Postherpetic Neuralgia and Edema
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My 91 year old father contracted Shingles in November 2014 and from being totally independent - living alone and driving a car he had to move into care as has suffered postherpetic neuralgia since. He has shooting pains going down the sciatic nerve in his right leg. It seems like he has been on every drug known to man and although some of his pain has been alleviated he still has excruciating episodes. His only means of relief is to stand so can spend hours sitting/standing/sitting/standing. He has, however, since the shingles suffered edema in his right leg also. Amazingly he still tries to maintain some independence and tries to walk, however, this is so difficult now that his leg is so heavy and swollen. I don't seem to be getting any answers as to why he has this Edema. He never had it before the shingles and although he had it mildly afterwards it is now extremely bad. I'm wondering whether it could be the medications that he's on and would be interested if anyone else as experienced this and what the cause was.
2 likes, 4 replies
tim70769 rhonda73294
Posted
rhonda73294 tim70769
Posted
anna38464 rhonda73294
Posted
I have had PHN and trigeminal neuralgia. It is my 6th year with PHN. During this time I have not experienced edema. I would definitely ask an experienced pain doctor if this is a side effect of his meds or is this from lack of movement. I did experience atrophy in my muscles due to the fact I moved a lot less due to the pain. He is older and I agree, it is difficult to tweek the meds and wean out what is the medication and what is the post herpetic neuralgia. I have found cold ice helps on som eof the areas of pain.
Hope this helps.
This information is only from my own limited experience.
Best to you,
Anna
rhonda73294 anna38464
Posted
Thanks for your response. I sympathise with you greatly with what you must have gone through for 6 years. Yes maybe I should contact the original pain specialist and ask his views even if I can't get Dad to him anymore. Ice sounds good, I'll try that.
Thank you so much Anna for your input, greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Rhonda