PHN/Shingles, Epidurals and Spinal Stimulators

Lisa, I'm so sorry for your pain and since 2012 😭

Yes, I haven't seen much evidence that the pain bloc/epidural will work and my first one didn't. But my doctor is hopeful. And I need a little of that.

I will post on here how it goes. I am sick of taking all these pills (Cymbalta once/day, Lyrica and Percocet three times a day), and all these pills cannot be healthy in the long-term. That is why I am considering the spinal stimulator.

Tim, it's a lot for you to absorb right now, but I have two points I want to make. Anytime there's an invasive procedure, and getting an injection IS invasive, there's a risk of complications. Never pain from PHN is nothing like the damage/pain caused by other injuries to the nerves, such as with a back injury or for having a baby. There are specific nerves involved there that are compromised. With PHN, it's a larger network as the nervous system is affected. That's why our pain can seem to come from different areas, and even the opposite area of where the shingles are. I've heard from numerous people who have had injections and they didn't help, or worse, caused damaged which increased the pain. Doctors want to help, they think it's logical to keep trying. Sure keep trying, but not with more meds or invasive procedures!

The next issue is more complicated and a bit discouraging. The meds themselves can paradoxically increase our pain. What you're dealing with is very common, the pain doesn't improve (mainly because percocet they now realize is NOT for long term pain for most people) and that Lyrica will not help PHN pain. And adding Cymbalta to the other two meds can cause a world of symptoms and withdrawal issues. Thousands of people are caught in this medical maelstrom, you're not alone. We want the pain to be gone, we believe that something has to help, so we keep seeking interventions.

Worldwide, there is a growing movement showing that many of these meds are improperly prescribed, not monitored and that patients aren't told of the risks of dependence and/or withdrawal. I'll end it at that. Each person has to choose the path they wish. But many, MANY people have found that by slowly and safely getting off the meds (which may take many months or longer) improves their quality of life and greatly decreases their pain.

I used to think it was a coincidence that as my dose of gab decreased (gabapentin and Lyrica are kissing cousins, drug wise) my pain decreased. I finally realized that the drug was making my improvement. Now at 300 mg, I have MUCH less pain, better memory, less brain fog and many of the other symptoms are gone. Look to places like benzo buddies, Inner Compass and other support groups for more information. Good luck.

Thanks for your advice and giving me hope that it will get better in the long term, Babs! I've already had the shot, so I'm not worried about it causing it to get worse. And yes, I am beginning to accept the fact that the healing will take years. Of course, the doctors love to say that it would heal faster if I reduce my stress--easier said than done. But I am doing what I can ...

Stress does make it harder to heal, no doubt. But my PHN is in my core area i.e. the bra-line. So bending, twisting, lifting and reaching all increase my discomfort. A really good tip my doctor gave me was to decrease activity that increased pain. That's not always possible, but it was for me. I finally figured out that by pushing myself physically, my pain was worse and lasted longer. It was harder on me and my husband. Now I'll say, can you get that gallon or milk, or take that wash out of the dryer. My activity level and energy has increased at least three fold in the last two years. I've regained many activities, but some at a lower level. I still can't work because the gabapentin has caused too many cognitive and memory issues. To meet me and talk with me, it's not obvious. But as the gab has made my life so difficult, I'm slowly getting off it. Going through withdrawal isn't fun, but the outcome is worth it.

You've got a lot to deal with, I'm sorry and I wish I had better answers and could say have faith in your doctors, but I can't. I worked in health care as a medical secretary for over 30 years and saw too much. And my outstanding physician looked me in the eye and said there are almost no side effects from gab, except maybe loosing some hair and gaining a little weight. He lied, and obviously never read the warnings.