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.

[tsolive]

At first I thought I had been bitten by a brown recluse spider.  I found a round area about the size of a half dollar behind my ear that was red with blisters.  My first symptom was a stiff, swollen neck.  I was actually relieved when the doctor said he thought it was shingles.  He prescribed two types of antibiotics and a pain reliever.  The outbreak never got any bigger on the outside, but I have been itching all over my entire body.  I don't know that this isn't my mind messing with me, but I've been taking benedril (sp?) and it seems to help.  I got the flu feeling the third day..chills but no fever, nausea,  tired, slept most of the time.  Day 4. as I write this, I'm less tired, the sore is drying up, but still itchy. I am hoping mine was an extremely mild case and I'm getting over it now.  Good luck to everyone else.

[RRYAN23]

I too have suffered from rashless shingles for two decades now with re-occurrences during times of stress both physical and work-wise, and am having a long outbreak as I write. I too have consulted with skeptical doctors, and turned to rest and Advil as my cure. Are there any doctors or alternative medicine practitioners reading who can talk to the progression of this ailment over time or ways to permanently cure this.

[TheOnlyMannequin]

My last (and only other) post was 01-12-09.  While the first bout of facial paralysis in 2007 improved 100% within a couple of weeks...the right side of my face came back to normal....this 2009 episode of zoster sine herpete with ramsay hunt hit me harder.  It has taken weeks and then months for my face to improve.  AT first, I looked like I'd had a stroke.  Ten months later, the left side of my face is still weaker.  Thankfully, I can close my eye which tears sometimes.  I also find it more difficult to get my contact lens in this eye.  Sometimes that eye appears a bit "squinty" and that side of my face and smile appear a bit higher than the normal right side!  It seems like my muscles and nerves are learning how to work together again.  My speech and ability to eat and drink is still affected, but is much improved.  I feel changes and twinges daily...it's a painfully slow process...but I am still hoping for total improvement and recovery.

Again, I'd really like to hear from anyone who's had the Ramsay Hunt/Bells Palsy problem...anyone who's had this and shingles without the rash more than once.

Thanks!
TheOnlyMannequin

[MarvGizmo]

A related discussion, Shingles without Rash PHN Gabapentin is Great! was started.

[Julie35]

A related discussion, Rashkess Shingles was started.

[grownmencry]

Symptoms that surfaced for myself (37yr old, no other health issues)

1)Super sensitivity in band like are that ran from front around to spine at back. Sensitivity to the slightest of touches.  ie: a water droplet from the shower running across this band.

2) Heard pressure to band produced no pain

Pain best described as
1)Terribly bruised feeling as if someone had take a bat to you.
2)Constant wind/sun burnt feeling
3)Occasional tingly on side and back as if you just experience something scary and had the cold chills running down your spine.


I have no rash evident, and no blisters.  After the first day of the supersensitivity, I googled and came up with probability of Shingles.  Dr. office next day and he felt shingles was the correct diagnosis inspite of lack for rash/blisters.

Dr. gave a prescription for Valtrex but suggested I wait till rash appears. I did not agree with this approach and so queried a dr. who specialized in this at Mayo.

My thinking was this:  If the pain is a manifestation of the re-activation of the virus and that the virus, then why not "zap" it now?

My query was answered in agreement.  Treat right away.  Don't wait for rash to appear because it may not!

I am on day 4 of pills.  Don't like wearing shirt due to pain and it seems to scare the little kids in the mall when I take it off (just kidding)

Thanks for all other posts.