shingles without a rash

[emtcc]

Is it possible to be diagnosed with shingles without having an external rash?  The pain is on my left side only in a band near my waist line.  The pain is horrific - even to the touch.  All symptoms seem to be consistent with shingles but after 2 weeks of this, there is no rash.  Narcotics, vicodin and darvocet have helped some but not completely.

[lynnS530]

You and I have exactly the same symtoms, the pain is horrific. three weeks with no rash, three doctors, emergency rooms,exrays, misdiagnosis no insurance so the cost has run about $10,000. finally because I was told I had a kidney stone I applied a heating pad hoping to get some relief from the back pain the next day I got a rash. T I went to a wo days later I went to a urologist office and a nurse took one look at me and said."You have shingles" Doctors should be trained to look at shingles for a solution if anyone tells them they have severe pain or tingling sensation even if there is no rash. Is there no blood test for this disease? Now I am on anti viral medication but the pain in my kidney area is still really bad how long does this last? And I am so relieved to have found this discussion group, I was begining to think I was going crazy.

[elise654]

YES!  It really does.  And my gall bladder was removed years ago.  Several Dr.s also checked me, saying I did NOT have shingles either.
I too, have had that strange, odd feeling in abs. area for months.  Approximately 1 month ago I began feeling dizzy.  Dr. said it was nothing.
I then had an earache which led to headaches.  Again saw Dr.  Again it was
nothing.  I found a knot on head, (as though I had been hit) and it DID break open into Shingles rash.  I have finally been diagnosed with Shingles
and given the medication for it.  Am still healing.

[alejandra23]

I've had something similar my left side of my face feels itchy but like I burned it at the same time, my eye feels itchy and irritated. My head hurts on the same side I'm scared :/... I'm 23 can I get shingles??

[joy602]

Thank you for sharing your experience with shingles without the rash. I am currently experiencing the pain and numbness on my left side. My doctor has prescribed pain medication and an antiviral,but nothing has brought me much relief. I continue to go to work and take care of my family, but I don't know how much more of this I can take. I am truly looking forward to this coming to an end soon.  

[silverfox67]

So sorry this is happening to you, too.  Shingles is called exquisite pain by the doctors as it is past the 10 stage of pain.  
       L-Lysine helps to heal Shingles and Lutein and Bilberry help with the eyesight.
      So glad your doctor was smart enough to diagnose you.  Hope you don't get Shingles again.
      Doctors tell you that once you have it, you are immune... sorry that isn't true.
      I have the Post Herpetic Neuralgia (shingles pain after shingles are gone).  Gets bad at times and have been to the ER where the doctors gave me Acyclovir.  (Bless their hearts)
        Take care and try not to stress too much.

[chrsystal]

hello my name Chrystal Montgomery... ive been having all  the same symptoms.. but my eye site.. its blury at times.. did this happen to you... i finely dont feel crazy.. ever test that they have done on me came back good.. ive been telling my husband over a year now that something wrong.. and everyone look at me like im crazy... finely my doctor told me she thinks i have shingles.. im really praying thats what it is .. so i can go back to having a life.. thank you for sureing your story it really gave me hope... hope to here from you.. have a good day

                                          Chrystal Montgomery