Whew. Thank you so much.

I was hoping to kill whatever virus is left on his bedding. So much for the shingles vaccine.

Just want to clarify...

Shingles lesions do contain the chicken pox virus (varicella) and can spread that disease to people who are immunocomprosmised or not vaccinated however you cannot transmit shingles to someone else. Once the lesions are crusted, they no longer can spread the virus.

Shingles is a reactication of the chicken pox virus that is stored in nerves until you are older, immunocomptomised etc. that's why you can't spread shingles around. The person would have had to had chicken pox already and decades later it reappears as shingles

A person is not contagious before the rash or after the crusts but it is recommended to cover the rash in between.

Sorry your husband has such a painful issue. If someone had the Shingles vaccine and still develops the disease, they should have a milder case of Shingles. Since Shingles is so painful so that anything that reduces the length and severity IMO is well worth it.

I have them myself right now.... The Dr at the urgent shrugged his shoulders and told me, they are not contagious. Mine are on my torso and covered with clothing, but he told me to stay away from people with compromised immune systems. I cannot take the anti-viral medication they gave me, it just made me too sick. My daughter has had them 3 times in the past year, she cannot take the medication either. I bought a can of anti-itch/pain medicine at Walmart and it does help, along with lots of baby powder to buffer between the rash and clothing..... I'm so sick of laying In bed all day from feeling so bad and tired. But, I am keeping my towels, washcloths and laundry separate from the rest of the laundry and washing separately, not taking any chances....

Kisses and hugs to you, MiMi. Be very patient. It goes away. I had it too a couple years ago and the pain is indescribable. Hubs is pissed but not as fatigued anymore. Naps are healing. You are loved, My Dear.

I had shingles a couple of years ago. I only had one lesion on my forehead. It went from the size of a small pimple to the size of a half dollar in about 2 hours. My lymph nodes in front of my right ear and behind the right side of my jaw were so swollen I could not turn my head. I am a glaucoma suspect so I could not take steroids to get the nodes to go down. My bad luck. Those nodes took 3 months to go down completely. Scary.

I had it easy though. My husband got shingles that followed the nerve up and down the inside of his right leg. He was miserable.

Jody, the previous time my hubs had it, it was inside his right EYEBALL, but wasn't as painful as this time. I am sorry you had to go through it in your lymph nodes, of all places. Take care, Jody.

I'm washing everything in Tide With Bleach powder these days. I think that will do, as viruses just come and go as they please.

I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner Pat, but I didn't know the answer to your questions. Iv e not dealt with shingles. I see you did get answers though....

Pat I hope your man feels better soon and hopefully you are able to rest. I understand shingles can be very painful and we know how men can act with just a hang nail. This poor man of yours has really been put thru the wringer I hope he has seen the last of the medical issues he's had to deal with. when I hit the lottery Pat we can put our two guys together with the kids and you and I can take off on an adventure.lol. Love ya girl!

You got it, Pink! I'm now having breast Ca lump removed end of September. As Gilda Radner said, It's Always Sunthin'. And these are supposed to be The Golden Years? Actually, just looking at what the folks in Texas are going through, we're pretty damn blessed!!!!

Pat, I just checked back in and saw your last posting. I am so sorry you are having to go through lumpectomy. I will be praying for you.

Aww, Pat. Sorry I just read this. If your husband was immunized with the shingles vaccine, he can still (obviously) get shingles. HOWEVER, it generally will subside quicker! The face is the worst place IMHO to get shingles. Tell him to take it easy and drink lots of water. A spouse like you is great for treatment. We can tell how much you care!

Pat....OMG.....you poor dear....will it never end. Let me know if you just need someone to talk to day or night and I'll message you my phone number. I'm your friend girl.

Stay strong Pat and know you and hubs are in my prayers. Love you girl!

I'm up for this lumpectomy, Mama, but just knowing that you "guys" are as close as my laptop is just the berries. Thank you so very much.

I know this is still OT but I want the shingles people to know that "Aspercreme" is the absolute bomb when it comes to easing the pain. It is kinda like liquid aspirin. Love it for arthritis also. Big yellow tube. Hope you can find it -- drug store, Target, grocery store, WalMart, anywhere.

Pat - (((Hugs)))