Post herpetic Neuralgia HELP!!

The codeine can cause scalp and skin itching. All Opioids cause constipation, which you probably know. You can ask your doctor for a stool softener. Also, you can eat bran flakes daily for constipation.

Merry Juliana

I didn't know codeine can cause scalp itching. I leave a trail of snow dust on furniture, car - although too painful to drive at the moment and bed linen. Hair falling out - evidence in the Hoover. Never felt such a wreck. How do older folks manage to put up with PHN especially if they are living on their own? 

Thank you for the chat !

Did the itching start AFTER you started on codeine? I have severe drug allergies and had to become a detective to discover what was causing extreme generalized itching. Are you on a Statin for high cholesterol? Do you have dry skin, or been diagnosed with eczema, hayfever, or asthma? There are reasons I am asking. Also, did you start any other medications recently and when did the itching start. The itching can drive one mad, as well.

I have itching for 6 years or more. I use bettamousse cutaneous foam. Also coco is coconut oil compound ointment. I generally have dry skin and moisture regularly.

high blood pressure started nearly 11 years ago after a family tragedy.

i always thought I didn't have chicken pox during childhood. My granddaughter who shares her birthday with me and is 7 this year also hasn't had chicken pox, despite epidemic at school.

Just has 2 cocodomol today, considering taking 5ml morphine now, to see if I can get some respite from this pain, my partner is with me. 

Normally I would take it at bedtime. Instructions on bottle say when required.

 

Are you using coconut oil on your scalp. Do you have Psoriasis?

Do you have food allergies that you are aware of?

1. Yes I am

2. Dr told me I have psoriasis 

3. Allergic to scavenging fresh fish eg prawns and crab. However if prawns have been frozen, I am ok. Living in a landlocked county fish has generally already been frozen. Tend to stay away from all fish when on holiday by sea.

I hope you are seen by a rheumatologist for treatment of your Psoriasis, as it is not well controlled. I have Psoriasis, as well. If you are itching uncontrollably, a rheumatologist can use two topicals to control the disease process. If your Psoriasis is not in control, your Shingles is more apt to reoccur as you are already immunocompromised.

I hope this helps.

Merry Juliana.

I am concerned there is a time difference between us.

dr suggested a skin specialist for my disgusting head, prior to PHN. This was brought up during a routine blood sample following on from high blood pressure medication . He noticed white dry skin on my temple. Although I can't see it, the back of my head is also affected. 

Well let's see what tonight brings. Partner having gallbladder removed tomorrow. Can't believe we look healthy but struggling behind closed doors!! Thank you again. 

Sorry re: all the stress of cholecystectomy of partner etc...let me know how things go.

All the best.Merry Juliana

Tony home safe and sound. Looks a lot better since being home for couple of hours. Wound been bleeding. Called hospital, they said this is normal, advised to change dressing. Not done this yet. Feel I want to let it settle, then change with fresh dressing.

I had very lazy day. Going through phase of not wanting to see people - certainly not my personality. Let's see what tomorrow brings. Are you ok? 

Regards

Alexis

Hi hope this finds you well. I also have a diet high containing lysine but this pain is certainly not improving.

Don't know what do do next.

regards

Alexis

Hi,

I am glad Tony is on the mend. With the cholecystectomy, he shall certainly feel better. Less stress for you will help. Can you find an empathetic neurologist? That might be a bit of an oxymoron, as many neurologists have no souls. LOL The neurologist will be more knowledgeable and perhaps compassionate in treating PHN...

I know the UKs NHS and the American Medical System has plenty of mediocre physicians, but there are exceptionally fine physicians in both countries, as well. You have to ask around. Nurses are an excellent resource in your area.

My identical twin has a highly suspicious diagnostic mammogram. I am with her to go to the breast surgeon Monday. She and I are everything to each other. We always help each other out in time of need. She is married and has one son, who are wonderful, but they are men. I have been anxious re the impending biopsy and results.

Life is an adventure, and never goes according to plan. A sense of humor goes a long way.

Fondly,

Merry Juliana 🎠

Good afternoon

i am very sorry to hear this news. Relationship between siblings is special, but with twins - from personal experience- is particularly special.  I sincerely hope she has a favourable outcome. The big c I believe is everyone's inner dread. 

Tony is recovering well from prostate cancer.

You have a lot on your plate at the moment - I will write when I have some sort of outcome.

I will be thinking of you tomorrow.

Best Wishes

Alexis

Hi. Just read your entry. I wish your sister the very best of luck tomorrow

And to you too!!!

kindest regards

barbara

Hi Barbara

Hope you are feeling a bit better. Have you started Lysine supplements?

This pain is driving me crazy - there is no respite.

Going into my 6th week absence from work.

May chat soon.

Regards

Alexis

Hi Alexis

yes I have started the Lysine, bought some in Holland & Barrett's penny sale so feel chuffed that I've got it and a bargain too. Only my second day of taking it though. I found a web site which lists the foods high in lysine and low in arginine. Very pleased to see that I am quite healthy in this respect anyway! I have always tried to eat very healthy and to exercise (prior to this of course regarding the exercise) . I'm now thinking of going privately for the shingles jab. It can cost up to £200. I'm not wealthy but I do feel as if I have shingles reoccurring frequently. Would say that I've has it 4 times in the last  18 months and if that's the case then hopefully this jab could lessen the pain. Probably like you, I don't know how to describe the pain so that people can understand.  Doctor won't give me a jab as I don't got into the right age group yet. I might ask again for a blood teśt to see if shingles is lingering in my body constantly. The private doctor I saw last week suggested I try solpadine along with ibuprofen but this doesn't like me either! The former does make one constipated and ibuprofen affects my water works, it always has, so now I've got problems in the nether region! Help! If it's not one thing it's another. What really pees me off, excuse the pun, is that I've always been a very energetic person, on the go non stop all day long. Now I'm the opposite and it doesn't sit easily with me. If it were possible I would put a curse on all the professionals that we need to see about this pain who don't give a poo about our suffering and curse them to suffer from it!!!

best regards

barbara

Emis Moderator comment: I have removed the link as it was to a site unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. If users want this information please use the Private Message service to request the details.

http://patient.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/398331-private-messages

Hi Barbara

I didn't find anything you said inappropriate. Was there a link you sent? Apart from 3 visits my partner took me to doctor, I have been unable to drive or go out for nearly 5 weeks. 

Psychologically and physically I am finding this such a burden. I work 4 days a week at quite a demanding job. I travel over 60 miles a day, attend the gym at least twice per week - mostly yoga and have an active social life.  I feel blessed I was able to do such things. 

Since the onslaught of PHN, I have become a GOW. Grumpy Old Woman. 

Pain yesterday and today has brought tears to my eyes. Surely something can be done to help the pain. 

I thought - stupid me - virtually all pain is controllable 

Desperate Alexis

 Ps Morpine is not touching it 

 

I am so sorry to hear of your twins health scare. I will keep positive thoughts that everything comes out fine. I know how stress can affect Shingles so I am hoping you are able to reign in your stress level. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to make sure there isn't anything more I can do about the pain in my shoulder blade. It is easing up but I'm getting impatient. We all know how time can stand still when dealing with this. You are so right. You need to keep your sense of humor through tough times. It makes us realize just how tough we can be. Best of luck tomorrow that your sister gets a favorable report! Also, good luck to you dealing with everything!

Hi Barbara. I am in the same boat regarding the Shingles vaccination. I'm too young (57) for insurance to cover it but if I want to pay for it, it will run around $280! It's a ridiculous rule. It should be if you've had it before, you should get it free. Too bad we don't make the rules! Maybe try eating yogurt or take a probiotic to help with the nether regions. The meds may be making the system off balance and it can cause those kind of problems. Good luck! This virus can really make life unhappy. But hang in there. It will get better!

Hnybny

Hi Honey Bunny,

Thank you for your kind message yesterday. My twin's server is sporadic at best. Now it is 3:35 AM ,the best time to use it.

My new ENT physician referred me to a neurotologist, a specialist who deals with the brain and ear connection. I just discovered I have a semicircular canal dehiscence, or hole, which causes marked imbalance. I see him Wednesday. This plus the recurrent Zoster-Shingles in my ear, maybe he can help...

Anyway, I do appreciate your kind words.

Fondly,

Merry Juliana

Hiya,

the info the moderator wouldn't allow was a website I mentioned that compares lysine and arginine content in food stuffs, thats all but I thought interesting.

i know what you mean about this being draining, I'm nowhere like the person I was and his realise how much I crammed into a day! I think I must sound like a cracked record. However, when I read some  of the situations other sufferers are in I do think that I am lucky that it's only my back that's the painful area. I do try to get out daily and indeed do have a lot of grand children minding I do. I'm off to have my highlights done tomorrow and just hope the stylist can put up with me fidgeting about in the chair again! The woman I see at the pain management clinic more or less implies that we just have to get on with this the easiest way we can and I'm now beginning to think that she is right as there is no easy answer or cure for it and the men in white coats don't  have a clue. Must try to find a book in the library on how to put curses on unsympathetic medics and make them suffer as we do!!!!!

bye for now