Shingles and nerve pain

From the age of 25 I had fixed shingles, on my upper right arm and left upper thigh. About 3 to 4 times year, pain first, breakout on skin, goes away. Gradually over 25 years down to maybe once a year by 40. I had for the first time this year since 48. I was of such interest that skin consultant used to bring his students to meet me. However, not so much on my thigh, but without an outbreak I can still have tha pain suddenly,it will last two or three weeks. I also would get pain afterwards with an outbreak, the last years not a proper outbreak just reddening of the area with pain that lasted a couple of weeks. Nothing, from stuff I had to paint on, tablets, or creams ever worked in all these years. I didn't even bother to ask after about 15 years, now this time only told my diabetic nurse in passing. I have depression and anxiety, have for years and still believe that is connected. Have a number of autoimmune conditions, no idea if connects. I feel that with no answers to give me the medical professionals quietly gave up. I felt a nuisance and almost as if was making it up. Not much use to you but I know how rubbish you feel, how you think you are looked at even by family. Defeated, look stupid, there must be a way out of the pain, work colleagues about the time you need off. I would bandage my arm, take painkillers and go to work not saying a thing for years. Had it up my nose, in my mouth, my ears as well as my body. Now for any pain (arthritis, etc), have a delightfull selection of Voltarol gel, paracetamol, gel packs for back, knees, ankle, heat belts etc. There is a gel pillow, put in the fridge first, then put under pillowcase which was great in the heat and migraines, maybe might help you. look in Wowcher and Health Supplements on line, mobility ones, health ones. I have some that come in the post now which I have various health supplements now from. Trial and error really, but no one else will do it for you. All I can offer now is a big hug and wish you well, chin up xxx