I have heard of it. I think it is not reversible. Therefore, I would use it as a last resort. I heard that it works well though. I think they stick a needle into your nerve and inject something to stop the false signal being sent to the brain. The problem is that it stops all signals.

thanks, mike. i have heard that it does not always work. Mike, I am in pain again--I am so discouraged. mike--this is the fourth month of p h n. is it ever going to end? i keep thinking it will never end. J

Juliettagirl,
Yes, it can get scary, but I think it is best to look at the statistics. It is important to remember is that 99% of all cases of PHN come to complete resolution with 12 months, with the median between 2 to 3 months. Although you are a little past the median or average, you are still within the 99%. I am only saying that you should not give up hope. However, I know that's easier said that done... wishing the best for you...

Thanks so much--Mike and Dave and everyone--the psychiatrist wants to add Tegrotol to the regimene. I so appreciate hearing that "it will eventually end"--it goes in cycles--right --up and downa, etcc.

Lately, I have been tell the nerive pain to Get the f....out of here? Does that make sense to anyone? I feel I have two selves now--the pain and me.
the nerve bloc is controversial--it is not a sure--you are not going to have the pain anymore...I am lving with the pain--sometimes intolerable
sometimes manageable--I got it the cranial nerve--why wasn't i lucky enough to at least get it on the outside--this is the worst shingles of sll..
ometimes manageable...


T

are you referring to regular nerve block or gamma knife treatment? i had regular nerve block for facial pain. a couple of them helped but one was so painful i sat up for 24 hrs so i don't know what was going on there. but the gamma knife you have to be really really careful. it could damage the nerve even further.
i would wait as long as you can and then i don't know if i would even do the gamma at all, this procedure seems to cause more damage in those of us with nerve pain. i know of three people who are worse but regular nerve block might help some. i have phn and it does heal really really slow. it has been over five years and my family tells me i look better all the time. i stay on a low dose of meds for atn which i have on other side which also helps the phn side. read all you can. but i truly believe you have to be patient and give it lots of time. blessings for pain free days for you
jady

my phn is left over from ramsy hunt syndrome so you can see my face is not symetrical

thanks, jady--re are you referring to regular nerve block or gamma knife treatment? i had regular nerve block for facial pain. a couple of them helped but one was so painful i sat up for 24 hrs so i don't know what was going on there. but the gamma knife you have to be really really careful. it could damage the nerve even further.

yes nerve bloc--i trust the neurologist---I have new meds now--I think I am willing to wait..--but let me ask you--about the nerve block--did the pain come back--i have read that it might come back--thanks for gamma info--no i will NOT do that...i am sorry that the last nerve bloc hurt...five years--oy vey! i am so sorry--how can you stand it? i do not think I can stand it for that long...i fee lfor you completely and EVERYONE IN THIS GROUP.

Personally, I would really only go for the nerve block IF ALL ELSE FAILS. Your decision, but I tell a lie, I would not go the nerve block route at all! This too will pass. Hang in there, I know darn well you sometimes feel you could remove your head if that would help LOL.
Get plenty of rest and hepl your body fight by giving it the best nutrition you can. Try to avoid stress - that can go as far as to having to avoid people who cause you irritation !! Peaceful company, peaceful music.... all good