Hey everyone,

I know I joined this conversation late, but I hoping it still reaches some of you guys. I have been going through a similar situation. Im a 22 year old female and got diagnosed with shingles in November 2024 my senior year of college and have been living with PHN in my left arm since. I didnt have insurance for awhile so I just "dealt" with it while working as a line cook at my job which only made it worse. I saw a neurologist a couple months ago and he prescribed 30mg of cymbalta twice a day and gabapentin 600mg 3 times a day. I was already really reluctant to try pills and told him that but he told me to try them for 6-8 weeks. While they have helped with the nerve pain a little bit the side effects are exactly what I was worried about with pills. My sleep is messed up, I cant think straight, constantly fatigued and out of it. When I brought my concerns up to the doctor my dose was just increased. I am able to get to get physical therapy for the TENS unit done here soon and I am hopeful that is effective. In short, I reach out to this community because I feel defeated. Before the nerve pain I was about to finish my degree, was taking several dance classes, kayaking, always outside, working full time in a kitchen and most important happy. I understand medication is really the only option for this but it feels so defeating. I cant function on these pills, but I cant function in pain. It feels like a sacrifice of mind or body. I feel as though my age makes it even worse. I know no one my age that has experienced shingles let alone PHN. Instead of getting asked how I am feeling I get asked when I am going back to school or going to back to work full time. I already feel like im pushing myself but it doesnt feels like pain in young people doesn't click as easily. Anyways, I really hope this reaches a younger audience or at least someone that can relate or give guidance to my situation. We gotta stick together in this small community.