Understanding and Managing Internal Shingles Pain: A Patient's Experience

Question
i have x2 over the years had internal shingles, very paingul wrapping right side and under breast,went to new md this week had blood work and x-rays, things good..i told his nurse when she called that i have had shingles x2 over the years..well, SHE never heard of them then called me back and said dr. never heard of them. i said, i am sittiing in pain here it grips me so...she told me to go to er and hung up on me....what can i do? please help, thankyou...Sharon...

Answer
Sharon,

Not sure what you mean by "internal" shingles.  Shingles (Varacella Zoster) affects the dermatome distribution of the skin under conditions of stress or immune compromise.  There are some cases (very rare) where "blisters" never show up and there is only pain... and if not treated then you can develope PHN (post herpetic neuralgia)... but to my knowledge there is nothing internal.  Shingles is restricted to dermatologic manifestation only.

JP Saleeby, MD
saleeby.net