@cb772
Hi, just thought I'd pass along a small tip for you. If you just click on @jerid right here (in blue) it will take you to her profile. Then scroll down to see all of her posts. The one's where she describes the Cold Laser Light Therapy device are not far down. You can do this with anyone, go to their profile and see their recent posts. Hope this help. Hank

I know this is a medical sight and prescription drugs are advised and if any of you prefer this route then that is how you need to continue. I personally prefer not to take drugs as long as I can tolerate the agony of my pain from PHN due to Shingles 4 years ago. However, if any one is interested I just discovered a new non medicated therapy that seems to be helping me, but it is in its early stage so I hesitate to go crazy yet with positivity on it. On Sept.29th I did my first Red Light Cold Laser Therapy in my home administered by myself. I was told of Red Light therapy thru a massage therapist in our local town. My husband did some investigating into it and found that one of the major hospitals in Hartford, CT have this treatment available. I had the exact hospital, but now I do not. Ugh! Here is the web site for the Cold Laser that we purchased. Keep in mind there are several different lasers available, but we chose this because it is the latest technology.
https://www.amazon.com/LaserTRX-Relief-Laser-Therapy-Device/dp/B07HQTB77T
So far I am happy with the results I am seeing and feeling in just one week. My inflammation to my forehead is lessened and I am not in the constant needle sharp, branding iron pains and leathery forehead. Because this was on the left forehead, scalp and in the left eye my left eye does not have the inflammation any more. It actually looks the same size as my right eye. I have actually been smiling the last several days. Any questions go to the sight and look up cold laser red light therapy. I am praying this healing that I am experiencing last a life time for all who choose to use it. God bless and good luck.

Keep in mind this is NOT just for PHN it is for most kinds of pain. Not advisable for cancer.

@cb772 Gosh, all the posts here have certainly been an education for those who may not be in a chronic pain situation. I have to wonder if there are people reading this group, following along, who are not chronic pain sufferers, and have no idea what we experience everyday. I wonder if they might "get it" just a little bit more, now?

Like all of you, I also suffer with chronic pain. And like others, there are several underlying factors. And several pathways towards getting some relief. Some work for some, others work for others. So often, as you have said @cb772, it takes a trial period of things to see what combination will do the best for us as an individual. Hearing what people have tried, and their experiences, is good information to have in our arsenal. Finding medical professionals who will take our pain seriously, and seriously attempt to work with us for relief, is critical to our well-being. Becoming discouraged when that doesn't happen, is easy. Getting up each day to fight the good fight of being as pain-free as possible, may not be so easy some days.

I hope you can find relief for yourself, today and each day. Please don't be discouraged. You have people here who understand and support you. I would like to hear back from you, how you are doing?
Ginger