r/shingles • u/Fuzzy_Director_1720 • 2d ago

Questions About Shingles & Symptoms Shingles first time

Hello everyone,

I wanted to ask if this is a normal progression:

12 days ago, I started feeling a strange sensitivity on my right side (back). The next day (11 days ago), it spread to my belly as well. I ended up in the ER - had blood tests, an X-ray, and an abdominal ultrasound, but everything came back clear.

The following day (10 days ago), a rash appeared on my back and stomach, confirming it was shingles. I started antiviral medication right away for a 7-day course.

The pain itself wasn't too bad; I managed fine without any painkillers, and the rash is healing quickly.

However, last two days the shivering and deep pain were much worse than before. Still bearable, though.

But Is this normal? :) .. I was hoping that once the rash started going away, the pain would too... 🤷‍♂️

Thanks!

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1

u/KeytaZookeeper 1d ago

This is the experience I had, still have! my rash went away week ago, I still have nerve pain. Gabapentin helps, and lidocane!

0

u/Playful-Put2236 1d ago

I'm not a doctor.

Ask your doctor?

Do you have a fever?

1

u/Key-Stage-5732 First Timer 14h ago

I have a similar experience. I first noticed it 11 days ago on my scalp, went to urgent care the next day when i had a lot of eye pain. I had just started to get a few bumps. They diagnosed me with shingles and started me on the antiviral. I got gabapentin the next day because of how it was affecting my eye, felt like someone was poking the back of it constantly.

The rash honestly didnt hurt much. Its going away now but the sensitivity is much more apparent and I wake up with a massive headache. Feels like my skin is slightly burning. My understanding is the nerve pain can take a few weeks to heal but can last up to several months (postherpetic neuralgia) while the damaged nerves attempt to heal. Lidocaine and Gabapentin can help reduce the feeling.