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:
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Continue Your Prescribed Medications: Take your medications as directed. Ensure you're managing your pain effectively with the prescribed doses.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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