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My Doctor Doubts My Self Report

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Hellokitty11
Hellokitty11

Hello Fellow Shingles Warriors

I have been experiencing severe trauma from shingles related symptoms since being prescribed Prednisone to help control an aggressive attack of autoimmune disease on my thyroid. My thyroid peroxidase antibodies tested >13000 (normal levels being <60. For several weeks I also had a sharp, burning pain on my second lower rib on my back. A rash broke out in a wide band from the middle of my spine, initially on the right. I had barely recovered when another rash broke out on the left side.

For 5 months I really struggled to cope. Since then, every time I have a stressful event to deal with it feels like I have a shingles flare for 2 to 3 weeks.

My problem is because I don't always get a rash my Doctor thinks I am exaggerating the pain & irritation from itchy skin.

I would be forever grateful if someone can direct me to find some information that validates what I keep getting & best treatment plan options.

THANK YOU!!!

Michelle

0 likes, 1 reply

1 Reply

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 Hellokitty11

    Posted

    Hi Michelle,

    I am so sorry for your suffering. Which physician is doubting that this is Shingles?

    As you have autoimmune disease, you are not a medically naive individual. Is this an internist or endocrinologist or infectious disease specialist?

    Are the pains and accompanying symptoms similar to the ones you had when you had the rash? If so, it is Shingles. As you are immunocompromised, and were or on Prednisone, of course you would be getting Shingles without the rash or "Zoster Sine Herpete."

    I frankly would terminate your physician, as he has no idea how Zoster flares up recurrently on immunocompromised individuals, often and frequently, without the rash. Find a physician who actually is current.

    With each episode, you should be treated with an antiviral for at least 10-14 days, preferably Valtrex 1000mg 3x gaily or Famciclovir 500mg 3x daily .

    Look at Medscape for more information. Ask

    for a referral to a neurologist. Your physician is abysmally ignorant.

    I have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles every 3 weeks in my right ear, mouth, and throat, and right scalp for the past 23 years and twice in my right eye.

    If you are in the States, you need to get the Shingrex vaccine. It would be covered by the insurance.

    Many of us on this site are here due to the maltreatment by physicians.

    I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States.

    I find that Bactine spray, which contains Lidocaine, followed by Flonase, an corticosteroid allergy nasal spray, soothed the severe burning itching on my right scalp. I used it 4x daily on my clean scalp, which was completely covered with vesicles-blisters.

    I would only wear a light weight cotton over the affected area.

    Ice or cool compresses help constrict the blood vessels, and numb the pain.

    Please let me know how else I can help you. Please do not tolerate this physician.

    Best Regards

    Merry Juliana

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