Unbearable pain
Posted , 7 users are following.
i had shingles 7 weeks ago. I never got the blisters, just the rash. It started on my back and spread around my right side into Mtn armpit (the most painful) and all over my right breast. Seems like the pain is getting worse every day. Can't stand wearing clothes on top. I take pain pills. The hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5-325. Doesn't even touch it. Tried the lidocaine patches but after a few days it burned. Anyway they don't cover enough. I just started on Lyrica 25mg 3 times a day. Maybe I could increase that? Will check with doc. Anyway, any more suggestions would be appreciated. I have never been so miserable. Can't leave home cause wearing clothes hurts too much. I still have the red rash also. Will this ever end? Do you think the Tramadol might work better with the Lyrica? Also, I tried the Capasaicin once and it burned terribly. Should I try that again and suffer thru the initial burn? The only relief has been cold cloths. Anyone had relief from topical creams?
0 likes, 19 replies
croft4Penny ruth57682
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ruth57682 croft4Penny
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yes, I tried that topical creame. It was Gold Bond and it helped but not more that 30 minutes or so. My doctor just ordered a topical creame from a compounding pharmacy in Nebraska . Will let you know if it works and if so what's in it.
LisaE1972 ruth57682
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ruth57682 LisaE1972
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LisaE1972 ruth57682
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Wearing a bra is like a medieval torture device all day!!! I only wear the soft stretch bra type and not sports bra they are to tight. I can't wear pants because they put to much pressure in the waist area that causes pain as well. LIFE CHANGING.
ruth57682 LisaE1972
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Maybe if I get a soft stretch bra several sizes too big, but right now I can't even stand the thought of a bra so if I go out briefly it will be in sloppy hoodies with no bra. The worst pain of all is the armpit so I try to sleep with a wadded up wash cloth in that area!
LisaE1972 ruth57682
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ruth57682 LisaE1972
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LisaE1972 ruth57682
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It does help for sure it saved my life! Pain meds alone doesn't help but the spinal cord stimulator alone doesn't do it either. It takes the combination of both and very limited activity. Which sucks because I used to go to the gym everyday and run 5 miles a day.
ruth57682 LisaE1972
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Thanks for the great information. I am still holding out the wish that this doesn't go on that long. Definitely would be a life change as it is for me now.I am 83 and was still hiking and biking and climbing mountains until I had my knee replaced a year ago which actually worked out great and I was excersizing till this bombshell hit. I also had the shingles shot 4 years ago. Obviously didn't work even enough to given me a mild case!
LisaE1972 ruth57682
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I hope and pray for you it doesn't go on this long either. I was in my 30's when it hit me so I have changed a lot to accommodate this condition. Hopefully the medication will help you soon!
Gaida ruth57682
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Dear Ruth,
I am so sorry you are having so much pain. I believe i truely understand how you feel. I am on gabepentin, but have heard that Lyrica is perhaps more effective. I have read and have found that Tramadol works well with Lyrica/Gabepentin. I personally find that acetaminophen with Tramadol is also helpful. I use lidoderm to calm down fiery episodes. I found I cannopt use it everyday, so if it irritates my skin I wait a few days before using it again. I also found that pressure relieves pain somewhat. I purchased a back brace, actually several, to put pressure around my abdomen. I even use one around my breasts instead of a bra.
I found capsation too hot too, but occasionally I use a menthol muscle rub to distract the burning.
I intend to see a neurologist (again) to talk about medical marijuana.
Did not find acupuncture helpful-the opposite.
When you are able, I would recomment a physical therapist so that you can begin exercise slowly. It may get worse before it gets better.
I hope you have support at home. Have hope. It does get better but it takes a long time.
All the best.
Gaida
raymond24308 ruth57682
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Ruth. I have suffered Post Herpetic Neuralgia now for 18 months and have found a very effective topical mixture that relieves the intense pain associated with this complaint.
Initially, I was useing Ibuprofen tablets in conjunction, but after a couple of months I found the mixture was adequate for pain control.
The mixture is 250grams of Invite Vitamin E Cream, two 5gram tubes of Acyclovir Cream(Cold Sore Cream), and 65grams of Dencorub Heat Gel.
Mix thoroughly, and apply sparingly to the affected area, as required for pain relief.
I was applying this mixture every couple of hours initially, but now I find twice daily treatment adequate for pain control.
This mixture is not a drug, and it eliminates the need for excessive analgesics that can cáuse harmful long term affects.
Best of luck in your treatment.
Regards, Ray.
ruth57682 raymond24308
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raymond24308 ruth57682
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These ingredients are available in Australia from discount chemists, without prescription.
I am afraid this is a long term problem, so the quantity is needed. It can be stored for long periods, without deterioration.
The cost in Australia is about $16 for the Invite Vitamin E Cream, $7 each tube for the Acyclovie Cream, and $6 for 100grams of Dencorub Heat Gel, so it not an expensive treatment over the 2 to 4 month time period, depending on frequency of use.
I am sure you will find this treatment very beneficial
Regards Ray.
ruth57682 raymond24308
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Ray, thank you again, but I am in the US. I could check with a compounding pharmacy . Although they probably require a prescription. I will check it out. So far I have found nothing topical that works
Thank you, Ruth