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Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia: What helps with Pain?
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (211)Comment receiving replies
Hi all,
I have postherpetic neuralgia. The pain and burning are terrible. Mine actually started in my eye. Since November 21, 2024 I have had this pain and was hospitalized because I ended up with Encephalitis. My opthamologist is working on my eye. I can see out of it just a bit now. The pain and burning in my head and eye are horrible. The nerves are so messed up. My head feels numb, but burns and still get stabbing pains. Washing and drying my hair is so painful. I don't think I will ever be able to get my hair cut again. I was wondering if anyone used the Cold light therapy around or directed at you eye. My Neuralgia it exactly half of the right side of my face that is in pain. I try the link, but it does not work anymore. I looked on Amazon for the Cold laser therapy but don't know what one is the correct one. Could some one direct me to the cold laser you have been using that works. I need all of the help I can get. Thank you.
Replies to "Hi all, I have postherpetic neuralgia. The pain and burning are terrible. Mine actually started in..."
@pschulte Hi Patti, I never meant to ignore your query about Cold Laser Therapy. Since I’d not even heard of it, (and I’ve lost count of the number of Dr.s I’ve seen since this adventure began, non of whom ever mentioned it), I’ve been reading a lot. We do need to be our own advocates, without putting ourselves in the Guinea pig category!
A few years ago, a neurologist suggested I have Botox injections (yes, I am a wrinkly old person….but this would be to help the pain from PHN) My ophthalmologist consulted a friend/neurologist and they agreed not to take that route. The proximity to my eye could cause many more problems than it would resolve. Reading possible Cold Laser Therapy side effects mentioning retina damage is scary too.
I do take a drop of Aspercreme with Lydocaine (over the counter) and rub it on the right side of my forehead, down to my cheekbone, not near my eye or on my eyelid. It “calms” the nerves a bit. That’s become part of my bedtime ritual. I wish you Sweet Dreams!
Margie
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@pschulte You have my prayers this morning !
Having shingles in Jan 2017, and dealing with such similar problems, I just need to tell you that you aren’t alone….and we’ll all, somehow, get through this together. My eye doctor did an amniotic disc implant, which helped the scarring. It was like wearing a contact lense and was painless. My sister came up with a shampoo at a Health Supplement Store (it worked, using cool water). I do still put off haircuts longer than I should! Ice packs help & I have a refreezeable one called a Headache Halo (Amazon) that helps to get to sleep. This is an “I can do this!” situation.
All the best, margie