Identifying Issues Beyond Shingles
Patient Profile: 57 years old, 1.71 meters tall, weighing 92 kilograms, non-smoker. No ongoing medications, and gallbladder removal occurred 15 years ago. I've been experiencing pain on the right side of my torso for a week, which has intensified in a band-like manner reminiscent of how shingles discomfort is often described. Initially, I thought I might have strained a muscle, but regrettably, the pain has persisted without improvement, and although paracetamol provides some relief, it’s insufficient. In the past two days, the original pain remains, and I've noticed diminished sensation in the skin over the same area, with intermittent patches of numbness. This sensation is akin to when I anticipate a cold sore. Notably, there are no signs of a rash or blisters on my skin. While I did suspect shingles, I understand that it can sometimes manifest without a visible rash. Today, I consulted a pharmacy, and they advised me to seek immediate attention from my general practitioner. Upon visiting the GP surgery, the nurse practitioner couldn't definitively determine whether shingles is the cause, given the absence of a rash. Consequently, I've been prescribed medication aimed at alleviating nerve pain. If this condition isn't due to shingles, what other health issues could be at play?
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 11:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms of right-sided torso pain, diminished sensation, and intermittent numbness are concerning and may indicate a few possible underlying issues, which can range from nerve-related conditions to muscular or even visceral causes. Here's a breakdown of your situation and actionable next steps.
Main Points:
- Symptoms Analysis: Your pain and sensory changes may not be due to shingles since there's no visible rash.
- Possible Conditions: Consider other potential causes such as nerve impingement, thoracic outlet syndrome, or even conditions related to the spine or internal organs (like the liver) since you have a history of gallbladder removal.
- Next Steps: Prioritize monitoring your symptoms closely, while actively managing pain and seeking further evaluations if necessary.
Explanation:
The pattern of your pain describes a band-like distribution and is accompanied by sensory changes, which can often indicate a nerve issue. Conditions beyond shingles that could cause similar symptoms include:
- Neuropathy or Nerve Compression: Conditions like cervical or thoracic disc problems can lead to nerve compression, causing pain and numbness.
- Musculoskeletal Issues: A muscle strain or injury to surrounding tissues might also explain pain and tingling.
- Visceral Referral Pain: Since your gallbladder was removed, referred pain from the liver or gastrointestinal issues could be considered, especially given situational triggers or changes.
- Other Neurological Conditions: Less commonly, disorders like multiple sclerosis may present with such symptoms.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed log of your pain levels, any sensory changes, and any activities that trigger or alleviate the symptoms. Note when you experience numbness, and for how long it lasts.
-
Pain Management:
- Continue using paracetamol or consider alternating it with ibuprofen for broader pain relief, unless contraindicated. Always adhere to dosing recommendations on the package.
-
Gentle Movement and Stretching:
- Engage in gentle stretches or movements that do not exacerbate your symptoms. This can help relieve possible muscle tightness.
-
Follow Up on Treatments:
- Since you've been prescribed medication for nerve pain, keep track of its effectiveness, and make a note of any side effects to discuss in your next appointment.
-
Plan Further Consultations:
- If symptoms persist or worsen after a week, consider following up with a healthcare professional for further evaluations, which may include imaging studies or referrals to a neurologist or pain specialist.
This cautious approach allows you to manage your current discomfort while systematically ruling out other potential causes. Please take care and monitor any significant changes in your symptoms, particularly new onset of severe pain, weakness, or bowel/bladder issues, as these may require immediate attention.
Related Questions
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.