pat
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        i have also had shingles and now have post herpetic neuritis.  it is mor painful than shingles.i wear a lidoderm patch on the skin and this helps.  i also take a medication called elavil and neurontin.it will take time,many months for the nerve to repair itself.  try to be patient.