Author Topic: Tingling Back - Could it be Shingles? (Read 10899 times)

northernguy · « **on:** March 21, 2008, 06:54:45 pm »

So for the last 2-3 days I've had this weird tingling of the skin on my lower back and butt. The skin feels highly sensitive crossed with a goosebump feeling, if that makes any sense. Is that how shingles feels when it starts? There's no marks or bumps that I can see.

sharkdiver · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2008, 07:23:55 pm »

oh my gawd
I hope you aren't about to have an outbreak. I have had it twice awhile back and I believe there are a few who have just recently. I wouldn't question it and go make an appt with your doc ASAP. When I had it the second time the prescribed me with Valtrex, which appeared to reduce the amount of "down time"

keeping my fingers crossed
Sharkie

Jeff G · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2008, 08:20:28 pm »

I agree with sharKdiver, it sure wouldn't do any harm to get it checked out . I had it twice also and the second time wasn't as bad because I new immediately and got treatment.

redhotmuslbear · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2008, 11:09:51 pm »

Sounds like a fungal thing I had going on a few years ago in the same dark and damp region. Whether that or the emergence of shingles, you'll only get effective treatment by seeing a doctor.

Namaste,
David

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2008, 11:34:17 pm »

are you under a lot of stress?

J.R.E. · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2008, 11:38:32 pm »

Hi there,

I can only share with you, my experiences with having shingles. For me it started with minor tingling, and itching on my stomach (just to the left) A small area then turned reddish in color. It was just a day or two later, when the blisters and the pain started. It then progressed around my left side to just about the center of the back.

As others have suggested, try to get it checked out now. This is the time, to possibly get you started on Valtrex (or equiv) so hopefully you won't get into too much trouble . Or,... it could be something else. It's still worth it to get it checked out.

Take care-----Ray

RapidRod · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2008, 11:41:33 pm »

I concur with Ray.. The only thing nice, if you are having it on both sides and then you will know it's not shingles.

northernguy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2008, 12:14:07 pm »

Quote from: allopathicholistic on March 21, 2008, 11:34:17 pm

are you under a lot of stress?

Yes, definitely under a lot of work stress. But on the other hand this is definitely a symmetrical feeling on both sides of my belly and lower back and no visible bumps. Its such an odd feeling, like having a sensitive rash but without the rash!

Because of the holiday, I won't be able to get into the doc until probably Wednesday. I do have some Valtrex left over from a herpes-like flare-up, so I could take that if things start looking "shingly".

allopathicholistic · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2008, 09:43:59 am »

how are you back and belly today?

RapidRod · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2008, 10:05:39 am »

If you are having it on both sides of your belly it's not shingles. Shingles only follow the nerves that affect one side of the body. You can have them on the left side front and back but not on both sides at the same time.

Winiroo · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2008, 11:09:20 am »

Quote from: RapidRod on March 24, 2008, 10:05:39 am

If you are having it on both sides of your belly it's not shingles. Shingles only follow the nerves that affect one side of the body. You can have them on the left side front and back but not on both sides at the same time.

The first time I had shingles It went all the way around my chest and down my right arm to the tip of my middle finger.

modifed cause I hit Post too early. I'm sick sorry.

The second time I had shingles it was under both boobs. But primarily on the right side.

RapidRod · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2008, 11:14:54 am »

Yes on one side of the body.

"the varicella-zoster virus. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body."

northernguy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2008, 12:10:13 pm »

Quote from: allopathicholistic on March 24, 2008, 09:43:59 am

how are you back and belly today?

Pretty much the same. It s a hard feeling to describe. Its like having a sunburn, when my clothes rub against the skin it stings/tingles a bit, or when I rub it. But there's no visible sign - can you just see me going into the doc and telling him I've got an invisible rash? $:-\$

The only other thing I can think of is spring allergies which have kicked in for me, but never with my skin involved!

