A few months ago I got this rash all of a sudden on the left side of my lower back. It looked like gnat bites, but some were blisters. It didn't hurt until I scratched it and then it started to burn like crazy. I put an ice pack on it and went to bed thinking that it was a reaction to mosquiotos or gnats. The next day it still itched but didn't burn as much. The blisters started to scab over and though it still itched it seemed to be healing. I felt like I was getting sick and had a sore throat but no fever. I figured since the rash was only on one side of my back and slowly going away that I didn't need to see the dr. I really did think it was bug bites and thought that if it were something more serious it would be on both sides of my body. After about a week it seemed to heal but I still have some scars from the ones that blistered. I later heard about shingles and how it can be on only one side. I wish I had checked with my dr. I think I had the shingles. I have had the chicken pox as an adult so maybe it was. I seem to be having similar sores now on my left ear since two days ago. It really hurts and is starting to spread so I'm going to call the dr tomorrow. I have had alot of headaches and dizziness for the past two days too. Has anyone else have shingles and does rsd bring on shingles? I was just wondering. Thanks.

Renee honey, Ice and RSD is a No No. I’m getting sleepy (finally, just 4 hours until the alarm goes off), I’m sure others can elaborate on the ice thing. I have not had shingles but a couple of my family members have. They used evening primrose and it seemed to help them. I feel so bad for you hon, it’s just one more thing, isn’t it?

Oh Renee. Good grief, this thing just gives us no breaks does it?

My husband had shingles, and it's a nasty thing at the best of times. It tends to come out when we are under stress, and of course being in constant pain is very very stressful for your body... If you've had chicken pox, then yes the stress of CRPS could bring on shingles. I second Vrae on the evening primrose, and the ice thing.

Under no circumstances should you ever EVER use ice now you have CRPS. Your tissues and nerves aren't working as they should, and ice is nothing but bad for us. I so understand that wish to cool something so horrible as shingles on top of CRPS but the most I ever use to cool anything is a flannel dampened with water, and only then for a few minutes at a time. I'm not saying that you made it worse, but it's a risk factor you don't need...

I hope your doc appointment goes well and they can sort this out for you. I remember it took a while for my husband to get over it, and it made him feel generally crappy on top of the blisters and nerve pain aspect. Hopefully because you've had it a while you're nearer the finish line. Take the evening primrose, and definitely do some calming exercises regularly to try to de-stress your system a bit. You deserve a break like we all do, I hope it's over very soon.

Let us know how to get on. I'll be thinking of you.

Bram

Well the sore on my ear is not spreading, so I don't think it's shingles thank goodnes. Probably just from rsd like my pm dr said. Just got back from root canal dentist after sleeping only two hours this morning. Then went to get my feet x-rayed to see if they can find why they are burning and swelling so much. I think it's rsd spread, but just want to check on rhuematoid. One more dr appt to go at three to phychiatrist so that I can have a med check and cry about my pain spreading and also becasue my great aunt has pneumonia. We got call ths morning from the nursing home where shes at for alzheimers when my husbnad was bringing me to dentist. Not a good day for me or her. I want to see her, but my husbands afriad I may get sick too and so am I. It's killing me that I can't see her. Maybe tomorrow after she's been on her antibiotics for a day. She's 93. I hope she will be okay. I'm very sad and just needed to share. Bye for now.

Renee, hope you're feeling ok after your visit to the dentist today. I thought of you because I went to see mine today, although luckily just a check-up and things were ok. I talked to him about the CRPS and he was really good, seemed to get it and understood the concept of having to control the pain signals quickly if anything happens. He's also agreed to sedate me if it's anything serious. Phew.

So sorry about your great-aunt. Pneumonia is nasty, I hope she recovers quickly, I know how worried you must be.

My feet are elevated now, burning up on the soles and bright red and very painful. I hate it.

Take care my friend, and let's hope we all have a peaceful night x

Bram

Thanks for your kind thoughts Bram. I do at least feel better with my tooth. My feet turn red too when they start burning and swelling. I'm sorry you have that horrible pain too. It's awful and there are no words to describe how much it hurts. I hope the pain subsides for you soon and that we all have a peaceful night as well. Thanks again. You're a good friend. From your friend Renee.

Yay Renee, I am glad it is not shingles!!

So sorry to hear about your Great Aunt. I hope you will be able to see her tomorrow.

Prayers,
Tessa

Thanks Tessa. I'm glad it's not shingles too. I got my foot xrays back already today though. They said I have a heel spur in my left foot. I have to see a podiatrist about it. The spur may have aggravated the rsd, and I think thats why my feet are burning, swollen and at times red. I will need to tell my pm dr next week too. Hopefully I won't need surgery for this. I have to see with the foot dr. I told my psychiatrist today and he wants me to see a psychologist he knows to help me deal with all the health and family issues going on in my life. I'm having a tough time with everything happening at once. It's overwhelming. Thanks for your kind thoughts about my Great Aunt too. I hope I get she'll be okay and that I can see her tomorrow too. I hope you had a better day today with your health and your health insurance. Thanks for your prayers. My thoughts and prayers are with you too. From your friend Renee.