FYI - My experience with shingles

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

Apparently CBD is not for me.....
A couple weeks ago when the pain from shingles was really hitting me hard and the pain meds they were giving me just weren't getting the job done, I knew I would no longer be subjected to drug screens at work because I had decided to retire. I went to the local liquor store where they also sell vape products including CBD items including "the good stuff" with the delta 8 in it. This is the one that shows up in screening. I spoke to the knowledgeable guy and settled on a disposable pen labeled "Blue Dreams". It was $25 and he said with normal use it should last about a week.
I've had experience with smoking weed in my younger days but it was something I could take or leave. I didn't go out and buy it but I would hit the pipe, bong or joint as it was passed around.
However, the pain from shingles was quite overwelming and I was willing to give it a try. So, I came home and sat down in my recliner and hit that thing 3 times really strong and held the smoke in my lungs then let it out...  and coughed my dang head off. I coughed so hard and deep that I got dizzy. Once I got passed the coughing and dizziness my ears started ringing and I stared into space for about an hour.. or it seemed so.
The only thing it did for the pain was make me concentrate on it which amplified the throbbing and the jolts felt sharper.
Anyways, I don't know if my physical and or mental make up is different than many other folks or what but all I know is that I can't see anything enjoyable about that experience what so ever.
That vape pen now lays on my side table and the only reason I haven't tossed in the trash is because it serves as a $25 reminder that I don't ever want any of that again.

Sounds like you got MORE than you bargained for with that particular product. I just use a https://ojaienergetics.com/cbd-sports-gel/ that is made from Hemp that has no THC in it, and it works great for near instant relief of my low back pain. It does not get rid of the pain but it lessens the pain significantly. Unfortunately the relief does not last long but I just reapply as needed. I usually just use it morning and night, and more if I am on the road because riding in vehicles aggravates my condition. It help with shingles pain when coupled with 5% Lidocaine ointment.

It is not just CBD but has these ingredients Full-Spectrum, Organic, Water-Soluble CBD: Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally-occurring flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids in the hemp plant, allowing for the entourage effect, which enhances the effects of the CBD. Unlike other water-soluble CBD extracts, our patented formula is fully certified organic
Arnica: Arnica has been used for centuries for its health properties and abilities to soothe muscles.
Calendula: Calendula is another herbal superstar, thanks to its robust support of our skin, joints, and muscles.
Spilanthes: Commonly called the toothache plant, this amazing plant has cannabinoid-like compounds and numbing properties.
Rosemary: Rosemary contains terpenes that guide cannabinoids to support muscles and joints.
Ginger: Ginger contains terpenes that guide cannabinoids to support muscles and joints.
Mint: Mint is commonly used to keep skin healthy and feeling great, and contains terpenes that guide cannabinoids to support muscles and joints.
Black Pepper: Like many of the other ingredients, black pepper is rich in antioxidants and contains terpenes that guide cannabinoids to support muscles and joints.
Wintergreen: Wintergreen leaf is associated with improving digestion, and helps support muscles
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is rich in antioxidants and helps support muscles and joints.

[Jshooter71]

Sorry to hear about that, Bill. I know how you feel, I’ve been recommended by people I know that know about what I have been going through. And I said nope, can’t afford to do that. Maybe other products, like Dan mentioned. But I can’t be daydreaming just to get over my pain. Fortunately, I’m still pain free at the moment. I hope & pray you get through this soon.

[avator]

As I explained to a member in PM, the pain from shingles is not from muscles and joints as one, including myself, would think. As it was explained to me, the pain from shingles comes from the nerves. Muscle relaxers and joint pain relievers have little to no affect on shingles pain. Shingles is a virus that attacks the nervous system best treated with anti viral meds. There is no known cure. Much like covid, vaccines only reduce risk and results. If you ever had chickenpox, the virus is already in you lying dormant and stress is a major trigger.
It's more common to rear it's ugly head in folks over 50 and 1 in 3 who have had chickenpox will get it.
It is also contagious if the fluids from the blisters or rash comes in contact with open sores on others.
I complained about the pain in my joints and muscles because that's exactly what hurt, or seemed so. The doctor at the ER even prescribed meds to treat that type pain. They had little to no effect. It wasn't until the specialist prescribed the viral treatment meds, and after I got them in my system that I began to get some relief.
Treatment began with ZPAC type meds where you take a series of pills with the doses reducing each day for 7 days. I went through 3 rounds of various types. The vaccine (Shingrix) is a 2 shot treatment and cannot be given while you have an active bout of the virus. In reality, it's in the herpes family of viruses.

[avator]

In some folks shingles appears in the form of large rashes. Mine came in the form of large blisters mainly on the palm and between the fingers of my right hand. I also had smaller locations on the front of my elbow, front on the bicep and under the upper arm on my torso. These blisters did not develop like my hand and cleared up nicely after a couple weeks.
The blisters on my hand ran very deep and left dime to nickle size sores once the blisters dried and the top layers of skin came off. (thick scabs) Since then I have been treating with neosporin and covering them so as not to get them infected. The neosporin is doing a great job of healing and I can see progress daily. There will be scars. I even had a blister under the fingernail of my middle finger and thumb.... those hurt like a mother____.
I am now well on the road to recovery and all sites are no longer open sores and most are like pink patches of new skin but, very tender to the touch. The constant pain is now in my fingers and sometimes in my wrist. I am gaining strength in my right arm. The other issue is lack of stamina and dizziness if I push it. But that is slowly getting better daily. I do a little then take a break and try to stay out of the heat of the sun.
Many folks suffer from itching with shingles... fortunately I have very little itching unless I get hot and sweaty.