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Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles) nerve damage

Posted by oran baughn @oranbaughn, Feb 27, 2012

Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles) nerve damage around eye, eyebrow, forehead & scalp (8 years) has anyone had any sucessful treatment other than drugs

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 30, 2021
In reply to @lakeside26 "Hello everyone please I need help have been suffering from hotness of the foot and a..." + (show)
@lakeside26

Hello everyone please I need help have been suffering from hotness of the foot and a warm like movement under the foot please anyone who can help me on what to do

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Hello @lakeside26, Welcome to Connect. There is another discussion that you may want to join and meet other members who have posted about hotness of the feet and shared their experiences:

Burning Feet syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-feet-syndrome/

Have you discussed the symptoms with your doctor to determine the cause?

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aderaw97 | @aderaw97 | Jun 10, 2022

I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and am thinking to try botox. Anyone tried it and have a reduced pain or any side effects?

Thanks
Andre.

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2 replies
bobbyd1017 | @becky1024 | Jun 11, 2022
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @melaniekerena7, I would also like to welcome you to Connect. I am so sorry to..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @melaniekerena7, I would also like to welcome you to Connect. I am so sorry to hear of your continuing Shingles pain. If you could share a bit more with us as to the location of the Shingles outbreak and any medications that you have been prescribed that would help us to support you during this time.

In September 2020 I had a very minor lesion of Shingles on the lower, right side of my back. Unfortunately, I waited about five days before seeing the doctor. My doctor prescribed an anti-viral medication and medication for the pain. Have you also had the anti-viral medication? I also took Gabapentin which is specific for nerve pain.

Even though that episode is over 6 months ago, I still have tingling and pain in that area. My doctor surmises that I probably have some permanent nerve damage. It seems to get activated by stress, lack of sleep or, other environmental factors such as a change in the weather, etc.

I have found that a really good first aid for Shingles pain is an ice pack. I did not find that heat worked all that well. However, an ice pack numbs that area for a good long time and keeps you more comfortable.

What pain meds are you taking currently?

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My shingles wasn’t to painful but I didn’t know I even had them because of where it broke out. One spot was just below my collar bone on the left side. The other was the back of my arm just above the elbow. I never saw them after showering because I didn’t look into a mirror and my chin was always in the way. This was many years ago and the doctor prescribed a cream to apply to it. If I remember correctly, he said it breaks out on the same nerve side, mine was on the left side. There is a vaccine out for Shingles that may help you and ease the pain, check it out with your pharmacist or GP.

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raebaby | @raebaby | Jun 12, 2022

I'm 80. I had shingles in all the same places on my face 5 years ago. I have no problems now except an itchy forehead on the side where I had the shingles and a small white scar from a scab that was really thick.

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irr4et | @irr4et | Jun 13, 2022
In reply to @aderaw97 "I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and am thinking to try botox. Anyone tried it and have..." + (show)
@aderaw97

I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and am thinking to try botox. Anyone tried it and have a reduced pain or any side effects?

Thanks
Andre.

Jump to this post

I don’t know about Botox for that but I do often read that DMSO Gel is very effective at relieving Shingles pain.

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donial | @donial | Aug 15, 2022

Topical 5% lidocaine helps a bit. I have cream and spray. I use the spray on my scalp occasionally. I don't like to use it too often.

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donial | @donial | Aug 15, 2022

Topical 5% lidocaine helps a bit. I have cream and spray. I use the spray on my scalp occasionally. I don't like to use it too often. Sometimes I use cold compress on my scalp.

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nodunk | @nodunk | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @oranbaughn "I never did receive a worthwhile reply to my shingle problem. it has now been almost..." + (show)
@oranbaughn

I never did receive a worthwhile reply to my shingle problem. it has now been almost 14 1/2 years since i developed the PHN. it has not gotten any better or any worse in the last 10 years. It still hurts, stings, itches and burns 24/7, also it has blinded me in my left eye. (lot of infection and scarring of the cornea) As previously stated, I have tried every drug available, all they do is mask the pain on a temporary basis and make you goofy. if there is any kind of help out there, i sure could use help. The only new thing that I have heard, is the radio frequency ablation. That is a new one on me, if anyone has any experience or knowledge about this type treatment especially concerning the radio frequency ablation vs. PHN or any other treatment vs. shingles and PHN I would appreciate any information I can get. I would like to hear from any Doctor, Clinic or individual concerning any information about shingles and PHN. Thank to everyone. Oran Baughn

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Have been dealing with similar problem for 3 years. Last time I saw my cornea specialist he told me to look into Botox for the post herpes neuralgia. Had my first injection in early July after Medicare approved the procedure. My PHN is much better! I thought I was going to suffer the rest of my life and now I can’t wait for another treatment. I hope you can find a pain specialist. Most of them at UC San Diego double as anesthesiologists. I hope you can find a provider in your area.

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nodunk | @nodunk | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @aderaw97 "I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and am thinking to try botox. Anyone tried it and have..." + (show)
@aderaw97

I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia and am thinking to try botox. Anyone tried it and have a reduced pain or any side effects?

Thanks
Andre.

Jump to this post

Read my post today. Botox worked for me with no side effects.

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1 reply
fmmartinez58 | @fmmartinez58 | Feb 3, 2023
In reply to @becsbuddy "@paulbklyn Good morning and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. We’re a community who try to support one another..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@paulbklyn Good morning and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. We’re a community who try to support one another through shared health experiences. I’m sorry that I know nothing about post herpetic neuralgia. Have the doctors who have treated you explained why the pain continues? What have they suggested?
I’m going to ask @ethanmcconkey if he can move your post to a discussion where it will het more notice

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I had multiple shingles outbreaks. Post Herpetic Neuralgia is not a common conditiopn. It is permanent nerve damage. I didnt know what it was, until I got it. I have been to numerous doctors - GP, Pain Management (I have seen about 5 different ones), acupuncture, cold laser therapy. I have had a spinal cord implanted and removed. A week ago, I had a peripherial nerve stimulator implanted. I have not been given any relief. I have tried all the standard and not standard meds for pain. No opiates, of course. I would appreciate you moving my post. Information from others with PHN would be helpful.

Thank you.

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