Worsening PHN

I hope you are in the care of a medical provider with substantial experience in the treatment of shingles. I got ophthalmic singles in July 2013, resulting in post herpetic nueralgia (PHN). I suffered pain, numbness, tingling sensation, etc., for about 2 years. Today I have a mild case of PHN; periodically I will take 1 or 2 valacyclovir tablets (500mg each tablet) daily if need be under my doctor's instructions. If you have not taken Shingrix (new vaccine requiring 2 doses within a certain timeframe), I suggest you discuss this vaccine with your medical provider. Shingrix supposedly has a 90+% probability of preventing shingles or preventing the return of shingles. Wish you the best.

Ps. I took the Shingrix vaccine in 2018. I rub my head and face several times daily with a cold wet towel for mild itching. To my knowledge there is no cure todate for PHN.

I agree it seems to be uncommon, but I have heard of others. I think it's more likely that most people don't talk about it. Unfortunately I also agree that stress, fatigue and activity can worsen the pain. I had to quit my job due to the PHN and gab side effects. Which brings me to another issue. Few people realize that gab needs to be SLOWLY reduced over months or even years if the person, like me, is very sensitive to it. Groups recommend 10% or less over a 4 week period. As you reduce, you can go thru withdrawal and increased pain is a common side effect. It took me a while to realize that, and joining other groups regarding gabapentin I learned more.

I use Aspercreme pain creme with 4% lidocaine. Check to see if an over-the-counter product may help. I didn't use the patches as they were too expensive, but the OTC ones had only slightly less lidocaine in them and helped, but I found the cream much easier to work with.

You may also have recurring shingles, or have a new case. Not all shingles have a rash, mine didn't. I was diagnosed with shingles, 3 years ago. The gab didn't help, but as I slowly reduced it, my pain has improved. I believe my PHN was resolving on its own and the gab and withdrawal cycles was creating increased pain. I avoid aggravating the area (it's my core, back/chest/shoulders) by limiting my lifting, twisting reaching etc. That prevents the nerves from firing up too much. As you mentioned, you job may be adding to the problem, but maybe you can find ways to modify the activities a bit.

Trish,

Do you live in the States?

1. Google( lidocaine 2.5 and prilocaine 2.5 cream goodrx)

   You can buy the cream for approximately $ 22.00 with the Goodrx coupon. It will show you the cheapest price at a pharmacy in your location. You then show on your smart phone, tablet, computer, the price to the pharmacy staff. The goodrx coupon has helped me tremendously with many of my medications.

   OR

2. You could alter what I did when I have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles on my right scalp : Squirt

   Bactine, which has Lidocaine , onto the vaginal wall, then apply Vaseline to help the area maintain the Lidocaine. Bactine is cheaper than Oralgel or Ambesol for dental pain. You could mix a small amount of Bactine with enough Vaseline so that it would adhere to the vaginal wall.

. Have your prescription transferred to the goodrx pharmacy.

I will see if there are alternative creams with numbing meds, but I doubt it. I used ear drops with benzocaine for years for the ear shingles. My insurance company refuses to cover it.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

Trish,

Often shingles can be misdiagnosed as Herpes Simplex, which is why you won't hear people discussing it.

Please go ahead and get the Shingrex vaccine as it may slowly help your PHN. My PHN has become more tolerable 10 months after the 2nd Shingrex

vaccine.

I have had Herpes Zoster-Shingles every 3 weeks in my right ear, mouth, and throat, and more recently also on my right scalp for the past 23 years.

I am so sorry you are dealing with this disease. Please let me know if the goodrx idea works out.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

Hi Trish82859. I'm sorry to hear about your shingles. I was diagnosed with S3 shingles in 2016 and have yet to talk to anyone else that has had it there. I have PHN too and it now shoots down my leg. I think Babs99203 is right, its very awkward discussing our shingles because of where it is. I wonder if there is a way to private message each other. I think there is but I don't know how.