In the early hours of April 2015, I suddenly awoke from unexplainable pain - a pain that increased as seconds passed. I looked in the mirror to see a large area on my skin looking like an advanced second degree burn (fluid-filled, very painful blisters, etc). The ugly sight visually continued to increase. Out of desperation for an explanation and resolution to this unmanageable situation, I frantically called 911.
Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, I was immediately seen by an emergency physician and the first differential diagnosis I heard was that of a rapidly advancing "cellulitis". In the true nature of my very vivid imagination, my mind went to "flesh-eating disease".
Infectious Disease and Immunology Specialists were called for their expertise and that wait will be a timeline I will never forget. Their prompt simultaneous arrival increased my fears however, all de-escalated when the final diagnosis of early "shingles" was made.
I remained in the hospital landscape for several hours while pain options, recommendations and prognosis were addressed. Additionally, I was given an antiviral prescription - for reducing the advancement of this virus and clearly warned that it was not a cure.
I remained astounded to this day that I was not aware there such a high proportion of persons (1 in 3 over the age of 55) contract this virus and most importantly that there was a vaccination that could have prevented it. This fact amazed me as I am one to keep informed of the progressive nature of prevention and a proactive approach to disease....I certainly was blind-sighted by this information and strongly encourage all who have had the chickenpox and in the later years of life to get vaccinated despite the fact that there is a $200.00 fee.
As my immune system is compromised, it was of no surprise to physicians that I had become a target of this very nasty virus.....one that is debilitating in nature and in my situation has become a prolonged experience. Many weeks later, I continue to experience symptoms secondary to this virus - fatigue is horrendous, severe pain when least expected, sensitivity to clothing coming in contact with the area that was the first sign that there was a crisis aboard, etc.
It has been suggested that I now wait for one year and then move forward and obtain a vaccination. Even if I had not been affected by this virus, there is no guarantee that a vaccination is a sure preventative measure.
In keeping with the fact that I continue to have symptoms and health care providers are not giving me any immediate hope that the end is in sight and such is based on a compromised immune system.
IN CONCLUSION: Get Vaccinated !!!
Nightingale
As my immune system is compromised, it was of no surprise to physicians that I had become a target of this very nasty virus.....one that is debilitating in nature and in my situation has become a prolonged experience. Many weeks later, I continue to experience symptoms secondary to this virus - fatigue is horrendous, severe pain when least expected, sensitivity to clothing coming in contact with the area that was the first sign that there was a crisis aboard, etc.
It has been suggested that I now wait for one year and then move forward and obtain a vaccination. Even if I had not been affected by this virus, there is no guarantee that a vaccination is a sure preventative measure.
In keeping with the fact that I continue to have symptoms and health care providers are not giving me any immediate hope that the end is in sight and such is based on a compromised immune system.
IN CONCLUSION: Get Vaccinated !!!
Nightingale
