reoccurant shingles

[audi52]

I have had what have diagnosed as reccurant outbreaks of shingles for a couple of years.  the initial outbreak was painful and tookseveral weeks to clear up even after taking a course of Famvir.  Even though I had a lingering discomfort in the affected area I was otherwise symptom free for about 8 months.  After that I got outbreaks about 5-6 times a year that were treated with Famvir.  I then received the Shingles vaccine which was followed within a month by an outbreak that was light.  That was followed by 8 months of nothing except the lingering discomfort in the area. Suddenly I began to have recurrences at more frequent intervals.  The signs are classic to shingles and I can tell when it is coming most of the time. I must also state that I had a severe case of chicken pox as a child.  There was no vaccine at that time.  Any ideas?

[serenity5]

Hiya my husband has had 11 bouts of shingles all on his head. Now they seem to have stopped he hasn't had an attack in about 2years...Hence in saying this he has severe migraines which we believe MAY be from the damaged nerves.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A second attack of shingles is rare in most people. Those with HIV and immunocompromised children and adults are nine times more likely to suffer from repeated attacks of shingles. If you are getting recurrent attacks of shingles, then please get your immune status checked to check for any immunodeficiency.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.