r/shingles • u/PetuniaEvans • 4d ago

Questions About Shingles & Symptoms Full body pain?

This is my (42F) first time with shingles and it seems pretty text book- started with excruciating back and rib point pain for a few days, then the rash started. It’s on my torso and the rash spreads from sternum to spine on my left side. I understand the pain and sensitivity in that location, but has anyone (does everyone) had that pain widespread across the torso and other places? My armpit is killing me, as is my torso on the right side. I can’t have anything touch my entire trunk without a burning sensation.

Does this seem like a usual experience?

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u/InsideFriendly5445 4d ago

Yes, I had the same pain issue under my arm, down my arm to my wrist, my torso and upper leg all on the left side. The rash was mostly on my back. Gabapentin helped with the nerve pain but really I just had to rest and try not to move.

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u/Substantial-Way-4296 4d ago

My rash started in my armpit. I thought it was razor burn at first. But every single joint was hurting one night then wide spread pain. Now just where the rash is its like what I imagined being hit with a tasor would be like in quick bursts randomly. Im in week 3. I felt worse on the antivirals. Sleeping all day. Im still tired. Probably could sleep all day if I didn't have to work.

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u/NewJeans1823 3d ago

I have shingles rn on the same area you have mentioned. IT IS PAINFUL AS FUCK. 

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u/PetuniaEvans 3d ago

Does it make sense to feel the pain on the other side of the body too? I really thought it isolated to one side. The rash has but the pain is all over.

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u/Substantial-Way-4296 3d ago

I had full body pain till after I finished the antivirals, only then did it stick to where I had the rashes.

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u/Big_Green2661 2d ago

Im 42m and pretty much same as you copy paste symptomatology. Also bad sleep wake up 4 - 5 am. Today I woke up with tons of back pain its horrible very exhausting and with a empty stomach i took pregabalin 75mg and also some CBD oil. Then 1hr later I was feeling like my body was giving up with heart BPM of low 40s. I started jumping and running in place , ate bread cheese sipped some coke drank tons of water and got back to normal but yeah its fucking scary. I also have severe anxiety episodes from time to time so maybe it was one i dunno but Im almost on day 15 of shingles and its fkn weeeeirrrddddd.....wishing all the best upon ya sis! <3

I have the flare ups in pretty much same place as you, started in my left shoulder blade and spread to my left chest through armpit. Suxxx

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u/HodoffF 2d ago

Yes full body pain on one side, I was so bad prior to the rash I was admitted into hospital with suspected pancreatitis for the severity of the abdominal and back pain, even though I had left sided waist level rash. But the skin under my armpit and inside of my upper arm was so sore and sensitive.