33, F, UK. White.

Six months ago had a LEEP for CIN2. No medication, no other pre-exsisting medical issues. Waiting to get tested for sleep apnea (normal weight). Have had exposure to tick bites. 

I first had shingles over 2/3 years ago on top of my shoulder. I had antivirals and it cleared it up and I didn't have many symptoms.

Four months ago it returned under my armpit. I didn't realise what it was at first, because it was a tiny rash and it did flare up and then it would fade again. **(Photo 1)**

**First week:** I started having nerve pain, and I went to the doctor who diagnosed it as shingles, but stated I was too late for antivirals and that it was a mild case it would go without any issues. The rash carried on getting bigger, however it would still decrease and increase in size.

**Week four:** Alongside the rash on my armpit, a new spot started on my side. Although again, this did not typically look like shingles. I went back to the doctor who confirmed it as shingles and treated it as a new case and gave me antivirals. He also booked in for me to have bloods done and checked for diabetes etc, as he was concerned that I was immunocompromised. The antivrals seemed to work although the red rash was still visible. **(Photo 2)**

**Week six to nine:** During this time the rash kept moving around and twice it flared up in slightly different places on my armpit. The first time I went to an out of hours doctor, who confirmed shingles and put me back on antivirals. It did clear up, however it came back again a week after I had finished the antivirals. This time I was prescribed antivirals over the phone. **(Photo 3)**

**Week ten:** Bloods all came back good. Saw the doctor who suggested a fucidin H cream, and referred me to a dermatologist. The cream didn't clear the rash but it didn't get any worse.

**Week twelve:** decided to try a fungal cream as the rash was still flaring and I wondered if it even was shingles. This didn't help but it also didn't get any worse.

**Week fourteen:** The rash came back under my armpit, still small, but looking like more typical shingles. I went to the doctor who prescribed more antivirals. **(Photo 4)** This cleared the rash up to the best it's been since it started. **(Photo 5)** However after I finished them, I started getting spots on both sides of my back. **(Photo 6)** The doctor had told me to monitor them and they have taken a swab. However he also said it is unlikely to be shingles as it doesn't normally last this long. While I agree that it doesn't look or act what I know as shingles, the nerve pain and generall illness makes me think it is.

**Symptoms**: Throughout the whole thing, and continuing today, I have had nerve pain and back pain across my whole upper back, but mainly concentrated on the left side and my left shoulder/arm. I've had a bad stomach. Headaches, earaches, feeling fluey, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety.

Four months of Shingles?