PHN Survival Skills
Posted , 47 users are following.
Having deal with PHN now for 7 years it still is important to me to share information with others that are afflicted by this terrible condition or with others that suffer from chronic pain. Important because it is reassuring is to hear how others are impacted and trying to cope in their lives. It is terrible to constantly have to turn down or cancel social engagements because you cannot bare the pain, are so distracted that you can't focus on a coversation or do an activity that you enjoyed before. You get tired of responding to people "how do you feel" "how is it going" and many times you dont look that bad. One doctor said PHN is like the pain of cancer but without the relief of death. Not looking for sympathy from others but it is tough on family and friends given they dont really understand. I tell people now best the pain of a stinging nestle and worst is like a bad burn/scalding and rubbing sandpaper on it. People also dont understand (as I dont as well) why it strikes when it does. Everyday for me - but usually later in day after I have had to much irritation from the clothes. I want to say thank you to a number of people on this site for giving me my sanity back.
thanks
jim
9 likes, 132 replies
anita94799 jim66082
Posted
Jim, when the Doctor asks me, how does the pain feel ? I explained it feels like, I'm in a beehive with a two-edge sword, that has a ball of fire on the end of it, stabbing and burning me! The stabs are so severe, it makes me yell out, all through the day and night until I dose off... I have sleepless nights, so now I take Melatonin or drink Valerian tea!
anita94799 jim66082
Posted
Jim, I forgot to mention I have Allodynia too, the sensitivity is crazy! PHN has been with me after being stressed at work. Shingles was a mild case, but 6yrs dealing with after pain . I did beat Breast Cancer, so I'm still Blessed and still Praying for a better day of less pain at least!