Second shingles episode; any suggestions to prevent PHN and facial muscle weakness

Hello All,

I am thankful to have found this community recently, it has helped me get many answers already and I feel much calmer knowing I am not alone!

I first got Shingles when I was 27 years old (I am 29 now). It almost happened out of nowhere and affected my right ear, cheek and neck. After two weeks of antiviral treatment I suffered from PHN which caused severe ear pain, drooping facial muscles and constant dizziness due to imbalance. I got lucky to push through to the right doctors and saved myself from any permanent damage. The whole ordeal was the most unnerving (pun intended) ever!

I have been experiencing major fatigue for three weeks and attributed it to hormonal imbalance, however, three days ago a red patchy rash appeared on my face in the same spot and I immediately knew it was Shingles again. My doctor confirmed the diagnosis next day and started me on Famyclovir 500mg x3times for 7 days.

I think we caught it in time but I am worried it might go back to severe PHN again. I do not have access to the same facilities I did the last time and that honestly scares for what it would mean for my pain and facial structure.

My entire right side is sore from scalp to lower back and my right hand has a numbness and limp to it already!

I have already lost crucial time in last 1.5 years and I simply cannot afford this to take over my life all over again :\

A neurologist from last treatment has suggested using Carbemazapine for 30 days with the Anti viral but I am not sure if that's enough. It did help the last time in combination with Gabapentin and duloxetine.

I am also already on Fluoxetine so that might just even out the duloxetine.

Any suggestion, recommendations or ideas would be really helpful. Apologies for the word vomit, my brain function isn't very articulate at the moment.

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