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I've had shingles 26 times and trying to figure out why?

Posted , 4 users are following.

beth05282
beth05282

I started getting shingles about 6 years ago. My skin on my foot was painful to touch when I put on my socks. I had strange pains for a couple weeks, then I got an outbreak I never seen before. It was so itchy and painful. I went to the emergency room and I was told it was spider bite so I wasn't treated properly. The second time was almost identical, and again misdiagnosed. Since then I get shingles every 3 to 5 months. Each time I have 3 weeks of weak legs, nerve pain, skin pain, even pain from water in the shower. Then I get an outbreak that is so itchy I can't take it. If I scratch it I feel like my skin is peeling off. That lasts a few days to a week, then 2 more weeks of pain in my nerves. I often need a cane to walk during an outbreak. I usually get it on my back or stomach. I also scar usually in the spots I've had the rash. I don't wear make up or dye my hair and I tried to think of something I do that makes this keep happening. I thought about how I get UV Gel nail fills every week you three weeks depending on quality. Lately my nails are rejecting the gel and it doesn't last so I've gone more often. This time I had it in January and I just got it again, and the outbreak is on two spots not one. I'm wondering if the UV light is bringing this out and weakening my immune system. I've been getting these type of nails for about 6 years. I used to get silk wraps. Well I'm thinking it's connected just like tanning beds induce symptoms. Plus mostly woman my age or around are the ones who get recurring shingles. I want to know if you get UV Gel nails or even gel nail polish if it needs the light. Since several doctors have no idea why this keeps happening we need to figure it out ourselves. Please let's discover what we have in common to find a way to prevent this horror. It's a nightmare and I can't plan anything in advance. I'm sick of doctors giving me meds after making me come in to be sure it's shingles. Let's brain storm.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • babs99203
    babs99203 beth05282

    Posted

    You'll find some other suggestions on how to possible prevent or deal with this from others. But I wanted to let you know that many people do get recurring shingles. Some of them take the anti-virals daily for prevention and it seems to work. You'll also read some ways to help with your symptoms like specific medications like gabapentin among others. Many like me have also had success with Aspercreme with Lidocaine.

  • telma57
    telma57 beth05282

    Posted

    Hi Beth, I'm so sorry you are have these horrible times. I'm on my third week of Shingles and praying for a quickly recovering. I had on my neck and scalp. The blister are done but the burning and pain still there. Good days and not so good days.

    I'm sorry can't help you with advise about your condition but hope somebody here can give some help.

    Praying that you feel better soon and finally find the way to never had this again.

     

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