First of all, thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I have felt so alone with this and it was so comforting to hear from people. All the suggestions were appreciated.
I went to my pcp this morning. I had a detailed list of what had transpired with my hosptial visit and finding nothing wrong with me. I gave him a 3 page detailed list of everything that happened plus new symptoms. One of the new symptoms was in the flank area of my back, around where the kidney would be, I was having lots of pain there. In addition I have begun to break out in a number of skin rashes in the last 2 days. I showed it to him and he said "BINGO" You have shingles. He explained that it is basically adult chicken pox that can strike at anytime but especially when then immune system is depressed. Life events and sorrows definately can cause the immune system to be depressed. I asked him how sure he was. He told me that he has been practicing medicine for 21 years and stakes his professional reputuation that he is correct with this diagnosis. He said all the symptoms that I am having are associated with shingles. The reason it was missed by the hospital and himself in the last few weeks is because the rashes had not appeared yet. They were looking at the bigger picture, possibly liver, kidney stones, gall stones, etc. He gave me 3 perscriptions to take for 10 days and follow up with him. He said there is a downside to all of this. 10% of patients with shingles never get rid of the pain, they have it for life. He said that usually is in the 70+ age group. if I am one of the unlucky ones, there are meds that can be perscribed to keep the pain in check. I will hope that goes away. He also said that the pain normally lasts for up to 2 months after you take all the medication for the other 90%. I cried once again (been doing alot of that recently) and hugged him. He laughed and said that he never has seen anyone so happy to have shingles.
I know this is getting long but I have one more important point. I have a post in on this site about 30 days ago entitled "I wish I could Believe" I talked about my not believing in god and not being spiritual. This event has changed my life. I have been praying to god for help the last few days. My prayers have been answered and I will be making major changes to my life and my outlook on things. Please read that post if you want to know what I was thinking then.
Anyway, thank all of you again. I hope I haven't bored you. I really believe that my baby "Rosa" had God watch over me and find and answer to my sickness. Thanks for listening. Rusty

Oh, Jeez!! Rusty, I'm so sorry you're in pain, but GLAD you got a diagnonsis!! My uncle also came down with shingles... he's perfectly fine and healthy after his course of medication. This man is 82 years old, so I'm sure you'll come out of this just fine.

Rest, take your medicine and come here to play with us to make yourself feel better!

A hug to you Rusty,

Pat

Dear Rusty, I am so glad you were able to talk to your doctor in detail and that he was able to tell you what was wrong with you. I hope the medication will clear it up and that you wont have any further problems from it later in life. I know how the immune system can be so run down from grieving from a death of one we love so much. I know that little Rosa was with you every step of the way. I am so glad you have turned to God, He is my strength and without Him I would not be the woman I am today. He has brought me through so many things and it is in Him that I have the hope and know I will be with my girls again.
Love, Ann

Rusty,
I'm so glad the you found out what was wrong. I'm a firm believer that we know our bodies better than anyone and I'm glad you found a Doctor who would listen and take you serious. Hope the meds help quickly.

I will be reading your earlier post since I've been having trouble "believing" for years and nothing has happened to changed my mind.

Hugs,
Dawn

Hi Rusty,

I had shingles 14 years ago (at the "old" age of 34) in one ear. The pain was excruciating. I still, on occasion have pain where the shingles were but nothing like when it first happened. Glad (not glad you have shingles) but that you have a confirmed diagnosis.

Hang in there!

Lynn

Hi, Rusty-

I'm so glad you got a diagnosis! And, in the scope of things that could have been wrong, shingles is bad, but not as bad as what the other doctors were looking for.

I too had shingles 24 years ago (at the ripe old age of 21)...I was preparing for finals and was under a lot of pressure. I can still remember the EXCRUCIATING pain. I really did think I would die. They didn't have anti-viral meds back then, so I just had to live through the pain. Once the rash broke out, the pain started to subside.

Hang in there!
Kathleen

Rusty,
I missed your other post about being sick (sorry about that, I haven't been around in a couple of days), but I am so glad it's not something much worse. I have known people that have had shingles and yes it's painful, but I'm sure you'll get through it fine. I think sometimes our bodies have a way of telling us when we need to slow down and take care of ourselves. PLEASE take care of yourself and get some rest.

Dear Rusty:

I read your post early this evening, but am just getting a chance to reply now......
I was EXTREMELY CONCERNED about you, but was much relieved after I read your post from 4:15pm today.

quoting your physician.....


Well, now it all makes sense Rusty, and with the help of medication, and taking some time to rest,.........you
should be feeling better.. Please....give yourself PLENTY OF TIME!!!

I have no doubt that your precious lil' Rosa had her paw in all of this....

God Bless!

Peace & Happiness,

Denise

Thanks everyone. It is now 3:10 A.M. I just woke up from 6 straight hours of sleep. That is the most in 3 weeks. I think it's time to rejoin the living a little at a time. Heidi has been begging for me to chase her around the room (bye the way, that is my surviving dog, lol). I hope everyone is feeling a little better as another day has passed in our journey with grief. Rusty :-))

Rusty, if you're feeling up to chasing Heidi... YOU'RE IT!

Glad you got much-needed sleep, which is what is needed for you to start getting better. Hopefully, you're doing even better today!!

Flip on the TV, grab a comfy pillow & curl up on the couch for a day of relaxation. Don't forget to squish way into the back of the couch so that there's room for Heidi!

Pat