I AM 88. 20 years ago i had an RP for cancer. 6 years ago I had a rise to 2.5 in PSA. I was experiencing chest pains and had bone scans "suggestive of early mets" in chest area. In a few months I had begun to believe the pains were closer to the skin surface and treatment by4 different PT's and self treatment identified Myofascial pain syndrome as the pain cause.

About 18 months ago I fell from pickup truck bed height to the ground. Pains developed on the left side where I landed, front an back. About 2 1/2 months later my PT suggested that I check whether the new pains were from a case of shingles. MD confirmed this. I refused Gabapentin becase of its side effects (which include suicidal tendencies which I didn't need amplified. The shingles continued on onto PHN which gives me a lot of pain along where the rash was and extra at the two locations hurt by the fall from the truck. I presume there is nerve damage which has so far refused to heal.

Really- I don't expect any help on these things- I have them!

However, for over a year I have had a daily chronic cough- mainly mornings but also sleep interupting. Old Vicks 44 type meds are a help. However the usual speil is that cough medicine is supposed to be short term relief.

So now what do I do?

The opposite front and back pain is at the same spot as flared from the fall. These spots are also on the line with the shingles rash, and hurt worse when that is flaring.

Harold Smage Sr. age 88