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What Would Be Causing Recurrent Shingles Attacks While Getting Treated For GERD, Hypothyroidism And IBS?
Question: I have got shingles now for the 3rd time. I'm 48 and female. I don't have lymphoma or leukemia or any other risk factor. I do have GURD, Hypothyroidism, and IBS and I take over the counter medicine rintandine (acid reflux medicine) and synthroid for hypothyroid. Since the info on this site says that some medicines can lower your immune system, I am wondering if they are contributing to my getting shingles again? Or, if my IBS and stomach issues are making my immune system less effective?
Also, since I'm not 50 can I, and should I, get the vaccine since this is the 3 rd time I have gotten shingles?
Although this time it is very mild and on my torso on the left because I think we caught it very early.
Also, since I'm not 50 can I, and should I, get the vaccine since this is the 3 rd time I have gotten shingles?
Although this time it is very mild and on my torso on the left because I think we caught it very early.
Brief Answer:
Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Let me inform you that once a shingle ( varicella zoster) virus enters body it never leaves. It remains dormant in nerves. It just gets reactivated when immunity drops. Why does it reactivate when immunity drops is hard to explain. However clinicians believe that a stress factor has a big role.
It can be physical or mental. Physical stress can be minor but can potentially activate. similarly undue thoughts, goals, mood all can contribute.
Now coming to your part, the medications are ok and do not contribute. Stress also contributes to IBS symptoms which otherwise are dormant. One has to realize that age definitely drops fighting ability so the immunity.
What you take now prednisone plus valtrex are true choices.
I don't recommend vaccine now.
Let me know your doubts.
Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Let me inform you that once a shingle ( varicella zoster) virus enters body it never leaves. It remains dormant in nerves. It just gets reactivated when immunity drops. Why does it reactivate when immunity drops is hard to explain. However clinicians believe that a stress factor has a big role.
It can be physical or mental. Physical stress can be minor but can potentially activate. similarly undue thoughts, goals, mood all can contribute.
Now coming to your part, the medications are ok and do not contribute. Stress also contributes to IBS symptoms which otherwise are dormant. One has to realize that age definitely drops fighting ability so the immunity.
What you take now prednisone plus valtrex are true choices.
I don't recommend vaccine now.
Let me know your doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Thank you. One question not answered is:
Does my GURD and IBS affect the ability of my immune system to be at full strength? I've heard how important good flora and health in your gut (intestines) can be for the best performance of your immune system.
I recognize stress is a factor for IBS and for shingles overall. I am working to address that, but want to know how to support my immune system too.
Does my GURD and IBS affect the ability of my immune system to be at full strength? I've heard how important good flora and health in your gut (intestines) can be for the best performance of your immune system.
I recognize stress is a factor for IBS and for shingles overall. I am working to address that, but want to know how to support my immune system too.
Brief Answer:
Immunity and IBS
Detailed Answer:
Regret that I did not answer the question.
Does my GURD and IBS affect the ability of my immune system to be at full strength?
That is tricky to answer. IBS is not entirely immunity but mainly signalling problem between brain and gut. If the immunity is at its full potential it may not be good all the time. In IBS, it is known fact that the immune system is activated all the time, low grade and chronic. What is driving to activate the immune system is still a question, unanswered fully.
With current hypothesis, if the immune system is at its low there is high chance of GERD and IBS (both overlap highly in an individual). You will have to identify the best food for improving the immunity. Similarly identify the best practices to improve immunity like Yoga, Meditation how to react to stress/anger. After identifying the food you should also test if any of them are intolerable by your gut. If your gut is sensitive then the inflammatory reaction starts and uses up your immune storage. So to replenish the storage you should make sure to avoid the intolerant foods commonly gluten, lactose as you know.
Immunity and IBS
Detailed Answer:
Regret that I did not answer the question.
Does my GURD and IBS affect the ability of my immune system to be at full strength?
That is tricky to answer. IBS is not entirely immunity but mainly signalling problem between brain and gut. If the immunity is at its full potential it may not be good all the time. In IBS, it is known fact that the immune system is activated all the time, low grade and chronic. What is driving to activate the immune system is still a question, unanswered fully.
With current hypothesis, if the immune system is at its low there is high chance of GERD and IBS (both overlap highly in an individual). You will have to identify the best food for improving the immunity. Similarly identify the best practices to improve immunity like Yoga, Meditation how to react to stress/anger. After identifying the food you should also test if any of them are intolerable by your gut. If your gut is sensitive then the inflammatory reaction starts and uses up your immune storage. So to replenish the storage you should make sure to avoid the intolerant foods commonly gluten, lactose as you know.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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