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Rash now pain

Posted , 4 users are following.

paula67215
paula67215

hello 2 weeks ago while on holiday a had a rash start over my right breast and a small amount of pain , the rash has now almost gone but the pain is still quiet bad a burning feeling I looked up and it seems to be shingles think it's a waste of time going to GP as the rash is nearly all gone has anyone got any tips to help with the pain I have been taking paracetamol but only takes a small edge of

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • pauline59158
    pauline59158 paula67215

    Posted

    Hello Paula,

    Would suggest it's not too late to get advice from your doctor. At least you will get confirmation and know how to deal with it in future. At least he can give you something stronger for the pain.

    Best wishes 

    Pauline

  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 paula67215

    Posted

    Hi Paula. I don't think it's too late to see a Doc either. You need to get it confirmed and get stronger pain meds. The Post Herpetic Neuralgia, (PHN), can go on for some time and the surgery needs to know why you're getting this awful nerve pain anyway. Good idea to read some of the blogs and info on this website as I did. Mine started in April at Easter and still getting the PHN and the odd patch of rash, mainly in my scalp where it all started. You'll also be very tired and need to rest as much as poss while your system deals with the virus.

    Best Wishes, Ellie. X

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 paula67215

    Posted

    Hi Paula,

    I am so sorry you contracted shingles. As you read, you had to have had chickenpox first, then the Herpes Zoster virus lays dormant on the sensory nerve root, only to be reactivated when you are stressed or immunocompromised. Shingles is not just the excruciating rash, it is the viral disease that includes the predromal phase which can include feeling flu-like, ie muscle and joint aches, fever, chills and sweats, headache, Then comes the rash, usually vesicles-blisters on a red base, occurring in crops. It is itchy and or burning / electrical pain. Once the blisters scape over, you are no longer contagious. The third phase is the post herpetic neuralgia, which can be as painful as the rash.

    You need to go to your physician. They can document the episode, draw blood to obtain tires of the antibodies to the Herpes Zoster virus, and place you on certain medications in the anticonvulsant class or Lyrica, and or Opioids to lessen the pain.

    In any case, this will not go away on its own.

    Also, this can reoccur. Many physicians are ignorant to this fact. May I ask how old you are? Also if you have cancer or auto immune diseases, or are older, you are more susceptible to Shingles. Unfortunately, I have autoimmune diseases and was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I get Zoster-Shingles every 3-5 weeks in my right ear for the last 19 years.

    I hope this has helped you.

    Merry Juliana

    • maritess20589
      maritess20589 Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi Merry,

      My mother in law seems to have a shingles. We are about to see a doctor this weekend, are you familiar of specialization of a doctor should we consult on this?

  • pauline59158
    pauline59158 paula67215

    Posted

    I was one of the "lucky" ones who had the immunisation (last year) against getting a repeat bout. But, at  the moment, like many people I have spoken to recently, I am suffering PHN but without the rash. I have pain in my neck and shoulders, along with, numbness and tingling and severe headaches.

    I have had 3 sleepless nights and suffering with stress, panic attacks and dizziness. Unfortunately I am limited to the drugs/remedies I can use because I am taking Warfarin. 

    Best wishes Paula, hope you get better soon.

    Pauline

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 pauline59158

      Posted

      Hi Pauline,

      I am 63 years old, also on Warfarin, for Atrial Fibrillation, and there are many medications one can take to lessen the post herpetic neuralgia PHN you are experiencing. With Warfarin, the most important issue is your blood level .

      Mlqaremaining in a steady state, so that if you take a medication everyday, your INR will not fluctuate. Neurotic and Lyrica both help with PHN. I am on Topamax, which helps me as far as lessening the pain with recurrent Herpes Zoster every 3-5 weeks. I am certain it helps prevent PHN. I am on 10 different medications for various diseases, and they all affect the INR, but I need to take them daily. Also, some newer antidepressants have a triple mode of action in decreasing the intensity of pain, helping with anxiety and depression. They are not contraindicated with warfarin. I am a nurse practitioner in the States, so I am aware of the interactions.

      I would try to find a knowledgeable physician to work with you in finding the correct combination that works for you. It is not worth suffering.

      I hope this helps.

      Merry Juliana

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451

      Posted

      Should read : Remaining in a steady state,

      Medications Neurontin and Lyrica

    • pauline59158
      pauline59158 Merry19451

      Posted

      Thank you Merry for your interest, it seems in UK they have different ideas. My Dr keeps telling me he would give me this drug, or that drug for depression or pain, but, he can't because of the interaction. He does check the NHS interaction database and that gives him the guidance.

      Maybe, he's too cautious. 

      Regards Pauline

       

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 pauline59158

      Posted

      Perhaps you could ask for a referral to a neurologist or change physicians. I know I am correct regarding this. The reason I am pushing this is I have prescribed Warfarin in the past. I know there are plenty of interactions, but then you monitor the INR. The physician sounds as if doesn't wish to change things at your expense. You are suffering. Think about it. Is it worth it to have this diminished quality of life?

      My answer would be NO!

      MERRY JULIANA

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