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Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain
Has anyone suffered from LONG lasting neuropathic pain as a result of Shingles, and what treatment do you use for the pain? My daughter had shingles at 21, a spinal cord stimulator inserted and removed, many trigger point injections, all of which may have contributed to the thoracic pain she has. She is now 34, and teaches yoga, but is still on a compound prescribed by a pain management Dr. in NYC what is basically Oxy. I am paying for this, since neither she nor her husband can afford it at around $500 a month. She could not find a physician in Fl. I know who would prescribe this medication after 10 years, thus the use of an out of state physician. I do not want to see her suffer, nor can I discuss much with her since we barely speak, but this expense, coupled with paying for asthma inhalers that are expensive is becoming more and more of a strain. Any thoughts for alternatives are appreciated.
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Hello @bunnyp,
I would like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear of your nerve damage from Shingles. As I'm currently in the recovery stage of a Shingles outbreak, I would be interested in hearing more about your diagnosis.
You said that you have had nerve damage for three years now. That sounds so difficult! What types of meds have been tried? Have you tried Gabapentin (also known as Neurontin) or any prednisone? Have you consulted with a neurologist?
I am not familiar with Light Laser Therapy but I have heard others speak of it. Are you interested in trying it?
Yes, very interested in trying it because nothing has helped me! I have taken Gabapentin, can’t remember all the different drugs and did not want to take opioids, so tried Lyrica, Cymbalta, all kinds of creams and patches, also did acupuncture and then said I will take the opioids and took Tramadol and broke out in a rash after just 3 days! I am in pain every single day sometimes unbearable and excruciating pain but constant pain of some kind! I did not have the Shingles shot and actually thought I had a sunburn and was going to peel so was a full week before I went into the ER thinking I was having a heart attack from the pain which attributed to my nerve damage😔. I have read some good results from the Light therapy at Hartford Medical but feel like I would want to go to Mayo Clinic if it is available there? I still try to live my life and stay active but after 2 1/2 years it is getting harder so desperately trying to find some relief! Advil also does not help so I just have to deal with this pain!
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1 ReactionI can certainly relate to your symptoms, @bunnyp, especially the feeling of a sunburn. For me, it felt like an internal sunburn. What type of specialists have you consulted? Neurologists, pain specialists, etc.?
In order to find out if Mayo Clinic uses this type of therapy, I suggest that you call. Here is information about appointments, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63. I recommend that you call and explain your problem and see what they say about their use of light therapy. Perhaps you can get an appointment with a doctor who will have some other options for you. After enduring this pain for three years, another opinion would be a good idea.
Does this sound like something you might try?
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1 ReactionOf course, I have seen many different doctors and tried to find relief from all suggestions to no avail. The sunburn feeling was just at first but after that and now it is very deep and feels like a knife stabbing me, an electrical shock deep inside but also clothes hurt and even the spray (gentle) from the shower😢
I first must let everyone know I am a female not male. I know the name can throw one off. LOL
Today I start my 3rd week of Cold Laser Therapy Treatment. The last 2 night before retiring for bed I actually forgot to do my night treatment because I had NO PAIN. The last 2 mornings on rising I have also had no pain. I actually got to start my day with a smile on my face and a hug from my husband telling me how beautiful it was to see me without pain. Normally it would have been a hug of sympathy to get through my day. Not to say I don't get a few twitches throughout the day just to remind me. I feel so blessed that God has lead me to this treatment. If it works for me after 4 years of suffering surely it will work for others. Please review my previous text telling all about the type of laser I am using. If you wish me to repost the info I will gladly do so. I pray this helps someone.
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2 ReactionsOMG! This sounds so amazing and I would love to see your first post about the treatment etc.
This gives me hope and just the way you described getting up every morning in pain and now a smile🙏
can you review my post by clicking on my name or do you need me to personally repost to you? Let me know. I want to help. People keep in mind this is not just for PHN... it covers such an array of pain etc.
@jerid
I was impressed as well with your earlier description of this. For the sake of everyone's convenience I grabbed that link you posted for the Laser Therapy Device. Here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/LaserTRX-Relief-Laser-Therapy-Device/dp/B07HQTB77T
Best, Hank
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1 ReactionSo it is a tool you use yourself, no doctor appointments or treatments? How do you know how to use it and how long etc?
bunnyp please go to the website HankB has posted. It is explained there.