Hello @jerid

As a newbie to the Shingles diagnosis, I've been really interested in any of the Connect posts about Shingles pain. It certainly is a difficult pain to deal with, isn't it? Regarding chronic PHN after Shingles, I did find an article on the WebMD website that discusses what can be used to treat this. Here is the link, just click on it and read the suggestions. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/understanding-postherpetic-neuralgia-treatment#1

A couple of the meds listed were Gabapentin and Lyrica. Has your doctor suggested either of these or something else to deal with chronic PHN?

I was on Lyrica for several months immediately following my Shingles and I put on almost 20 pounds and had no energy. I had enough of that. I am a active person and my body loves exercise. I continue to exercise by walking 4 miles a day and during public pool summer days I swim 1 mile a day or 64 laps. The cooling of the water is the best natural pain reliever, but I can't be in a pool 24/7/ LOL I want to end the pain without drugs. I do not like the side effects that I experience from taking most drugs. I did radiofrequency ablation and it lasted for 2 weeks. The nerve must not have been burned enough. I have no idea.
Thank you for your response I will check out the web page you sent.

Hi @jerid and @hopeful33250, I moved your messages to this existing discussion about Postherpetic Neuralgia and chronic pain. I did this so you can read the experiences of fellow members like @tikigod18 @gmaw4 @cdcc @patsy0315 and @paulbklyn, and connect with them.

You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- Postherpetic Neuralgia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-herpetic-neuralgia-231205/
- Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles) nerve damage https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/postherpetic-neuralgia-shingles-nerve-damage-around-eye-eyebrow-forehead-scalp-8/
- Shingles on face and in eye https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-on-face-and-in-eye/
- Shingles https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-6/
- Recurring Shingles: Any ideas to stop them recurring? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurring-shingles/

As you can see, PHN is a commonly discussed topic in this community.
@jerid, I'm sorry to hear that the radiofrequency ablation was only effective for 2 weeks. Have you discussed whether doing it again might have a longer lasting effect?

Hi Jerid

I suffer with PHN almost 9 years. keep positive, yes it's hard.

I have PHN around and in my eye. I take 600Mg three times a day of gabapentin. Has anyone researched the surgery from the Washington Neurological Institute in Virginia?

I am still trying. That is the best thing to do. One day, something will lower your pain to a tolerable level. I feel very bad for you because I completely relate to your post.