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The Misery of Post Herpetic Neuralgia
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Oct 17, 2025 | Replies (23)Comment receiving replies
I am searching for help for my mom’s year long battle with constant pain after shingles. She has been to several doctors and on all the meds…nothing gives her any relief. She has gotten a total of 4 injections from a pain doctor and acupuncture. She is so depressed that this is going to be forever. I feel so bad for her & not sure where to turn to next . Any suggestions?
Replies to "I am searching for help for my mom’s year long battle with constant pain after shingles...."
I have PHN and started this discussion. PHN is high level pain. Your life is no longer yours. I'm on year 8 and the only thing that comes near to relief is a neurorectomy. I've had one and hope to get another this year. Resources for PHN in the US is zero. Insurance (most) does not cover neurorectomys and it normally takes more than one surgery. There are only four doctors in the entire US that perform the surgery in hopes of relieving pain. I have tried just about everything.
Bella, you are a great daughter to care for your mom like this. My daughter is caring for me too and trying to give me hope. I am on month 8. Nothing has worked and I fear pain management will want me to wear a fentanyl patch, which at this pt I might. Have they tried the Butrans Patch with your mom? Some PHN patients get relief with that. I did not but your mom might. It's not a full opioid so you don't have to consider addiction etc . I am receiving acupuncture and they are determined to heal me. I hope that's the case but more importantly they keep me positive. I found an entire team that helps me. Drs aren't going to do that. Keep doing what you are doing and remind her it's not forever. I know there are people that go past a year and I can't imagine but take it day by day. Have you seen pain management, neurologists yet? Acupuncture , lidocaine patches, check to see if anyone in your area performs the advanced capscion patches, they burn but give relief for 3 months they tell me. My primary care Dr is denying I have PHN, mostly because she didn't catch the shingles when she could have, so I don't waste time with that. Be there with her for appointments if you can, bring a meal and sit together, let her cry and hold her tight. In the end I believe that will bring her healing that other people can't provide. Let me know how you both do. Would love to know if you both found relief. Take Care
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I feel for her.
I once worked with a doctor who had post herpatic neuralgia as they call it, for over a year.
She couldn’t even wear a bra, it hurt so bad.
Hope your mom gets some relief soon.