steroid injections for shingles pain
Posted , 11 users are following.
The first day my rash appeared I saw my dermatologist who diagnosed shingles and gave me an anti-viral medicine. The rash went through the typical stages of blisters, scabs, and eventally fading in color. But , as many here have described, the pain was unbearable on my left shoulder blade, left underarm, left breast. I went on a low dose of gabapentin and nortriptyline, which I'm still on (it's about 6 weeks since my rash first appeared). Three weeks ago, my dermatologist gave me steroid shots in the spots where I told him it hurt. He numbed the skin first and his assistant also blew very cold air onto the spot while he gave me the shot. The pain of the shot wasn't too bad, really, even in my armpit. He gave me many shots. It took at least a week to 10 days to feel a reducton of pain in those spots. I returned to him a week ago for more shots in the spots that still hurt. I felt relief more quickly this time, but he also gave me lots more shots than the first time. I have another appt. with him next week. These shots have been a godsend, as I wasn't able to wear a shirt or bra for weeks due to the pain. I'm almost back to normal now. I wouldn't call it pain anymore. It's now just a feeling of minor irritation where it used to hurt like heck. I don't know why I can't find any information on the internet about these steroid shots for shingles pain. I want everyone to know about them. I also went to my family doctor once about the shingles. She prescribed the gabapentin and anti-depressant. When I asked my dermatologist why she hadn't mentioned the steroid shots, he said that she wouldn't have been trained in that. I highly recommend the steroid shots. I believe my dermatologist told me that there is also a bit of lidocaine in those shots, but I'm not sure I'm right about that.
Hope this info can help someone.
0 likes, 29 replies
rocky31676 gail09802
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gail09802 rocky31676
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ruth57682 gail09802
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gail09802 ruth57682
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I will be seeing my doctor in one week and will ask him if the steroid shots will give me permanent relief. Even if it doesn't , it is a welcome break from the horrible intense pain I had before the shots.
I will definitely be back in touch.
Gail
gail09802 ruth57682
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ruth57682 gail09802
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Thanks Gail,
i am hoping others will comment on this treatment.. If your Doctor was trained in this maybe others will know about it. My dermatologist said she didn't know of anything that would help shingles pain except the lidocaine cream and I do use it for temporary relief. I have had this now for 7 months. Cannot stand a bra and when alone I go topless! Otherwise about the only thing that I can tolerate is a cashmere sweater, with a vest over to look respectable!
blessings gail09802
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Hi
I have pain in exact same places also on left side head. Had blisters on scalp. I have been taking Gabapentin and Ativan. Also getting laser treatment. The pain is soooo bad😥. Thanks for sharing.
gail09802 blessings
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Only someone who has had shingles knows how BAD the pain is. One night I just sat up and cried as there was no position for me to lie down in that wasn't excruciating. After many nights of only an hour or two of sleep, my doctor prescribed the anti- depressant Nortryptyline (25 mg). She said it is a great sleep aide, and it has really helped me sleep.
I'm so sorry for your pain. I know how bad it is.
blessings gail09802
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catherine67370 blessings
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Blessings,
I had laser treatment, didn't help though.
In fact I've had everything...acupuncture, traditional and Japanese, botox plus very type of drug and creams that have been mentioned in these discussions, all to NO avail.
I do use an eye heat pad at night, yes HEAT, and have been for a few months, my opthamologist suggested it, I leave it on my eyes for 15 minutes and it does help a little and definitely relaxes me also, just before sleep.
blessings catherine67370
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Thank you. I will try the heat pad. I had the laser about 3 hours ago and I'm still in pain. Have you heard about Vitamin C IV helping? Someone suggested it. I've never tried it. Have you?
catherine67370 blessings
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No I have not heard about Vitamin C IV, might be worth looking into though.
I'm in Sydney and the weather conditions now do not help at all, as its 39 and 40 degrees most days!!!!
Tony2018 blessings
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catherine67370 gail09802
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Hi Gail,
What news!!!
I'm going into my third year suffering shingles/PHN, left side of forehead, eye and scalp. The pain I can cope with its the incrfedible itch and sensitivity that causes me the most distress.
Can I ask you where you are? country? I'm in Sydney, Australia.
But I will and am certainly going to look into these steroid shots, as Ive tried and done everything.
Keep in touch.
Catherine
gail09802 catherine67370
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catherine67370 gail09802
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Absolutely agree with your doctor's comments as mine was misdiagnosed and I didnt get the anti-viral drug in time.
Thaks for your quick response
rocky31676 catherine67370
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catherine67370 rocky31676
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Yes Rocky I can close my eye lids, but the left eye, which is the one that's affected, I can't look up
sjsmall5286 catherine67370
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I see it has been 2 years since you posted, Can I ask how is your eye now?