Hi, @merpreb as well as @migizii @bustrbrwn22 and others who are considering the newest Shingles vaccine (the 2 part vaccine). I had the vaccine about 1 1/2 years ago. I didn't feel all that great afterward. I recall having a sore arm, being fatigued, and generally feeling flu-like. I don't recall any neuropathy, though.

However, this year, I did have a case of shingles. it really did surprise me, but I later found out that 10% of people who get this newest vaccine will still get shingles. I was told that my case was mild (only a few small lesions) however the pain was terrible. It took several meds before I found relief. If this was a mild case, with only a few lesions, I can't imagine what a heavy case of shingles would be like.

To be vaccinated or not, is a personal decision. I usually always get every vaccine available.

@merpreb

Sure, it started with a few bumps on my back, looked rather like mosquito bites (they itched terribly). It looked to me like an allergic reaction to something. It was on my back, on the waistband area right side, so I couldn't really see these bumps multiplying. By the time I went to see the doctor four days later, there were three of them. I had no pain at first, just the itching.

By the time I got to the doctor, there was a lot of lower back pain that felt like I must have lifted something too heavy, but could not think of doing anything like that. The pain was very intense, like a sunburn inside the body. The doctor put me on an antiviral med which caused the bumps to disappear but the pain continued and grew from my lower back to my side on the flank area (the ER doc thought I might have appendicitis or a kidney stone). This sunburn-type of pain was intense. It took 2 rounds of prednisone and lots of Gabapentin for about 3 weeks before it was bearable.

I would definitely not want to repeat that experience. If you hear of anyone who has Singles offer them as much compassion, support, and sympathy as you can. I received two types of homemade soup from a friend, another friend made a GF lasagna, salad, and GF cake. I was well taken care of.