Winiroo · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2008, 12:41:58 pm »

You definitely do not want shingles and if they are shingles you want them treated immediately to minimise pain and time involved in healing.
The recommended dose of Valtrex to treat shingles is usually 1 gram 3 times a day for 7 days.

Be sure to see your doctor.

Modified to include the doc note

Grasshopper · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2008, 05:37:58 pm »

Quote from: northernguy on March 21, 2008, 06:54:45 pm

So for the last 2-3 days I've had this weird tingling of the skin on my lower back and butt. The skin feels highly sensitive crossed with a goosebump feeling, if that makes any sense. Is that how shingles feels when it starts? There's no marks or bumps that I can see.

If you haven't develloped a rash by now, with the symetrical tingling sensation and Valtrex, I don't think it's shingles.

Hope you'll feel better
Grasshopper

sprockett9 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 25, 2008, 01:09:02 pm »

I JUST got over shingles a month ago -- mine started the same way. The sensitive skin "sunburnt" feeling. I was skeptical since there was no rash (started about Thurs and until Monday morning, I hadn't seen anything). Monday afternoon the rash started and luckily got to the Dr. that day and started Valtrex. GET TO YOUR DR. The others are right -- the pain comes from the rash/bumps -- the less you have of these the better (if this is what you have).

I read somewhere that only 3% of people that get once get it again. But had also heard that people with HIV have a higher reoccurance. Can anyone help me understand what my chances are of going through it again?

My health is great -- undectable and high TCell levels. I chose (with my Dr.) to start meds during my conversion...tangent.

Dean

Winiroo · « **Reply #16 on:** March 25, 2008, 01:23:16 pm »

Quote from: sprockett9 on March 25, 2008, 01:09:02 pm

I read somewhere that only 3% of people that get once get it again. But had also heard that people with HIV have a higher reoccurance. Can anyone help me understand what my chances are of going through it again?

Wish I could help ya Dean.

I'm not going to assume I wont get it a 3rd time. But I sure as heck hope I don't.

Good luck!

BT65 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 25, 2008, 01:26:33 pm »

Sprocket, first of all, welcome to the forums. I can't tell you what your chances are of developing the dreaded shingles again. I can only wish you luck that you won't. Take care.

neojeepguy · « **Reply #18 on:** March 25, 2008, 05:38:10 pm »

Hey Guy, Get it checked out ASAP because if it is shingles & you wait to long on occasion the pain in the nerve endings never goes away. God knows us POZ folks have enough health problems without another on our plate.

I had shingles about 18 months ago & didn't even have to go into the Dr. I just described the condition & my Nurse Practitioner called in a script for acyclovir. They went away quick with no lasting effects.

Best of Luck & Stay Mighty,

Chris

sharkdiver · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2008, 04:48:17 pm »

Quote from: RapidRod on March 24, 2008, 10:05:39 am

If you are having it on both sides of your belly it's not shingles. Shingles only follow the nerves that affect one side of the body. You can have them on the left side front and back but not on both sides at the same time.

that is not always 100% of the time true, usually yes.

I hope you are well Northernguy

Sharkie
(who usually defies the odds, and yes, unfortunately with shingles)

richva · « **Reply #20 on:** March 27, 2008, 08:12:03 pm »

Any other symptoms?

I've had shingles three times - count 'em, three times - and the tingly sensation was always accompanied by malaise, sometimes fever, headaches.... If it feels like a tingly flu, communicate with your doc a.s.a.p. Not knowing any better, I didn't react until the blisters appeared for bout number 1. I assure you, I didn't make the same mistake for bouts 2 and 3. Quick treatment with acyclovir (or comp.) is key.

Keep us posted.

northernguy · « **Reply #21 on:** March 29, 2008, 03:40:24 pm »

Pleased to report doc said its not shingles. But not sure of what it could be, as there's not a real visible rash

Winiroo · « **Reply #22 on:** March 29, 2008, 09:13:10 pm »

Ahhh the wonders of HIV.

Me and my honey call some of our occasional afflictions "mystery pains"

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Author Topic: Tingling Back - Could it be Shingles? (Read 10899 times)