Question:
Will surgery be rescheduled if I have shingles?

Not sure wether I have them or not- I feel like I have little needle pricks and burning from right upper back around to armpit and to Right breast. I do not have a rash, but I know that shingles starts with discomfort first. This started 2 days ago. I am scheduled for surgery in 3 days on Thursday (4/3). I am worried. I pray this is just my nerves playing tricks on me. Any input would be great. Any advice would be great too.    — Jan S. (posted on March 31, 2003)

March 31, 2003
have you had shingles before? They are very contagious, they are like having chicken pox. You need to call your surgeon like now, and tell him/her what you think you may have, and if it is shingles, you are so sick, I have had shingles, and was sick for 3 weeks, they are the worst, and you would not want the surgery, you would be to weak. hope this helps
   — cindy

March 31, 2003
Get to your PCP and get it checked out if you really suspect it's Shingles. Better to be safe, than sorry. <p> Also, you cannot catch shingles from someone who has it. However, the rash that occurs with shingles sheds the same varicella zoster virus that causes chicken pox and may be contagious. So, if you have not had chicken pox or have not been vaccinated against the varicella zoster virus, you can develop chicken pox (not shingles) if you come in contact with someone who has shingles. People with shingles can transmit the virus only if the blisters have broken and the virus is transmitted when skin-to-skin contact with broken blisters occurs. (Obtained this info from shingles.com)
   — thumpiez