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I am a 54 yr old male, in pretty good shape, non-smoker, non-drinker. For the past 2 years I have experienced pain in the left side of my chest with tingling in the left arm. I've seen 2 cardiologists and had a complete exam including an angiogram, showing no heart disease. Since then I've seen gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, and pain specialists.
My new doctor suggested PHN and tested me for the virus anitbody, which I have. But I have never had any outbreak of shingles on the skin. I've been on 300 mg of Gabapentin for 3 weeks now, and am using Capcaicin, but still have pain. It feels like it's getting progressively worse.
I'm not so sure about my Doctor's diagnosis. How can I know for certain?
How long does Gabapentin need to take effect?
Would a nerve block positively confirm the PNH diagnosis?
Any other tests to confirm this diagnosis?
Thank you.
Thanks for posting.
Post herpetic neuralgia can occur in the chest or abdomen depending upon which dermatome is involved. It can occur in the eye, face and ear also.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shingles
Hope this helps!
My new doctor suggested PHN and tested me for the virus anitbody, which I have. But I have never had any outbreak of shingles on the skin. I've been on 300 mg of Gabapentin for 3 weeks now, and am using Capcaicin, but still have pain. It feels like it's getting progressively worse.
I'm not so sure about my Doctor's diagnosis. How can I know for certain?
How long does Gabapentin need to take effect?
Would a nerve block positively confirm the PNH diagnosis?
Any other tests to confirm this diagnosis?
Thank you.