25 August 2016

Shingles, also called “zona”

Yes, I've developed shingles. I don't know why, and all my reading (for example) has not explained to me how or why you get it. It seems to appear spontaneously in certain individuals, and more than 1 in 3 people develop it, usually as they get older (60 and over). You have to have had chicken pox earlier in life to be at risk.


My shoulder is really hurting this morning, so I will be brief. I think our current heat wave is affecting me more than it would if I didn't have this severe shoulder and neck pain. I'm moving about as fast as the creature in the photo above — a big red slug, longer and fatter than my index finger, and one of many that we see around the edges of the vineyard year-round.

33 comments:

  1. I HAD A LOT OF THEM IN MY GARDEN

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    1. We don't often see these big slugs in our garden, thankfully.

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    2. We don't often see these big slugs in our garden, thankfully.

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  2. Hope you feel better Ken. Back in the 1950s, or early 60s, I remember my mother had us play with neighborhood children that had chicken pox, or measles, so we would be immune to these diseases as adults. I think that was a common thing to do at the time. I guessing the link to shingles wasn't understood all those years ago.

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    1. Apparently, it's much worse to have chicken pox as an adult than as a child.

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  3. I would have a heart attack if I saw a big red slug like that.
    Good luck with the shingles. Very painful. We all used have chicken pox parties because it's less serious if you get it as a kid. Already, if you get it as a teen or worse as an adult, you really suffer. A vaccine was developed only a few years ago.

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    1. Walt is pretty sure that he too had chicken pox at a young age.

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  4. I am so sorry to hear you have shingles. I had the vaccination against it, but some of my brother and sisters in law have had them. No fun. All I can say is, "this too shall pass". I think it is important to get enough rest. But if you have been reading about it you probably know more than I do. Be well!

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    1. Thanks. The shoulder pain and the current heat wave are convincing me 6hat I need to take it easy. I did walk the dog early this morning, when the temp. was abiut 70F, and then I harvested about 1½ lbs. of kale leaves for lunch. Now that I know my pain is not the result of repetitive stress, I feel better.

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  5. Oh crap! Shingles is the pits I'm told by friends who've had it. My sympathies and I hope it passes quickly.

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  6. Oh dear, shingles is horrible.
    From how you describe it you shouldn't have any lasting unpleasant effects because of the nerve that's involved. It can be disastrous if it's around your eyes, or, as my poor father found out, around certain other parts of the anatomy.
    It can be very debilitating so look after yourself. Have you seen the doctor? They can prescribe antiviral medication if it's in the early stages, but basically you have to wait and tough it out. At least with the heat wave you won't feel like you should be out there gardening.........but spending hours in front of the computer won't help with your shoulder either......in fact you shouldn't be reading this now.......go get a book instead......!!
    I do hope you feel better soon.

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    1. Is it okay if I use my tablet? I did a little bit of gardening 6his morning about 8 a.m.

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  7. It seems to be quite a painful thing and can be serious if it is on your face and can lead to blindness. I've heard it suggested that stress can activate it. Assuming you have a good doctor, take his or her prescriptions as they say.

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  8. Oh, Ken, I'm so sorry to hear that it is shingles" it is true that some cases, when caught early enough, and correctly medicated, can be less severe than others. My brother-in-law is an example of that, so hang in there, and don't despair.

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    1. I'm on the acyclovir meds already, so I think I'll be better sooner than later.

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  9. A few years ago I developed shingles on one side of my face. It didn't affect my eyes, thank
    goodness, but the pain was excruciating. I hope the doctor gave you a prescription for a
    pain medication. Even if you decide to tough it out, it might be advisable to have relief available.

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    1. My pain is a kind of neuralgia or nerve pain. I'm on a regimen of Tylenol and ibuprofen.

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  10. sorry to hear this.....did u get the shingles shot perchance?? it doesnt prevent but can make less severe....just wondered if it was protocol in france? u can get once ur 60......hope your case doesnt linger!

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    1. No I've never had the shot. It's been available in France since 6/15/2015, according to my reading.

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    2. Walt may likely be able to get the shot, even though he has not hit the magic age, because it is possible he could catch it.

      Good luck to you. I have not had it, but those that have say it is no fun al all.

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  11. My father-in-law had this, so I understand how you must feel...
    Just get as much rest as this current heatwave allows you...
    At least you are a happily married man and are not having to go through this alone...go Nurse Walt!!
    Get well soon...
    T&P

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    1. Poor Walt -- baker, chief gardener, bookkeeper, and now nurse. He can't catch a break.

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    2. But, when you are well... you can give him a load of TLC....
      but, please, don't try and do things too early...
      my father-in-law made that mistake....
      and the shingles returned with a vengance...
      despite feeling better, the shingles hadn't gone!!

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  12. Well, it just goes to show you that one visit to a doctor is worth a thousand of your virtual friends trying to diagnose your symptoms.
    Those red spots yesterday were a good clue but I didn't think of that. Lewis had shingles on his head and I made the diagnosis since he couldn't see the red lines. I remember that it was all very painful and we were both glad when it ran its course. At least you now know what you are dealing with. Even young people get it- dd Cathy had it in her thirties. Bon courage!

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    1. For once, I didn't wait too long before seeing the doctor. It was the red skin splotches and then the headache that motivated me. It certainly is painful. I keep feeling something like cramps in my shoulder and neck muscles.

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  13. So sorry Ken. I've heard it can be terribly painful. Hopefully they gave you some meds to ease the pain and discomfort. I've debated upon getting the shingle vaccination. I will probably take my chances and pray I never have an episode. Hope you are feeling better soon.

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    1. Merci. I do have antiviral and pain-relief meds.

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  14. Sorry to hear about this, Ken. A friend of mine had it and it wasn't fun. It can also come back, so getting vaccinated may be a good idea. Lots of rest and TLC will go a long way to resolve this, in addition to the meds. Hope it'll pass soon. Be well.
    DR

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  15. Oh, Ken, I'm so sorry! Ouch! Here's hoping you get better very quickly.
    The slug is kinda pretty, but happily, he's there and not here.

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  16. Désolé que vous ayez un zona, Ken. C'est très douloureux. Remettez-vous bien.

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  17. So sorry to see that it's shingles. This is a reminder to me to speak to my doctor about getting vaccinated.

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