Shingles

[LindaS]

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 -

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nothing happened--you only get shingles once.  It is possible to get shingles (zoster) in a different nerve distribution at some other time of life.  It seems to me much more likely in your case that one of the episodes (probably the second) was not diagnosed correctly.  Even if treated with antiviral drugs, shingles does not remain as "one blister."  Next time you get what you think is shingles, I suggest you see a dermatologist or someone skilled in diagnosing this condition.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

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I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS HAD SHINGLES FOR 6 WEEKS NOW. THEY ARE GONE FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE BODY, BUT HE IS STILL BROKE OUT ON THE INSIDE. HOW DOES HE GET RID OF THEM ON THE INSIDE? HE HAS DONE EVERYTHING THAT HIS DOCTOR HAS TOLD HIM, BUT IT JUST DOES NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!