Shingles Pain That Won't Quit: What Kitty, 47, Learned the Hard Way

Lisa Bos · 2026-09-23

When Kitty turned 47, she thought the worst was behind her. Then shingles hit. Months later, she's still dealing with nerve pain that feels like a constant electric shock. "What can I do about the pain?" she asks. It's a question thousands of people face every year, and it deserves a real answer. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox. After you recover, the virus hides in your nerve cells. Years later, it can wake up and cause a painful rash. For some, the rash heals but the pain stays. That's called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). ### Why Does the Pain Stick Around? PHN happens when the virus damages your nerves. Those nerves keep sending pain signals even after the rash is gone. It's not just in your head—it's real, physical damage. The older you are when you get shingles, the higher your risk of PHN. Kitty is 47, which puts her in a higher-risk group. ### What Can You Actually Do About the Pain? First, see a doctor. PHN is treatable, but you need a plan. Here's what typically helps: - **Medications**: Antidepressants like amitriptyline or anticonvulsants like gabapentin can calm nerve pain. They're not just for depression or seizures—they work on pain pathways. - **Topical treatments**: Lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream can numb the area. Some people find relief with a single patch that lasts up to 12 hours. - **Nerve blocks**: For severe pain, a doctor might inject medication near the affected nerves. This can break the pain cycle. - **TENS units**: These small devices send mild electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. You can use them at home. But medication isn't the whole story. Simple daily habits can make a difference too. ### Small Changes, Big Relief - **Keep moving**: Gentle exercise like walking or stretching improves blood flow and reduces pain. Start slow—even 10 minutes a day helps. - **Manage stress**: Stress makes pain worse. Try deep breathing, meditation, or just talking to a friend. Kitty found that journaling her pain levels helped her feel more in control. - **Sleep well**: Pain disrupts sleep, and poor sleep increases pain. Create a cool, dark, quiet room. Avoid screens an hour before bed. - **Eat anti-inflammatory foods**: Think fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries. Skip processed sugar and alcohol—they can trigger flare-ups. ### When to Seek Emergency Care Rarely, shingles can cause serious complications. Go to the ER if you have: - Severe headache with confusion - Vision changes - Weakness in your limbs - Rash near your eye ### The Bottom Line Kitty's story isn't unique, but her pain doesn't have to be permanent. With the right combination of medical treatment and self-care, most people improve over time. The key is not to wait. The sooner you address the pain, the better your chances of getting it under control. If you or someone you love is dealing with shingles pain, talk to a doctor. Ask about all your options. And remember: you're not alone. Millions of people have walked this road and found relief. You can too.