When Petra was diagnosed with shingles at the age of 68, she was initially convinced that it was nothing serious. It was not her first case of shingles. She already knew the disease as an itchy rash – but at the beginning of 2023 everything changed.
While the typical visible rash with red blisters on the skin healed quickly, after a few days unbearable nerve pain set in. Petra struggled with the pain day and night for weeks until it finally subsided after three months.
Petra, you became seriously ill with shingles last year. Were you aware of how painful the disease can be?
Petra: I had heard about it, but didn’t take it seriously for many years. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who has had shingles several times, and in the past I got the typical red rash on different parts of my body, but I didn’t have any nerve pain. That’s why I thought the disease wasn’t that bad. My last bout of shingles proved me wrong.
Up to 30 percent of those affected by shingles suffer from long-lasting nerve pain. For this reason, the German Pain Society is holding the “Action Day Against Pain” on June 4th this year. You can find more information here.
What was different about your last bout of shingles?
Petra: The insane pain that was almost unbearable for me. When I saw the first blisters, I thought I knew what was coming. But the nerve pain that I then got tormented me for weeks. I remember lying in my bed for several hours at night, practically screaming, unable to sleep. The pain of giving birth to my two children was nothing compared to that of shingles. I had to call the emergency doctor several times and take various strong painkillers until we finally found a medication that relieved the pain somewhat.
Keep an eye on shingles prevention
According to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO), all people in Germany aged 60 and over are entitled to a vaccination against shingles. Health insurance companies cover the costs. For people with underlying diseases, the vaccination is recommended and reimbursed from the age of 50.
More information at: www.impfen.de/guertelrose
Who supported you during this difficult time?
Petra: My adult son came to stay with me for a few days. Especially at night, when the pain became unbearable, he comforted me, held my hand and encouraged me. That was a huge help to me, because I was in need of care the whole time. When I read something about the illness today, I immediately think of that terrible time.
Are you suffering from long-term effects of shingles?
Petra: Fortunately, I didn’t develop post-herpetic neuralgia. The pain went away after about three months. But it took many more months before I was back on my feet and able to cope with my everyday life normally. The shingles disease was a real trauma for me. It also took me a long time to process it psychologically.
You took part in the art project “Your Shingles Experience” and submitted a picture about your personal experience with the nervous disease. What did you want to express with it?
Petra: My idea was to express my pain in a picture. I just started painting and everyone in my family and circle of friends was thrilled. Painting helped me to deal with the memories better and to process the trauma of weeks of severe pain better. It was a real process. I am very grateful for this action.
What would you like to pass on to other people?
Petra: I have advised everyone I know to think about the disease and their personal risk and to seek advice from their GP. It is so important not to underestimate your own risk and, above all, to know what impact shingles can have on your life. I really wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone.
