Natural remedies for PHN

[ThatgirlJay]

I am not a fan of medications and was looking to find some natural remedies that will help ease the pain of PHN on my face. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[littlebear]

Hi,

I have had PHN for 12 years, which has developed into more widespread nerve pain, and unfortunately, due to its severity I very much need medication to be able to live a normal life (scary as it was at first).

However I am a member of a couple of PHN groups on Facebook and of the alternative things that people have tried there is: acupuncture, laser therapy, lysine, or removing things like sugar from their diet (trying to reduce inflammation). Many people have found that the pain relief is only short lived, if they work at all, though some have had success. Some people have had adverse effects from them and wouldn't recommend them. Some of the treatments require referral to a pain clinic.

[ThatgirlJay in reply to littlebear]

What kind of medication do you take. If you don't mind me asking. I'm taking Gabapentin and I think it's starting to affect my mental and emotional health. I'm not sure if I should stop taking and try something else

[littlebear in reply to ThatgirlJay]

Hi,

I used to be on amitriptyline with co-codamol when I first had shingles but I'm now on pregabalin (lyrica) with low (ish) dose duloxetine. I seem to have by-passed gabapentin. If you're worried about it affecting your mental health, as it can do in some people, then go and see your GP. S/he, or your consultant if you are seeing one, might change it. If it is changed then it needs to be done slowly. Don't suddenly stop taking it.

Best wishes.

[ThatgirlJay in reply to littlebear]

Thank you

[littlebear]

It stands for postherpetic neuralgia, which is a long-term nerve pain following an episode of shingles.