Reoccurring shingles / strange pain

Dear Kristen,

First, I am so sorry that you are suffering with this disease. What makes it worse is many physicians are abysmally ignorant of how to diagnose and treat the disease.

The Herpes Zoster-Shingles virus is circulating in your entire body. Your symptoms of feeling as if you have the flu is correct because the virus, except for targeting the respiratory system, gives individuals symptoms such as headache, fever, chills and sweating, aches and pains, malaise and fatigue, photophobia.

It sounds like you have more than one dermatome affected with each episode, even though there is no rash. Shingles without the rash is called "Zoster Sine Herpete."

Do you start an antiviral immediately when you have the onset of the symptoms. Which antiviral, and for how long?

Are you immunocompromised?

Are you aware of the need to follow Hi Lysine Low Arginine Diet. Google the Lysine-Arginine diet Shingles...Believe me, it helps to decrease the intensity of pain and frequency of episodes. When I would gorge on peanuts, I would pay the price....

I have recurring Herpes Zoster-Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twenty years and twice in my right eye. The pain is excruciating, agonizing, lancinating.

I take Famcyclovir at the first twinge if pain. I am also on Topamax daily, initially for migraine prophylaxis, but I am certain that it helps reduce the neuropathic pain I experience. I also use Auralgon, a topical ear drop, which contains Benzocaine, a numbing medication. I attack the pain using three modalities, plus restrict my diet. I still get the episodes, but am able to function better and be in control of the disease, instead of the disease controlling me.

Other options for daily medications are Gabapentin, Lyrica, and Elavil, and Cymbalta. They all interfere with neurotransmitters, and some work better than others. As you have been at this almost case long as I, I apologize if this is stuff you already know.

I hope your family is understanding regarding this disease. Many people who have never had it cannot begin to understand the enormity of the pain and accompanying symptoms. Please let me know how I can help you.

Best wishes

Merry Juliana

Have you asked your dr if you can still have the immunization injection for Hepes Zoster Shingles. My dr did and it has lessoned the recurrence and severity of this disease.

also there are speciality doctors that specialize in many of the diseases that other GPS do not. As your dr for a referal or check the Internet for a specialist clinic in your area.

i understand totally how hopeless this disease can make us feel. With a better management of the disease and pain docs you may be able to dodge the bullet for long term advanced stages. 

Best wishes.

I see what you mean,and this is an inferriating disease and I too at times feel helpless. I have to remember to never give up and always keep up on the latest treatments.

I know that when I begin to feel that tingling feeling and itching all over its time to take anti virals. Also take meds for itching which can make me go batty. Also numbing gel. 

I too have found many alternatives and treatments for the various symptoms with the illness from this disease which can recurr with a vengence at times.

it seems to be worse in winter.

i take lots of supplements, vitamins especially for nerve support.

hope you stay well and most importantly happy.