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Shingles nerve pain

Shingles nerve pain

winterstorm15
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 25

winterstorm15
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 25

Shingles nerve pain
4/8/2017 at 4:20 PM

HI everyone. I had a bout of shingles around six months ago and have been having nerve pain since then. I'm currently taking gabapentin and another medication. I'm wondering if others have experienced this. I''m still quite young under 45. What other treatments have you taken? My doctor said the nerve pain can last for a long time.

Edited by winterstorm15, 2017-04-08 16:21:46
curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

hmmm
4/8/2017 at 5:49 PM

Yes, the pain can last long after the rash is gone. Go back to your doctor and tell him/her that the medication isn't relieving your pain. The doses might need increased, or other meds added. It is a valid concern, and is best discussed with your GP/ NP.
crunchy1885
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 821

crunchy1885
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 821

acupuncture
4/8/2017 at 8:57 PM

Acupuncture! The only thing that worked for a friend of mine who had flare ups twice per year for decades.
hisluvmonkey
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1442

hisluvmonkey
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1442

Hell on Earth
4/8/2017 at 10:11 PM

Shingles pain is Hell on Earth. Wanna know what's even worse? It is the raving mental case you become when it comes time to get off the damn gabapentin. Been there, done that, so I truly do feel your pain. This is a "no win" situation. Sorry to be so bleak, but this is my reality.
motomom
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45

motomom
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45

Vaccine
4/9/2017 at 8:06 AM

So why isn't there more of a push to get people vaccinated? I know I get the letters from MB health about breast exams etc due to my age. Is there a downside to the shingles vacc? I think I'll hunt it down next week as ishingles sounds very painful and long term
sprout
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 25

sprout
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 25

I got
4/9/2017 at 8:14 AM

the vaccine a few years ago, no downside as far as I can see, except for the cost which keeps going up every year, but far outweighs the anguish that shingles can bring
curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

hmmm
4/9/2017 at 10:16 AM

The vaccine is not covered by Manitoba Health, that's why you wouldn't receive a letter like with mammograms or Pap tests. Some benefit plans cover at least a portion. It is licensed for people older than 50, but may provide better immunity in those over 60. Here's the full Health Canada information about it:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/update-use-herpes-zoster-vaccine.html
JD
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 364

JD
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 364

.
4/9/2017 at 10:28 AM

Try some methylcobalamin b12 sold at two farm kids.
winterstorm15
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 25

winterstorm15
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 25

Shingles nerve pain
4/9/2017 at 11:02 AM

Yes the nerve pain is very painful and ongoing. You can only get he vaccination if you are over 50 and got had shingles before so no good to me.I had a bout of shingles at 39. I am completely healthy with no previous medical history. Thanks I Will try some of these suggestions.

Edited by winterstorm15, 2017-04-09 11:03:08
curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

curlysister
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2980

hmmm
4/9/2017 at 6:16 PM

You CAN get the vaccine if you have had shingles before. I believe the recommended time is one year after.