What Shingles taught me...

Getting shingles kinda sucked. I got it on the right side of my head right at the beginning of this semester. From beginning to end, it lasted about 6 weeks, with differing levels of pain/annoyance. This is what I learned from this experience...

1. I learned what shingles is: It is a flare up of the virus that causes chicken pox. Apparently when you get chicken pox, the virus never dies and stays dormant in your body...and it randomly manifests itself in the form of shingles. It attacks a nerve strand (or two), which is why mine had a definite line down the middle of my forehead. It isn't clinically proven, but the cause of shingles is usually stress related.

2. I learned that drugs can really mess you up: Yes, I definitely needed the drugs to get through it, but narcotics and ambien and steroids can do a number on you. My attitude was changed, and in the words of my boss, "Richie, it's like you're not the same person anymore." Don't abuse drugs, because I'm pretty sure it will mess up your life.

3. I learned to go to sleep after taking Ambien: A few times I stayed up talking to a friend, or working on homework. I ended up "drunk dialing" people a few times and leaving absurd messages. I also sent out a few emails that I don't really remember writing. I even made a facebook group in my comatose.

4. I learned that I'm loved: The response from family and friends was amazing. I've always known that I was loved, but having this support just validated it.

5. I learned the power of prayers on your behalf: I actually could feel that people were praying for me. I felt strength and I didn't feel alone a lot of the time. I gained a testimony of receiving help from the prayers of others. I also realized how important it is for me to pray for others, because it DOES help.

6. I learned how much I love to smile and laugh: The sickness was such that it actually physically hurt to laugh or even smile. The headaches were bad, but after laughing, they just got worse. Being "chill" for that long got depressing and I missed being happy-go-lucky.

7. I learned to take it slow: It's ok not to run through the flashing hand at an intersection crosswalk and wait for the next green light. I don't have to run in between classes.

8. I learned how expensive it is to go to the doctor's even if you have insurance: good thing I did though. I would probably be blind in my left eye if I didn't.

9. I learned that I really need to rely on the Lord: I was definitely humbled, and when I began to think that I was doing great (emphasis on the word "I"), the Lord reminded me that He is in control.

It was hard, and I don't think I would ever want shingles ever again, but I am grateful for these lessons learned. I hope I got everything I needed to out of it and that the pain was not in vain.