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Facial shingles

Posted , 5 users are following.

ann32583
ann32583

My story:

for two weeks I suffered with electrical shocks and the doctor prescribed Valium to calm the nerve down...then one night I was having chills and when I awake the next morning the pain had subsided so I was glad....that same afternoon a rash /know appeared on the side of my face.  The next day it seemed to be moving across my face and my eye was swelling up.  By the next day my eye was nearly swollen shut...but the stabbing electrical pain was gone.  I went to the doctor and he said shingles...sent me to the eye doctor who said not shingles.  So I am taking viral meds and antibiotics ... Now 3 days later I am itching like crazy -the eye is not as swollen but the left cheek is very swollen.

is this shingles?

i typed out a lengthy statement last night and it disappeared before I posted so I am stopping now.

please, someone respond!  Thank you!

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • ann32583
    ann32583

    Posted

    Rash/knot. On side of face...sorry for the typos
  • susan_81083
    susan_81083 ann32583

    Posted

    I have always gotten Herpes Simplex 1 on my cheek in big patches.  It could indeed be herpes.  If there's one thing I've learned it's that some doctors really don't always know this area.  It's likely not shingles, and is Herpes Simplex 1.  I'd proceed thinking it was.  You have to watch that eye, and take the antiviral meds like they said.  The worst thing is herpes in the eye as it can cause blindness.  I typically get the tingles or shocks before a break out, and once it breaks out I run a small fever and the itch is maddening,  I feel like crap, but the nerves aren't what I'd call full on painful.  More like zaps here and there?  It takes a while for it to run its course too, if it gets to this point.  I recommend patting at the itching, like light slaps.  Try not to scratch as it can scar.  What you're describing sure sounds like me.  Simplex is different than Shingles.  Shingles is caused by Zoster.  This is a different herpes virus.  Typically it's more about blisters and itching, not so much about pain if it's Simplex.  It's the same one that on most people causes a fever blister.
    • ann32583
      ann32583 susan_81083

      Posted

      Thank you for your input....I do not understand why you are saying herpes.  Can they do a blood test to determine what it really is?  I want to know fr sure.  I am taking anti viral meds and antibiotics...feeling exhausted, depressed, and just very unwell.  I go back t eye doctor next week.  He doesn't think it is shingles but the medical doctor does think it is shingles.  I had shingles outbreak on midsection years ago but never on face
    • susan_81083
      susan_81083 ann32583

      Posted

      Shingles is caused by Herpes Zoster (Chicken Pox virus).  I believe since you don't have intense nerve pain it's likely you have a breakout of Herpes Simplex 1, the fever blister virus (Roseola is the initial virus when we're young, we don't all get the symptoms with it though).  All of this is about herpes.  I think your doctor is correct and it's herpes.  I just doubt it's shingles and I think it's the simplex.  If it was Shingles you'd be in major nerve pain and that can last for weeks.  What you're describing is what I used to feel when I had the simplex outbreaks on my cheek.  Doesn't matter though.  The drug works on both of these.  It's just a technicality.  However, if it's Simplex and you're getting it weird like I have?  You can get it again.  

      Shingles is on average only once.  Though that isn't always true either.  You should start to feel better shortly.  Did you go to an Opthamologist?  That is the type of eye doctor you need to see for this if you're that worried.  Be sure to continue the antiviral mediation.

  • jane97743
    jane97743 ann32583

    Posted

    Go back to your dr!! I had shingles diagnosed 10 weeks ago ( still suffering with itching and a red dry eye!!) My eye was only swollen just between my eye and eyebrow but not on the eyelid, I have terrible itching which is probably why my eye is still pink and sore! it is so important to look after your eyes as otherwise it can get serious, I am so sorry for you as i know how awful shingles is, but only a dr can tell you or go to A and E , Good luck!
    • ann32583
      ann32583 jane97743

      Posted

      Thank you for your input.  I have return appointment next week with eye doctor.  The eye actually looks much better but my cheek is swollen--although not hard like it was before.  Last night my hands were itching like crazy...weird symptoms....I am s depressed and scared.  
    • jane97743
      jane97743 ann32583

      Posted

      It does get very depressiung, I would wake up every morning and cry with the constant pain etc and I even cried in the dr's surgery once as it got so bad, and i felt so low, but then I had better pain killers and amitriptyline to take at night which suppresses the nerves in the head, so it helped me to sleep much better, I worried so much about losing vision, but luckily i haven't, it should be ok as long as the meds are taken early enough. You are not alone, so many of us understand, it's the most horrid thing to experience!
  • ann32583
    ann32583

    Posted

    Today, after taking antibiotics and valtrax for 4 days, the swelling has subsided and my cheek and eye are peeling...very dry skin.  Is this how shingles responds?  It doesn't look like any of the pics online.  I wonder if this is really shingles?
  • ann32583
    ann32583

    Posted

    Eye doctor does nt think I have shingles...he thinks some sort of infection and that my immune system is not protecting me as it should.

    what to do now?

    i am so tired...I just want t sleep.

    i want to find out what is wrong with me....

    please respond.  

    • jane97743
      jane97743 ann32583

      Posted

      If it were me, I would go and see my Dr, as this forum is helpful but just ordinary people sharing their views and experiences, I hope you feel better soon!
    • susan_81083
      susan_81083 ann32583

      Posted

      To really answer this your odds are highest with an infectious disease specialist.
  • ann32583
    ann32583

    Posted

    Going for Cat scan today but just noticed a buzzing in my left foot....this is so weird!   Praying for an answer and I appreciate your sharing with me! 
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