Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I had shingles 4 weeks ago, the rash dried up & the scabs have fallen off but I now have shingles complications, which is PHN, what concerns me is that I have swelling on my right abdomen & very painful.   Im on 150mg of Lyrica in the morning & the same dose at night, this doesnt help much with the pain unless I take 2 still pain. Will you recommend  any other pain killer or is it advisable to see a neurologist. My age is 78.
[|AI|]  Hi, Regards ! Thanks for your query. The diagnosis is certainly Post Herpetic Neuralgia PHN as you have written. Considering your age which is 78 years, the dose of Lyrics 150 mg is high enough in the elderly. The swelling indicates that the inflammation is still present, and the internal healing is not yet complete. The pain of PHN is more in the elderly people like you, takes far more time than the young adults would take for recovery, control of pain and other symptoms. I would advise such a patient :Neurologists opinion and further management.Discuss the trial of other medicines like Gabapentin / Amitriptyline - Geritol or so, any role of other procedure that can reduce the pain. Alternative therapy like Yoga, Acupressure or Acupuncture can help a lot in reduction of the stress and anxiety of the person who is suffering from this. I hope this answer helps you to visit the Neurologist and get the proper investigations and treatment.