Sharing my experience - recurring shingles

I have had reoccuring shingles for about 7 yrs and am having the 3rd outbreak in 3 weeks for the first time in 2 years. I just got back from a doctor that was unfamiliar with shingles and tried to tell me it was herpes.

I get so tired of the how doctors always want to diagnose me with herpes.

Reoccuring shingles is uncommon, but those that suffer know that it is very real. My pain is getting worse and the doctor would not prescribe any meds for pain. He told me to take motrin and said if I needed to I should take 3 motrin at a time for pain. Whatever! I am going to see a new doctor tomorrow. There have been quite a few doctors that do not believe I even have shingles, they always want to say it is herpes, but herpes does not cause the kind of pain that shingles does. The pain is getting worse with every outbreak. My lymph nodes usually swell for like 3 days and become so painful I can barely walk. I have noticed that I have outbreaks when I tan in the tanning bed also.

[Mines right down inside my cheek thats an itch you cant be seen to scratch.quote=\"Harrogate Mum\"]I get Shingles approx. every 12 months, they appear as a small cluster on one cheek of my bottom, I am lucky as each attack is very mild compared to some people I know who have had one bad dose. Mine seems to be reappear but the sypmots are mild. A few days before the spots break I am very tired and always think I have just over done it but then the spots appear and I seem to feel a bit better. It usually clears up within about 2 weeks. The only problem is my friends and family have given up on the sympathy now, its just \"oh right shingles again never mind, anyway can you just do me a favour\" so ideas of rest relaxation and being looked after are off the list.[/quote] :oops:

I have suffered this since as far back as I can remember. Used to get them every year. Despite my mum taking me to the Dr, & never once was it suggested thay it was recurring shingles until today. I'm 36 & this "disorder" is horrific! I knew the signs last time (when I was 7 &1/2 months pregnant ) I knew the symptoms on Sunday. Sensitivity & pain in my left index finger, then by that night pain & sensitivity in my whole hand. By fllowing day I have "the itch" then small blister appear & Then it forms into one big green painful blob right on the centre of my left palm So I have commenced on 800mgs of Aciclovir & Fucidin Cream I hope it just speeds up & get over it. It usually last about 2 weeks. But i'd rather stick needles in me for 2 weeks than have this.

I've had 2 mild cases of shingles at least 10 years ago. After having a hysterectomy in September 20011 I had a really bad case of shingles and I feel like it is active in my system ever since. Extreme fatigue accompanied by pain and a mild rash which can appear anywhere it seems. I would say that it comes back every 6 weeks or so. The pain and rash are milder as I did take Aciclivor in October but the tiredness is overwhelming. The thing is that shingles leaves your immune system low which leaves you open to come down with it again and again. I'm trying extra rest and multi-vitamins now. I wish someone could advise on how to prevent this horrible affliction.

Hi all.

I thought to leave this message here and hopefully help anyone with the same ailment.

I have had this condition for almost twenty years. It seems to active during times of stress, although I have to admit, in recent years my doctor has attributed it to my lifestyle. I drink alcohol most days, to cope with the stress.

I usually get a shooting pain in my right leg, from my ankle up to my buttock 2-3 days before the blisters appear. I can pinpoint to the exact point where they will appear. A cluster of blisters, about the size of a thumbnail appear, and boy, they are itchy. Some mornings I wake up and realise that during my sleep I have been scratching them, and of course the infected are is very red from scratching them.

Now, what I do to relieve the pain and lessen the time of infection is apply Benzoic acid compound ointment.

It is available from over the counter at a chemist, without prescription. I apply it with a cotton bud to the infected area, although it almost melts over the skin due to the heat given off from the scratching. I do this during the day, whenever the itching starts. Possibly three times a day.

I tried to apply it on the area where the blisters were due to erupt, a day before, but they just moved along the buttock a few centimetres. Crafty buggers.

I did once have them in and around my armpit, and I was unable to wear a shirt due to the sensitivity. The doctor gave me Zovirax cream. It did not help.

I strongly advise you to ask your own doctor before using Benzoic acid compound ointment. I have had no side effects, and it has been a huge help to me.

Of course, I know that my daily alcohol consumption does not help my immune system, but it is my way of coping with my life.

Whoever reads this, is obviously suffering just like the other posters on this forum.

I sincerely wish you all the best.

By the way, it is strongly recommended to refrain from having contact with young children and definitely not have contact with pregnant women.