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shingles

Posted , 4 users are following.

lorie2562
lorie2562

I have diagnosed with shingles. The rash began 4 days ago first on the back of my neck and two days ago on my jawline. Can I expect additional breakouts?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 lorie2562

    Posted

    Hi Lorie,

    I am so sorry for your suffering.

    The vesicles-blisters of Herpes Zoster-Shingles usually appear in crops or waves, up to five days after the onset of the initial rash. You have one more day to go regarding the appearance of the rash. I hope your physician placed you on an antiviral immediately, as well as a analgesic. You did not mention your age, but Herpes Zoster-Shingles can be excruciating, especially if you are older. If you are having significant pain that is not relieved by the analgesic prescribed, please ask your physician for a strong Opioid such as oxycodone. Usually, people have accompanying symptoms in the pre-eruptive phase. These symptoms include: headache, fever chills, sweating, aches and pains, malaise, weakness, and fatigue. These symptoms can continue into the rash and pain stage. I am telling you this as many individuals are not told this as certain physicians are abysmally ignorant regarding this disease. If your pain is not under good control now, it ups the risk of developing post herpetic neuralgia.

    I hope this has helped you.

    Please let me know how I can help you. I am a nurse practitioner in the States. I have had Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 20 years. I understand this disease and the importance of excellent pain control.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

    • lorie2562
      lorie2562 Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi Merry,  I am 52. Actually, there hasn't been much pain. It is only sore if I touch the area. I'm not sure if I'm getting off easy, or if the worst is yet to come. I am taking a steriod and an antiinflammatory. He also gave me a pain med, but I only tok one dose.
    • karla97486
      karla97486 Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi merry u replied to me when I first had shingles 4 weeks ago. I'm going on my 5th week. The blisters have all healed but I still have red blotches and alot of pain in my shoulder. Should I b concerned about this. I cannot even hardly sleep on my left side
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 karla97486

      Posted

      Karla,

      As you still have the pain in your shoulder, ( the neuropathic pain, not typical joint pain) I would see your physician today and ask for either Neurontin or Lyrica that will help reduce the Neuropathic or electric, pain, that it severe. When you cannot sleep, it it is time to see the doctor. I would also ask for an Opioid such as oxycodone. This is entering the post herpetic neuralgia phase, and you want to eradicate the pain now.

      Let me know how you make out.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 lorie2562

    Posted

    Hi Lori. What age are you? Shingles often strikes when we're a bit older, like over 50. If you were given anti virals within 72 hours of rash appearing they might have stopped the rash getting worse. It usually lasts about 2-4 weeks then the spots  should be drying up and you are no longer infectious. The post herpetic neuralgia, PHN can then start bothering you with needle like nerve pains, aching etc in the area where the rash was. Everyone is different in the way they recover from shingles but keep posting on here, I'm sure you will get lots of help and advice on how to cope. Best wishes, Pollyanna.
    • lorie2562
      lorie2562 Ellie1943

      Posted

      Thank you! I am 52. I first started itching and felt welps on the back of my neck, which I could not see. So I didn't go to the doctor until 3 days later.
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