I had shingles 51/2yres. ago. Since then I suffer from post herpetic neuralgia. I have had pain management surgery (epidural), take Lyrical which has aided in alleviating some of the pain, and now I m seeing an acupuncturist. The internal ache and pain has been reduced but the Surface pain exists to the point that wearing elastic waist, Any slacks with a waistband is very painful so I have had to fold the and down. Is there any relief where I would no longer have to take Lyrica acupuncture? I understand that this condition can last for years, which is the case one, or forever?
Gee, the most effective treatment for herpetic neuralgia is a surface Chat Doctor.  The course varies BUT one can predict based on how it changes in the first month. 90% get better 10% do not. Then of the 10% some have it damp down/diminish and some it gets even worse. By extending the observations outward (is it going up or down?) then one can extrapolate what it will do over time. Lidocaine patch and amitriptyline which has lidocaine like effects are very very effective.