phn cause treatment
Posted , 3 users are following.
On the 22 Dec 05 I contracted shingles. This a culmination of a divorce, the death of my brother, the sale of my home, and retirement. Some Christmas! I did not know what hit me so I did not get the anti-virals in time. Two years + on and the pain is still there and just as intense. I've tried all the treatments but with little success. I'm now on Lidocoam? Patches which I had to fight for. Too expensive said my trust! They were eventually prescribed by my pain clinic who seem to carry more weight than my GP in these matters. Just last week I had a steriod injection near my spine (Paravertebral/nerve root block). Thus far this has done no good and may be aggravating in the short time. I recognise this is early days yet though!
The pain from this condition is constant and can be unbearable and totally debilitating. It affects your whole life and your ability to function. Yet, from doctors, nurses, employers, friends, and even family, there appears to be complete ignorance of this fact. Most seem to nod their heads but continue as if you are exaggerating. This really helps you to cope!!
Reading these other accounts, my two years seem small fry. I have great sympathy for others with this horrible affliction. I just hope mine clears up more quickly. It would be nice if the problem were discussed more widely however. Once upon a time we encouraged our children to contract Chicken Pox. I wouldn't do that now! How many employers think their employees are exaggerating or worse I wonder? How many careers are affected? How many relationships?
Spreading a little education here might generate more understanding and tolerance.
I wish you all well!!
1 like, 18 replies
Guest
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I too am on the patches, gabapentin and tramodol to help me battle on. The first year I only managed to work part-time and have only managed to get back to working full-time this year. Friends, family, colleagues just do not understand, I've completely given up trying to explain!
People do need to be more aware of the dangers of shingles and it's complications. I feel that it has ruined my quality of life, but I have to try and ignore that thought and be strong, carry on fighting and hope that it will get better. Good luck to all fellow sufferers
Guest
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How long are you suppose to give it to take effect?
Good luck and keep hoping for a recovery, in the meantime distraction by keeping yourself busy doing whatever you love most, helps.
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jim66082 Guest
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Guest
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I am 63 years old. My GP told me I could suffer a few months, a few years or for the rest of my life with post herpetic pain, and I can't get off a high doseage of gabapentin. She said the government are looking at implementing an innoculation for shingles as so many are contracting the virus. This is a complaint that has been kept from public eye. Fortunately my wife is sympathetic. Good luck
patricia49047 Guest
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jim66082 Guest
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patricia49047 jim66082
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Patricia
patricia49047 Guest
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I hope yours clears up soon and you become pain free. All I can say is that you can't give up no matter what. Maybe one day there will be that cure so we have no more pain from PHN. Until then keep fighting it! And if you need to talk or vent, like I just did ( sorry) I will listen because I know how you feel!
patricia49047 Guest
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jim66082 patricia49047
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I appreciate your comments. Being able to chat with someone that understands is helpful. I too left my job of 30 years and was in a senior position that took a lot of effort to obtain (in charge of 300 people in the environment sector) and had huge psychological implications for me. Difficult to be committed to work and excellence and then struck down by what others see as an invisible affliction - although friends and family see the pain in ones eyes and then as it takes over ones life. It is the leading cause of suicide in terms of the elderly from a pain perspective. In certain locations like the eyes, one patient had it in the genital area I fully understand those peoples desparate decisions. I to wish you well. jim
patricia49047 jim66082
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patricia
jim66082 patricia49047
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jim66082 patricia49047
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patricia49047 jim66082
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Hey, Jim. I don't know about the ketamine infusion procedure, sounds maybe a little dangerous in what it could affect. Have you heard of anyone having it done successfully? Also, I read the post on here from a fellow who is having a procedure done that will freeze the affected nerves to give him more use of his arm. So many experimental treatments! I just don't understand why there can't be something that works...I have been reading about clinical trials and the development of a topical ointment that sounds promising. Unfortunately, FDA approval is still several years away. Another problem with our government.
i know exactly what you mean about the travel. I'm already dreading the trip to California later this month, as bad as I want to go. Getting thru the airport, all the walking, and being confined in a small space on the plane for six hours. I will have to wear my Tommy Copper knee sleeve so I can put on pants. It has a large seam in the back right where it hurts but I have no other choice. At least it will be tight enough that it won't move when I walk, just makes my knee stiff and painful. Ugh! I hate this!! We live in Northwest Florida close to Destin.
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jim66082 patricia49047
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PS I will be away for a couple of weeks and will not have internet access