Bruise like pain

[rosajur]

For the past week or so I have had pain in my lower back that feels like deep bruising. It is above my left buttock & about the size of a dinner plate. Even clothing makes that area hurt although there is nothing there to see. Prior to this, I had my 27 year old shingles pain coming back & that extended itself from below the right shoulder blade to the left then went away. What next? Am reluctant to mention this at the doctors..

[SheffieldJane]

What makes you feel reluctant to mention these unpleasant symptoms to the doctor? I think experiencing the pain at the Shingles site long after the blisters have gone is a common and distressing symptom. I agree 27 years is startling. Do you think it is returning? Then the back pain should really be investigated. Hopefully a trained medical mind will have an idea. Perhaps an x Ray is called for? You must see a doctor, ifshe’s No goodthen you need to change doctors.

[rosajur in reply to SheffieldJane]

I have mentioned other weird pains to the doctor(s) before & their eyes glaze over...not interested. Am living in a small town (in NZ) so finding another doc is hard. Am due for the 3 month appointment next month so will hang on & see how things pan out. It must be shingles related rather than PMR.

[GOOD_GRIEF]

There's really no point in withholding information from your doctors. When you do, you just make it harder for them to figure out how to help you. There's nothing to be ashamed of, and even if there was, your doctors aren't going to judge you, except when you either lie to them or withhold information, making their job impossible.

[rosajur in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

Actually I do feel ashamed to forced to be seeing doctors. Last time I went I was told by this particular one that she has never known anyone to have PMR for as long as I have had it. (4.5 years). I will TRY to talk about it. Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you want a diagnosis you are going to have to see your doctor. It could be a continuation of the shingles pain or it could be a muscle problem - when I have spasmed muscles in my back they sometimes hurt to touch. The area you describe could be painful due to piriformis syndrome.

[rosajur in reply to PMRpro]

Must look piriformis up & arm myself with an option for the next docs visit. The shingles pain comes & goes according to stress & tiredness & I have noticed my lower back bones crunch away sometimes.

[Grants148]

Hi Rosa jar,sorry that you have so much pain,l too think it could be related to shingles,you really must see your doctor,l hope it gets sorted soon.

[rosajur in reply to Grants148]

I feel the shingles is at the bottom of my PMR & at any hint of stress it flares up even 27 years later. Am forever looking at my back in the mirror but there is no surface rashes or anything..fingers crossed I get an answer soon.

[Grants148]

I hope you do get a correct answer soon rosajur.

[rosajur in reply to Grants148]

Thank you.

[Angiejnz]

Hi there I'm outside New Plymouth, newly diagnosed by a magical rural GP that is so supportive, it makes me so cross when others don't treat their patients like mine does. How are you going? I'm from London originally and have been here 27 years. I am 53 and being treated for pmr with a very high dose of 60 that's tapering to 50 today, my GP has referred me to the traveling rheumatologist but is ready to go into bat in the rheumy isn't helpful. Look forward to hearing from you

Angie