Possible Shingles Verses More RSD

Saturday morning I started with a severe burning patch mid back, right next to my scs upper inscision. At first I paniced that maybe my paddle moved but after turning my unit off for 8 hours I still had the burning. Till the next morning, I ended up with huge welts across by back, and little pimples. Anywhere I had tegaderm for the last week the welts were worse as well. I just want to rip my skin off at this point. My entire back, up around my neck, down my legs to the front of my knees all feel like someone is taking sandpaper to them. The welts are now gone but random pimples remain.

So I call my PCP, who said that they couldnt fit me in this week but they wanted to call in liquid morphine for me (which I dont think they can do) since the oxy isnt covering the pain, but I reminded them about my PM contract. So they told me to call the PM office and see what they want me to do. She said she would write a script if it was ok with PM. So the PM finally returned the call at 3 PM today and was upset with my PCP, she called herself thankfully, and I didnt get a silly nurse. I explained that my plan was to go to the urgent care tonight because I didnt feel comfortable not being seen. I also dont feel that putting me on additional pain meds is a good idea without knowing whats up. I allready have a dx of RSD, although I have never had a rash with it. So this could be shingles, RSD or just a weird new allergic reaction popping up. So the PM asked me if I can come in first thing tomorrow morning before she starts seeing patients so she can take a peak and we an make a plan from there. I am completely fine with that.

Realistically, I do have 11 days off of work for the holiday, so if we are considering a nerve med this may be a great time to start it. I havent tolorated them well in the past, I turn into a walking zombie, but its definetely worth another shot.

Can anything ever be straight forward and simple?

Thinking of you Shell, hope you get some answers. Hope it turns out to be something easy to deal with. It's definitely better you have someone take a look, you can't take chances.

Will be thinking of you.

Jane

The PM dr does not believe it is shingles because after the welts went away I only have a few tiny pimples. She put me on lidocaine and steroid creams for the worst areas, but I cant put lidocaine from head to toe,lol. Not sure what to say as of now, I am supposed to call her tomorrow morning. Nothing feels any better now than last week. I have been taking my BT meds at the max dose and just barely managing to sleep. This is much more wide spread that my typical RSD spots on my legs and ankles. I did offer to try the nerve meds again, but she is aware of my issues with them before so is hesitant. I told her if I am doing it I want to do it now, so maybe I can get acclimated before we return to school. Cant win, can I,lol!

Thanks all for your concern!