Herpes Zoster Numbness

[JohnEd]

I have herpes zoster of the right buttocks and leg, diagnosed too late for medication. Entire area is numb. Is there anything I can do to relieve the problem? Since I can not feel where my foot is, I am afraid of falling. Can I expect the feeling to return?
I am 84 and on oxygen.
Thank you for your advice.
JohnEd

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Sorry to hear about your symptoms.  As I've been told by patients, it can be quite painful. There's a number of options you can try that will hopefully take away some of the pain.

1.Elavil, an antidepressant that's used for post-herpetic pain. 10mg four times a day, up to 100mg a day total.  But be careful because it can cause urinary retention.
2.Neurontin, initially marketed as an antiseizure med, it's now used for nerve pain. Start at 300mg a day and titrate upwards to 3000-4000mg a day. Makes you sleepy
3.Steroids, IV or orally. Need to talk to your doctor about this, but this is the latest (though not brand new) treatment to gain attention recently.May be best for you.
4.Tegretol, another seizure med that can help dull the pain.
5.Capsaicin cream, think it's over the counter. It's like a chili peppers paste that actually hurts when you put it on the affected area. But it's supposed to burn out your pain receptors so that your current pain will dissolve.

Take heart, the pain should eventually resolve on its own, but some medications could provide temporary relief. Hope this helps.

[JohnEd]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I was asking about the NUMBNESS of my buttock and leg - no feeling in placement of foot. Is there nerve damage or will feeling gradually return?  I have no intense pain.
JohnEd