Reoccurring shingles?

I've had recurring Shingles and frankly I pretty much gave up on even informing Dr.'s. I've had one too many (clearly uninformed), so-called health care professionals tell me that it is IMPOSSIBLE for one to have continued bouts of Shingles at my age. I've been told only the elderly have Shingles and one wouldn't have it more than once, maybe twice.

I've had it several times. The worst of which was on my torso but extended to the neck and into the eye (very painful), and sinus. I got a secondary infection that time and was informed I have MRSA (the Shingles turned into massive cysts that were off-the-charts painful). I have had Shingles approximately once per year, every year, since I was early 20's. Sometimes a light case (maybe 3 - 8 pox) and sometimes intense (many more than 15 pox, and not always just on the torso). I'll have them on the torso and maybe two on the thigh-kind of thing. I get them on the neck, hairline, face, under the arms, sides of chest, too.

In my case, I never had Chicken Pox as a child and acquired them from working with lots of children (I worked for Mattel). I never had genital herpes or even cold sores prior. Having Chicken Pox as an adult is horrid. I felt like I had been run over by a truck and I couldn't understand why people always spoke of how itchy Chicken Pox were when mine felt like searing pain.

I always suspected that (similar to Migraine headaches), that there is an "aura" associated with Shingles. I'm not sure if you've noticed that, too but it's true. I could/can actually sense when Shingles are coming on well before the fact. It's just an overall, hazy, slightly dizzy, all-over body-ache, dazed-thing. Once I start feeling like that I KNOW that within a few days to a week or so.. it's coming.

The antiviral that's typically prescribed makes me very nauseated and I discontinue them. (probably not wise but obviously I wouldn't discontinue them if they worked). I've noticed that mine are scarring now more than ever. In the beginning only a couple/few left scars but now it seems they all appear to be keloid-scarring.

I don't want you to think I'm being blasé about Shingles because I'm not. It's horrible. But the fact is that there just aren't enough hours in the day to try to locate a physician out there who will take what I'm saying seriously and try to assist in some way. (other than prescribing the same antiviral Rx that doesn't work). I've had some Dr.'s say Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Fibro Myalgia (vs. referring to it as recurring Shingles). I (and YOU) are well aware of what a simple bug bite, or pimple look and feel like.. and we also KNOW what a Shingles pox looks and feels like: BIG DIF. PAIN, primarily. I've gone into a Clinic with ACTIVE Shingles and been told it's probably something else. whatever. I've never had the Shingles vaccine, btw. (for some reason I don't trust it at ALL).

The Lidocaine patches, ointment and creams ( 5% Rx) help, moderately, for the pox pain. I can't take Vicodin or Codeine because I'll vomit so I'll just take regular buffered Aspirin. I use clear Calamine gel all over and wait it out., sleeping through it. Wearing a loose shirt is wise because anything cling-y will hurt too much and may spread them. I wash my hands with actual bleach so I won't get an infection.

(you likely already know this but)..

Do NOT go out in public (or anywhere) with Shingles because pregnant women (or even women about to become pregnant) have a 100% chance of having a baby with birth defects if they are around someone with Chicken Pox/Shingles. Dr'.s offices and clinics literally clear the entire waiting room and exam rooms when I come in because of the risk of having pregnant women contract it. It's very serious. If the pox are ACTIVE (as in, if you still see a sign of them. Even a little dry)..DO NOT GO OUT in public.

This answer won't help much but at least you'll know you aren't alone.

Take care of yourself.

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I had Shingles for the first time a few weeks ago. I am normally in good health and haven't had any other health challenges before, so it came as a surprise.

Shingles is probably the most painful thing I have ever encountered. I went to the doctor, and he gave me some prescription drugs to take that was suposed to help, but didn't.

My wife found the Fast Shingles Cure ebook online and bought it for me, I am very lucky to have such a wonderful woman in my life. We followed the book, did what it said, and it delivered what it promised. Finally my Shingles rash is over... I feel truly blessed and thankful.

The #1 Shingles Treatment Method Available

I went to my Dr. and showed him the area under my arms and told him the pain I was having as a result of the small bumps and all I was asked was, what kind of deodorant do I use. Not once did he examine me to see exactly what it may be or what could have caused it. Under my right arm, a very painful knot also appeared. I told him that I was using cortisone 10 for the problem, which was helping the pain, but I wish I could have gone to my Dr. and he could have given me something concrete to deal with and given me something more effective to help me. I had to go on line and hear from others what my problem could be and to see if the problem can occur again. Thanks for all the info!!!