Could it be shingles?

[CactusFred]

I started having an ache beneath my ribs too left about a week ago. Tuesday night it turned into a pain that woke me up but paracetamol helped me back to sleep. Wednesday day came back and that night pain so bad even codeine didn't touch it.

Went to GP Wednesday she didn't know what it could be. Went back as emergency appt yesterday as started vomiting too and he said it sounded like kidney infection but I didn't have the right symptoms when he examined me.

Anyway I vomited a few times and then the pain vanished overnight. Great but there's now a rash where the pain was!

Husband and MIL (ex nurse) both think shingles but haven't seen the rash.

Pain is gone and rash itches. I feel tired and a bit out of it (but that normal after all the vomiting?)

Could it be shingles?

Pic attached.
Thanks

Sounds (and looks) like shingles to me. Does the rash cross the midline at all?

Hi, thanks

It's only a few spots at the moment and under the bra line on left.

I guess I need to see if it spreads?

Even if it sounds stays there, it sounds like shingles. The pain, then the one-sided localised rash is characteristic .

I missed it in my DH- told him it was kidney stones until the rash appeared!

Maybe stay away from pregnant women and people with weak immune systems at the moment. Get well soon :)

I've had shingles and it started with a very small rash on my tummy that looked like a series of insect bites that itched and refused to heal. I then got a small cluster on my back - literally no bigger than a 50p piece each side.
Pretty much like your photo.

GP immediately diagnosed shingles although I didn't have any other symptoms. Pretty much the next day the pain and electric shock sensations started all round my torso, it was awful.
I've never experienced such and aching yet sharp pain. I was absolutely wiped out the week after. No vomiting however!

Get back to your GP and ask for anti-virals.
It does look like shingles, and they can really help to minimise symptoms.

The pain is back it the spots haven't increased.

I've taken codeine and nothing

The question is do I call 111 tomorrow for and out of hours in the hope of the anti virals everyone suggests?

Or wait for result of urine test on Monday?

I hate wasting NHS time.

But this is hell.

Anyone?

This pain is excruciating but there are only 4 spots.

I've never cried from pain before

Yes I'd say it's shingles. Get an emergency app now and get the anti virals. You may also find that l-lysine from a healthy food shop help the virus (I had these when I had shingles).

If it is shingles, ask for drugs that work on decreasing nerve sensation rather than just pain killers. Sorry I cant remember what they are called. My DM got them and it made a huge difference to her in comparison to pain meds alone

I had shingles, thought I'd done something to my back for 3 days. Then 2 spots appeared and the penny dropped.

It was so painful. I would definitely call 111 and get an out of hours appointment. The anti viral drugs really help and I was prescribed strong painkillers as well.

Hope you feel better soon.

The sooner the anti-viral medication is started the better and needs to be within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Shingles can be very painful. Hope you get it sorted soon!

Thanks all.

I'm off to an out of hours appt at 12.30.

111 tried to send me 15 miles to nearest big hospital, then into the next county but the local community hospital had appts when I queried it. Otherwise v helpful.

You need antivirals within 72 hours, i had it in february,and yes it can be very painful, same place as you, i had the pain which turned into an awful ache.and stinging
Gabapentin for pain, but i would have the 100mg if possible,i started on 300, and they made me dizzy,
Also get some viraleve ,[think its called] from the chemist, not the gel the spray which lasts ages, and takes the itch and sting away.which says for children with chickenpox, but also good for shingles,

By the way its not contagious unless anyone touches the rash, but it is contagious i think until blisters have crusted over
Keep away fro pregnant women and babies,and elderly

Good luck with the doctor. I think you are contagious even without touching the rash ( in the same way as chicken pox) but love is right about the scabbing over part.

The doctor thinks in all likelihood it is shingles so has given antiviral meds and cream.

Thanks for the advice

Oh good. Glad you got the antivirals. Make sure you take pain killers regularly and ensure you are taking strong enough pain killers too. It's nasty. No need to suffer. Get well soon!