Shingles or Vitamin B 12 shortage?

OK I was told I have shingles a couple weeks ago, had the symptoms for 4 weeks before going in and by symptoms I mean I only had itching and pain, no rash. The pain has been increasing in intensity that at times I can't take it. Now the doc wants to do a bunch of labs and see if one of the problems could be that I am low on B12. Is this possible? I have had my  injections, but if I am to also get some B12 from food I probably haven't as I have had issues with keeping the food down, that's a whole 'nother story, but I am going in for another EGD on the 23rd so we'll see then if there still is a stricture. Just wondering if anyone else has any ideas as to what could be the problem I have an area on my right side of my back that is about the size of my hand that did itch like crazy and now just BURNS!!!!!!

I've never had the experience but I just wanted to give you my support.  I can't imagine how much this is driving you crazy.  I hope they find out what they can do to treat it very soon!  Good luck!

Ya I'm starting to get kinda bummed out, missing too much work just because of pain! Lab work for tomorrow, they won't know all the results for a couple days on some of the stuff. Thanks for the encouraging words, hope all is well with you!!!! 

Wow, I am sorry to hear about all your troubles!  I don't know about the B12, although if you are getting injections I would think you are ok even if you can't keep food down.  I do know something about shingles, though.  I had a bout of shingles when I was in grad school and under a tremendous amount of stress.  It was just one nerve, but since they branch out, it was about the size of a silver dollar.  It was right at my waistband so very painful.  I don't remember it itching at all but it did burn, and I definitely had a rash.

The dr. told me that in the past when a relatively young person presented with shingles they would have worried about a compromised immune system, but more and more they are seeing shingles due to stress that in turn compromises the immune system.  You have had a pretty rough go of it since surgery, so maybe you are a little run down.  I guess your symptoms could also be due to neuropathy, which could be due to b12 deficiency.  Hopefully they will figure it out soon - I know how painful this can be.

Good luck and let us know what you find out
Amelia

I havent had this either and I am so sorry you are in the pain you are.. 

Seriously...  Dont procrastinate on medical care.  Take charge...  If you dont start feeling better soon after treatment options, CALL.. (speaking from experience)  

You cant OD on B12, so if what 'they' say is true, then I would go pick up a sibligual and take that along with your injections.  If you find out that it doesnt play a roll...no harm.. 

Healing Hugs to you!!

I had shingles after surgery about 9-12 months out. I don't think it was B12 I think it really was shingles. I had so much pain too. It was werid not sure why I was a lucky one to get it.

Wishing you all the best!!