u/Dramatic-Crab3697

I’m 42F, not immunocompromised. This is my first time having shingles. Day 5 of rash, had no preceding symptoms. I have a small 2x2 rash along my ribs. It’s a bit itchy, but the pain is very mild. However, the flu-like symptoms were not expected. I have headaches, dizziness and fatigue. I feel like I felt when I had Covid (tested negative). No fever just no energy whatsoever. Anyone else have this experience? The rash and blisters and pain are the LEAST of my worries at this point.

I’m just curious, how long did it take for the fullness of your rash to appear? Like did it start with one cluster, then a couple days later a new cluster, and so on? Or did the entirety of the rash appear over a day or two? Just curious on those that have had an entire band around the side of their body, did it just show up that big one day. Or does it start small and grow over days to weeks?

42F, had an itchy spot yesterday on my R side along bra line, scratched it and about jumped out of my skin because it “stung.” Went home to look at what is was and saw this little cluster of red spots. Went to the walk-in clinic, doc immediately said shingles. I asked about staph and he said he is highly confident it’s shingles. Went home and getting ready for bed found a faintly red spot on LEFT flank area. Today it is much more red.

Neither of these had pain before the rash appeared, and still just mildly itchy and hurt to scratch. I’m going to go see the doc again this weekend at the walk-in and see about doing a PCR test. I could believe shingles on one side but now I’m worried if it’s not, am I missing treating an infection.

If this is my say one and two, what can I expect in the days to come? How long can it be expected to grow/spread?

Image1: Day 1, initial rash on R upper
Image 2 and 3: Day 2 of initial rash on R upper
Image 4 and 5: Day 2 of 2nd rash on L flank

42F, had an itchy spot yesterday on my R side along bra line, scratched it and about jumped out of my skin because it “stung.” Went home to look at what is was and saw this little cluster of red spots. Went to the walk-in clinic, doc immediately said shingles. I asked about staph and he said he is highly confident it’s shingles. Went home and getting ready for bed found a faintly red spot on LEFT flank area. Today it is much more red.

Neither of these had pain before the rash appeared, and still just mildly itchy and hurt to scratch. I’m going to go see the doc again this weekend at the walk-in and see about doing a PCR test. I could believe shingles on one side but now I’m worried if it’s not, am I missing treating an infection.

If this is my say one and two, what can I expect in the days to come? How long can it be expected to grow/spread?

Image1: Day 1, initial rash on R upper
Image 2 and 3: Day 2 of initial rash on R upper
Image 4 and 5: Day 2 of 2nd rash on L flank

Hi everyone. I am deep in medical debt, desperate for answers, and hoping someone who went through something similar can help.

My Timeline:
18 months ago: Took an antidepressant that completely dried out my nose, mouth, and ears. 2 weeks in, my ears became painful and plugged (worse on the right). Mild vertigo started. I did stop the med after 30 days but symptoms remained ever since.

6 weeks ago: Had a very minor cold/stuffy nose. Woke up with constant whooshing tinnitus in my right ear, a sharp increase in vertigo, and severe pain/fullness. It hasn't stopped since.

My Test Results So Far:
Sinus CT, Brain MRI, MRV, and CTA: All completely clear.
Tympanometry: Normal (ENT claims this rules out Patulous ETD).
Physical Exam: ENT sees no fluid (claims this rules out obstructive ETD).
Caloric Test: Showed a 32% weakness on my right side. This is my only measurable clue.
My current ENT seems clueless about advanced testing. I know things like Dynamic ETD exist, but my doctor isn’t looking into it.

My Questions for the Community:
Have any of you had clear first-line ENT tests, but finally got a diagnosis through advanced testing?
Could a 32% caloric weakness point to something like Ménière’s Disease / Hydrops or Superior Canal Dehiscence (SCDS)?
What specific tests should I demand next? (e.g., VEMP, ECOG, Tubomanometry, or a High-Res Temporal Bone CT?)
I really need to figure out what specialized tests or doctors to look for next. Thank you so much for any insights.