Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Long The Pain Due To Shingles Take To Subside?
Hi I have Shingles I started showing signs on are about the 14th of January, it was burning and very painful on the upper left side of my shoulder and left arm. The rash started to show and the burning pain began to get worst, I decided to go to the doctor and she assured me that I had Shingles. I was given Valtrex 3 X a day for 7 days and pain meds. The rash is starting to go away, but not the pain. My left arm is feeling weak and I was beginning to worry that my left arm was getting less able to use, as in lifting, pushing the car door open etc. please advise if this is normal. I started the meds on the 20th of Jan. and taken all the Valtrex I still have to take pain meds. I am 74 year old women.
Thu, 5 Mar 2015
Thank you user for your query...
The aims of treatment of shingles are to limit the severity and duration of pain and even reduce the complications associated with singles. The symptoms which you are suggesting is of post herpetic neuralgia. There have been studies which suggest that it weans off in short span of time. But in almost 80-90 percent of older people pain persists for an year.
Hence you to take medication for pain.
You can either consult your physician or can directly start gabapentin once, twice or even thrice a day depending upon the severity of pain. But kindly consult your physician about the dosage in your case.
God bless
The aims of treatment of shingles are to limit the severity and duration of pain and even reduce the complications associated with singles. The symptoms which you are suggesting is of post herpetic neuralgia. There have been studies which suggest that it weans off in short span of time. But in almost 80-90 percent of older people pain persists for an year.
Hence you to take medication for pain.
You can either consult your physician or can directly start gabapentin once, twice or even thrice a day depending upon the severity of pain. But kindly consult your physician about the dosage in your case.
God bless
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....