Hi,
Since you are 68 and have undergone surgery for
lung cancer, scar being present on right side wherein the nerve had been affected by herpes/Shingles and now you have post-herpetic
neuralgia, taking
gabapentin and
Ibuprofen.
To note, more the age more is the pain in Shingles, late is the recovery from pain.
Secondly, the pain is near the scar tissue making this more complicated.
It seems that the dosages of Gabapentin have not been modulated as per your requirement.
I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Consult your Doctor and ask for increasing the dosages of Gabapentin gradually to safe limit as per your requirement.
Local application of cold helps with pain.
Do not take more painkillers as these become ineffective over a period of time and the dosages of many cannot be increased as there is a cap on higher doses within allowable limits.
You can also ask for chemical or surgical
neurectomy is the pain is so much incapacitating.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, ENT & General Surgeon