Treatment for Post Herpetic Neuralgia

Brain and nerves
1

Any new or novel treatments for post Herpetic Neuralgia? Nothing has worked so far.

2

Hi Mervyn

I came across while googling new medicines for PHN, a therapy called the scrambler came up  never heard of it, go good reviews.

I myself have the Nevro spinal cord stimulator, my pain is down but they 

havent made any adustments yet, hopefully this Wed.

Good Luck, let us know how your doing, best of luck

Paul

3

Thanks, Paul. The neuro implant stimulator has been suggested as a possibility for me "down the road." Good luck with it!

Merv

4

Hi Mervyn, Yes there's a drug in development at the moment that looks promising: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_5-2-2014-12-24-59

5

Haven't really found anything new.  Went to a pain management doc and about all he wanted to do was inject cortisone into 2 spots in the spine and hope to temporarily block nerve pain.  Other alternative was to implant something and have wires into the spine to control pain. Anyone tried this stuff.  I am reluctant to do these invasive things as I had a cervical spine fusion just before I got shingles.  ( Propably the reason I got this was the trauma to the spine which I believe lowered my immune system). So, mervyn, the only minimal temporary relief I have found is a 4%

6

Melvyn, really nothing new even  after seeing the pain management Doctor who really only could only suggest invasive measures  The only thing that has helped me is a 4% lidocaine cream that is available over the counter other than that I  sometimes can get relief by rubbing a cold washrag over the most painful areas. Actually plain old acetaminophen helps minimally.  I have been trying to get a hold of a topical cannabis cream or ointment but don't know to get that as I would need a medical prescription and the docs I have seen aren't licensed to write that since  marijuana is illegal. The pain is not bad at nite as I don't move around much and do take a sleeping pain.  It has literally ruined my social life as I can barely tolerate clothing, a bra especially is definitely a torture devise.  I live alone so can go topless here!  Wish I had more ideas to offer you.  This surface pain and semsivetivity is awful,

7

Thanks,Ruth:

I've tried Lidocaine and other creams to no avail. Have received another suggestion about a new Australian drug that I'll follow up on.

merv

8

Dear Anon:

Thanks for the info. on this new drug. I'll follow up on it and see if there's any way to participate in a study.

merv

9

Hi Last four years I tried many creams and nothing have worked.

If you have any idea please write to me.

Ramesh

10

Hello Ramesh:

Sorry I have no answers yet. Have tried many creams without success. Some people get relief from Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) available from Holland and the U.S. Am trying with no success yet. Medical marijuana is a possibility and is available in Canada. Maybe not where you are.

Merv

11

EMA401 is being developed by Novartis and their website says it is due for "filing" in 2020. 

My pain is affected by the weather (post stroke regional pain syndrome).  Anyone else notice that?

12

Mervyn

I have suffered from Post Herpetic Neuralgia now for 21 months, and I have found a topical mixture that gives great relief from the intense pain.

I have posted this recipe several times, but repeat it for new sufferers.

My topical mixture works very well to relieve pain and reduce the need for analgesics.

The mixture is 250grams of Invite Vitamin E Cream, two five gram tubes of Aciclovir Cold Sore Cream, and 65 grams of Dencorub Heat Gel.

Mix thoroughly and apply sparingly to the scar area and any new troublesome areas, as required for pain relief.

This mixture gives immediate relief from pain, and it dramatically reduces the need for pain relief drugs. Apply as often as required for pain relief. 

Also, one Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg capsule taken daily desensitises the nervous system and reduces the pain.

I have found this topical treatment to be very effective in reducing PHN pain,   and the need for analgesics. It is quite inexpensive, as this quantity should last two to four months, depending on application frequency.

Best of luck in your search for relief from this debilitating complaint.

Regards, Ray

 

13

Hi Raymond

Thanks for posting this.  I have a question?

Can you store this mixture once done to use another

time when needed?

Sincerely,

Paul

14

Hi Ray:

Thanks for your response and recipe. I will give it a "try". This is indeed a nasty and debilitating ailment.

merv

15

I checked out this "new drug" and the clinical trial was discontinued some time ago so that really went nowhere unfortunately.

16

I believe it is still viable.  Probably sold to Novartis as it is listed in their pipeline for 2020 as of their Dec 31, 2015 annual report. https://www.novartis.com/our-work/research-development/clinical-pipeline#ui-id-1=4

17

I have stored this mixture for many months without adverse affects, but you could mix half the quantity at one time if you think you may not need that much.

The Aciclovir pack recommends storing below 25 degrees centigrade, and do not refrigerate, so these are the only limitations I have encountered.

I am sure you will get great benefit from this treatment.

Regards, Ray.

18

Thanks will let you know and thank you for the primrose oil, will get

that tomorrow

Paul

19

The Primrose Oil is readily available in Canada, but the Dencorub appears to be an Australian product with a low price but very high shipping costs. Invite Vit. E cream is also an Australian brand, but there are many other brands available. The aciclovir cream is by Dr.'s  prescription.I'll try to put these all together.

20

Mervyn

Yes I am in Australia. No doubt similar products are available in Canada.

Invite Vitamin E Cream contains 50mg of glycerol, per 100grams, so it does not form a skin with continual use, as other creams do.

Dencorub Heat Gel is the strongest and cheapest pain killing Gel available in Australia. The formula is 26 percent Methyl Salicylate and 7 percent Menthol. No doubt you have a similar product in Canada.

Aciclovir is available in Australia from discount chemists, at $7 per 5gram tube, with no prescription.

I am sure you can find a suitable product in Canada. It is well worth the effort.

Regards, Ray.