PHN months after Shingles
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi guys - I recently had a bout of shingles sometime in mid January 2016 and the area was just above my left eyebrow. Luckily the pain wasn't too bad and I was put on antivirals and everything cleared up in about a week or so.
A few weeks ago I noticed a certain numbness on the left side of my face near my ear, it would occur a few times a day and I didn't think anything of it.The numbness started getting a bit more persistent and I went to see a doctor early on and she thought it was an ear infection and gave me some antibiotics but they haven't helped.
Went to see the doctor again Monday and he said it was from Shingles. My pain is very slight, its mainly numbness and maybe a dull ache from time to time.
I just found it a bit strange it would occur so many months after my bought with Shingles and was hoping someone could elborate (my doctor said it happens). I've been put on Gabapentin for 4 weeks and was told to check back with the doctor.
0 likes, 7 replies
Geezee jtli202
Posted
Basically, the virus damages the shielding of the nerve so it over reacts to stimulus. Hopefully you will recover sooner than most of us in this group.
jtli202 Geezee
Posted
Thanks for the reply. Did you get pain right away? I'm not really feeling pain just numbness and maybe a dull ache.... also how long did it take for you to recover??
Geezee jtli202
Posted
The pain took a few weeks to about a month to manifest, and in different ways. I don't think anyone feels the pain in the same way, and it an change over time.
I used to get a feeling of puffiness around my eye, but doesn't happen any more.
The bad news is that I haven't recovered after nearly 3 years. Most people recover within a few months, but I think many in this forum are here because it has taken a lot longer to recover, if at all.
Vitamin B supplements and a high protein diet could help, but maybe taken it up with your GP.
jocelyne44618 jtli202
Posted
jtli202
Posted
Thanks for help and advice everyone. Luckily I haven't really experienced much pain just numbness and a dull ache, but today it is really presistent (been going all afternoon). I just took my first dose of Gabapentin (100mg) could it be related?
Has anyone just had a numbness or ache? Also Geezee I was clear for ~6 months before i started getting these symptoms, is that normal?
tim70769 jtli202
Posted
I hope your luck continues. "It happens"
lena_19804 jtli202
Posted
Shingles damages the nerves and therefore gives confused messages to the brain. Some people say they never really heal but l am hopeful although l am in my 5 month of PHN massive itch burn and numb sensation on the right side of my ear, face, and neck. I sleep with a cold pack in my pillow case as the pain & itch is relieved by the cold. This week l decided to go back on Lyrica to get some relief. I have used many itch creams but found they don't really work. I did get some relief from geranium essential oil and St John's Wort ointment