Shingles? Possibly?

[Miss Mac 6,261]

Get medical attention as soon as you can. A couple of summers ago, I thought I had an exercise injury because my shoulder was so sore. The more I put BenGay on it, the worse it hurt. I called my doctor for some pain meds. He said he does not diagnose over the phone and that I shouldn't diagnose by "Google-itis" So, they got me in the next day. He took one look and said "you have shingles". IBecause I did not know , I was putting BenGay on shingles! He prescibed an anti-viral med and some pain meds, and increased my Lyrica dose that I was taking for neuropathies.

I have tell you that the nerve pain from the shingles put me in a dark place for a couple of weeks, at the thought that sometimes it doesn't go away if you waited too long for treatment. The despair almost put me over the edge. Thank goodness the rash finally went away after two months. Don't be tough and wait this out. As soon as the roads are clear, get going to the doctor or E. R . If it's not shingles, the it's just as good to know what something isn't. I hope you can find a sure diagnosis. I wish you good luck and good health.

[Georgia 2,908]

Get medical attention as soon as you can. A couple of summers ago, I thought I had an exercise injury because my shoulder was so sore. The more I put BenGay on it, the worse it hurt. I called my doctor for some pain meds. He said he does not diagnose over the phone and that I shouldn't diagnose by "Google-itis" So, they got me in the next day. He took one look and said "you have shingles". IBecause I did not know , I was putting BenGay on shingles! He prescibed an anti-viral med and some pain meds, and increased my Lyrica dose that I was taking for neuropathies. I have tell you that the nerve pain from the shingles put me in a dark place for a couple of weeks, at the thought that sometimes it doesn't go away if you waited too long for treatment. The despair almost put me over the edge. Thank goodness the rash finally went away after two months. Don't be tough and wait this out. As soon as the roads are clear, get going to the doctor or E. R . If it's not shingles, the it's just as good to know what something isn't. I hope you can find a sure diagnosis. I wish you good luck and good health.

Thanks for the response. I DID go to Dr as soon as I could ( we had a snowstorm) and yes, it was shingles. I was put on Valtrex and high dose steroids. Like you said, it can be totally debilitating and can cause depression since you tend to think it will NEVER end. It finally has ended. I still have twinges of it now and then but for the most part, I am pain free. After a period of remission, I will receive the vaccine to help reduce reoccurrences.

[marfar7 1,528]

5 yrs ago, my back was hurting really badly. Worse than the usual bad back pain. I used the heating pad at lib. On day 4, I couldn't even walk upright. Thought for sure I had a kidney stone. Went to the ER and was diagnosed with shingles. I thought the burning pain on my back was from overuse of the heating pad. It was a huge rash. They gave me antivirals (which were close to $400, btw) and Vicodin. It was a good weeks before I could walk upright and a good month before I was good as new.

I'm 46, 41 at the time and I now get the shingles vaccine. Never heard of the age requirement. Good luck to u.

Btw, did u get a diagnosis? I didn't read all the comments so not sure if u updated or not?

[carstanger 346]

Got my meds ( thank you, Jesus!) and it is shingles. Will take vaccine after I am well If you are over 55 and your Dr will give it, get it!'

My brother just had to get his at the the pharmacy!

[Georgia 2,908]

5 yrs ago, my back was hurting really badly. Worse than the usual bad back pain. I used the heating pad at lib. On day 4, I couldn't even walk upright. Thought for sure I had a kidney stone. Went to the ER and was diagnosed with shingles. I thought the burning pain on my back was from overuse of the heating pad. It was a huge rash. They gave me antivirals (which were close to $400, btw) and Vicodin. It was a good weeks before I could walk upright and a good month before I was good as new. I'm 46, 41 at the time and I now get the shingles vaccine. Never heard of the age requirement. Good luck to u. Btw, did u get a diagnosis? I didn't read all the comments so not sure if u updated or not?

Yes, I did. And it WAS shingles. Took Valtrex and pain killers for about 2 weeks and it lasted for about 4 weeks total. Completely clear now and pain free. I'm hoping it forever!!!! Yikes.