Sharing my experience - recurring shingles

I'm a 36 year old male and have had shingles 5 times since I was 18.  I have had outbreaks on my chest and lower eyelid.  They usually have been pretty mild, compared to what others have posted.  I was just happy to see that I'm not the only person whose suffered more than one bout.  From reading on the internet you would think it is impossible to have more than one episode, and if you do, you certainly must be immunocompromised.  My sisters, who are close in age have also had shingles, although not as often.  Maybe it's genetics, or maybe it was a nasty strain (we all had chicken pox at the same time).  

Recurring shingles is a problem with many patients as described in this thread and many others. In many cases when there is no underlying problem (like HIV, autoimmune deseases or cancer) then I think it is possible to strenghtening the immune system by good nutrition and rest and break this vicious painful cycle.

I had 4 recurring shingles between April and July of this year (2015). My immune system was badly weakened as a result of long trip to Greece and what followed an infection (impetigo). I went through a cycle when shingles hit me again and again in 4 months. I started eating healthy (meat, fruits, milk/soya/cheese and salads) and take vitamines and supplements specific and proven to boost immune system i.e. vitamines D,A, C, green tea, immune boosters,...etc.) and now since July I am shingles free. For those of you who are still in this painful cycles similarly there may be a way out. Boost your immune system (do some research to find out exactly what is best for your immune system) and get good sleep and within a couple of months you too can break this cycle.

Best wishes.

Kevin

I know this was posted over a year ago, but I am glad I am not the only one going through this.  I have had shingles since shortly after I had chicken pox when I was 21,  7-12 times a year, and I am now 44.  Doctors have no clue and many have even told me, that can't happen.  So i show them and they still can't help because they are astounded.  I am not able to get the shot due to the fact that I can't go for six months without getting them.  It has been very hard emotionally since I work six days a week and have been a single mom all of my life.  You can't stop because you are hurting and I have nerve damage that kills my low back and leg.  I get a small cluster on my spine, very low, almost to the tail bone and to the left.  I was also diagnosed twice with SLE (lupus) but it doesn't fit.  I have not had any organ involvement.  There is definitely a problem with my immune system and I have a pretty difficult time dealing with stress and always break out a few days after any stressful confrontation of issue. I think I have some type of anxiety disorder, my fight or flight is always on and it's mostly flight, panic and avoid. lol. Doctors say you need to get more sleep....but I cant sleep.  They say eliminate stress....well, its my life, I can't eliminate my family or financial worries, so I hope that someone is able to find a Dr who is willing to take the time to try to figure this out.  It's wearing me down way before my time.  If I lived in a perfect world, I would go to the Mayo Clinic and get er done.  It's just very comforting to know that other people are having going through the same thing.  I have found that Nurontin help for the nerve pain.  God Bless you all.

My wife has it on her butt cheek as many others here do. It comes with along with stress and diet mistakes such as onions. I wonder.. she also has genital herpies which doesn't occur that often. I wonder if there is a relationship between the 2 conditions. I ask the other ladies to answer this.. Do you have genital herpies as well??  maybe its all linked together somehow. Poor babies. you suffer so much.

Thanks for sharing

 

I've also been dealing with reoccurring shingles. My first outbreak was in 2014 on my left side of my body from my face down to my leg. 6 months later the nerve pain came back but on my back but no rash. April 2015 i broke my ankle & i had an outbreak. Ever since I've been having outbreaks. If I'm lucky I'll have a week with no symptoms. I've had outbreaks on both sides of my body at the same time. My doctors are stumped. I've had countless blood test & they can't figure out why this is happening. The only thing that we can come up with is that I pushed my body too much. I'm a single mom & work 60+ hours also during this time i was taking care of my mom who had cancer.

So now I'm only working 40 hours a week. Taking multivitamins, complex B, & lysine. Along with my antiviral that must take every day. If i don't I'll have an outbreak all over my body. Eating more raw vegetables & fruits. And cut back on coffee & chocolate.

Not sure what the answer is to all this. If any of this works I'll let ya know. It is nice to know that there are others out there.

I was just diagnosed with my 2nd case of shingles in less than a year.  I was misdiagnosed the first time because I am only 35 and otherwise very healthy.  Thank you so much for posting- although I am sorry you suffer from the same; its a comfort to know Im not the only one.

I'm totally confused , went to dermatologist today , have rash on both forearms for over three yrs . She told me that I could only get shingles once . I mentioned this web site.that there's no way anyone can get shingles often or again . I got a shot of TMC. It says 8x stronger than prednisone . She said no to antivirals . I had punch biopsy to make sure what the rash on arms was . A virus ..... Nothing you can do about it . I have a drawer of ointments creams rubs you name none worked . I feel better since she said the type of shingles I had can't happen again I don't know. ... Just saying. ☮