10 days later I am still in pain, though greatly reduced for much of the time. I have a diagnosis of shingles, but I have no lesions. I've been substantially knocked out by the pain medication as well as the anti-viral meds. I've been spending a lot of time being horizontal and in a hazy half-sleep. Last night I went upstairs for dinner, the second night in the last 10 days. Our dinner guests had a health surpise of their own: during the first few days of their much antipated vacation, she fell while getting out of the shower and is now in a wheelchair. Her leg is profoundly swollen and she's in a lot of pain. We spent our dinner largely discussing the vissitudes of life and the shortcomings of the medical industrial complex. She is an MD who specialized in immunology. She, at one point, ran the immunology programs for the city of Philadelphia. She recommended I ask my doctor to run a blood test called IGM, to determine whether my problem is indeed shingles. It's a two part test, the second draw two weeks later to see any changes from the first test outcome. So I emailed my doc this morning.
We also discussed the more recent shingles vaccine, which is a two dose vaccine recommended, especially for seniors, and is believed to be more effective than the first vaccine produced. The vaccine does not guarantee no more outbreaks, but usually can greatly reduce the effects endured by an outbreak. Other friends who have been trying to get this vaccine say their efforts have been thwarted by either a lack of the vaccine, or availability when they happen to inquire about it. There can also be a problem with some insurance companies covering the cost. Well, dammit all, I'd pay for it out of pocket if that happens. This virus is nothing to mess around with. Weeks of pain or $200? I'll take the $200 hit, thank you very much. (Just looked up the vaccine and Safeway is advertising that their pharmacies have it.) In any case, considering getting this vaccine. It could save you a lot of pain and anguish.
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| Our rose garden |
hospital. Vicissitudes, my friends.
Let's be thankful for this hour, this morning, this day; a neighbor brought some honey cake she'd just made for Rosh Hashanha. Delicious. And it's been a refreshingly beautiful day today, perfect for taking the dogs out, and smelling the roses. Moderate temperatures and soft breezes. Can't you just feel autumn coming?
L'Shana Tova to all my Jewish friends who are celebrating this week.
Be happy for your health, your body, your mind. We are not in our twenties anymore, but we may still enjoy our version of good health!
