Community Chat

[catlover]

I've had debilitating upper back pain for a few days-spoke with my doctor today and will be seeing him on Monday-the pain is almost unbearable-on either side of my upper back..........

I explained my symptoms to him on the phone and he said it sounds like a pinched nerve or shingles.............

I also had a rash on my left forearm-2 patches of raised red bumps-not oozing and not itchy.

I took 4 tylenol and finally got some relief-when you have that much pain you really do not care about anything except for relief............

[hyacinth003]

I've not had them, but as a nurse, I have cared for people that have.

It can be an awfully painful condition.

It can take time to recover from them also. Wish you could see your doctor sooner. There are anti-viral medications you can take to help them go away sooner. And you can get stronger pain medication.

If you have an immediate care center, you might want to consider visiting.

4 Tylenol is too much for your liver. It usually doesn't help to take more than the recommended dose anyway. 1000mg at a time, maximum.

Hyacinth

[NoelSeven]

I have, you have my sympathy. I had them on the left upper side of my back and onto the shoulder. Awful pain, I was on Codeine all during the outbreak.

I had trouble using my left arm for quite awhile, it got weak for some reason.

My heart goes out to you

[Shorty2U]

No I didn't but my dad had shingles. (He has since died, not from shingles). But I can tell you that his entire torso (front and back had a horrible red rash and pain). He had it bad and got so sick he fell which led to him being hospitalized. I know someone else who had it and theirs wasn't as bad. I hope and pray you will get well soon.

[spud188]

Your Dr. should see you today.the shingles meds need to be started right away.

[bikerbabe]

I'm sorry to hear you have shingles. Great you need to be seen today. I Believe the antiviral medication is ineffective after the first couple of days. Monday is too long to wait.

[cotton4me]

I had shingles last summer, on my lower back. I was lucky in that I didn't have any pain, just itching. At first I thought it was an allergic reaction but it didn't go away. I finally went to the doctor. It's best to start the medication as soon as possible. Even though I waited too long to see the doctor she gave me shingles medication anyway. Mine cleared up in a few weeks. My case seemed to be mild compared to a lot of people.

[Irshgrl31201]

I think you should go to the ER or an urgent care center. I have heard how painful it is and I cannot imagine waiting until Monday. Good luck!

[lulu2]

I had shingles. (lower back) The pain was excruciating.

The sooner you see a doctor and begin medication the better.

[dooBdoo]

catlover, Please heed the advice in this thread. Don't (ever) take more than the recommended dosage of Tylenol, and if your personal physician can't see you now to the ER or urgent care center for immediate treatment. I wish you well.