could it really be shingles?

[pandacakes]

Hi, I have a complicated problem and feel totally lost.

For a few months I have had discomfort in my right side, lower rib area. It has made clothing impossible to wear, and every moment of my life i am uncomfortable. It's hard to describe because it's not exactly PAINFUL, but really uncomfortable.

I went to the doctor many times. There is a small, movable lump on my lower rib. He took Xrays, blood, even a sonogram to see that it wasn't my gall bladder. He said it was a pulled muscle, gave me anti-inflammatorys and muscle relaxors.

A month later it was no better and it seemed the pain spread from my rib around to my back on the right side. I went back and he diagnosed it as shingles without a rash. Known as "zoster sine herpete."  I was given steroids, anti virals and meds for nerve pain. Well, I finished those meds and am no better. I've researched shingles and saw that it does occur without the rash, but it is rare. AND shingles itself is rare in young people. (I just turned 24) Now, I'm told that the fact that I'm still not better could mean that I have post-herpetic neuralgia... but apparently that is even more rare in young people.

To me it all sounds a little too rare, and since I'm not any better I don't really believe that's what's wrong with me. But I've gone to the doctor so much now that I'm broke and at a loss. He doesn't seem to think the lump on my rib means anything.... I'm losing faith in the medical community as a whole. :(

I'm really scared, it's not getting any better and I can't go on living like this. It's really taking a toll on my life... if anyone has an ideas I'd love to hear them. Also, if anyone who has had shingles could tell me what their pain felt like it would be helpful.
Thanks a lot

[ko19]

I had shingles when I was 33. I had a rash (like pimples) on the upper side of my left shoulder. I went to my doctor originally b/c I felt like I had the flu, but it just wasn't going away. Then I casually mentioned on my way out, that I had a wierd breakout of pimples on my shoulder. She took one look and told me it was the begining stages of Shingles.
I had medicine and it cleared up. However, then and still sometimes now I get sharp, pinching like pains on my back. They are like little stabs of pain.
I would suggest you see another doctor. I have had two friends lately who were misdiagnosed over a year ago and it's better for you to be safe than sorry. If you are not happy with the diagnosis then don't be scared to keep pushing! It's your body, your health and doctors are human. They can miss the simplest thing.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[Janie43066]

I had shingles on my face and neck. They were very painful and I was very sick to my stomach all the time. I couldn't eat hardly at all. I was given medication and it cleared up in less then a month. I still have a little trouble with the nerves in my face on the left side.

[sandy38]

I had a co-worker same age as you who got a horrible case of shingles so maybe it's not quite as rare as you think.  Is the discomfort you feel like an extreme sensitivity?  I'd search whether there is some type of lab that will show whether you still have a virus in your system.  

[APE861]

HI I'M 47 AND I HAD SHINGLES WITH OUT THE RASH AND BLISTERS YOU GET SO THAT MEANS THEY ARE INTERNAL .UNDER MY BREAST BONE A LITTLE IN THE TUMMY AREA AND AROUND MY BACK TO THE SPINE THEN STOPS. I GET BACK ACHES AND I NEVER DO. I THOUGHT IT WAS WEIRD WHEN THE DOCTOR SAID IT WAS SHINGLES TO WITHOUT ALL THAT. THEY GAVE ME MEDS. FOR THE PAIN IN THE NERVERS. BUT ITS SORTA STILL THERE BUT LITTLE BY LITTLE GETTING BETTER I'M PRAYING TO GOD I WAKE UP ONE DAY AND IT WILL ALL BE GONE. MY SKIN FELLS FUNNY AND THAT IS WHAT IS MAKING ME CRAZY. I GOT IT FROM STRESS SO THIS IS NOT HELPING ME . I JUST HAVE TO COPE WITH THE FEELING I HAVE AND THEN MAYBE IT WILL GO AWAY. YOU DO THE SAME WE ARE JUST MAKING ARE SELFS CRAZY AND IT WILL GO AWAY IN TIME.