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Burning sensations

Hi,

I am 58 and had a recent case of shingles. This developed on my left side, radiating around from spine to front in a dermatome that was consistent with herpes zoster living in the nerve roots of the T9 dermatomal distribution.

Reading about zoster (shingles), I am happy to hear that it usually only comes once in life, and is usually limited to one dermatome, and it is more likely to lead to "post herpetic neuropathy" (PHN) if it is A) untreated promptly with Valtrex (or similar), B) higher up in the body, and C) if I am over 60 (phew).

OK, fine. I started on Valtrex within 48 hours of developing the rash and it has not been too bad in terms of discomfort.

But here is the problem. I am having variable sensations of burning in other dermatomes, all also on my left side. I cannot easily find information on this by asking our good friend, Dr Google. Diffuse migrating dermatomal burning is not really described.

For what it's worth, the timing was this:

For 2-3 days before rash - Flu like prodrome
Day 1: classic rash
Day 2: Started Valtrex
Days 1-5: Diffuse sunburn sensation (mild) in region of outbreak, with gradual improvement (along with flu symptoms of aching). Much better with Ibuprofen 400 mg, with continued ongoing improvement in rash and lessened pain.
Day 5: Development of skin sensitivity and slight burning sensation in T1 (armpit and down to forearm), and to T11-12 (flank at belt line) - resolved by day 6.
Day 7: Development of worse burning pain in L3 distribution (NOT as responsive to Ibuprofen)
Days 5-7: mild burning sensations and hyperesthesias in left foot (L5), left hand C8), and generalized increased sensitivity to touch on my entire left side (such that if I were not going through all of this, I probably would not have even noticed it).

So, finally a question!

Has anyone information on this constellation of findings in what is either part of a shingles outbreak, or (hopefully not) a post-herpetic neuropathy? I am baffled by the diffuse nature of all of this. There is not much in the text books or literature about these symptoms. It seems clearly linked to the shingles.

Tim
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Avatar universal
I am also having similar problem. But I am only 44 yrs. Diabetic 5yrs, controlled with diet.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the thoughts!

I agree that this is due to inflammatory changes at the nerve roots, and indeed, at 58, I already have known changes to my spinal column. Most of my problems already identified were in my neck, though, and the mystery to me is how the presumed spread of inflammation was limited to the left side only, and why it migrated so quickly from one dermatome to the other (and not in an orderly spread, either - but to L4, then T6, then C5, then T11, etc).

I just finished taking my board exams in sleep medicine, so my stress levels were sky high, but life is returning to normal now, and I shall take your advice about water and exercise!

Tim
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Tim!
I can understand your concerns. In all probability you have mild spondylitic age related degenerative changes in the spinal column. When you suffered from herpes, it probably triggered a radiculopathy in other spinal nerve roots. I suggest you eat healthy, drink plenty of water, complete your medication and either walk or exercise (begin mild and slowly increase the exercise). Please also discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
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