I am 56 years old and have been diagnosed with shingles. I am on disability for numerous conditions including fibromaylgia, MS?, B12 deficiency, narcolepsy, many food and environmental allergies. and depression/anxiety. I have had numerous surgeries from the serious (ruptured appendix and passing gall stones) to less serious (2 arthroscopic surgeries). I have had a precancerous beast biopsy, and precancerous colon polyp.
The first time I was diagnosed, I thought I had a flea bite and pulled muscle - I didn't know much about shingles. The Dr. diagnosed shingles and I began antiviral drug. The outbreaks were located around hip bone area towards the back. About 1 month after that, I had the same symptoms on the other side in the same location. A while after that, I had what I believe to be another outbreak which I thought were hives, since most people told me you get shingles once. I took allergy meds but it didnt go away. I went to allergy Dr. without much sucess as to diagnosis.
About 6 months ago, another showed up. Again I thought it must be a hive but at one point, it started to drain clear fluid. Most recently, I did not feel well for 2 days - aching and aching joints, and then another spot appeared. My primary care Dr. looked at it and again diagnosed shingles and prescribed anti-viral drugs again. About 1 week before outbreak and before achiness, I had some sort of respitory virus, losing voice, etc.
So what is going on? I know my medical history is complicated and everything I get is not quite "normal" for a particular condition. I have been like that since childhood. What happened to "you only get shingles once"?
Thank you -