I am new and notice it has been a while since anyone posted about LP. My mouth had begun to be react to spicy foods and generally become uncomfortable. When I mentioned it to my dentist, he mentioned signs of LP but he didn't think it was active. He changed my toothpaste and mouthwash to Biotene products, which seemed to help. I already had osteoarthritis in my knees from wear and tear (age and weight), so I didn't think much about it again until I developed excruciating pain in the back of my neck. When my neck and ear on one side began to get numb and show no signs of stopping, I went to the ER. After ruling out heart attack and stroke, the doctor diagnosed Shingles! Eventually my jaw and the inner part of it (gums and lining) were becoming numb, and I couldn't feel my outer ear. I had no idea that Shingles could do those things! Gabapentin seems to be the common prescription for relieving pain in the nerve endings. It helped at first, but gave me a foggy feeling. Now when I take it I have terrible and vivid nightmares! I have read about LP and Shingles, and they both seem to be activated by stress. They also have similar symptoms and effects. I am not sure if I have one or both or if one is being activated by the other. I am tired all of the time, and the severity of the pain goes up and down the scale. I have so many things going on in my life, I have not been able to keep up with the groups I follow everyday, but any comments or advice would be appreciated. Thank you for listening to me.