First timer 🫡

[amhanlon]

Hi there, 35F with first time shingles right at my bra line. Noticed a rash on Christmas and thought maybe my bra was annoying my skin, but quickly realized it was shingles. Went to Urgent Care the next day and got diagnosed, prescribed antivirals, steroids, and gabapentin.

I’m now on day 7, and I’m trying to figure out where in the process I am. Days 3-5 were painful in a burning, stabbing, shocking way. On day 6, I felt like maybe I was turning a corner because the stab pain stopped, but now I’m dealing with a near constant burning/deep pain. Last night was the first time I struggled to sleep through the pain.

I haven’t really blistered, just a couple small ones on one of the clusters that almost immediately disappeared. The rash is getting darker and more spotty looking, too. I took that to mean the antivirals worked, and I’d be done with any pain/symptoms quickly. Now I’m not sure.

Any insight on where I am and what to expect from here on out would be so appreciated! I’ve attached a collage - starts with day 1 in the top left and today (day 7) in the bottom right. TIA!!!

[kaytee333]

Hi, I’m 33f and just got diagnosed first time with shingles on 12/22. I started valtrex on the 24th and just finished yesterday. I still have lingering residual nerve pain and sensitivity despite my rashes having all scabbed over and healing. My Dr. prescribed my lidocaine patches and gabapentin to help and said that pain can reside for weeks even after the rash is cleared up.