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Shingles after pain

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Ellie1943
Ellie1943

I started with shingles about 3 weeks ago. It was Easter so didn't get to see a Doc immediately. The original rash on my right shoulder/upper arm was drying up nicely and I thought I was better. Then a rash appeared on my hand/wrist, not much but saw a Doc and she gave Anti viral pillls for a week mainly because it was still active and I'm almost 72. Rashes are clearing up nicely but I have lots of pain in my shoulders/arms and upper back  on the opposite side, (left this time) as well as the pain from the first rash on my right shoulder and arm! Pain is quite severe by the end of the day unless I just do nothing all day! Not sure if this is PPN or another attack of shingles without the rash this time. I understand that this can happen from the reading I've done lately. I do have to get on with my life so hope it will all clear up soon. My shingles don't seem to be conforming to any pattern as doctors seem to believe! I'm just taking the Tramadol and Diclofenac prescribed for my Osteo Arthritis. This is where the pain is anyway, in the joints and muscles of arthritic joints but much worse than usual. I'm also feeling very tired, exhausted at times! Has anyone else had similar experiences?

 EnidC

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • hnybny
    hnybny Ellie1943

    Posted

    Hello Enid,

    I'm sorry you are having to deal with that pain!  I had Shingles a few weeks ago but am still dealing with some of the pain.  It was extremely intense and, at times, almost unbearable but it does get better.  My situation now is PHD.  I took Acyclovir for 7 days for the virus.  You generally feel like crap because you are fighting a virus.  Somewhat like if you get the flu.  Your immune system is going to town to help kill it.  That, too, will get better.  I've had it 3 times before with the rash but for some reason this time I had no rash...no blisters.  Just pain. and the aches and yucky all over feeling you get.  Maybe that is why your joints and muscles feel worse.  I hope you get some relief.  Time does help but in the mean time hopefully you are on medicine to help with the pain.  Nerve pain has to be the worst form of pain!!!  Best of luck to you!  You found the right site for support! We all may not have the exact right answer but at least you'll realize you aren't suffering alone.  :-)

    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 hnybny

      Posted

      Thankyou for your reply. It does help to know that others have had similar experiences although not so good for them! I think it's possible I've had it before too but without the rash. I tend to blame any pain I get on the OA. Several times though, I've had a painful scalp with some itchy spots and a headache. I find Tea Tree cream soothes and heals quite well. Plus a gentle shampoo as some of them make it sore. Aloe Vera is good!  I hadn't realised that shingles could affect the scalp until I Googled it!  I just tend to take the meds my doc prescribes for the arthritis but on a more regular basis if and when necessary. I am feeling better, just get tired easily and need to rest

      during the day and take it easy on the housework! (No hardship there!) rolleyes  wink

    • jan82384
      jan82384 hnybny

      Posted

      Hi, I started with shingles a week ago and can honestly say that the pain Is like nothing I have ever experienced before. I didn't realise it was shingles at first and as it was the weekend it was Monday before I saw a Dr. By then the spots had appeared so I had a good idea what is was. He put me on antiviral and steroids which have helped enormously but my main problem is night time and early morning. Of course all the painkillers etc. wear off then and sleep is impossible. I am glad I found this site because no matter how well meaning family and friends are if they have never experienced shingles they can't appreciate what you are going through. Good luck to all out there who are suffering and hope you all improve soon. 
    • hnybny
      hnybny jan82384

      Posted

      Hi Jan,

      It's amazing, isn't it, just how many people suffer with this blasted virus!  I had the pain building for almost 2 weeks before I went to the doctor because I didn't have the rash/blisters.  This is the first time that has happened so I thought it was somethng else.  I was actually surprised when he told me that's what it was.  I itched but made excuses on why I itched so badly.  Who knew!  I agree, you can tell someone how painful it is but until they've experienced it they have no clue just how intense it is!  Maybe try timing your pain medicine so you take it right before you go to bed and see if that helps keep you a little more comfortable during the night.  I know I was in some pretty odd and strange positions just to try to get comfortable without touching my back!  My pain is just below my right shoulder blade.  Of course, it's right under my bra! Ouch!  Well, hang in there!  Each day it will get better.  smile

