Shingles

[1978louisa]

Hi all. I've had PBC since 2012, I'm now 46.

I have just had shingles b for the 5th times in approximately 7 years. Always in the same place on my face.

They say it is triggered with low/compromised immune system. With PBC do we come under compromised immune system??

Fed up of getting shingles now.....

Thanks

[Cressy]

Hi 1978louisa, really sorry to hear that you have had shingles and much worse when on your face. It seems obvious but have you had the shingles vaccination?

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

That must be awful! They say it is so painful. My husband and I both have gotten the 2 immunizations for shingles. Is this something you might be able to do? I do know extreme stress can trigger them as well.

[Candy12]

Shingles on the face it’s not nice, I had it a few months ago and it was awful. I’ve been left with two little areas of scarring it’s getting lighter as time goes on thankfully, but hopefully you got some antivirals for it and it clears quickly.

I would raise the amount of times you’ve had it with your doctors maybe they would consider you for the vaccine they do give it in certain circumstances.

As for immune system I’ve never considered myself immune suppressed, I wonder how can it be when our immune system is over active in attacking our own self. It’s a good question to ask one of the PBC doctors on the Q&A session. I’ve never heard it explained. I thought stress might be a big factor though.

[1978louisa]

Thanks for your comments. I'm doing much better and finished my course of anti virals.I thought the vaccine was for over 70's only?? Maybe I'll ask my Dr if i can get an appointment...... 😜

[OrangeTulip in reply to 1978louisa]

Here in the USA there is two doses of the shingles vaccine, 6 months apart. Unlike the UK, doctors advise adults who have had chicken pox to get the shingles vaccination. I was on the fence but reading your post I am glad I got vaccinated. I am from the UK but live in the states, I would advise you to do your research and advocate for yourself because often doctors don’t listen. Goodluck.