I was forty when I was experiencing what I thought was an ear infection, along with severe headache for days or a week or so. I also broke out with what appeared to be a small bout of acne, but the usual treatment of cleansing the area was painful. I finally went to urgent care when I couldn't bear the pain, and was diagnosed with shingles. I was given the antibiotics for that and it cleared up. since then I've researched symptoms and causes that can bring on the episodes, and found that stress,( in my relationship) the heat in the desert and not getting the rest and healthy diet to keep my immune system strong was my triggers. I've since learned to recognize the onset of a breakout early on and can address the issue sooner, thus avoiding advance of the breakout with better care of myself and distressing myself. Coincidently, I haven't had a breakout since my (of ten years) and I split. Also my episodes were either during the holidays, or heat of summer in palm springs,(trying to keep my gardens alive).

I am a 74 year old woman who had chicken pox as a child and again as an adult with my small children. I went to Walgreens to get the vaccine and my insurance rejected it. The pharmacist said the vaccine would be $215.00 which I cannot afford. I know Medicare does not approve the vaccine; however I feel that if I get shingles the supplemental insurance will have to pay 20% of what Medicare pays. This makes no sense. Preventive medicine has proven to be utmost important to keep disease away from people. Now it seems the government is taking a wait and see attitude while many folks over the age of 60 get the relentless pain and need treatment by a physician. Not only that, but it is contagious to others who have not had chicken pox. I had them twice which proves that the pox lingers within the body. Perhaps a large medical society can encourage insurance coverage to those of us who really need it but cannot afford the high cost.

I am 58 years old and was feeling great went outside to rake and that evening I had a blister rash under my chin, went to the doctor and they said I had some type of Allergic reaction. Went back the next day for had blisters on the right side of my head and badly around my ear a face also. Such SEVERE never ending pains that I was on the floor crying. They gave me a prescription that cost $250.00 and went to Health Food Store and bought “SHINGLES RESCURE" which is a homeopathic gel. It really helps with the bad pains, just rub it on where you have those bad pains. It cost about 30 to 40 dollars so get it. It does help!!!

I am a 52 year old woman and started 9 days ago with a sore throat. Next my back was very sore, then a lot of pain around my waist area. 5 days ago the first blisters started and are still appearing daily. I started on an anti-viral the day after they first appeared. The pain has been terrible: throbbing, stabbing, felt like possible heart attack, numbness in hand. All clothing hurts terribly. (All on left side) I am exhausted by this. Hot shower does feel good and lying on the floor to stretch out my back, which has been killing me. The last 3 days I have been taking Advil, extra-strength every 4 hours and I can tell when it is wearing off. Don't know how I will handle this if it lasts 3 more weeks.

I had a spot on my forehead on the right side. I was not sure what it was, but figured it was a pimple or in grown hair. It hurt to touch it and it grew bigger over the next 3 days. Then I noticed a bump on the jawline by my right ear. That same evening I had a bad ache from the little bump up the side of my jawline toward my forehead. The next morning I had shooting pain that would not stop and made me cry! I went to an urgent care and was told I had Shingles! I was shocked and relieved at the same time. I had seen it on people before, but not like this, on the forehead and all. It has been 5 days since that apt. and I am going to see a doctor today to be checked out. I was given pain meds and antiviral meds and I still have a long way to go taking the antiviral meds and the pain in my head is still real bad. Slow recovery that is for sure. I just can't wait to wake up and feel normal!

When I first noticed something was not right was the right side of my face next to my hairline was burning with slightest touch. Two days later I had a red spot about the size of a dime that later that day grew to a quarter with a blister forming on it. I felt a sensation of severe tingling, burning and itching. I could feel more burning under my lip and chin which then turned into redness and blistering. I made a doctor appointment 2 days later which confirmed shingles. My son had them two weeks prior on the back of his neck. I received a shot along with Prednisone and Acyclovir. I am into day 8 and they are starting to itch more with very dry crust. I found that Oatmeal bath and Oatmeal facial does heap along with calamine lotion. I can't wait to get better and don't wish this on anyone.