, but only by a few years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092660 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 21:05:08 +0000 Jenn 2092660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the sympathy, <b>Pat</b> and <b>Glory</b>. Your advice pretty much lines up with the pamphlet the doctor provided.</p> <p><b>DonnaF,&nbsp;</b>four bouts in a row sounds HORRIBLE! Luckily, I'm not on any immunosuppressants and did see my doctor early enough for antivirals to have a chance of effectiveness. I had no risk factors, really, aside from (obviously) having had chicken pox as a child. It may have been stress-triggered, since we've had various houseguests with us since the end of December, but honestly, whatever stress I have from that has been minuscule in comparison to most of 2019, so I have no idea why it decided to assert itself now. Maybe my immune system is still recovering from that. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092659 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:59:05 +0000 JAileen 2092659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. &nbsp;I thought only old people got it. &nbsp;You’re so young. &nbsp;I hope you feel better soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092656 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:47:13 +0000 DonnaF 2092656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m so sorry to hear this. If you are taking any immunosuppressants, please please contact your medical provider. Due to his lupus, DH is on immunosuppressants so ended up with four consecutive bouts of shingles, including a hospital stay, and has lingering neuropathy. Take it easy, and be on the alert for any relapse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092653 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:45:16 +0000 Glory 2092653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I’m so sorry to hear that. Although I haven’t had it my dear friend has had it three times. She used cold compresses and Advil, along with the antiviral medication.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092650 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:23:18 +0000 Pat_P 2092650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I did - I think all you can do is try to stay as comfortable as possible and wait it out. I’m so sorry - having shingles is just not fun at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-miserable#post-2092644 Tue, 14 Jan 2020 20:08:38 +0000 Jenn 2092644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I may have chosen “joy” as my word of the year, it’s starting off challenging. After a week of back pain that I thought was a deep bruise or strained muscle, the spot that hurt most broke out in a rash and I was quickly diagnosed with shingles. </p> <p>It’s full-blown now, and not only is it&nbsp;extremely painful (enough to wake me up each night when the ibuprofen wears off), it also came with fun viral extras like chills and headaches. </p> <p>I have prescription antiviral medicine, along with a list of comfort suggestions from the doctor, but does anyone else who’s had this have any great suggestions for things that helped? They say it could last another 3 weeks!</p>