I unknowingly had 5 or so outbreaks on the same little USA nickle-sized spot on my upper inner right arm. Now I have Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which is pain from nerves damaged by the Shingles virus, even when the outbreak is healed. The T1, C5-C8 nerves are inflamed as a result. That means my upper arm area (especially bicep), under arm, shoulder, and right Brachial Plexus (includes area above/on top of breast) can be very painful.

This unfortunately means the top part of my right breast also hurts!

The damaged nerves extend to my right hand, so using my right hand can trigger the pain and of course, I am right-handed!

I tried gabapentin/Neurontin, Lyrica, and Flexeril for pain but had too many side effects. These drugs do work for many. When my arm really hurts I apply a Lidoderm patch or use an electrical pulse TENs unit to relieve the pain.

For the shoulder, Brachial Plexus, under arm area, I have used ice packs and warm baths. I have also used opioids and am going to try Tramadol, but basically there is no Western Medicine "cure." Nerve pain caused by Shingles can last for years or even for the rest of your life.

On the advice of my neurologist, I have just started Acupuncture. How often does a Western Medicine specialist tell you to try Eastern medicine??? I'm keeping my fingers crossed. ;-)

The biggest concern I have now, besides having pain that is not necessarily "curable" is how am I going to stand having a mammogram? I have been trying to find out alternatives with no response yet from the medical community. I have a high risk condition, so I guess I may just need really drug up and have a friend take me to mammogram torture chamber ;-)