Shingles & chest pain

Hi Sarah.  Did you get the anti-viral drug within the first 3 days?  I'd definitely have it checked.  I'd hate to see more eruptions.  I never broke out more, but I have that post herpatic neuralgia that will probably never go away.  It's tolerable, but I wish I didn't have it.  I heard that stress can bring on more eruptions, so try your best to stay calm.  Are you on any other meds?

Hi Sarah. I had shingles about 2 months ago followed by PHN. It started on right shoulder/upper arm then in scalp. Doc gave me aciclovir for one week.I believe I've had it in scalp before this but didn't realise what it was on the other occasions which were also preceded by "flu like" symptoms as was that outbreak! Two weeks ago, I went on hol for a few days and started with a chest pain and cough. Felt so bad I went to Doc's on return home and she diagnosed a quite severe chest infection. I told her I'd not been too well since the shingles, she said I would be "run down"! I've read on this forum that apart from the PHN that post shingles can leave you with Viremia or in simple terms, the virus is still active in the body. I understand this can go on for some time causing recurring bouts of shingles. If you have chest pain and and a cough too you should see a doc quite quickly in case you have a chest infection. Any chest pain should be reported to GP anyway. I had antibiotics, last one tomorrow, for a week. Chest feeling better but still very tired and sleeping a lot like when I had shingles. Also got itchy scalp again!  Just keeping eyes open and watching for more rash now! I am definitely run down and even the Welsh sea air has not helped. Hope you soon feel better but see GP soon if not.

Dear Sarah;

If you get a chance, look up my username on here to read past replies of mine, if that's possible. Anyway, the short version, is I have had reoccurring Shingles for 35 years. I actually he had it twice, in the last 4 weeks. I am on permanent medication, daily, to prevent it. It usually works pretty well. Every time I get Shingles, I get some sort of upper respiratory problems. I also get viral symptoms, upset stomach, diarrhea, some a low grade fever. Usually that is before I break out, the viral symptoms. But the upper respiratory is during and sometimes shortly afterwards. I have discomfort in my chest and back, and become short of breath, especially climbing stairs, outside in th heat or cold. During my breakouts, I am supposed to double my medication for 5 to 7 days, to try and heal quicker and to lessen the symptoms. Although, the medication actually tears up my stomach, when it's doubled. My own personal 35 years of experience, are that I always get the symptoms you're feeling in your chest. It has always Spanaway on its own. Just keep track of it and if you need an ear, just let me know. I hope you feel better, Shingles is no fun.