Confused about diagnosis of Shingles
Posted , 7 users are following.
I've been on the Shingles boards before and have received some very good information and advice so I'm here again to hopefully get the same. I was diagnosed with Shingles 25 years ago when I was 21. I was surprised since I had never had Chicken Pox. My parents couldn't recall me having it either. I started getting cold sores in the hospital when I had my 2nd child, having never had them before.
Over the years I would break out in a certain spot on the inside of my right leg, just above the knee; the size of a silver dollar.
Three years ago I had a painful spot on my scalp (left side) and my cheek and ear were painful to the touch. I live in the desert and thought I'd been bit by a spider or some other bug. The doctor I went to looked at my scalp and told me it looked like Shingles. So after a lot of research, I deduced that my Shingles had spread. I've not had a complete breakout since but 4 or 5 times, I've felt the intense pain come on and I take my anti-virals and it goes away. I know the signs.
My confusion starts here. I went to a dermatologist last week to have a couple moles checked out, just to be safe.
He notices the scars on the inside of my leg so I tell him my history with Shingles. He asks and I tell him how often I get them, which is 5-10 times per year. He then tells me that I absolutely do not have Shingles, but Herpes Simplex. I understand the family of HHV viruses but I'm not sure exactly what it is I have now. He was very certain that I cannot possibly have Shingles. Can anyone help me with this? Does it matter all that much? Can I get a Shingles vaccine? Are the triggers the same? (stress, low immune system, foods). Has anyone had anything like this happen? For 25 years I was under the impression I had one thing. Do I actually have another? I don't want to go to another doctor just for this one reason. I just don't know what it is I have.
1 like, 7 replies
1Constantoutbre Kbelly1968
Posted
Mine have been presumed to be "contact dermititis" "Herpes Simplex" and finally "Herpes Zoster" and I am on a continous dosage of accylovir to control pain and outbreak. a break in dosage results in pain down the outside leg (skin) and waist with physical manifestation in the same spot on lower spine. Only test was to wait for outbreak, take sample from site then it was diagnosed as reoccurring shingles. 20+years.
Goodwater_Betty Kbelly1968
Posted
Merry19451 Kbelly1968
Posted
Hi Kbelly,
I am sorry you are experiencing Herpes...
There are tests that a physician can perform on newly formed vesicles-blisters. The most accurate test is the PCR-Polymerase Chain Reaction. I would ask for that specific test.
Herpes Zoster Shingles caused by varicella virus presents differently than Herpes Simplex.
First, not everyone who has had chickenpox is aware or is the parent aware that he had it. Chickenpox can be very mild.
Herpes Zoster Shingles usually occurs on one side of your body. The vesicles occur in crops or waves over a five day period. The vesicles are different in appearance and size. Herpes Zoster Shingles has accompanying symptoms. Prior to the rash, an individual can have a headache, aches and pains, fever, chills and sweating, malaise and fatigue. The malaise and fatigue can persist throughout one month or 6 months or more.
Herpes Simplex vesicles are identical in size, appearance and occur simultaneously. An individual does not experience generalized symptoms similar to the flu with Herpes Simplex.
Bottom line, have the physician scrape the vesicles and send it for a PCR.
If the dermatologist thinks you cannot get recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles, he is absolutely wrong.As you have doubts, get the PCR test the next time you have a rash.
Many physicians including dermatologists are mistaken when they say you cannot have recurrent episodes of Herpes Zoster Shingles.
I had my antibodies tested for Zoster and Simplex. The Simplex was negative and Zoster positive. I have Herpes Zoster Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twentyone years and twice in my right eye.
Please Google Herpes and follow high Lysine low Arginine diet.
Yes, if you can, get the shingles vaccine. It can't hurt.
I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
tiffany60896 Merry19451
Posted
Hi Merry Juliana,
I just read what you wrote about the fact the malaise and fatigue after shingles can last six months or more. That is good for me to know because I got shingles in November and I still don't have anywhere near the energy I used to have and I still feel tired a lot whereas before I got shingles, I didn't require so much rest and sleep. Of course having the nerve pain drains my energy too. Thanks for all your good information about this frustrating illness.
Merry19451 tiffany60896
Posted
While I am sorry you are still dealing with the aftermath of this disease, I am so glad I could enlighten you and others. This forum is a Godsend for all of us in exchanging information and support.
Best Regards
Merry Juliana
Goodwater_Betty tiffany60896
Posted
I, too, had shingles in late November/early December and my body is still requiring that I rest and sleep more than I had in the past. Fortunately, I'm retired so I can do this pretty easily but I've been surprised that the fatigue has lasted nearly six months. Thankfully, the horrific pain abated by the end of December, and I'm extremely grateful for that!
tiffany60896 Goodwater_Betty
Posted
Hi Betty,
I am sorry you still don't feel as energetic as you did before you got shingles. But, it is helpful for me to know that I am not the only one with post shingles tiredness and lack of energy. You are fortunate your nerve pain left you. I am still dealing with that. I worry because I must go back to work in August. My job requires a lot of energy and time so I am trying to rest and take extra care of myself now. This forum is extremely important so that all us who have experienced shingles and nerve pain can get answers so few doctors can give us!