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Lolly · 07-19-2007, 09:21 PM

Sherry, my mother-in-law has been dealing with shingles pain for months also, and she finally found some relief when her neurologist prescribed Amitryptelene. It's known as an anti-depressant, but it's also used for nerve pain such as from shingles. Another drug in the same class is Nortriptyline, and it is also supposed to help TNJ.
Ask to see the neurologist again, and ask about these medications. The Amiltryptelene has really helped my mom-in-law, but she has to keep taking it or the pain comes back. Sometimes, I'm sorry to say, she's in pain anyway, but it's not as bad if she takes her meds, and since it's not a "pain" med she feels better about taking it long term.
I hope you get some feedback from the neuro about other options, as I know how painful this condition is.
If your current neuro doesn't help you, can you go for a second opinion?

Hope you get some relief, and you know we care so come here to vent anytime!

<3 Lolly

07-19-2007, 09:21 PM	#3
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Sherry, my mother-in-law has been dealing with shingles pain for months also, and she finally found some relief when her neurologist prescribed Amitryptelene. It's known as an anti-depressant, but it's also used for nerve pain such as from shingles. Another drug in the same class is Nortriptyline, and it is also supposed to help TNJ. Ask to see the neurologist again, and ask about these medications. The Amiltryptelene has really helped my mom-in-law, but she has to keep taking it or the pain comes back. Sometimes, I'm sorry to say, she's in pain anyway, but it's not as bad if she takes her meds, and since it's not a "pain" med she feels better about taking it long term. I hope you get some feedback from the neuro about other options, as I know how painful this condition is. If your current neuro doesn't help you, can you go for a second opinion? Hope you get some relief, and you know we care so come here to vent anytime! <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.