Post Shingles Pain

[omits]

I had mild shingles (not bad blisters) as I'd had the injection but much pain in my teeth. But following the acyclovir course and things subsided the pain in my teeth came back. It started on the same side (right face) but then moved around to the left jaw top and bottom as it pleased. Felt like a tooth abscess. Even some parts of face like lips and flesh. Iboprufen keeps it suppressed fairly well.

I thought Post Herpatic Nuralgia came back in the same place.

Any feedback appreciated.

[EPguy]

From what I can find, PHN occurs where the shingles affected the area. So possibly you're having the pain in a new area that was already affected during the shingles time but was not in pain till recently. Is that possible? Other members may have experience here.

Do you know which vaccine you got? There is an older one Zostavax (a single shot) and the newer one Shingrix (two shots)

[omits in reply to EPguy]

I had Zoster which from research is only 50% effective so I got mild skin issues but it seems buried nerve problems. I thought this thing only affected one side of the body! Slightly worried it has kicked off something else like trigeminal or bells palsy or that they will develop later.

My Dr (NHS UK) says that Shringrix is only given to those who have immune system issues with Zostervax. I am due for another jab in 2 years time. I understand also that I have to wait a year after this PHN has disappeared. I wonder if I get a private Shringrix but not sure when to get it.

I also read that Shingles may be one cause of dementia (who knows what it does to the Brain if it appears in the head)!

[EPguy in reply to omits]

You're right about Zostavax. In the US we are recommended to get Shingrix if we had Zostavax before. (as I did) Zostavax is no longer available. Surprising that UK default is still Zostavax.

Generally MPN patients are advised to avoid live vaxes (Zostavax), I was advised this, even though we're not necessarily at risk there. These details are worth discussing with your Dr. Rux patients for example are at higher risk with live vax from the immune suppression.

I do see that shingles can in rare cases mess with the brain. My brother had a mild case, so I got the Zostavax, and now Shingrix.

[katiewalsh]

I’m sorry I don’t know the answer specifically but if those areas of pain come from the same main nerve line perhaps that’s why? I’m just guessing though. Here in the US we’ve been advised for years to get the two Shringrix shots because they’re more effective. So sorry to hear you’re experiencing this pain. Hope your doc can come up with something. Katie

[omits in reply to katiewalsh]

yes thank Katie. here in the UK it is free but only if one is immuno compromised which i'm not so bad luck there unless i pay. Do you have to pay in the US?

Atm i have problem when i start chewing. Didn't think i'd be on soft baby food just yet! Seems to be slowely improving though. 5 weeks now. Cheers.

[katiewalsh]

No, it’s not free here. I’m old enough to be on Medicare though which covered it. Interesting that being immunocompromised has a role. I didn’t know that. Maybe if you baby the nerve to get it to quiet down it can heal faster & you can get back to normal good. Fingers crossed. Katie

[Fgironda]

My shingles turned intoPHN ,that was 3 years ago .I still have it daily 24/7 .Pain varies from a 1 or 2 up to a7 to 9.Taking Tramadol and using Lidocaine patches daily .The PHN has become more of a disrupter of daily life than GCA .They say it can disappear on its own but the longer you have it the less likely .I am open to any ideas !7

[omits]

I also (as PHN) seem to be getting the little shingle itchy spots. I hope its not coming back!