Updated-Poor dh has shingles, we think

[SnuggleBuggles]

I don't think much of the dx dh got at the clinic. They said not shingles and didn't culture it. They think it's an allergic reaction to something + a bacterial infection. I'm sending dh to our family Dr. tomorrow for a 2nd opinion.
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Maybe he'll be lucky and it is just a severe allergy to the new shampoo. But coupled with the back pain he has been having shingles seem likely. Unfortunately he has had the back pain for 1+ week so he is probably too late for Valtrex. Poor guy is schlepping off to the clinic since it is a Sunday and the Dr.'s office isn't open. Keep your fingers crossed for us that he feels better because we leave for vacation in 6 days (and because I want him to feel better!!).

Beth

[longtallsally05]

Ask for an Elavil (Amitriptyline) prescription to deal with post-outbreak pain from shingles. It takes a while to kick in, so start have him taking it right away. Tricyclic antidepressants are effective against nerve pain; opiates are NOT effective against nerve pain (they just make you loopy). It is amazing how many docs will prescribe opiates (eg. Percocet) for nerve pain even though they do nothing for the patient. Prepare to dispense lots of TLC. In my experience, the only thing more painful than shingles is natural childbirth. Good luck!

[boogiemomz]

oh no!! so sorry. :( hope he feels better soon!

[wendibird22]

Does sound like shingles. DH had it last year. Had a rash on his back and pec region w/ some pain. He was run down but not really sick. I think he stayed home a day from work but was back at it after that. I think the achiness stuck around for a while. It really ended up not being as bad as either of us expected. Good luck. I hope he's feeling better soon.

[marge234]

Might try the valtrex anyway. A friend who had shingles was told by a doctor told her it was too late. A second doc, a specialist of some kind, don't remember what, said some people find relief from valtrex even after it's supposedly too late. It might have been the placebo effect but she thought it helped.

[scrooks]

That sounds terrible. I hope your DH has a speedy recovery!

[BabyMine]

Another thing to try for the back pain regardless if it is shingles in lidocaine patches (lidoderm). I used them for my back. A husband developed them for his wife who had shingles. They are RX though.

http://www.lidoderm.com/

[SnuggleBuggles]

Thanks for the lidocaine patch reminders. Dh has some around because of back issues.

Beth

[ThreeofUs]

Good luck to your DH. Here's hoping it's a reaction.

[KpbS]

So sorry! Hope he is much better soon. :hug: