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Questions about postherpetic neuralgia

Posted By Ali (Ontario, Canada) on 02/15/2015

I came down with a severe case of shingles a year and three months ago. I still suffer from pain and some remaining numbness on my right torso front to back where the nerves are damaged. I can deal with this but what really bothers me is what appears to be severe swelling in the same area which began at the onset. CAT scans and E rays show nothing out of the ordinary. My Dr. is unable to explain it. Recently, I attempted to lose some weight, the fat decreased on the unaffected side of my body but does not budge from the right side where the semi numb feeling is. This swelling, which runs from my navel around to my back, is now very obvious through my clothing.

Does anyone out there know if this can be corrected. I was pretty much bed ridden the first four months of this ordeal. After all the tests the Dr, mentioned maybe there could be abdominal muscle separation. Has anyone else had this condition, if so how did you deal with it. if anyone has an idea of what I might try, I would appreciate your comments. Thank you to all who make this site possible and those who post, it is very much appreciated.

Replied by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/16/2015

Ali, read up on clay poultices which tend to normalize all sorts of things. Also castor oil packs and/or activated charcoal poultices as per Mama to Many.

Replied by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 02/16/2015

Dear Ali,

I would consider using topical castor oil on the swollen area. You could either use a castor oil pack, or just massage castor oil into the area each night before bed. (And wear an old t-shirt as it is not easy to get out of clothes.) Peppermint essential oil, a few drops at a time, could be massaged into the area as well. You could dilute it some with a bit of coconut oil or castor oil if you find straight peppermint oil to be too strong for you.

A teaspoon of Turmeric each day (either mixed into milk or just 4-5 capsules a day with a glass of water) may help. It is healing to many things, cleanses the blood, helps with information, kills bacteria, etc.

I don't think these things would correct a muscle separation. But I think they could help if the issue is more of nerve damage, lingering viral infection, inflammation, etc.

Let us know how it goes!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Ali (Ontario, Canada) on 02/19/2015

Mama to Many and Mmsg, thank you for caring and taking the time to advise me. I purchased the castor oil and massaged it onto the affected area to night for the first treatment. Tried the turmeric in milk but it was hard to get it down. Will buy some in capsules tomorrow. I had never heard about clay poultices, I will ask at the health food store, where I can buy that and how to make them. Thank you both for your kindness. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Replied by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/20/2015

Ali, clay is simply mixed with water and smeared on. If you change it before it gets dry, it's action will continue. But you can also wash it off when it's dry and apply more. Just don't wash off every single speck, because you will be opening the sore again and again. Somehow it helps rejuvenate the skin.

I've also used it made wet and then put on a small square of old cotton cloth (a piece of an old sheet) and closed like a little envelope. When I apply it that way, there is almost nothing to wash off when I want to change to a new one.

You can do this only at night, or for an hour here and there during the day. Or 24/7. Just keep an eye out on how your body is responding: it should be a gentle, slow-and-steady healing. If not, back off and apply less times, or try something else.

Replied by Hazel (Australia) on 01/12/2017

Dear Ali, I too have Postherpetic Neuralgia, though only for 6 months at the moment. I also had large bulge on torso, same area as the Shingles. I was informed that one doesn't get "bulges" with Shingles. Well, just do some "searching" on the Net & you will find otherwise. A great number of people are affected. Just hang in there, mine just suddenly disappeared, all by itself. I have heard that it can take 18 months plus to go..........but it will go. Regards from Hazel.

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