Shingles on right arm 68 year old female, need any suggestions from knowledgeable people.?

Question

Shingles is covering at least half of arm from forefinger to high on shoulder. Slight pain for 2 days before rash started 5 days ago (couple pink spots) and has continued to expand to present along with pain. Shingles was diagnosed 4 days ago and anti-viral was prescribed, but pills were so big (1gm) they couldn’t be swallowed and now way pass 72hrs recommend time frame for start. Pain is extreme to point arm and hand cannot be used at all. Vicodin doesn’t relieve pain only allows 2-3 hours of sleep (which does help some). A melanoma was removed from forearm with 4 lymph nodes removed in arm pit 7 years ago.

All ready understand Shingles process but have questions that can’t seem to get answers about.

1) How long does the rash normally keep spreading?

2) At what point does the most severe pain slack off?

3) Any recommendations for pain relief?

4) Does anybody know if complications could happen because of lymph nodes removed?

All ready understand Shingles process but have questions that can’t seem to get answers about.
1)	How long does the rash normally keep spreading?
2)	At what point does the most severe pain slack off?
3)	Any recommendations for pain relief?
4)	Does anybody know if complications could happen because of lymph nodes removed?

formerly_bob · Accepted Answer

First, take the meds - break them up if necessary but take them.  Even though the medication might be less effective, it can still make at least some difference.

There isn't anything that will get rid of the pain except maybe a nerve block.  The best you can hope for is to make the pain more toleraable.  For me Gabapentin, codiene, and an antidepressnat had no effect.    A steroid injection helped a bit. Along with the injection i combined acetaminophen with Aleve, and use benedryl at night ot help with sleep.  I was still able to fucntion with this combination.  Cool water seemd to calm things down for a while.

Thnigs i didn't try were nerve block, topical numbing agents like lidocaine, or local anesthetics/nerve block.

The severe symptoms lasted about 10 days and then tingling and numbness tapered off over an additional 2 weeks.

The lymph node removal should make almost no difference.  At most, it would lengthen the initial immune reposnse by a few days.

chieko · Answer

Get pill cutter and cut the pills in half.

Mike · Answer

you should cut the medication down to size to swallow (or chew if allowed--ask your doctor) if you cannot take it as prescribed.

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Shingles on right arm 68 year old female, need any suggestions from knowledgeable people.?

3 Answers