swelling with nerve pain

I had a severe case of shingles, postherpetic neuropathy has followed for three months now. Tens unit, lidocaine patches, neurontin, elavil and some nerve blocks have been my treatment. None have done more than take the edge off the pain. My pain level is about 7-8 during the day and up to 9 in the evening as my abdomen swells and increases the pain. What is the reason for this swelling? Ice is my friend. I've been told this could continue for 6-12 months. That's just not acceptable to me. There has to be more I can do to return to my normal, active life.


This discussion is related to Postherpetic Neuralgia?.