Oh, my friends. Help! I didn't think much of this when it started a few days ago. I've had a cold about a week and had some problems with dry eyes during this time. Joint pain controlled, some edema. Nothing major. My left shoulder on my back scapula area started itching a few days ago. Dry skin, whatever, No rash. This went on for several days. Now it's moved on to burning and pain. Husband looked at my back yesterday and he can't see anything either. Not worried too much. Pain worsening. Burning irritated by clothes. Asked my mother--an LPN to take a look. I have a rash all across my upper back. Flat red for now. I am thinking shingles, but could it be the lupus? Should I call my GP or rheumy first? If I call the GP, and go in he will probably just put me on an antiviral for shingles. If it's the rheumy will he want to look at it or will he want a tissue sample? I really was ok with not having the diagnosis for the past 2 yrs., God, if you are listening. Other than noting the rash my mother continues in the land of denial. She feels I should stop seeing a specialist and stop taking so much medicine. "Just lose some weight and the pain will get better." I told her I wasn't complaining about the pain and losing weight isn't likely to help pain in my hands. If I have shingles, I know I have to be treated ASAP. I would again appreciate any advice. A little scared. Karla
Hi,
Have you had shingles before? If you don't know what it's like-I've had it and it is extremely painful. It sounds like yours hurts, so definitely get it checked out soon.
Shingles is a very intense, scary pain. I developed a rash that started at the middle of my back and came around to my abdomen I think it was, and then I got this terrible sore that looked infected. The pain was allover my back and like nothing I'd experienced before. I had no idea what it was and it took me many calls to finally get a doctor to see me and then I was treated for it on the spot.
I suppose you could see either doctor-which one do you trust the most and who can get you in the fastest?
I really think you should be seen by a professional. Hope you have done so already. Best Wishes let us know how you get on kiddo. Ciao Kaz
Karla,
I'm so sorry you're scared, and I'm scared with you! I agree with Nicole's advice - which doctor can you get into the quickest? I appreciate your sharing this with us, I have seen so many banners about the shingles vaccine outside my local pharmacy - I think I'll get that taken care of.
I'm just curious - are we more susceptible to shingles, pneumonia etc than non- lupies? My mother was the one that would always get the most incredible ailments - once she was having an emergency appendectomy and she broke out with poison ivy inside her body and all over outside. The doctor had to look this up in a book, he'd never seen it. My mother was never diagnosed, although she had more symptoms than me. I tell you this, because you mention that your mother is in denial of your diagnosis and tells you "just lose some weight" - and if I had a dime for every time my mother told me that, I'd be rich of course lol. My mother was not overweight, and she was always sick with something. I'm sorry your mom is in denial, no mother wants their precious daughter to have lupus.
Take care of yourself - hugs to you.
Trisha
Hi Karla,
Now i've read your thread and you've thrown more light into it than your pm.
You need to definitely move yourself ASAP to either your doctor or emergency now knowing you've got such a bad rash and burning like you've mentioned...that's a large possibility of shingles...i've seen it so many times on friends and family it's something you can't leave plus having a cold can cause extra symptoms besides plus try your hardest to keep distance from your hubby incase it is shingles.
Please see some as quick as possible (((Hugs))) Terri xxx
Well, my friends the GP says shingles. There are still no blisters just red blotches--mostly left shoulder blade area. Itching is minimal--mostly just burning sensation almost constantly now. Dr. put me on highest dosing of acyclovir for 10 days. 100 pills total. 10 pills a day--2 tabs 5x a day. I told her about the autoimmune issue that hasn't been diagnosed but she is pretty sure that this type of unilateral pain and rash is shingles. So, I took the first dose a couple of hours ago. I had to go by work, the lab, and the pharmacy before it was over. I haven't called the rheumatologist. I probably will tomorrow. I doubt there's anything he will want to do except keep me away from the rest of the sickies. He should get my lab work by Friday and be able to see where my inflammatory markers are. I wonder about my anemia. I know my intake is crappy since I've been sick. At least I'm not having to work with all this going on. I'm off thru the "holiday" weekend--Columbus I think. So, Terri, overworked kind of summed it up. I have to be more careful. Those double shifts and weird shifts all added up to sickness. Thanks everybody for your kind words and advice. When and if I am ever diagnosed, I know my mother will have to see it in writing to believe it. For now more boring resting on the sofa. No doggie walk tonight. Love ya, Karla
I am glad u got to the doctor and got taken care of. Its important not to minimize anything. Better to be safe than sry. And about ur mom. My mother actually most of my family & friends are in denial about the lupus & I’ve been hospitalized 6x in the past almost 2 yrs. I was always the healthy one that cared for others. There just comes a point when you realize you can’t make them understand, you accept it & do your best to take care of you. At least you have a spouse so you don’t have to go through it alone. Hang in there & God bless! 
Im praying for you, I know a little bit about shingles and I know treatment is key, try and relax and stay as stress free as you can. Im learning that this body is going to go through somethings but this to shall pass. be blessed godsgirl
Hey all! I feel a little better already! The burning is greatly reduced after a couple of doses of antiviral! Wow! That must be some good stuff! I think once I get my diagnosis Mom will settle into it better. But after my cousin passed here in July at 36, I know my Mom can't bare to think of me going before her due to Lupus. And again she blames the meds. So, I just keep going forward. My family here are supportive but it's nice to have another nurse's opinion than my own. It helps to make those judgement calls about how urgent something is. But Mom has always kind of done this sweep it under the rug thing--minimizing what you are going thru. It's part of why I get therapy. Well, love and hugs to all! Karla
See your Rhumy and ask him/her to test for shingles or see a dermo. Lupus is sneaky and can act like lots of other diseases. Good Luck and God Bless
Hi Karla,
It's always something, I would start with my GP, then if he is unsure, the Rheum would be next, but you know best! I am sorry the challenges just seem to keep coming your way. I wil be glad when you can are feeling better!
Hugs,
SK
Hello Karla,
I am pleased you got diagnosed but not where shingles are concerned as they can be very painful according to each individual...i've never had them but seen enough of them.
Try if possible to work out your work schedule as you are doing a hell of alot of shifts and with this besides the lupus you do need rest for the body to heal better.
I'm thinking of you dearly Terri xxx
Hope you are feeling better and things are going better for you Karla! Thinking of you!