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SHINGLES
by
Tom Hyland
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rated "G" by the Author.
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"TO BE FORE-WARNED IS TO BE FORE-ARMED!"
They say that 'ignorance is bliss' -
but, before getting screwed -
i like first - a KISS!
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SHINGLES
© - Tom Hyland - 08-20-09
Yep - I got ‘em!
No picnic, my Friend!
Excruciating pain -
With seemingly no end!
All started last Thursday,
One week ago -
Advanced fast -
But started slow.
Initial onset -
A pain in the back -
From L5, or L6 -
Down to the Sacroiliac!
Got through the weekend,
But, by Monday it was worse -
Went to my Chiropractor Son -
To help relieve this curse.
Water-bed massage machine,
Along with electric stimulation -
Then orbital massage gizmo -
Followed by mucho manipulation.
Driving home, relaxed with relief -
But, within a few hours -
Pain returned - not unlike -
A covert ‘sneak-thief.’
Stopped and bought some ‘Tiger Balm’
Unrobed - and stuck that sucker on!
Cold compresses, all through a restless night -
By Tuesday morn - I was quite a fright!
Back down to Tom’s, in Odenton -
A second attempt to reverse this trend -
He spotted the first rash on my back,
We suspected allergic reaction.
Temporary relief was again exacted -
Worked Wednesday and Thursday,
Amidst much consternation -
Ice and moist heat were repeated applications.
By Friday, the rash had extended -
Around the buttocks, across the hip -
Down around the crevice, and into the groin -
Pain - front, side, and back - did enjoin!
“Dad - you’ve got Shingles -
It’s following the nerve endings -
Like Chicken Pox, it’s a viral infection -
A form of Herpes - you need meds for mending!”
Niece Nurse Bernie, confirmed diagnosis -
Saturday at two, off we did go -
To Target’s Clinic and a Nurse Practitioner -
Scrips were filled - pills chased by a cup of ‘Joe.’
Endocets for Pain - every six hours for seven days -
Valtrex (2) - every eight, for ditto -
Epson Salts baths, and Domeboro astringent -
Hydro-Cortisone cream - been a busy Kiddo!
Shingles - but not on a house -
They really, really hurt -
Make you feel like a louse!
Now - I’m an expurt!
Stress, distress - I was a mess!
Blood pressure went through the roof -
But - two days later - back to normal -
And that’s the truth!
Caution now - can be contagious!
Pregnant women, little children, and old farts -
I must avoid - don’t touch my rash -
Unclean! Unclean! ‘Cause I’m outrageous!
Called the Boss - begged off from work -
Don’t want to give others - any hurt.
As I sit home - almost like hiding -
The rash and pain are slowly subsiding.
Now I understand what it is all about -
So - to the rooftops - I will shout -
As now I end these jingles -
Beware my Friend - Don’t get Shingles!
© - TKH
NOTE:
Many Pharmacies offer Vaccinations -
Even where I work -
But I was thoughtless - and avoided -
Was I a Jerk?
Must wait Six Months now, in order to get one!
P.S. ACETAMINOPHEN JUST DOESN'T 'CUT IT!'
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| Reviewed by J'nia Fowler |
8/21/2009 |
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| Been there, ouch,ouch, and ouch again. Dr. gave me a drug which is suppose to prevent life long neuralgia pain associated with shingles. Seems to have worked. Very expensive tho and have to take early on. Take care my friend. Loose hug, J'nia |
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| Reviewed by Jackie (Micke) Jinks |
8/21/2009 |
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No picnic,huh Tom? Had that li'l pox, too few years back. Fortuately, I already had a Dr's appointment (for another matter) and he recognized and fixed me up with the pills and salves and the ice bit. Rash limited to small area, thanks be! You tell of the episode with poetic humor.
Hey, I've been wondering what you were up to...absent from AD too long :o)
Micke |
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| Reviewed by E T Waldron |
8/20/2009 |
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| Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with you, I've had shingles and know well the misery. the only thing helped me was ice packs. I used it constantly, while taking meds doc gave me .Take care and be well soon!...ET |
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| Reviewed by Lori Moore |
8/20/2009 |
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| I hope you're feeling better soon. Your talent and sense of humor shine through the pain. |
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| Reviewed by Tinka Boukes |
8/20/2009 |
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AUch.....been down that horrific road about 17 years ago...you are in my prayers my friend!!
Believe me the only thing that cured me was prayer..."hands was laid upon me" by someone (pastor) in church...no jokes!!
Love Tinka
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| Reviewed by Brenda Dobson |
8/20/2009 |
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| Hi Tom, You have really experienced the PAIN and SUFFERING that Shingles bring. In June, my Dr. recommended that I take the vaccine to prevent Shingles. Afterwards, I was instructed to keep the injection site covered with a bandaid patch for a few days, to not touch the area or let anyone else get near it. Shingles is highly contageous: I'm so glad I followed by Doctor's instructions. The site (on my arm was itchy) so I used an ice pack over the COVERED area to ease the itchiness at bedtime. After a few days, I was fine. No complications followed. I advise everyone to discuss the Shingles vaccine with their doctor, especially persons 60+ and individuals with chronic illnesses. It's worth it and can save so much pain down the road. Be Well, Tom. :) Brynn |
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| Reviewed by D Johnson |
8/20/2009 |
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Been there, done that, and it hurts like hell, not that I'm interested in knowing how much more Hell may hurt, but it does! I waited a week before I went to the doctor and the genius said "If you'd got here when it started we could of cured it." I said "How the hell did I know what it was?" Went to the drug store, bought some Gold Bond Cream and like many other things in life, assured myself that this too shall pass.
Cheers,
Dan |
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| Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado |
8/20/2009 |
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Ouch! Doesn't sound like fun, Tom; I'm sorry you have the shingles! Have heard that's painful! I will say a prayer for you, pray your pain eases. Hope you feel better soon!
(((HUGS))) adn much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
The piccy is too funny! LOL |
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| Reviewed by Georg Mateos |
8/20/2009 |
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Tom, myself as well as many others got generously showered with Agent Orange by the Nam War Sponsors, leaving a trail of kidney, lever and skin ailments you won't believe.
Actually we are fighting for the rights of one of our buddies which such ailments.
It seems that Agent Orange did something to the nerves ends on the skin, which, when you take a shower, bath, go for a swim will produce after a general pain, from 30% to 80% of the skin on your body, which man get with severe 2nd and third degrees burns (yes, though soldier do cry in unbearable pain) that after over forty years, if you want to bath twice a week (because you don't want to be hooked) you need to take a 25mg Valium one hour before you bravely confront the shower.
Those that have had shingles pain will understand some War Veterans, because the Pentagon certainly doesn't!
Georg
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| Reviewed by Jerry Bolton |
8/20/2009 |
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| Sorry to hear that. My wife began having "blisters" come up on her back a few years ago. I tried treating it with all sorts of ointments and what not, but they kept getting worse, Finally, after we realized we were spinning our wheels, I took her to the ER. The doctor prescribed enough pills for a week, which was well over $100 and they slowly began to go away. Even after they were gone she still had the "blotches" where they had been and complained of it hurting from time to time. I hope you don't have the lingering effect. |
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