Shingles...years later (pain, kidney, cold, infect)

[rockky]

Does anyone have personal experience or general knowledge about the long-term effects of shingles?

I had a small patch on my back over four years ago. It wasn't a big deal.

I've had pain flare ups in my arms and back for the last two years. I've been to more doctors than I care to count. No one has been able to diagnose the reason for my discomfort.

I totally forgot about the shingles. Could this have something to do with what I've been dealing with?

[Pikantari]

I know of patients who get them over and over.... usually very painful on the torso area. I hope it clears up for you. A lot of Rheumatoid patients have this problem for some reason. I have not yet, so far.

[San]

That could be your problem. I have a friend that had shingles and she's had trouble off and on for years. If you are 60 or older it's good for anyone to go get the new shingles vaccine. We did. It's a bit pricey but it's sure better than getting shingles.

[lchoro]

I had shingles twenty years ago. I still get pain and weird sensations along the nerves, mostly on the right side of the chest (typical of shingles). For all I know, I may have had recurrence at least once without the breakout of blisters. I find that exercise and breathing exercises tends to eliminate them. Do a search for shingles and neuralgia, and you'll find the information you need. Rest, sleep, and diet may also be important if your immune system is vulnerable to herpes zoster.

[pitt_transplant]

Google : prodrome.

Next time it happens ask the doctor for a anti-viral script for it. If it goes away fast, its from your shingles. And since its been going on like it has I would just get a full screen for everything. Once you know you are generally healthy work on boosting your immune system with diet and exercise.

[rockky]

Thanks for all the responses! I will pursue more input locally and would welcome any additional info anyone here may be able to provide.

I seemed to develop the small outbreak of shingles after I was hospitalized for over a week with a very serious kidney infection. My doctor mentioned that she thought the outbreak was from having been so run down with the infection.

I've never, even to this day, ever had so much a cold sore/fever blister.

This has been a long two years of visiting traditional medical practitioners, so if anyone has any alternative suggestions, I'm open for anything!

P.S. Pikantari, it's nice to see you. I hope you and the kids are doing well.

[Pikantari]

P.S. Pikantari, it's nice to see you. I hope you and the kids are doing well.


Hi Rockky.... good to see you as well, As far as how we are, a whole new novel, unfortunately...

[islandmommy]

My sister recently had shingles, and she was told by her dr that the pain could linger for years and that the spot (on her face) would always be sensitive.

[i_am_hydrogen]

Originally Posted by rockky

Does anyone have personal experience or general knowledge about the long-term effects of shingles?

I had a small patch on my back over four years ago. It wasn't a big deal.

I've had pain flare ups in my arms and back for the last two years. I've been to more doctors than I care to count. No one has been able to diagnose the reason for my discomfort.

I totally forgot about the shingles. Could this have something to do with what I've been dealing with?

Shingles can lead to "postherpetic neuralgia," a painful condition which can occur anywhere from days to years after an outbreak. Doctors often prescribe nortriptyline as a prophylactic measure.