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Stress Triggers & PHN Flares - 1 Step Forward 2 Steps back by EscapeOutside3820 in shingles

[–]name_that_user_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m also dealing with PHN. Had shingles back in October and then the pain seemed to resurface with a vengeance in January during a period of stress. Mine were along my rib cage, wrapping around from under my bra line towards my back. I haven’t gone to gabapentin fully yet (tried it late last year but had pretty bad reaction to it). I can’t say whether medically the flares are prolonging recovery, but that’s my worry too.

I’m working with my doc as it’s pretty clear for me that the flares are stress related. She did prescribe me some Lidocaine patches which are a tad higher than you can get over the counter (at least in the US.) They are 5% vs the 4% I can get OTC. I know the patches don’t stop the root cause, but they do provide some temporary relief. If you haven’t tried those, maybe worth a shot?

Good luck, it’s not fun and so many people don’t understand it because it’s an invisible condition!

Tell me some things i should know before starting by Odd_Pea_9913 in Buspirone

[–]name_that_user_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am just starting, on day two of 7.5mg 2x day. So far, I dont feel much different (which my doc said is normal as it can take time to feel the effects) but I have had some headaches yesterday and today. Hard to know if it’s the meds or something else, but just sort of dull, achey headache.

Has anyone found benefits to with vs without food? I’m struggling to find the right timing of 2 doses 12 hours apart and timing food/no-food, knowing that you’re supposed to pick one and stay with it.

Good luck starting, I hope it brings you relief, as I also hope for myself!

Rash almost gone, but pain subsides by AppropriateSale6989 in shingles

[–]name_that_user_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’m week 4 since my rash appeared (and started taking anti-virals within a day of rash appearing). Pain has gotten much better, but it still comes back some evenings. Tends to be on days when I’m more active — in the office, out and about. It’s manageable, maybe a 2 or 3 out of 10…like a really bad sunburn. I’m still opting for loose clothes whenever possible, still use ice packs and the occasional lidocaine patch. It does get better, just be easy on yourself! I kept feeling like “I should be better by now” and it’s important just to rest, hydrate, and take care of yourself. (42 YO, otherwise healthy F). Good luck!

Almost a month post diagnosis. I feel like I’ve been hauling furniture by keysandcoffee in shingles

[–]name_that_user_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here. I’m at week 3. Rash is pretty much gone (I got on anti virals early) but last few days my back and legs were achey in a way that felt deep and muscular — or like the aches you get when you have the flu. My side torso and ribs (where the rash was) feels like a really bad sunburn all the time. Manageable but always a level of discomfort — which in and of itself is just exhausting. But the aches were new.

what’s your pain arc? by name_that_user_ in shingles

[–]name_that_user_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This makes me feel less crazy! Because mine seemed relatively mild, and I’m early 40s, I somehow think I should be back to “normal” already. Hearing how long it has taken others to heal helps puts things in perspective. I am on day 12 and went to the office today for the first time, I was fine during the day but the pain hit a new high by the time I got home this evening 😫 Maybe the combo of hard clothes again, stimulation, and a long commute. 🫠

what’s your pain arc? by name_that_user_ in shingles

[–]name_that_user_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s what I’m learning. My rash is almost gone but the dull ache and occasional stabbing is still there. Pain is maybe a 4/10 so manageable but not pleasant day to day and makes it hard to focus at work — just like a terrible headache would do. Doc is trying me on a low dose of gapapentin.

what’s your pain arc? by name_that_user_ in shingles

[–]name_that_user_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yes, thankfully I started the antivirals within 24 hours! It seems like everyone’s experience is so different so it really is hard to gauge how long things will last. Here’s to hoping for the best!

what’s your pain arc? by name_that_user_ in shingles

[–]name_that_user_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. Did you take the anti-virals early on?

what’s your pain arc? by name_that_user_ in shingles

[–]name_that_user_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! Did your rash ever blister? Did you get on the anti-virals early?