I will reemphasize: If you can...please get the two part Shingrix vaccination. Here's why -
I only posted 4 days ago, or 8 days into a shingles attack. That day felt similar to when I went into the ER....extremely painful. Today is day 12, and though it is mid-day when pain is lowest, my pain level is about a 2.
I can use maybe a baby aspirin, cut in half, and a Flintstone's vitamin and I think I will be okay.
My actual regimen:
1. For the virus - 7 day treatment of Valacyclovir (Valtrex). Ended day before yesterday.
2. For the pain - I've been surviving on just Tylenol every 6 to 8 hours.
3. For the rash - Topically, I've been applying Lidocaine 2 to 3 times/day. Rash bumps are drying out nicely with minimal itch/sensitivity all the way thru.
I treated myself as if infected with any other virus, adding Echinacea Goldenseal, Black Elderberry, etc., to my normal daily supplements that include B1, B6, and B12. I eat mostly green from the garden but added keto type foods for the Lysine value.
I read the body cannot make lysine as it does arginine and too much of the latter can make for a bad ratio of the two leaving a person more susceptible to shingles. Take it or leave it, that's what I did. I added Lysine along with the exact formula and dosages in the link below. I immediately got on the program and I don't think I would be where I am this quick without it.
http://youtu.be/gPR_O6ooM7A
I worked in the yard and around the house all morning and I feel no additional pain (I believe I will experience more pain as the day wears on). This afternoon I plan on doing some minor repairs (including electrical) around the house.
I don't see a long bout of PHN (long term pain) ahead of me at this rate and that was my concern. We'll see.
I'm sure the two Shingrix shots kicked the butt on this shingles attack.
I also believe that an extremely stressful prior two months of work that I do helped get me into this jam. I won't allow that much stress again.
Conclusion: Chill. And TGFS (Thank God For Shingrix). Glad to be back.
finito ~ |
