Around 12/15/12, I had severe right leg pain and tenderness for 2 days before I broke out with shingles that started on my foots with patches that eventually worked all the way up my leg. About a week ago (approx. 3 weeks after the last breakout), I had what felt like a heart attack, severe pain, and tenderness in my left arm and chest for 2 days before having another break out of shingles on my left pectoral with diffuse spots radiating in a band across my collar bone towards my sternum.
Ever since a 7 month chemo course 5 years ago, I have had a "low normal" WBC. Also, I have received 3 spinal, corticosteroid injections (Celestone) 11/28/12, 2/13/13, and 3/6/13 for 6 damaged lumbar discs. Before these injections, I never had a shingles outbreak. Typically, these injections are supposed to be every 4-6 months, not monthly, but I have been suffering from severe sciatica and paralysis. I have another injection coming up in mid-April.
Is this going to happen with every injection? Is there anything I can do to strengthen my immune system or deflect the shingles? Has anyone dealt with this before?
Please help.