Nerve Pain

[Laura01]

I was diagnosed with herpes in July. The outbreak was so bad I ended up being hospitalized. Ive been suffering from unbearable nerve pain for the past fews weeks. My doctor has now prescribed gabapentin for nerve pain which has finally lessened the pain. Ive been told since my initial outbreak was so severe this is normal and will take time for the nerve pain to go away. Has anyone else had a similar experience? The pain meds have helped but I still worry about the duration of this pain. Im also terrified  of another outbreak. This has just been a tortureous five weeks and any hope or similar shared experiences would be much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

[Flowerteacher55]

Hello,

I am so sorry for the pain you have endured. You are so strong for making it through everything! 

There are definitely folks on the forum who have experienced severe nerve damage and pain from HSV. Sometimes it can take a little bit of time for the body to get used to the virus (especially the nervous system because that's where HSV lives). It's great that the medicine is helping. Heat or ice may help as well. 

I am praying for you! ❤️ 

Blessings,

grace

[Laura01]

Hi Grace,

I cant thank you enough for your kind words and prayers. Just knowing that there are other people out there that are experiencing this too helps to know Im not alone. Yes, ive tried heat and ice and they have been super helpful. I worry about returning to work… idk how anyone deals with this and goes to work like normal. This has been an extremely trying time but your response has made this a little easier. Holding on to some hope this will get better 🙂

[Flowerteacher55]

Hi! 

Have you thought about seeing a neurologist? Maybe your doctor could refer you to specialists. 

Has your doctor talked to you about post-herpetic neuralgia? It kind of sounds like what you are experiencing. Here is some information on it. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12093-postherpetic-neuralgia

Sending prayers and happiness your way! ❤️ 

[Laura01]

Yes, I think seeing a neurologist is a good suggestion. My doctor has mentioned post herpetic neuralgia as a cause for this continued pain. Thank you for attaching that article it sounds just like what I am experiencing. I just cant believe that even though the lessions have gone and every thing I read talks about how the next outbreak wont be so bad still being in this much pain for four weeks after the lessions healed is just so discouraging. Its just this never ending trauma. Im so depressed and in daily pain. I cant believe this is my new daily life. This is all so devestating. Thank you for your kindness and support its much needed and much appreciated 💓

[Bloomer]

Unfortunately some people do get nerve pain before, during or after outbreak. You are probably experiencing post herpetic neuralgia. HSV uses nerves and neural pathways to replicate and this can irritate and inflame nerves and then you get neuralgia or neuropathy. HSV is nerve condition, it is not skin condition as people often like to say. 

I developed neuralgia due to HSV infection and almost constantly feel nerve pain even without outbreaks but I am rare case. Most people recover from nerve pain and with time get better. 

Are you taking valtrex regulary? I am asking because for some people, valtrex can produce neuralgia/neuropathy symptoms. 

Take care! 

[Laura01]

Thank you for your response. How do you deal/cope with your neuralgia? Yes, I am on valtrex right now for 10 days. My doctor said since pain is a stressor she wanted me to take the valtrex to prevent another outbreak. Thats intetesting to learn that valtrex can cause some neuralgia/neropathy symptoms. As if the nerve pain isnt enough I just noticed pain from another cut near the vaginal area. I see my doctor tomorrow, but am unsure how to go on like this. The pain never ends nor do the physical outbreaks it seems. I really wonder how people cope with this. I appreciate your response and knowledge it gives me some hope that Im not alone.

[Bloomer]

If you are taking nerve pain meds this should help in a long run. First year or two are really difficult when it comes to dealing with hsv infection and it takes time for body to adapt. In this period you will probably have more outbreaks and nerve pain.

Since hsv uses nerves to replicate simetimes this process can cause irritation of nerves which than irritates pelvic muscles and they go into spasm and you end up with pelvic floor dysfunction which then causes pain. Do you have possibility to get you pelvic floor checked? I know some members who developed pelvic floor dysfunction due to hsv infection so it is worth checking your pelvic floor. Those members had pelvic floor therapy and their pain dissapeared. 

Try taking immune support supplements and supplements for nerve health like vitamin B12, liposomal vitamin C. magnesium glycinate, turmeric which reduces inflammation etc. 

As for valtrex, it can cause neuropathy symptoms at some people or make neuropathy symptoms worse so if you continue to have nerve pain you can try to stop taking it for several days and see what happens.

I am so sorry for your pain, nerve pain is really hard to deal with and it effects every aspect of life. It will get better, you need to take care for yourself and your health and be good to yourself. 

[Laura01]

Thank you for your informative response. The doctor wants me to come off the gabapentin in one week to zee how I react. Needless to say Im terrified. She doesnt think I need to see a neurologist at this point and I will ask about getting my pelvic floor tested. Yes, also have been loading up on supplements. I cant believe in this day and age there doesnt seem to be better treatment for this. What a stressful condition both physically and mentally.

[Bloomer]

Unfortunately for some people hsv infection can be really hard to handle especially if nerve pain is involved. 

I agree we need better treatments for this infection. Standard antivirals are not helping everyone and for some they can make symptoms even worse.

Please get your pelvic floor checked, maybe you will benefit from pelvic floor therapy. 

 

[Laura01]

Thank you for the suggestion. I am going to look into it.