Transient pain that has hung around for over a week now

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I know there have been posts in here from time to time about patches of skin developing ridiculous sensitivity but no rash or any obvious sign that they hurt. They usually come and go and don't hang around for more than a couple of days. They also crop up in different places. Usually put down to some kind of neuropathy.

Well the weekend before last I developed a patch of this skin sensitivity just below my ribcage in my back on the right hand side. This one is also accompanied by sharp stabbing pains every 15 seconds or so. It's still there and its driving me nuts. It stops me getting to sleep until I'm exhausted and then wakes me up during the night. The nearest pain I can get to it via search engines is shingles - but there is no rash and I am not feeling more unwell than usual.

I am seeing my GP this week. The appointment was made for something else but I am definitely mentioning this. When the stabbing pains are at their worst I actually end up squeaking - which my husband is finding really disconcerting. The sensitivity has never hung around this long before.
Painwise the last year has left a lot to be desired!!

Thanks for listening - Scottie

[DolphinLuver61]

Good Morning Scottie,

I'm sorry you're going through so much pain. Could it be some form of 'Shingles'? I pray that your doctor can get to the root of the problem so you can feel better.

Have a Great Day!

Michelle

[CMNK12]

  My first thought when I started reading your post was, oh no...shingles.  Go to your doctor immediately. The pain usually starts first before the rash. Lets hope however that it is something else. It follows a nerve path. I will pray that it is something else.... Take care. CK

[sarahjane]

Have you ever had shingles before? The reason I'm asking is that even though it is a few years since I had it I still get nerve pain in the area and that is apparently common. Good luck with getting it checked out.
Sarah

[long time dry]

I agree with the others and suggest you call your doctor's office right away.  I had shingles 30 years ago and attributed the pain to a pulled muscle, even though I had no idea how that could have happened.  It wasn't until the rash appeared that I went to the doctor and was diagnosed.  There were no actual treatments then and all I could do was to take vicodin.  I didn't come close to stopping the pain and only stopped me from screaming.  I had to add sleeping pills to get any sleep at all.  The outbreak lasted for 2 weeks and the worst of the pain lasted for 2-4 more weeks, but I had nerve pain for 20 years (really!) and still feel tingles at times.  Please do call your doctor.  Shingles is nothing to hesitate over.  I hope you don't have it though.

[odie]

I'm with the others and would be highly suspicious of the onset of shingles.  I've heard from others who have had it that it's vital to get it treated as soon as possible.  But in case it's some muscle spasm have you tried warm compresses?

[slccom]

It is viral (chicken pox), and it is critical to get on anti-viralas ASAP to reduce the chances of permanent pain.

If it isn't one thing, it is another! At least the arm is fixed!
Hugs, Sharon

[Scottietottie]

I see the doc on Wednesday. No point trying to see anyone sooner as I'm well past the 'window' for anti-virals. I didn't contact the doc sooner because I kept assuming the pain was going to go as I have had the skin sensitivity before - admittedly without the stabbing effect. Still no sign of a rash - so that's good!

It doesn't feel like a pulled muscle it is more 'surface'. Even cloth brushing it makes me jump.

It'll pass.

Thanks for the replies. Take care - Scottie