I need help for an 83 year old man with severe PHN for 3 months

Infections
1

Hello

I am writing on behalf of my father who contracted shingles in August 2015 in the right eye extending back throught the scalp on the right side. The neuralgia started as the scabs were falling off. He had intermittent excruciating pain at first but now is getting severe pain all the time - he is unable to concentrate on anything and even distracting himself with practical tasks, whcih helped at first is not helping now. He has been taking Gabapentin for about 6 weeks now - gradually increased the dose to 6x300ml tabs per day. I have done some reading on this site and have made a note of some of the drugs mentioned that have worked for people. It does seem like a case of trial and error. What I would like to know is how long do you stay on a drug before you realise it is not working - surely if Gabapentin was going to work - he should have noticed some relief by now. Dad is also on heart medication for severe heart failure - diagnosed earlier in the year - in fact the shingles came after he became very run down after taking multiple medications that made him very sick. He is also on Acyclovir and steroid eye drops for the affected eye. In the last week he has also taken colloidal silver?? anyone know anyhting about that for PHN?? - nothing he has taken so far seems to have given him relief - in fact it seems to be getting worse - resulting in him hardly sleeping at night. He is very fed up and is not enjoying life. He has been referred to a pain clinic but I have found out it will be a 3-6 month wait!!!

My other question then is can he be referred to a neurologist in the meantime - he lives in the UK. I live in Australia and have just returned home after being there for 2 months helping him get back on his feet.

I would like to thank everyone on this site for their wonderful support despite being in so much pain themselves - you are an amazing bunch of people

Alison

2

I look Valtrex and it cleared mine up...so sorry for his pain

3

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad.  My Dad developed Shingles of the ear (just like I did) when he was in his late 80's.  It was very difficult for him. He didn't have a lot of pain, but I do.  I take a combination of Gabapentin and Amitriptyline.  BTW, max dose for GP is 3600 mg, so your Dad's dose could be increased.  

I would recommend signing up for the Ramsayhunt.org site (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is Shingles of the Ear).  We have a fantastic member from the UK, Jeff Hurst, and I suspect he could give you helpful info.  The NHS can sometimes let things slide too much if you don't have a strong advocate.

Good luck.

4

Hi Alison it sometimes(depending on the person)takes up to 30 days or longer for gabapentin to work. I would think a neurologist should be able to give him something the day he sees him to help.. Hope and pray he finds some relief soon. Jmac

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Thanks for that Jessica

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That was really helpful Wylee (is that really your name??

And I will definitely check out the site you recommended - thanks heaps

alison

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Thanks - I will try and get a neurologist organised for Dad to see - so good to get some good advice really appreciate it

8

I had severe PHN for several weeks. The only topical ointment that gave me relief was BioFreeze. Acupuncture also helped. Good luck.