Seeking Guidance on Painful Shingles Experience
Hello everyone, I am a 55-year-old male who had chickenpox during my childhood. Recently, I began experiencing intense discomfort in my lower jaw. Given that I had a root canal on a molar two months back, I initially assumed this pain was dental-related. I scheduled an appointment with my dentist, who conducted several examinations and X-rays. However, she could not connect my excruciating pain to any dental issue and recommended that I consult an ENT specialist. At my ENT visit, the doctor observed some rashes on the right side of my face, specifically in the area between my eye and ear, as well as beneath my lips and on a few of the lips themselves. He promptly arranged for a dermatologist to examine me. The dermatologist diagnosed me with shingles, caused by the zoster virus. They discussed my case and prescribed a treatment regimen that includes Valcivir 1000mg (an antiviral medication) to be taken three times a day, as well as Nervujen P once daily (with the option to take an additional dose if the pain is severe) and an antibacterial cream to apply to the lesions twice a day. **Day 2**: My ear has become completely blocked and feels heavy. I returned to the ENT, who noted the swelling in my ear but advised me to persist with the same medications. Since the pain was quite severe, I urged him to help further, and he prescribed Pregabalin 75mg to be taken twice a day. I even considered hospitalization, but the ENT indicated that it would not be beneficial. **Day 3**: I am experiencing extreme drowsiness from the painkillers, yet half of my face continues to ache. Additionally, I've started having a persistent ringing in my ear today. Last night, I noticed some blood coming from my ear. I consulted with the doctor, and they reassured me that it's nothing alarming and is to be expected with shingles. Has anyone else gone through something similar? Am I following the appropriate steps toward recovery, or is there something more I should consider discussing with my doctor? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights. Thank you for your help! Summary: 55M with shingles, experiencing pain, ringing, ear blockage, and bleeding. Seeking advice for recovery.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 12:21:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such discomfort from shingles. It's a painful condition, and your symptoms seem quite challenging, especially with the ear involvement. Here’s a summary of the key points, followed by suggestions to help you manage your recovery.
Main Points:
- You are currently following a treatment regimen for shingles, which includes antiviral medication and pain management.
- Symptoms like severe pain, ear blockage, ringing in the ear, and occasional bleeding can be distressing but may occur with shingles.
- Your treatment seems appropriate, but there are steps you can take to enhance comfort and monitor your symptoms.
Explanation:
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which leads to painful rashes and nerve irritation. The pain can be severe, and associated complications such as ear involvement (Ramsay Hunt syndrome) can cause additional symptoms like ringing in the ear and ear blockage. The medications prescribed, including antivirals and pain relievers like Pregabalin, are standard treatments aimed at managing pain and speeding healing.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Your Prescribed Medications: Take your medications as directed. Ensure you're managing your pain effectively with the prescribed doses.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, noting the severity of pain, any new symptoms (like changes in hearing), and when they occur. This information can help your healthcare providers make informed decisions about your treatment.
-
Ear Care: For the ear blockage and ringing, you could try:
- Avoiding inserting anything into your ear.
- Staying well-hydrated, which can help alleviate some pressure.
- Using a warm compress around your ear for comfort.
-
Manage Side Effects: If drowsiness from pain meds is problematic, discuss this with your doctor. Sometimes lower doses or adjusting the timing of your medications can help you feel more alert.
-
Emergency Monitoring: If you experience any sudden changes in your symptoms, such as increased bleeding from the ear, worsening pain, or signs of infection (like fever), report these to your healthcare provider immediately.
-
Patient Support: Seek support from friends or family, and consider joining a support group for those with shingles to share experiences and coping strategies.
It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed during this process, but following your treatment and monitoring your symptoms closely are critical to your recovery. If there's anything substantial about your condition or new symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to reach back to your healthcare providers for further guidance. Take care!
Related Questions
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.
Understanding Lymph Node Sensitivity
A 32-year-old female with a BMI of 28 poses a concern about potential lymph node activity. Over the past three months, she has noticed tender areas coinciding with her menstrual cycle. She has detected slight lumps, but is careful not to press deeply into the tissue to avoid further discomfort. Initially, in December, the sensitivity was localized to the left side of her breast. In January, she observed similar tenderness in her inner left thigh, and by February, both areas and the region above her armpit were affected. Additionally, she has been experiencing fluctuations in her hormonal balance lately. The discomfort in her left breast has persisted for most of this time since December. She wonders whether this is a typical response from lymph nodes due to hormonal changes or if it would be advisable to consult her general practitioner for further evaluation.
What Could This Bump Be? Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 22-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds. I currently don’t take any medications and have no significant medical history. Recently, I discovered two small, white bumps on my finger, which appeared around two days ago. They feel firm, much like the sensation of a splinter lodged underneath the skin, and they stick out slightly above the surface. One bump is located at the joint of one finger, while the other is positioned at the tip of another finger on my opposite hand. These bumps are neither painful nor bothersome, but I’m curious to know whether I should consider having them removed or if they might resolve on their own over time. I would appreciate any guidance regarding this matter. Thank you!
Frequent Headaches and Unusual Symptoms
Greetings, I’m a 20-year-old female. Lately, I've been suffering from unexpected headaches almost daily. Additionally, I've begun to feel nauseous during car rides and when experiencing movement. Even potent odors, like the smell of cooking, tend to trigger these headaches. No amount of ibuprofen seems to alleviate the pain. I don’t currently have a physician, and I can confirm that I’m not expecting a child.
Concerns About Rhabdomyolysis?
Background - F34, residing in Texas, USA, is currently trying to get back into shape after a period of inactivity. After an intense workout on Wednesday that included squats and lunges, I pushed myself too hard. Following my strength training, I spent 15 minutes on the elliptical, leaving my legs feeling weak and shaky. Since then, I've experienced difficulty walking, sitting, and even rising from a seated position. Although I have dealt with muscle soreness before, this time feels different and more intense. This morning, I woke up experiencing post-nasal drip and a sore throat, which raises concerns about possibly coming down with a cold or flu. However, I am also aware that rhabdomyolysis can present with flu-like symptoms, making my situation more confusing. By the evening, my condition seemed to worsen, as I began to feel chills, generalized body aches, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, and nausea, though I haven’t actually vomited. While I believe these symptoms correlate with a potential cold or flu, there is significant symptom overlap that makes me uncertain about the level of concern I should have. So far, my urine appears normal—slightly yellow but not the tea-colored hue often associated with rhabdomyolysis. I also conducted a COVID-19 and flu test this evening, and fortunately, the results were negative. I am left wondering at what point I should be alarmed enough to seek medical attention for rhabdomyolysis. As long as my urine remains normal, does that mean I'm in the clear? If it weren’t for the flu-like symptoms, I would feel reassured by the appearance of my urine, but now I’m second-guessing that. Any guidance on what symptoms to monitor for or when it might be appropriate to seek medical evaluation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!