Shingles?

And he needs a new doctor....

Here is a link that might be useful: shingles

While I have never heard of this symptom before, this definitely sounds nerve related to me. I would see a neurologist as soon as possible. Frankly, I'm stunned that the other two doctors did not recommend seeing a neuro immediately. You are wise to seek a new primary care physician, but I would not wait for that before going to a neurologist.

See the link below re: neuropathy. I don't know if it is a perfect fit for what your DH is experiencing, and if it is it could be caused by any number of things, but I think it needs to be ruled out. Good luck and please keep us posted!

Here is a link that might be useful: neuropathy

I've spent some time searching the internet, and so far, everything I've found relating to the type of sensations he's having (I think they're called 'paresthesias' but it could be a neuropathy -- Or maybe all paresthesias are neuropathies?) talks about these sensations occurring in the face, hands and feet, possibly including the arms and legs -- Never in the torso. That's what seems so weird.

We've thought of shingles Fairegold - but an attack lasting only 30-60 minutes? And there's NO visible skin involvement, either at the time or later. I definitely agree about the doctor though.

The other possibility that seems to 'sort of' fit is an exercise-induced allergy. But DH describes it as 'fire ant bites' more than itching, and there are never any hives. The activity, climate and duration symptoms fit, but no skin symptoms.

Here is a link that might be useful: Exercise allergy

Sweeby,
If you search paresthesias and torso I think you will find several links. Yesterday when I was googling for you I used the terms "torso" and "biting stinging pain", and I also came up with paresthesias, which led me to neuropathy. From what I read yesterday it can commonly be found in the torso, and it is not unusual for it to be located in only one area. And I think paresthesias is one symptom of neuropathy, which includes a broader range of symptoms, but I could be wrong.

In any case I do think a neurologist is the way to get started.

Just back on after 3 days of no 'connect'. I have no idea but can only give my experience. I did have shingles about 8 yrs. ago or so......then nothing until a couple of yrs. ago on only the right side of my back, neck to waist. I have the burning, tingling, grabbing, stinging pain really constantly. I take Lyrica that you've probably seen advertised on TV and magazines for nerve ending pain. It doesn't work that well but it does take the edge off. Also I take a pain med. called Ultram. I'll tell you, I wouldn't wish this on anyone.....one day I would like to wake up and say, "wow, NO pain or burning". I am treated by my GP and did go to Pain Management Clinic for several months and they basically said good luck. (also I had two epiderals that didn't help). Sorry your husband is having these pains, no fun at all.

When I had shingles last year I felt that sensation around my waist, but had no rash. When the rash did come out, it was on the inside of one thigh-- strange! It definitely was shingles and the anti-viral made quick work of it.

DH has also had shingles with no skin rash. Change doctors as soon as you can- like----yesterday!

Good luck- sorry he's in pain!

Shingles was my first thought. I just had a physical and they offered a new injection for it. Don't let him hang on in pain...change doctors is my advice too.

Do you'all really think shingles can attack for 30-60 minutes, then disappear again? I've had a few minor episodes that I thought were shingles, but they lasted for about a week and were over a much smaller area - like one nerve. DH's attacks are over his entire torso - both sides, front and back.

I really think it has to do with the nerve endings...that firey, burning, grabbing, crawling, interior feeling. Wish there was an answer really. It is just strange that his comes and goes, mine never leaves unless I put pressure on it like sitting in my lounge chair with the heat/massage pad going. Keep us posted!

I don't quite remember for how long the pain stayed; I was very busy at the time and just felt an irritant that was around my torso, mostly at the waist. I would ask whether the anti-viral might be in order, on the chance that it could be shingles. Is there any reason not to use it, any harm if he does not actually have shingles?

Sweeby-- if you find out definitively, let me know. I've got the same exact symptoms, although not quite that severe. Sweating doesn't bother me, but when I come out of the shower, regardless of the soap or shampoo, I feel like I've been rolling around in fiberglass insulation for about a 1/2 hour. I just figured it was due to dry skin, and I'm not a big one for lotions.

Sweeby, it may be the start of shingles, and if so, you need to get hubs to the doc TODAY. Shingles, if not treated immediately, can be a long, painful road. The word shingles comes from the Latin word for girdle, because it commonly goes around the torso (on one side), from front to back. I had hem a while back and believe me, you do not want to wait any longer.

If it's shingles, then we're way past the start. His first attack was a few years ago.

Interesting, Bill! I'm wondering then if it might be work related, since DH is a hands-on build-it-yourself ('cause nobody else does it right) kind of guy.

Is he coming into contact with lime-based products? They upset my father's skin.

Jane-- I don't know about Sweeby's DH, but I know for myself, I come in contact with lime containing products on a daily basis, and on a CONSTANT basis all day long. But I don't have a problem till I come out of the shower. Not only that, but with lime irritation, you'll usually show a rash of some kind, usually looking like a mild sunburn. In my case, there's nothing. it looks completely normal.

Yes, he does come into contact with lime products, but it's only occasional and the attacks don't seem to correspond time-wise to the tile or cement work.

So Bill, do yours also last 30-60 minutes, just on the torso?

Pretty much, yes, but also on my arms, as well. Not as bad on the arms, though.