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Shingles and PCa

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Posted 1/21/2014 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
Guys,

Exactly a year before I was diagnosed with PCa, I had a case of shingles on the right side of my chest and back. The blisters only lasted a week but I've had on and off recurring shingles pain for the past 18 months. Anyone else have a similar experience with shingles and PCa?

The pain isn't severe but a reminder of the fact that I have the virus in my body.
The pain usually occurs during stressful periods and for some reason in cold weather. My local PCP said that I could now take the Shingle Vaccine but I'm not sure it would help.

What say you? As always, thanks for your advise............Berk
Posted 1/21/2014 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Shingles are most likely to hit people over 60 which is similar to when PC catches us....

From what I understand - getting the shot now would help with the severity of the attacks - but like the rest of us - there isn't a cure.
Posted 1/21/2014 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
I have a significant family history of shingles, so got mine as soon as I turned 60, and the insurance would cover it. There was a little pain at the injection site for a few days, but nothing significant.

I had not had any evidence of it, but had no doubts it was coming.

If your GP says you can, and there is a payment path, I'd do it.
Posted 1/21/2014 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Get the shot. I know a couple of folks that have done it. It's hard to know if it works but at least one person I know claims it stopped the attacks. Not scientific proof but it might be worth the slight jab in the arm.
Posted 1/21/2014 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
I broke out in August 2012 and still have recurring deep pain in the area.   I had not had the shot.   Since then my wife has had the shot.
Posted 1/22/2014 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
To add insult to injury, I developed a severe case of shingles after being diagnosed with PC, during the testing and decision period. The stress did me in.

Besides the rash and serious pain, It caused muscle neuropathy that mimicked symptoms of an inquinal hernia with pain in the right testes

PC is bad enough. If you've had chicken pox, you have the virus lying dormant in your nerves, waiting for a trigger to bring it to life

I'll be getting the vaccine,
Posted 1/22/2014 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Stress brings on the shingles, so if PCa gives you stress that could do it.

I got it for the first time in my life just before international travel a few months ago. My insurance doesn't cover the vaccine until age 60, and I am 54. However, my GP told me that I am probably OK to wait to get the vaccine until 60, because an outbreak serves the same purpose that the vaccine does - it "vaccinates" you against another outbreak for on the order of 6 years. I'll be getting the vaccine then.

Your singles pain is unlikely to be a new breakout, but according to my doc, the nerve damage in some cases can be long term or permanent. Sorry, I'm thinking I probably sound like a lousy guy to invite to a party...
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