OT- Does anyone have advice on Shingles?

[mousy_in_canada]

I was wondering since there is a wide variety of people here that anyone has any advice on pain relief of Shingles, I got them in June of this year, and I am dealing with the post neuralgia pain of it, meaning I still have the burning major pain but the blisters are gone. My doctor seems to think that anti-depressants is the key, but I was not depressed, however being on them now I have become depressed, apparently that can happen with this drug, I have been on narcotics and they make me throw up so that is out of the question now, (I tried opioid medications and fentynl patches). I am 33 years old and it is SO rare that someone my age gets the post pain. only 2% of people ever get shingles again and guess what I got them again last week... sigh... we don't have coverage and the pills to stop the blisters are $175 for the 7 days (had to do that 2X) and then the pain meds were costing me about $100 a week... the meds I am on now is much cheaper but I am tired of being depressed.... sorry turned into a rant!
Does anyone here know of any home things that have heard/seen work?
I am pretty much ready to try anything. my back and my bank book will thank you lol
My Doctor said it can last up to 5 years... That is a long time I think I need a vacation!

 

[digskat]

I know that shingles can be very painful..I've never eperienced them personally but have a aunt who gets them. I know that Doctors do sometime prescribe antidepressants for chronic type pain. My mother in law had some prescribed for the chronic pain she has in her legs. She was nervous about taking them because of the warnings related to other conditions and meds she is on. I say give them a try, you find that it is exactly what you needed. Do you have a drug plan? If not you should mention this to your MD sometimes they can give you samples they get from the drug companies if not he may prescribe a different med. take care and lots of luck Kat

 

[DutchsMommy]

Hi mousy,

First off wanted to say - THAT TOTALLY SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! Now, I know that is not entirely helpful, but hopefully it made you chuckle

Anyway, just wanted to ask whether you had posted this on something like the community board. Nothing against us Canadians mind you, it's just that there is ALOT more eye-traffic over on the CB.

Hugs and wishes for you that this goes away fast

 

[riu girl]

I am so sad to here about the shingles. It is an awful thing to have.

I had shingles when I was 12 and was off school for almost 2 months. It is terrible. I feel for you. I obviously had no kids at the time so just laid in bed for two weeks. I couldn't imagine having it and having to run a household as well.
If you don't get the response you need here, perhaps try the disABILITIES board. The moderator (SueM) is a nurse and knows a ton about everything!!!!
I only had shingles once and as you know it is awful.
The only advice I can offer is perhaps you could consider taking an immune booster for the next 5 years such as a good multi vitamin/mineral and maybe some acidophilus. With your immune system in really good shape, I have read that the shingles are less likely to come back.
Also, maybe visit a local health food/vitamin store and get their opinion. Or even a naturopath (although naturopaths are very $$ since they often want to do pricey tests such as blood/hair analysis).

Also:I agree with last poster. Tell the dr. you have no drug plan and they will often prescribe less expensive drugs or be able to give you some samples etc.
Suzy

 

[marylou]

Hi there: there are other medications you can try different antidepressants and some of the anticonvulsants are good for neuralgia pain. Its like everything else not everything works for everyone so you may have to try another one. narcotics are not especially effective for neuralgia pain. There is a dressing called opsite/tegaderm (different makers, same stuff) that is worth a try. It is called a transparent dressing (generic) We have had good success with that.

 

[mbb]

...If you don't get the response you need here, perhaps try the disABILITIES board. The moderator (SueM) is a nurse and knows a ton about everything!!!!....

I was going to say the same thing, Suzy
Hope you're feeling better - and soon, mousy

 

[SandraC]

I had shingles in 2001. I ended up giving my kids the chicken pox. My shingles went that bad. But I wanted to address your anti-depressants. I am on Paxil for panic attacks. It took a good few weeks to get used to the drug, but now I swear by it. I didn't and don't suffer from depression ~ Paxil is also an anti-depressant. Try want works best for you. S

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Thanks everyone for your kind words, I will have to look into that patch, it sounds like it could work!

It took a good few weeks to get used to the drug, but now I swear by it.

Did you loose any hair? I have hair that goes to the middle of my back and it is really thick but since I have been this drug,(amtytripline sp?) I have lost SO much hair... my brush is full in the mornings and I clog the drain in the shower.. I really don't want to go bald!

Thanks again everyone I really appreciate the advice.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Oh, and I should add that my kids all had the chicken pox needle.. and I am SO happy that they will never have this!! I was uncertain if I should get them the needle but I am now happy that I did it.

 

[mbb]

DH is a pharmacist.....
I'm typing, he's talking He suggests "capsaicin cream" (available over the counter at any pharmacy) if the lesions are gone. You wouldn't put it on the open lesions but it is used for neuralgia (nerve pain) in diabetics and for shingles. It will sting a little at the start but that shouldn't last long. A tube of the generic brand will cost you appx $20.00 You can google the brand name Zostrix for more info. As for the hair loss, it does happen with the amitriptyline, but it is temporary and will reverse upon stopping the drug.
What dosage of amitriptyline are you on, and for how long? If it has been more than a couple of months on a higher (25 - 50mg) dosage and it isn't helping, it may be time to consider other options.

There you go And always check with your doctor and friendly, neighbourhood pharmacist before trying anything.

HTH!
and Apothecary44

 

[mousy_in_canada]

DH is a pharmacist.....
I'm typing, he's talking He suggests "capsaicin cream" (available over the counter at any pharmacy) if the lesions are gone. You wouldn't put it on the open lesions but it is used for neuralgia (nerve pain) in diabetics and for shingles. It will sting a little at the start but that shouldn't last long. A tube of the generic brand will cost you appx $20.00 You can google the brand name Zostrix for more info. As for the hair loss, it does happen with the amitriptyline, but it is temporary and will reverse upon stopping the drug.
What dosage of amitriptyline are you on, and for how long? If it has been more than a couple of months on a higher (25 - 50mg) dosage and it isn't helping, it may be time to consider other options.

There you go And always check with your doctor and friendly, neighbourhood pharmacist before trying anything.

HTH!
and Apothecary44

Thanks so much for all that advice I will look into the cream as I don't have the blisters any more they have been gone since June, just the post pain is still there. (I am also a diabetic if that makes any difference)
I have been on Amitripyline 25mg for about 2.5 months, not much relief I tried tegrtol, but that caused electric like shocks in my hands so I had to switch off that.
I look forward to getting my hair back... lol.. although with it thinner it is easier to style.. but I would hate to lose it all! NOt sure if that would happen but it is a fear!
Thanks so much for your help!

 

[eleanor]

I had the shingles about 7 yrs ago and the pain returns now and again.I dont take any medication for it,but the pain doesnt last that long.Unfortunately you will always have some sort of reminder ,tingling etc. for ever.

 

[martin33]

Hi there,
Your doctor probably put you on amitryptilline-this is an antidepressant, true, but it is also used for post herpetic neuralgia (shingles , and other nerve pain). This is another use for the drug entirely.
Your MD should have made that clear for you! I've prescribed the drug for that exact purpose, but always tell my pts its not because I think they're depressed!
Hope that helps

M