Is this shingles again?
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hello all 
I had mild shingles 9 years ago aged 24 and I think I *might* be getting it again but I'm not sure as the blisters haven't appeared yet. Can anyone tell me whether the following sounds like shingles? I can't totally remember how it felt the first time around.
- pulsing pain in left thigh (same area I got it previously, but this time it's the front and not the inner thigh)
- feel very run down and tired, with bad headache, dry cough, chills and slight sensitivity to light
- brief tingling like an allergic reaction across my shoulders
- asprin, ibuprofen and paracetamol don't seem to help with the pain - the only thing that has helped with the leg pain so far was a cold compress
The cough seems out of place, symptom-wise. I remember having a headache just like this before and generally feeling fluey, but I can't remember if I had a cough. Or could it just be that I am sick (and stressed), therefore my immune system is low and so shingles took advantage?
I was panicking it was DVT or bone cancer or something until it suddenly hit me that it could be shingles! 
Also, 9 years ago I think they just gave me some pain killers (which didn't seem to work) - what should I be asking my doctor for?
Any feedback would be great - thanks so much
1 like, 6 replies
AML84
Posted
Also - I just read on another post that there could be a link between shingles and UTIs. I have been to my gyn twice recently re: UTI-like symptoms, but tests keep coming back negative.
If anyone had any experience of this I'd love to hear about it!
Merry19451 AML84
Posted
The presenting symptoms would sound like Herpes Zoster-Shingles, except that you would not have a cough. It sounds like you may be getting the flu, especially if you feel malaise, fatigue, exhaustion, aches, and pains, headache, and photosensitivity.
Shingles pain is a constant burning or lancinating pain. It may increase if a breeze wafts over it or with a mere touch of a blanket.
Regarding your thigh, it is difficult to say, but you need to be evaluated by your Physician. Did you recently play sports or injure yourself? Hopefully, your Physician is excellent and can diagnose and treat you comprehensively.
Please let me know what happens....
Best Regards
Merry Juliana
AML84 Merry19451
Posted
Thanks for the Reply Merry!
I had a flu test and also chest x-ray to test for pneumonia (overkill imo but there you go!) and both were negative. And no recent sports or injuries. I don't know what's going on!
You're right, I should just see my doctor
Thank you!
Merry19451 AML84
Posted
AML,
No, it wasn't overkill. I attended the funeral of a 32 year old beloved wife & mother of two, who had symptoms of the flu on Friday, and died on Monday of Pneumonia. You can't be too careful. I do not know what to tell you. Something is going on, pulmonary wise, if you have a cough. Do you have a history of asthma?
Let me know.
Merry Juliana
AML84 Merry19451
Posted
Goodness, that's awful - I'm so sorry about your friend! In that case I'm very glad they checked.
No history of asthma. They gave me a course of antibiotics, which don't really seem to be doing anything, so perhaps just a bad cold. That was just a walk-in clinic though - I'll try to get an appointment with my regular doctor this week.
Also, after three days of constant pain the pain in my leg has gone today. No idea what caused it if not shingles!
Merry19451 AML84
Posted
If it were shingles, it would not be gone!
See your physician regarding the other symptoms, however.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana