1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic Neuralgia

Posted , 12 users are following.

paula20695
paula20695

many people after having Shingles; and having the shot; seem to have Postherpetic neuralgia in quadrants.  I have read , where many have tried different options.  I am asking if anyone has had the procedure done called: "DRG".....Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation?  Any input or Sharing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks    Paula

0 likes, 20 replies

20 Replies

Next
  • kimberly36176
    kimberly36176 paula20695

    Posted

    I just had the radiofrequency nerve ablation a week ago. Mine was on my ribs where my rib line is. It was extremely painful and still trying to give some time if it's going to really work. A little relief but have had some bad days too. I'm still praying once bruising heals it will work completely. I also have a spinal cord stimulator that gives me some relief but past three months had been really bad. Nerve blocks didnt work and so praying this does. I am going on a little over 2 years and I'm 37

    • paula20695
      paula20695 kimberly36176

      Posted

      Hi Kimberly.  Was the Spinal Cord Stimulator a success for You?  May I ask where You had this done?  I had the shingles shot.  I was allergig to the meds.  I ended getting breakouts numerous times....awful.  Mine is in the back area.  Then came the PHN. I have had shots and , well needless to say am looking at procedure that has been done in Europe and John Hopkinns and now at Mayo.  Just want some quality of life and relief.  As well You know.  Distance and affordability is a factor too; but so is sanity.  Nerve blocks   not too sucessful....ablations ...  Hope it helps You.    May I ask where You had these done?  Wishing You sucess Kimberely; and let me know how things work out.  Thank You.   Paula
    • Badger5722
      Badger5722 kimberly36176

      Posted

      Hoping you get the relief you deserve I'm 40 and been dealing with my pain for 5 plus years.

    • Badger5722
      Badger5722 paula20695

      Posted

      Paula,

      Truly hope this procedure proves to be a success as I know the pain from PHN is a real and life altering condition. Keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    • paula20695
      paula20695

      Posted

      Thank You for your replys....I am deciding on the Dorsel Root Ganglion Stimulion being done.  Other procedures others have mentioned may have worked for many; however not for me.  This has plagued me   the PHN  for about 8 years; and has taken my life where I no longer want to go.  I believe You can go to Mayo web site and there is info there and also Google "DRG"   Great info.  It is unlike the regular stimulation....so a decision requirring education , a trial and then the actual surgery; however not so invasive!  Anything would be awesome considering the pain!!  Keep sharing....I do so appreciate it.  Thank You!!      Paula   PS.  I should mention. No pain meds worked for me as I am allergic; so researching alternatives is where I am.  

  • frankjs
    frankjs paula20695

    Posted

    Paula,

    Do you have any further info on the John Hopkins, Mayo reference you made?

  • thinsport
    thinsport paula20695

    Posted

    Paula20695,

    What an excellent question! I actually do not know what that is but I am interested in learning more.  I mean I actually know what the Dorsal Root Ganglion is and know what stimulation is. However, I'm curious how it would help shingles or Postherpetic neuralgia. I've actually read that trauma to that area could contribute an outbreak of shingles in some people (singles can affect everyone very differently and no one has a definitive answer). I will be following your post Paula20695. Hopefully, some people will have some informative replys soon. I hope this finds you well.

    Thinsport

    • thinsport
      thinsport

      Posted

      Dear Paula,

      I am so sorry for your pain. I just saw you had several replies, for some reason they didn't come up on my computer till I posted my reply. My apologies for that, I will Google some of the information you suggested.

      Sincerely,

      Thinsport

    • paula20695
      paula20695 thinsport

      Posted

      Hello thinsport.  You are very kind.  I hope You find some of the info ; and find it to be rewarding and interesting.  I find it to be quite amazing that some og these procedures done in Europe take so lonf to be approved here.  Just as long as there is a light at the end of the "tunnel", so to speak.  Please share what you think....Thank You.     Paula

    • anna38464
      anna38464 thinsport

      Posted

      Hi there, Yes, I had a shingles outbreak in my neck after a transforaminal steroid injection missed and caused lifelong problems. With the trauma to my neck I got shingles in the dermatome if the trauma, into my left ear and left side of scalp. I did not get anti virals in time and have had PHN for 8 years now. I am sharing this because my specialists at Dartmouth feel it was definetely related to the initial trauma. Wish you the best

      Anna

       

  • barb03466
    barb03466 paula20695

    Posted

    I had shingles in Nov 2016 with much pain through April.  I went to a pain specialist and had intercostal steroid injection.  This did not help the pain, and two week later my shingles returned in the same area, my right side and back of trunk.  My doctor couldn't believe this happened and hit the disease hard again.  Now shingles rash has vanished and pain is much less severe.  I hope all pain will soon be gone.  

  • sheila48912
    sheila48912 paula20695

    Posted

    I am not familiar with that procedure. Before you do it be sure that you understand the ramifications and all that belongs to that particular procedure.
  • kimberly36176
    kimberly36176 paula20695

    Posted

    NOTHING seemed to work and i had the stimulator implanted. That gave some relief and earlier this year started to really come back. A month ago had Radiofrequency Ablation and it is AWESOME. I am the best i have felt in 2.5 years. It was on my left bra line side.
    • frauleinm
      frauleinm kimberly36176

      Posted

      Hi Kimberly - I'm researching dorsal root ganglion ablation for my father who has struggled with PHN for 6 years.  He is 80 and miserable.  Would you recommend it and also the place you got treatment?

       

    • paula20695
      paula20695 frauleinm

      Posted

      Hello frauleinm,   I very soon will be returning to Mayo Clinic.  They are the Dr's. that will be educating and doing the Dorsal Root ganglion.  Info regarding this is available on their wes site.  I believe this by far is the best option for PHN.   I am not able to take RX Pain Meds;    did do some topical salves and much ice.  I have had injections.  They were not much help.  Before Mayo; John  Hopkins' did this procedure; otherwise in Europe.  I hope you find the info something you are searcing for.  I do hope all works out for your Father.  Please respond what you think.   Thanks.         Paula

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.