What are you thankful for today??

[crafters_corner]

Oh no, shingles is a terrible thing.

My friend in Oz had it, just on a year ago, she developed it, and she is still suffering the affects of it. She has areas around her hips and down one leg, that don't have alot of feeling in them. She was so happy recently, when she realised she could feel the warm shower on that area. She suffers alot of pain still, and can barely move around.

She was one of the very unlucky ones, who got the worst strain of shingles. It has been a long road for her, and she doesn't think that she will ever return to normal now.

Getting the shingles vaccine is the best thing to do, to be sure you don't ever get this terrible thing.

Your poor friend obviously has the complication that I was told about by the doctor - Post-herpetic neuropathy which happens to about 20% of Shingles sufferers. But the good news is that the pain can disappear after a year, so hope she's one of those that recover completely. After my experience I would advise everyone to get vaccinated if they are over 70. My husband is being stubborn because he says he can't remember having chicken pox, but surely most children would have had chicken pox in the 1950s?

Yes, it is the post herpetic neuropathy that my friend suffers now. Her doctor did tell her that it would take a year, and it's just on a year now, and she's really not improved alot. She can feel that her body won't ever be right again.  It has been heartbreaking to know she is going through this, and I can't help her, as we are very close...she is like a sister.

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Today, I am thankful for..

The love of a beautiful Dad, who was my hero (along with my Mum). It would be my Dad's 97th birthday today. I miss you so much Dad.

Being blessed with the best parents a girl could wish for. The cultural mix has made for an interesting life.

Being able to cry when I need to.

All the amazing people who I encounter on my interactions with other crafters on TM.

Simply being alive. What a privilege.