[marnie5555]

I am in need of some answers regarding Shingles. I am a 40 year old female, active and reasonably healthy person. I don't drink or smoke etc...
I was diagnosed with Shingles back in 2007. Since than I have had several "outbreak" several times. The most recent being 3 in the past 4 months. The nerve pain has been so severe since my outbreak in September that I am now taking nuerontin for pain. My question is, what is the best doctor to see for this type of thing? Why do I keep getting this? Is nuerontin the best thing to take for pain?
Thanks

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I have a couple suggestions for you:

1) make sure your immune system is up to snuff, and you are
getting enough zinc, and Vit D. Have the D tested, in fact. Low D levels lead to weak immune system. You can have a zinc/copper ratio blood test to show if you are low in zinc.

2) check your diet and see if you are consuming high arginine containing foods. Arginine triggers viral replication, and Lysine suppresses it.

http://www.herpes.com/Nutrition.shtml

Taking some L-lysine, in 1 or 2 grams a day may help.

I think the most appropriate doctor would be an infectious disease specialist.

There are antiviral drugs to suppress the outbreaks too, which you may need for several months.

[ginnie]

welcome to Neuro talk. So sorry you are going through shingles. A disease specialist is indeed the one to see like Mrs. D said. I do hope you get some relief with this. You may also want you primary care doctor to refer you to a pain specialist. I wish you all the best. ginnie

[justsad]

I had shingles on face and going into eye. Doctor sent to Chinese acupuncture man and he stopped from eye. Pain much better also. I was happy. Might help you.

[Darlene]

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, welcome to a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene