Shingles without a rash?

[dmc0212]

I have had Shingles with a rash about 11 months ago. I was prescribed antiviral and it cured me in about a couple of weeks. Over the past week i have developed the exact same pain across my abdomen and back focussed on the left side which has lasted about 5 days however there is no sign of a rash. The doctor is reluctant to prescribe antivirals without a rash. My question is whether the antivrial drug could help cure the pain and stop the potential rash. The pain is quite intense and given the success of the antiviral on the last occasion i would like to commence taking the drug if there is a chance it can help cure the pain and there are no risky side effects?

Thank for any advice.

[sadnconfused42]

that is odd that the dr wont prescribe you and antiviral. shingles is very contagious. have you gone to see the dr to prove to you that it is a breakout of shingles. i have had episodes of shingle and the first stage when i first got the virus was really bad. i had it on my right leg and buttocks and i was like crippled for days and had severe pain and a rash, but when i do get the episodes whenever i am extremely run down i only get a small cluster and i dont even get the signs of tingling or burning. so the dr should not be so hesistant to put you on a med to fight the virus. go make an appt and go show her that you are in a breakout, just because you dont have the same kind of rash you did the first time doesnt mean you dont have the outbreak. this is why i hate drs. lol!

[maatson]

If the pain is back exactly where you had the rash i would think of post- herpetic neuralgia.Here acyclovir will not be useful.ok?