Post Herpetic Neuralgia , severe pain 3 years

[tonymarmont]

I contracted severe shingles 3 years ago, I did not know there was a vaccine ! , I now have for the past 3 years continual severe pain ,just below lower left rib cage , and sub surface, I have tried acupuncture , that did take some of the pain away , I have tried Relexology that did nothing , but did locate a place on the left foot where it would induce the pain at that instant . It occurs mostly when I am NOT using my brain as I would be in reading , writing , driving, , I am now on Amitriptylene 2 per day , with some limited help

[cyberbarn]

Distraction is a great way to relieve pain. The brain can only process so many things at once. Have you asked to be referred to a pain clinic? post Herpetic Neuralgia is a difficult one to deal with and I hope you can continue to find things to distract you. With post surgical pain caused by an injury to a nerve, I found watching comedy with my son, and having a really good laugh with him, was one of the best painkillers!

[tonymarmont in reply to cyberbarn]

Yes Cyberbarn , I have found distraction is a calmer , any brain activity stops the pain , I am an active 87 year farmer and still work on tHe land , just changed a tractor tyre today , and never get the pain while at work , only when I stop, even watching TV is low level pain , and it flares up when I turn it off!

I am working on a halt for Altzheimer, with a team of 6 , at two Univeristires and a Hostpital , and that is a great relief applying my mind to that .

I am taking 2x 10 mg Amitryptine at night and that get me to sleep , but when I wake up it starts all over , very debilitating , makes me grunt and make noises !

Well I hope yours gets better too

Tony