Possible shingles reoccurrence, help
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hello, I'm a 21 year old woman and I first got shingles about 2-3 weeks ago. I thought it was a really bad migraine and a cold but then I started getting blisters all over my left side of my forehead and scalp. I went to the doctors and he prescribed an antiviral medication(take 3 times a day for a week) and pain meds. That was about a week ago and after I took it all of the medication the blisters and pain disappeared. It was all healed up for the most part, but now I'm starting to feel the familiar pain. A tingly weird sensation on my forehead and it also feels like it might be bumpy. I may be freaking out, but I think I'm getting it again.
So I'm wondering if that's even possible to get it back that soon?
I changed my diet, take vitamins, workout, and try not to stress.
1 like, 18 replies
joy19171 katherine96
Posted
Katherine,I'd say yes it is,make an appointment straight away and get a cap on it before it takes hold, my GP said should it return. If you catch it and get the right medication you'll combat it,it never goes away unfortunately. It's a virus that sits on the bottom of your spinal column,any streets or upset can trigger the nerve to react and cause the virus again,so please make that appointment
katherine96 joy19171
Posted
I'm planning on making a doctors appointment in a couple days. I just didn't think I would get back this soon
jan35406 katherine96
Posted
katherine96 jan35406
Posted
But that's what I was getting at. I'm still experiencing a little bit of pain and the weird sensations on my face. Shingles is the worst pain I've ever had
joy19171 katherine96
Posted
I'd agree entirely with that Katherine,I'm 70 and in my years have never experienced such pain as this,right collarbone,neck and back of head,the rash has gone,this is my third week but the pain goes on relentlessly,I've been up since 3am ( UK) time just waiting of the painkillers to kick in,it disrupts your daily life in a huge way
paul12113 katherine96
Posted
Hi Katherine
In case you're unaware of it you might want to Google 'post herpetic neuralgia'.
Kind regards
Paul
katherine96 paul12113
Posted
I looked that up and that might be what I have, but I'll double check with the doctors. I hope this goes away soon
Goodwater_Betty katherine96
Posted
I would definitely have it checked out ASAP. Shingles is not a "one size fits all" kind of disease. It can take a lot of different twists and turns as I have learned from reading about what others have experienced on this website. If it is a recurrence, you need more of the antiviral medication and maybe other meds like Lyrica for the accompanying pain.
katherine96 Goodwater_Betty
Posted
I'll see what happens at the doctors. I think I'm making appointment in a couple days. So nervous
Goodwater_Betty katherine96
Posted
A couple of days can make a huge difference with this disease. It's cruicial to get on antiviral meds ASAP to try to catch it before it takes hold. I would go tomorrow.
katherine96
Posted
Revised info: the best way to describe the pain a couple weeks ago is imagine having a sunburn all on the left side of your forehead and scalp and cutting it repeatedly with a knife. But there was also a weird nerve pain like something was crawling under my skin. My face was tender to touch and also my left eye was swollen shut.
So of course now I'm freaking out when I get the slightest bit of pain or any change of how it looks because I don't wanna go through that again.
Seeing doctors sometime this week or beginning of next week due to work sched and the need of money haha.
Wish me luck!
valerie03145 katherine96
Posted
Hey! So sorry you are having to deal with this. I had the same type come on late January. I thought I was going back to work after two weeks, but I was wrong! That's when that post herpetic neuralgia set in...some slight stinging, some numbness down the rash path (forehead, eyebrow, eye lids, nose) There was also intense itching and the sensation that tiny bugs were crawling all over the same area and scalp. It was maddening! I also developed extreme photophobia and couldn't drive or be out in the sun for several more weeks. I could drive after 5-6 weeks total, and that's about when the numbness and weird sensations subsided substantially. My eye still feels a little irritated sometimes, but the other symptoms are minor. I did wonder a few times at the stage you are in if it was coming back. By the way, cortisone and antihistamines didn't help at all with the itching, but someone posted that coconut oil helped. It worked like a charm for me a few times! I even rubbed it into my scalp and left it on a few minutes before washing my hair. Everyone's story is different! I wish you a speedy and full recovery!
Jane1618 valerie03145
Posted
Hi Valerie,
I'm glad I am not the only one to suffer in the way you have, except mine is still causing itching and it is over a year ago I got shingles. The itching is still very intense at times too, so I doubt if it will ever stop now because the nerves were damaged! I have tried everything from eye drops to creams and nothing at all stops the itching. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has found something that helps!
katherine96 valerie03145
Posted
I'm gonna try the coconut oil for sure! I'm starting to get the pain back on my scalp too. First it was just my forehead. Shingles has definitely put me in a bad mood because it drove me insane all day everyday
thinsport katherine96
Posted
KATHERINE 96,
I'm so sorry for your discomfort and weird sensations. I sent you a private message with some information that might help. Best wishes that you'll be feeling better soon. Sincerely, Thinsport