Ask Dr. Gott: Shingles pain difficult to control Shingles pain ...

Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a 72-year-old female. I just returned from my doctor's office because of a rash that was bothering me a great deal.

[Eva M King]

In Sept of 2006 I got shingles , this is May 2009 and Iam still suffering from PHN , I have tried many meds , including neurotin, prednisone, triaterene,oxycodone , endocet, lyrica, am now on gabapentin , none of these has helped much, the pain is at times excruciating , the only time I don't have pain is 5 hrs of sleep at nite . The PHN is on my neck in my ear and at the occipatal bone (area ). Have not been able to wear jewelry AT ALL . Had I been able to get the " injection " w/in the first 3 days I understand I would not have the PHN now. After age 60 it is wise to get the injection . NOW , had my Dr recognized the shingles when I first went to him I would NOT be suffering to-day .

[Eva M King]

Have had PHN since Sept. 2006 , not much relief , and have tried many many medications , including oxycodone,predisone, lyrica, to name a few . I am now on gabapenten,1500 mg's per day which helps a little ( not much ) sometimes the pain is excruciating and I may have this ( PHN) for the rest of my life . Life is good .

[Oscar]

My poor mother age 89 went undetected for three weeks before she was diagnosed with Shingles. Has severe osteoporosis and associated the back pain with that - Tried Lyrica with no results. She is in such excruiating pain we just don't know what to do. She's so frail - weighs 90 lbs. so pain meds are a problem for her. Does anyone have any solutions for this?