Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes! I'm doing much better and haven't needed pain medication for a couple of days. My case has been lighter than some people--the rash has consisted of a 3" cluster of red blistery sores in front and one near my spine and 2 near my left side. It's right where my bra would rest on my left side. I got to a doctor as soon as I realized what I probably had and they gave me a steroid shot, an antiviral medication and pain pills. My energy level is very low and I just have to rest until this is over. Shingles isn't contagious since it isn't an airborne virus. The virus attacks a single nerve path and the blisters break out along that nerve path. I had the pain for about 1 1/2 wks. before I broke out with the blisters--my doctor said that's quite unusual. The only way shingles is contagious is if a person that has not had the chicken pox would come in direct contact with the blisters. My husband got the vaccination when he went with me to the doctor--it cost $215.00 and was not covered by our insurance. It lasts for four years, then you have to be re-vaccinated. I would suggest everyone get this vaccination even if your insurance doesn't cover it. Only 20% of people who've had chicken pox get shingles, but I wouldn't want to take a chance if I had it to do over! Judy in Torrance

Lynn I did not know that. Thanks for the Info

As far as I know (not a Dr or RN) once you've had chicken pox, the virus lives on in your body. Shingles is what happens when it decides to reactivate. So, if you have ever had chicken pox you could get shingles. Ouch! Dr.'s in Canada recommend every senior to get the shingles vaccination.

Jean in Windsor, ON

Lynn,
I'm going out on a limb here to ask...just what are shingles? Someone once told me that it is chicken pox for adults, and if you've had chicken pox then you are ok. But no? I know my brother-in-law had them when Eric (husband's brother) had chicken pox and is now bald and deaf! All three of my boys have had chicken pox, (that was a long month for me!) I'm 56 now, do I need a shot of something? I never get the flu shot. had that once and got really sick, and said never again, and I just don't get sick like that. I figure God must say I have enough to deal with (fibromyalgia!) so I'm free from flu!
Thanks
Joan

As a nurse, maybe this is the time to remind everyone that there is now a Shingles vaccination available. It is expensive but many insurances will cover it or at least part of the cost.

Shingles in any patient can be very painful and can have long lasting pain/discomfort in the area affected for many years. (My dad had it and it was a problem for a long, long, time) There seems to be an increased incidence of resulting neuralgia (pain) that lasts for years in older patients (myself included in that category!) ha

If you suspect you have Shingles, get to your doc FAST as treatment with an antiviral medication early in the course of the disease can limit its length and severity.

Consider the vaccination - or talk to your doctor about it. You are NOT IMMUNE if you've had them. You can have them more than once or twice or thrice!

Lynn

Margarita,
well it's all a part of quilting! You will have lots of projects in the works all year long!
Joan

Judymc - sorry about the shingles, I had them a few years back, it is not fun. Hope your case is a light one.

Joanrae - I pre washed fabric yesterday, pressed and got ready to cut out for a new jacket. and printed out the BOM's. those it mean that I will be pre washing, pressing, and cutting out fabrics all year? and printing patterns too.

Margarita in Auburn, CA

Judy Mc Sorry about the shingles. Praying that it is a light, quick case for you. Several people in my husband's family have gotten it and it sounds like it can be horrible. Hopefully not in your case. Karen

Judy sorry to hear about what you are going throw hope you feel better soon Happy

Judy , I am so sorry that you have shingles. I didn't want to take a chance because I have heard how awful it is that I got the shot. Get well soon. At least you are able to do Redwork. I hope your case isn't too bad. Praying for a quick recovery. Judy in AZ

Judy! I hope you are feeling better as each day goes by! I've never really known that saying to be true, and although I don't do laundry on NY's it seems I still do laundry all year long!! But as it is something my mother said ages ago, I still cling to it! Her dementia is not getting any better, although my sister keeps up with her physical health, she does not keep up with her mental abilities so they are failing. But that was all taken out of my hands so what can I do? Just keep going and praying!
So prayers for you Judy, and hope this episode is over soon!
Joan

Joan, I hope that's NOT true! I've been diagnosed with Shingles and haven't been able to do anything since Christmas Day. I take that back--I've done some Redwork, but I can't do anything but rest and I'm dying to do some machine piecing. Judy in Torrance

Hi Lynn, the Joan who won was from NC.

Yes, Paul is moving, and his back feeling better. We will know how well he is once he starts work on Monday!

Remember, my mom always said, whatever you do on NY's day you do all year long! So get out and quilt everyone!! Don't do laundry!!
Joan

That Joan who won the Bernina was from California (I think)......

Prayers for Mia..........

And for successful stent placement in the heart.........

And for Andrew and the car wreck..........

And as for the injured back.....don't lay around too long. Even if it is stiff, get up and walk even if very slowly! I wish you lots of luck with it! I've had back stuff since I was 20........won't tell you how many years that is!

Lynn