1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Shingles

Reoccurring shingles

Posted , 6 users are following.

rosalyn_22713
rosalyn_22713

I’m 31 years old and had my first shingles rash about 12 weeks ago.  I was put on Valtrex and send on my way. It’s now 12 weeks later and I just started having tingling and burning pains on the right side of my neck.  I immediately started Valtrex (3x a day) and several drs have told me I am being paranoid and it isn’t a shingles outbreak. Has anyone had similar experiences to this feeling? I feel like I’m going crazy but do not want another shingle outbreak. 

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Millwood
    Millwood rosalyn_22713

    Posted

    Unfortunately it sounds like PHN...post herpetic neuralgia. Many of us here have had the burning, tingling or itching go on for months and years. I am a year out of shingles around my eye and on forehead and have burning every day. Nothing helps...a other round of anti virals does not address the problem as it is the nerve endings that are damaged. Some people take meds such as Lyrica or gabapentin. I dont as they are not meant for this disease and can have a lot of side effects. Hoping your situation does not last a long time.
  • sheila24138
    sheila24138 rosalyn_22713

    Posted

    I know the feeling as I have been two and half months now and I still get the burning and tingling in my hip and thigh. I still have the rash which has never left. I went back to my doctor a week ago and she gave me Pregabalin and it seems to be helping. I feel really well all day but in the evening it comes back, feeling like my thigh and groin are swollen.  We just have to relax and let our body heal itself. Some seem to take longer than others. 
    • usmc1963
      usmc1963 sheila24138

      Posted

      I am in my third week of constant burning pain, stabbing pain and a feeling I have been body punched on my right stomach side and back side. I am now trying ACV (apple cider vinegar) orally and applied directly. No relief yet. I saw my Doctor 3 days ago. He was not encouraging and dissuaded going to a narcotic for pain. He said it will either improve or not. His only advice was Tylenol Extra strength and 100 ounces of water a day. He will prescribe if I cannot take the pain. My blisters have mostly disappeared but have redness abound and some small red scabs. If I push my fingers into the inflamed area I do not feel pain. The soreness is all inside. Sorry to ramble on but that is my status. Judging from all the home remedies suggested I think may people are still searching for success.
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 usmc1963

      Posted

      Hi Marine,

      I would ask for an Opioid, as your physician is not the one suffering. It is his duty to relieve suffering.

      Merry Juliana

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 rosalyn_22713

    Posted

    Rosalyn,

    First, I am sorry you are going through this, again. Did the pain completely disappear and now has reoccured? Is the pain in the identical location as the rash and pain previously?

    Does the tingling and burning feel identical to the shingles you were diagnosed with originally?

    Are you immunocompromised with autoimmune diseases, IBS, Cancer, on Corticosteroids, etc?

    May I ask your age?

    I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles for twenty one years every three to five weeks in my right ear.

    I look forward to hearing from you so I can answer your questions and support you.

    Most physicians are abysmally ignorant regarding shingles, its diagnosis, accompanying symptoms, treatment, and management. They can be arrogant and condescending to the patient who returns with recurrent Shingles or PHN.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 rosalyn_22713

    Posted

    Ooooops, I just saw your age!

    Merry Juliana

    • sheila24138
      sheila24138 Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi Merry. I am asking you a question to see if you have ever heard of the shingles rash lasting for over two months. I was diagnosed with shingles on July 20 and was given the antivarl meds to take for one week. I may have been late getting them as I had been misdiagnosed a couple days before. I I’ve been through all the symptoms of fevers nausea blisters and healing over. Hard back pain to begin as it goes around my back. groin and thigh. The rash is still dark red and I still have burning tingling pain. I think I now have PHN as my documentary prescribed pregabalin for nerve pain along with an xStrength Tylenol.  My concern is I think the rash has to go before the pain leaves. Even my doctor who is new in the medical practice  has never seen a rash like mine. 
    • sheila24138
      sheila24138

      Posted

      That should say doctor not documentary
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 sheila24138

      Posted

      Hi Sheila,

      The rash itself can take months to heal as it causes scarring below the top layer. The varicella virus can cause a lot of inflammation to the skin layers. The dark red rash sounds like it is healing. It varies from person to person and the depth of the shingles.

      I am sorry you have PHN.

      Is the pregabalin helping with the pain?

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • sheila24138
      sheila24138 Merry19451

      Posted

      Yes Merry. The pregabalin does seem to help. I have only been on it for one week and I am improving every day. I am able to walk now without discomfort in my groin. I still take an xStrength Tylenol occasionally with it. But find I’m needing it less than before. I appreciate you responding so quickly as I was concerned about the rash. I have been applying aloe Vera on it every evening.  By the way the evening seems to be the worst with the burning pain for some reason or another 
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 sheila24138

      Posted

      Sheila,

      You may find you are over doing it as activity worsens pain, and rest and sleep decrease the amount of pain and allow you to heal more quickly. You can not power through this disease. You absolutely need to be kind to yourself. You might find if you take a nap during the day, it might help the pain.

      Also, ice or a cold compress may help you.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • sheila24138
      sheila24138 Merry19451

      Posted

      I feel I did rest for the first six weeks but feel I need to do some exercise, I go to the grocery store and walk around for half hour or so. I do light house work but that’s about all. I sit and watch tv and do stuff on my computer. So I don’t really know how much rest I need or how much activity I need. If pain is a cause of too much then I will cut back. I just thought with PHN. It is nerve damage that takes time to heal. I have also started back on healthy smoothies with blueberries and spinach almond milk turmeric and ginger and chia seeds. Also added extra vitamin D, C, B12 plus a multivitamin. I know that a healthy diet will improve my immune system. Hoping all this will help. I was in a stressful situation for a couple of weeks but that has changed now and I am relaxing as much as possible. Thank you again Merry
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 sheila24138

      Posted

      Sheila,

      Please also Google the high Lysine low Arginine diet and Herpes diet. It is valuable in avoiding recurrent Herpes Zoster - Shingles.

  • alison63966
    alison63966 rosalyn_22713

    Posted

    Hi completely can relate to your fear - I am in week four - so scared it will come back - my eye is feeling itchy and sore which previous to this awful illness I would have accepted  as a sore eye - I have become so scared of its return that any sign of discomfort sends me in a state of panic !!! I hope you feel better soon 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.