Post shingles neuralgia

[NanaNina]

I think the medics call it post herpetic neuralgia, but whatever I think I have it.....I posted before but I didn't think I had it then. I had a mild attack of shingles on my cheek in May - rash and swelling but no pain. Since then I've had a niggly pain "on and off" but today I've had a constant dull ache in my ear (near the site of the rash) and where the rash was on cheek it is red and swollen. I know I have to go to GP but just wondered if anyone else had every had this.

Of course I've consulted Dr Google (I hate him) and I'm in a high risk group (female aged 70) and with affected nerve in face. I'm scared of neuralgia as I know someone who had it and was in terrible pain and nothing seemed to be effective. Apparently not much has changed though there are various drugs to treat nerve pain - any advice/support would be appreciated. I've been taking paracetemol and aspirin but not touching it.

Have indeed had this, and I'm glad to report the anti-virals saw it off again.

IIUC, it's because when the pain's being caused by a fresh attack, the anti-virals treat the attack. When the pain's being caused by nerve damage persisting after the attack, it can't easily be treated.

I have grumbling after attacks as well, but apparently this is to be expected for up to 18 months and doesn't necessarily indicate permanent damage.

BTW, my GP will try to see people asap for shingles, and my out of hours doc will fax a script if necessary, because the anti-virals are more effective the sooner taken.

So as you're in a high risk group, it would be reasonable to call OOH or visit a walk-in centre if you're pretty sure it's shingles.

I was reccomended Amitryplin for this [never used it]

I was reccomended Amitryplin for this [never used it]

Opps.
If you are 70 you should get the shingles jab.

I have this (have had seven bouts of shingles in the last five years - so probably not surprising!) Its more common if you are older (over fifty I think)

I have amytriptiline in two different dosages. They usually start you on a lower dose and build it up if lower dose isn't cutting it. If it's very bad I take the amytrip. in combo with co codamol (higher strength- you need to get it on prescription)

I take it at bed time because it knocks me out, but I don't have to take it all the time because I don't have the pain constantly - it will flare up when I am tired/run down/too hot etc. My PHN pain is the same as the pain of the actual shingles, - stabbing burning nerve pain, but the amytrip. helps.
(It also helps with actual shingles pain if any one is going through shingles atm.There's also another drug called (I think) gabapentin for nerve pain)

Thanks folks. The pain I have is fairly low level (just hope it stays that way) more of a niggle than a pain, so will wait and see if it gets any worse then will defo see GP.

PartialFancy I definitely had shingles but I'd had the rash for more than 72 hours when I saw the GP so she said anti virals were no good.

Cocoalepoew You have to be 70 in September 2013 to get the jab on the NHS and I was 70 in Feb this year so not eligible. I will however pay to get one (about £100) but it doesn't prevent another attack, it just increased the possibility of it being a mild attack. They are doing the jabs (because of funding I assume) in 2 cohorts - those aged 70 in September 13 and those aged 79 (not sure of the date)

Kurri - my god 7 attacks in 5 years - would it not be worth paying to get the jab. I won't be able to take amatrip as I'm on an SSRI AD. Hopefully the other drug you mention will suit (think it's meant for epilepsy but also used for neuropathic pain.

If it's a fresh attack, and the pain is being caused by the virus being active again, then the 72 hour window has started again for this attack.

Which is why you should go to your GP when the attack starts, not see the problem as one of "managing pain".

(Although of course managing pain is also important.)