Health lessons learned the hard way...

[MikkiStreak]

Thought I'd post this little thought as a lesson learned the hard way---

 

Ladies, next time you're at your doctor's office, ask him what updates on shots and immunizations you should consider having at your age.

 

The reason I bring this up is because my unlucky butt is learning the hard way about a second round of chicken pox! Yes, at age 36, I am going thru this for the second time in life, and this time, it's not "cute" like it is on a small child. I have huge red blisters covering about 90% of my body (yes, gross) and if all you remember from your childhood episode with this virus is itching, count yourselves lucky! Because as an adult, it is ***PAINFUL***.

 

Appparently, most children who acquire chicken pox at a young age retain the virus in the body, but with every exposure they have to other people who have the virus, the body strengthens it's immune system for the virus, which keeps it laying dormant in the body as it grows older.

 

Well, now that there is a chicken pox immunization, adults are not getting exposed to children with the virus often enough for the body to maintain it's immunization to chicken pox. Which means, studies are now being done to see exactly how many adults are suffering from it a second time around and how much worse it is as an adult.

 

And, not just this immunization. Lots of adults haven't kept their shots updated (booster shots, etc...) and really should consider it when you're at the doctors...

[MelissaH]

oooh ouch...shingles

 

my dad went through that a few years ago and i felt so awful for him

 

i really hope you get better soon

[MikkiStreak]

Thank you, Melissa---- right now, I'm just ***really, really*** glad they gave me some killer meds that knock my butt out!!!

 

I knew on Friday that there was something wrong--- I had 2 spots on my arm that were itching like crazy and within a couple hours, it spread up my arms. I wound up at urgent care twice this weekend and they're having me see another doctor tomorrow to keep an eye on it. It's a little dangerous to have this as an adult, apparently...

[LCBride2007]

it is - i've heard bad things, but at least you're under doctors care! they thought i had it recently, but it just must have been some other rash or allergic reaction. i've heard the pain associated with shingles can be awful. hope you feel better soon!

[Natalie Z]

I hope you get better soon!! Sorry to hear about that!!

[LEIGH]

I'm so sorry that you are going thru this AGAIN! I heard that it is very painful as an adult....I hope that you get to feeling better soon! Did they say how long they would last this time around? Don't forget.....DON'T SCRATCH! We don't want any scarring!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MarryingMyLove]

Thanks for the warning, I didn't know there was a vaccine. I never had chicken pox as a child so I have been always worried about getting it as an adult because I know it is much worse. I hope you have a quick recovery!

[~Melissa~]

Oh you poor thing, that's horrible. I remember how bad chicken pox were and I can't believe it's worse as an adult. Thanks for sharing that's really good info to know. I knwo I should get some shots before I go to mexico to. Isn't it hepatitis they recomend getting vacinated for before you go south?

 

Rest up and get better!

[Nrvsbride]

Oh I am so sorry to hear that! I know that is so painful. Ouch. I hope you feel better soon.

 

-Glenda

[leigh miller]

melissa - im so sorry. i know how you feel, kind of. i didnt have chicken pox until i was 14. it was unbelieveable. i was covered. and i mean every square inch of my body. i had pox in my ears, up my nose, on my eye balls - if i had a hole, i had the pox there!!! yep i had a fever, throwing up - missed three weeks of school. they snuck me in the drs office. said shed never seen anything like it. i have scars on my face and legs. i hear about people getting them a second time and getting shingles and i pray i dont get them.

 

so i know how miserable you are! i know that doesnt make it any better for you but thought id let you know. just thank god you dont have 3 younger bros living with you who all get them while youre sick. one a week. and of course they never felt bad. just each home for a week driving me crazy when i thought i was going to die!

 

feel better soon! did they give you a timeline? any idea when the outbreaks should run their course?