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Have I got shingles

Posted , 4 users are following.

norman26443
norman26443

Hi

I had successful hip replacement last September.

Around mid November I began to have chills and tingling in random places all around torso above waist and below neck and only in upper arms

Several doctors, a physiotherapist, a chiropractor later I paid to see a neurosurgeon who said it was nothing serious - he is arranging an MRI scan.

Three days ago I started with a rash with swelling about 4 cm by 2 cm on upper left side of my head accompanied by uncomfortable sometimes feeling around my left eye and a strong headache between the two area.

I am controlling it with Gabapentin cocodamol and ibuprofen.

We have been in Tenerife for three weeks and go back to UK on 22nd March- I've booked to see GP on 24tha want to ask for check for herpes zoster virus.

Can anyone out there say what is going on?

We're due to celebrate our daughter in laws birthday next Friday..... Should I stay away to avoid co tag ion?

Thanks for any advice

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • janet_68822
    janet_68822 norman26443

    Posted

    Norman, I am no doctor but just had some Shingles and I do know that my aunt had Shingles around her stomach. They were very itchy and blisters formed. I was put on the anti-viral Acyclovir right away with a pain pill, and was told not to take Nsaids (ibuprofen, aleve, etc...) I was told Gabapentin was good to take. You need to see a doctor who can look at you and maybe take a blood test to be sure it is Shingles. If you do, and have a rash and/or blisters, and itch them, you are contagious to others who have not had Chicken Pox, children and pregnant women especially. Hope this helps.
  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 norman26443

    Posted

    Hi Norman. You really need to see a doctor asap, before you come home if you still have the symptoms. You need an anti viral, soon as possible to control the virus. It's best to start it within 72 hours of the rash appearing. When travelling, make sure any area of blisters are completely covered to prevent contagion to people who have not had chicken pox as the blisters are where the infectious fluid is! Hope this helps. Pollyanna UK
  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 norman26443

    Posted

    Hi Norman,

    So sorry for your suffering.

    Do you have any vesicles-blisters on the rash? Does the pain feel like burning or lancinating? Is the painful area directly under the rash?

    Is the rash on your face or scalp?

    How old are you? Do you have any other health conditions? I am a nurse practitioner in the States.

    I have had Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 20 years.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

  • norman26443
    norman26443

    Posted

    Thanks for your help and replies.

    I don't seem to be too bad with it so am going to go ahead and fly back to UK tomorrow then see my doctor the next day.

    Hi Merry Juliana & thanks

    no blisters and no pain really - in fact the rash is reducing and appears to be going away. There was some swelling but that is going down.

    So sorry to hear that you have this problem regularly - such a shame in this modern day that nothing can be done for it.

    I'm 61 and apart from the hip replacement last September which is perfectly healed now I am well.

    The rash was on my scalp with headaches coming down my forehead and around my eye.

    Since mid November I have had these odd chills and tingling sensations in upper body which is why doctor put me on Gabapentin.

    Thanks again for support and take care

    Norman

    Ps I was a P.E. Teacher for 36 years till retiring 3 years ago and was hardly ever ill

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