Just a Question

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello,

I had a bout of Shingles about a year ago. The rash itself was not that bad, but the Pain was immense. I had them on my Left Arm and Hand. My Question is this.. Is it possible to get them again and on the Opposite side? My right Arm is feeling like the left did before the Break Out. As you all know, that is pain you never forget! Thank you in advance for any experiences or insight you can offer me.

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Susan84 yes it is possible for the shingles to return but in a different place. Or the pain from the virus can become severe or moderate. The pain as U have found out, is a pain YOU can never forget but its also a pain YOUR FORCED to live with.

    I dont know if you know this or not, but they have a shingles vaccine you can access at any clinic or ask your PCP to administer the vaccine to you. I had mine last year and it did help with not having a repeat of the virus in my body.

    Now the PHN pain that goes with the virus is an entirely different ball game. Theres nothing to relieve that type of pain except pain relievers, and avoid stress (as this aggravates it) and I like massages in the area with analgesics. Eg: Lidocaine.

    Hope these suggestions help you.

  • Posted

    Thank you so much for your insight and response! I have read up on it and everything I've read suggests that it's not common for shingles to jump from one side to another, but I remember the pain from the first time to know what it is because there's nothing like it.. Thank you again!

  • Posted

    Sadly some people get shingles multiple times, my husband did. I'd contact your doctor ASAP to get antivirals. There's a narrow window (I'm sorry I don't remember, I believe 48 hours) when the antivirals are effective.

    Elena, I'm a fellow PHN sufferer who also uses Aspercreme with lidocaine. It's been 3 years and my pain is finally down to a 1-2.5 usually. Yes stress and over-activity makes it more difficult. We won't even mention gab or other meds they give us.

  • Posted

    Hi babs, I am to late for the meds because it started about a week ago. that familiar feeling of having the flu and then the ache in the arm. I didn't think much about it because it's the opposite side of first break out. still feeling flu like and the ache has kicked up a notch. my pinky and the one next to it is tingly and numb feeling also, same as first time. I guess all I can do now is suffer through it๐Ÿ˜” thank you!

  • Posted

    Hello - I've had shingles 3 times and it was always on the same side, but I think it is the case that it can come back on the opposite side.

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