Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] About 3months ago I was cardio-verted by defibrillator due to sudden onset of rapid AF which did not respond to drug therapy. In the past 4-6 weeks, I have had several bouts of severe, debilitating rib pain (at about level 5-6th rib) both anterior and exterior (much worse exteriorly) which seems neuropathic in nature (Ive had shingles about five years ago). Heat packs and analgesia brings relief but it keeps recurring. Has the defib caused some musculo/skeletal damage that will eventually go completely?
[|AI|]  It sounds like you had significant trauma due to being shocked.  I would recommend continuing heat, ice, and taking some anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Tylenol. You may want to see your cardiologist and get some steroids to help with the inflammation. If it has been this long, but it sounds like it might need something strong like steroids. Your primary care doctor can also prescribe a local anti-inflammatory or lidocaine patch.