    • jan82384
      jan82384 hnybny

      Posted

      Hi hnybny, isn't it strange how no two people have the same experiences. Mine started really quickly, yours came on gradually, some only itch some have 'flu like symptoms etc. etc. I do save some tablets for bed time but they seem to wear off quicker. My main pain is under my left breast and round to my back but after being in bed for a while it moves round to the middle and feels more intense. Like you mine is also under my bra, I'm afraid that it has been consigned to a drawer for the time being lol. Oh well, another night of twisting and turning on the way but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for the chat. 
  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943

    Posted

    Well it's me again! biggrin

     Hi, I've just listened and watched the video by Sarah Jarvis again I think she's missing the point too and using text book diagnostics. If you read most of these blogs Sarah, you'll realise that Shingles  and PHN do not follow any of the rules laid out in your text! We all have had totally different experiences but also lots of similarities which do not follow the general rule you're talking about. I've had shingles the last few weeks officially with rash, pain, depression etc. Previous to this diagnosis I've been feeling ill, like a flu bug on and off for a couple of years or more. Aches and pains, really bad headaches and very depressed as no one seemed to believe me and wrote me off as a hypochondriac! Doctors did blood tests etc without results which told them anything relative to the way I was feeling. I feel quite relieved now in a way, just to know what IS the matter with me! So... I think it's time to re write the Shingles text books and do MORE RESEARCH. PLUS, LISTEN TO WHAT WE ARE SAYING ON THIS WEBSITE!!!  I for one do NOT enjoy being considered hypo chondriac! I've worked extremely hard, ALL my life in various jobs, amongst which were Caring for the elderly, children and my own family! It would be good to know I could enjoy my retirement WITHOUT RECURRING  attacks of Shingles, in various parts of my body to spoil it. So will you Sarah Jarvis, speak up for us and inform the medical world they need to WAKE UP and listen to us the PATIENTS instead of reading the TEXT books and counting the cost of EVERYTHING! MORE RESEARCH PLEASE! IT'S COSTING MORE TO KEEP US ON BENEFITS  than the aforesaid research! mad

    • jan82384
      jan82384 Ellie1943

      Posted

      Hi ellie20025

      I have had a similar experience to you. My shingles started 3 weeks ago with pain like I have never experienced before, the typical rash and feeling as if I had the 'flu. Also like you have had bouts of the same symptoms minus the pain and rash for years. I had no idea at all that it could be connected to shingles. It usually laid me low for about 3 days spending most of that time sleeping and feeling like nothing on earth. When I mentioned it to my doctor once he admitted that he had no idea what it was but did think that it sounded viral. As it typically only lasted for a few days I didn't pursue it, just put it down to "one of those things." It's good to finally know what has been causing it but doesn't really help with the pain and associated symptoms now. I did work out that the bouts I had seemed to follow after a spell of being stressed which of course can trigger shingles. I am 63 and feel as if life is passing me by as I don't have any interest in hobbies or even going out. I am told that it will pass, only usually lasting 2 to 4 weeks and I hope and pray that is the case. I get 1 good day and think that I have turned a corner and the next day seems to take a step back. It is nice to know that other people have similar experiences but wish to goodness that none of us have to suffer. 

    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 jan82384

      Posted

      Hi Jan82384.

       I think I'm starting another session, hence the bad mood and irritability in last blog! Found another spot/spots in scalp. Thought I was doing well!redface Usual headache,hot n bothered yesterday but thought it was due to thundery weather. I don't think I got the anti virals soon enough due to Easter hols. Oh well, a few more nights of "discomfort" as the medical people would say! Wouldn't wish it on anyone but BOY, I wish there were some Docs out there who'd had what we seem to have!confused

      Off to bed now after dosing on 2 Tramadol. I always spread them out 6 hourly during the day so that I have some to take in the night if I need them. I've also found that hydro cortisone cream helps soothe the pain and itch.

       Night night. lol

       

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