“Shingles without a rash?”
My husband has all the shingles symptoms except the rash. The skin across his stomach and around one side feels like it is on fire and he has shooting pains from the stomach around that side. There is absolutely no rash whatsoever. His Dr. doesn't believe he has shingles.
Is there a test to definitely diagnose shingles with no rash? He was diagnosed with ribs out of place 9 weeks ago: rest was prescribed, ribs taped, but no improvement. His pain just increased. He has had X-rays, an MRI and is waiting for a CT Scan. He is on pain meds, Tramadol, then Tylenol 3 with some lessening of pain but then the pain returns in full.
After 9 weeks we just don't know who to go to for help! What kind of Dr. or specialist would deal with these symptoms?
Is there a test to definitely diagnose shingles with no rash? He was diagnosed with ribs out of place 9 weeks ago: rest was prescribed, ribs taped, but no improvement. His pain just increased. He has had X-rays, an MRI and is waiting for a CT Scan. He is on pain meds, Tramadol, then Tylenol 3 with some lessening of pain but then the pain returns in full.
After 9 weeks we just don't know who to go to for help! What kind of Dr. or specialist would deal with these symptoms?
71 years old
Complaint duration: 10 months
Conditions: diabetes, COPD
2 Answers
Unusual for shingles to have NO rash. Might benefit from a neurological evaluation with electro diagnostic testing
It sounds like you’re describing the pain of the ribs displacement. It’ll hurt with each deep breath and for several weeks. Splinting the area with a binder is not really recommended anymore because it limits deep breathing and can result in pulmonary complications. Shingles without a rash is a bit of a stretch. It sounds like neurological pain from the ribs. Ask your provider to see if his meds can be switched. Tramadol for a short period of time and T3 isn’t something I am a fan of prescribing. Both have side effects and can result in drug interactions (if on other medications).
Thank you and best wishes.
Be well,
Brent Reinheimer, MD
Thank you and best wishes.
Be well,
Brent Reinheimer, MD
