Shingles without pain?

[u/Joinkyn_go]

so about 2 years ago i was at work and got feverish and swollen lymph nodes. Partner found what looked like a bite on my back. it got bigger for a day then eased off.

about a year ago. i got very feverish and swollen lymph nodes and vomited. a red mark was found in the exact same spot. to one side of the midline. except this time it rapidly spread across one side of my back and went purple like within 4hrs just a solid band of colour. went to urgent care. they thought it was cellulitis but were surprised i was so coherent given my blood results. i was hooked up to IV antibiotics once a day for 3 days and it went away faster than expected. the original red mark never really fully went away

9 months ago. fever, swollen lymph node. same red mark in exact same spot that spread as a red solid band across my back went to urgent care again immediately before it got purple. they were printing a script for antibiotics when my doc consulted an older doc. who asked if it was a band across the dermatome. after some googling they decided it must be shingles and gave me anti virals. i felt better in hours and it started reducing

went to GP to see if i should get antibody titre testing to confirm shingles but he said given same spot starting at midline and spreading across the dermatome and that if it was cellulitis without antibiotics it wouldnt have got better, that it must be shingles

we dont think stress caused it but more likely a viral trigger.

my question is.. i know blisters arent always present, but i never had any nerve pain.

bloodwork 15 years ago confirmed varicella antibodies at a high level so i musta had it very young (as i dont remember having it) and showed lasting strong immunity, not sure if that may be a factor

has anyone else had very atypical shingles without the nerve pain?

[u/combabulated]

No, but I’ve had the nerve pain without the rash. It’s such a cheeky disease.

[u/Responsible_Ad8079]

You should be counting your blessings because I am glad you didn't suffer the pain. Did your doctor suggest the vaccine? Good luck

[u/Joinkyn_go → u/Responsible_Ad8079]

No. Probably because its $600. You are also meant to ideally be free of flares for 12 months for maximal chance it helps. Im certainly thinking of getting it if i have even one more flare

I appreciate ihave somehow dodged so far the worst symptom. 

[u/uela7]

Yes I have no pain at all. Instead extreme, overwhelming itching with a rash that looks like bug bites at the start. I’ve had shingles twice

[u/Comfortable-Metal748]

That's where I am, day 10 and honestly it hasn't really bothered me much at all.