The most painful condition your doctor’s not properly treating

My sister-in-law experienced a bout with shingles a few years ago. When I asked her which was more painful — shingles or childbirth (mind you, she’s had three kids) — she answered without hesitation. “No contest,” she said. “Childbirth is hard. But shingles is excruciating.”

So if you’re middle-aged or older, you should know about the preventive steps you can take to reduce your risk of this extremely painful condition.

But in the event that you ever do contract shingles, I’ll also share the comprehensive, effective treatment options that can help curb the intensity and duration of this viciously debilitating virus.

A monster lying in wait

As you’ve probably heard, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

The virus is called varicella-zoster (VZV), and unfortunately it doesn’t leave your body after your chickenpox infection clears up. Instead, VZV goes into hiding in the roots of nerves along your spinal cord or near your brain — and can remain there dormant for decades.

Scientists believe that the natural age-related weakening of the immune system gives VZV the opportunity to reactivate. When it does, it migrates to your skin and triggers a rash and blisters that usually appear on the torso — but can also show up on the scalp, arms, legs, and face—particularly around the eyes. And in the worst cases, it can damage your vision.

Meanwhile, this unpleasant skin eruption is accompanied by a deep, aching nerve pain — a condition called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

In most cases, the rash will clear up, but the skin at the site of the rash will remain very sensitive and painful for weeks, months, or even years.

Minimize your shingles risk and shield yourself from pain

This painful, life-disrupting virus affects half-a-million Americans each year, which is why Dr. Fred Pescatore is a strong advocate of the shingles vaccine.

In his Pain-Free Life Protocol, he explains, “I don’t believe in many (or even most) other vaccines. But shingles is an exception. Unlike so many other immunizations, the shingles vaccine is very effective, safe, and generally has very few side effects.

“And not only can it prevent shingles — more importantly, it can prevent post-herpetic neuralgia.”

He also notes that shingles can come back more than once, so if you’ve already suffered a bout of the virus, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated. However, you should wait one year after you’re completely clear of the flare-up.

And while Dr. Pescatore recommends it for everyone over age 50, he notes that it poses a danger for anyone with a compromised immune system, such as cancer or HIV.

He also cautions that getting the vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get shingles. But he adds, “It’ll reduce your chances significantly. And, if you do get shingles, the vaccine will likely make the symptoms milder and the illness shorter — and you’ll be less likely to experience the dreaded post-herpetic neuralgia.”

A complete complementary approach

When it comes to the treatment of shingles, Dr. Pescatore’s method is aggressive. He explains, “The moment my patients come to me with the telltale blisters of shingles, I start them on an antiviral medication such as Zovirax® or Famvir®. These drugs will make your case far less severe.”

In general, Dr. Pescatore believes that in today’s medical climate, too many drugs are needlessly prescribed. However, he feels that shingles presents a dire case where a prescription is warranted.

This is where most doctors will send you off with your prescription and tell you to rest up and get better. But there’s one more step that can make all the difference in strengthening your immune system and speeding up your recovery.

In addition to your prescription medication, Dr. Pescatore also recommends a complementary treatment plan that begins with a course of IV vitamins. He suggests vitamin C, B6, B12, and B5. These vitamins will help curtail the infection while also calming muscle and nerve pain. (Of course, Dr. Pescatore advises that you first consult with your doctor about what doses of IV vitamins would be best for your individual needs.)

And that’s just the start. In addition, Dr. Pescatore highly recommends this oral regimen:

  • Vitamin B12: 2,000 mg daily. He says, “One of the prime benefits of this wonder vitamin is its outrageously effective anti-inflammatory properties. And shingles is all about inflammation. So this is a critical one to take.”
  • L-lysine: 3,000 mg daily during a flare-up, and 1,000 mg per day as a preventive. Dr. Pescatore notes that this amino acid inhibits replication of the herpes virus that causes chicken pox and shingles.
  • Oil of oregano: 1,500 mg per day. This botanical supports the immune system and will help the virus quickly exit your body.

You can learn more specifics about these essential shingles treatments — as well as many other pain treatments for a laundry list of ailments —  in the Resource Directory of Dr. Pescatore’s Pain-Free Life Protocol. Click here to explore this unique pain relief resource or to enroll today.

SOURCES

sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180216174656.htm
Shot may help shield against shingles
American Academy of Dermatology
February 16, 2018