Gabapentin, acetaminofen and Xanax. I know Xanax is not for pain, but in my case really helped a lot. The neurologist said its maybe xanax decrease activity in central nervous system and because of that it could help with the pain.. but she is not sure.

I think it's worth going to a nuerologist if your health ins covers it, I think they speciLIZE MORE IN NERVE DAMAGE & PAIN.

sorry about that I wasn't yelling, the cat jumped onto me before I realied I'd hit send.
I know when I was having back problems and sciatica my Dr said he would refer me to a neurologist and went on to explain there are 3 main nerves that run up to that area and they might could destory one, but then it would also be hard to pen point the exact one, It never hurts to ask.

Hi, I have been suffering with PHN for more than a year. It is so debilitating I had to stop working. I have been to my PCP, a Neurologist, a Pain Specialist and a Psychiatrist. I have taken all the medications (Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Gabapentin, etc) as well as numerous Epidurals and Lidocaine patches. The patches help when i can use them (often the skin is so tender I can not tolerate the patch). Anyway the neurologist while providing a great deal of information was not able to help me. I too take Xanax with some degree of help and my doctors also do not totally understand why. I suggest you see the neurologist because if you are like me I am desperate for some solution to this overwhelming disease. I wish you luck.

After 2 years of PHN I went to a neurologist, and I'm so glad I did. My problem isn't solved yet, but he was able to shed a lot more light on the situation. He also referred me to a pain management practice that he trusted, and that's helping too. I'd just encourage you to go to the experts! It's too painful to let just any doc monkey around with it.

Thanks for the neuro tip here! I am going to have mine check this out as well....I also just paid for the e book shingles cure....having had these since 20 y/o and now 60...am sooooo tired of these!!! after I read it I'll let you know what it says....has something to do with a couple things we can get at the groc store....I'll also let you know what my neuro says.....
Prayers out for all who have this horrible thing.....

saw my neuro today.....tho he can help with my neck, he said he only handles PHN side of them....said I should begin with my MD and he suggested seeing a dermatologist....he does not think they are shingles if I have had these problems since I was 20....everyone I talk to seems to agree..they sound like shingles....oh well I see my MD tomorrow and will get her going on them....see what she says..:)

Hi Havan
Let me know about the book I've already invested a small fortune in otc creams.
20 is young for shingles to happen but not unheard of there's always an exception to the rules. When I went in for my first outbreak in 1995 the Dr said there was also a 12 yo boy in for it and a 80yo man. So who really knows how or why it reactivates. sounds like you've had alot of surgeries and medical problems maybe even a weaken ammune systems and certainly stress. It well could be what they call phn. Good luck! (((((hugs)))) kismit

I saw the neurologist yesterday. He says he gets very good results from his patients who take both Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Cymbalta. For some reason, those two meds together help greatly (plus, the Cymbalta is also an anti-depressant, so it can help with depression, which I suffer from). I haven't started it yet, as I am at work today and don't want to risk having a reaction at work, but I will start it tonight and post in a couple of days to let everyone know how it is working. Hugs to all of you out there suffering from this condition. It sucks, but we all need to be strong.

I've seen two neurologists and two pain management doctors. The pain management doctors were trained primarily in anaesthesiology. Personally, didn't think there was much of a difference between the two specialties with the exception that pain management doctors seem to be less concerned with prescribing heavy weight pain killers like morphine and oxycontin. Either specialty would be worth it, though I wouldn't expect miracles or a cure.

I am very glad I went to a neurologist. She officially diagnosed the PHN and did MRIs of the affected areas. The MRIs showed inflammation of my brachial plexis that is caused by the virus. The virus is active even if I don't have a shingles outbreak. She is helping me figure out the right drug treatment. I am lucky because she talks with my rheumotologist and psych, so my drug treatments are being coordinated across medical disciplines.

awsome alazymoon ,
the director of the va is now taking on my case so hopefully there may be some light at the end of this tunnel, btw for those looking for something to help eldaberry juice helps soooo much omg the swelling went down and when i had my last out break the pain was managable the juice is expensive about $30 a bottle but well worth it the pills are god but not as effective i'm still waiting to hear whats going on about my medication and waiting to find out when my appt w/ the neuroligist is after that i'll go see the gastrologist to help boost my immune system