Raven, I also have wondered how you are doing. Hope you are doing better.

OK y'all Linda sent me a card that seriously had me laughing out loud! Hubby came to see what was going on and he started laughing. So thanks for that!

About those dreadful shingles! I don't have the blisters at all now. My skin is clear but still very discolored. I unfortunately seem to be one of the unlucky ones that has the post shingles neuralgia. It is deep pain and itching. Not on the surface but deep down where the root of the nerve is. Sometimes it is really bad other times it's tolerable. Right now it's itching and feels like there is fire under my skin. Since it is the entire left hip and buttock it is painful to sit down and lay down on that hip.

My doctor is searching for anything that can help. I have pain pills and pills that are supposed to help nerve pain. I don't really like taking more medication so I only do when I am trying to sleep.

I have had some treatments with a laser and it has helped more than anything else. I just keep praying that it will just go away! It is very frustrating!

Thanks for thinking about me and sending me good thoughts!

My late stepdad had similar issues. Eventually he found relief in Chinese medicine. I think it was a cream but it may have been acupuncture.

OT, but I know Raven is reading this thread.

Raven, did you ever go to the Enchanted Gardens nursery last year? I went last week and it certainly motivated me to do some more planting.

Thanks Raven. I'm glad you enjoyed your funny card. Can you have more of the laser treatments since they seemed to help you the most? I sure hope and pray that your doctor can find "something" to give you permanent relief. That itching and burning has to be awful.

I used Homeopathic remedies Raven....worked on the same issue that you are having within 16 hours.....

Ont_gal I am very interested! Can you please inform me what you used? I am open to other options. So if anyone knows of any other options please let me know! I don't care how crazy it might sound! At this point I am seeking relief.

Yes I can have more laser treatments and I will be doing those weekly.

No we never got a chance to go to the Enchanted Gardens but I sure would love to go. I will see if that's available for our garden club trip. We will be going to Nelson's water garden next month on our bus trip. We were supposed to go last year but the trip was canceled. Looking forward to it this year. Lovely picture adella!

I'm going to get the shot when hubby goes to our family dr. in May. I know I have to tell her in advance, as it needs to be refrigerated. I'm in fear of getting shingles, so I'm spending the $200. It will be the newest strain which is 90% effective. I believe it comes in 2 doses, so I don't even know if the $200 is for one dose or if it covers both.

I saw a pic recently that a friend showed me, and it was horrific. The shingles were on one whole side of her friends face and around his eye.

Ont_Gal, please share your remedies for Raven, and I'm also interested.

Funny, I was just wondering yesterday how you are doing, Raven. I'm sorry you're still suffering with that darn shingles and hope you get relief very soon. How are you enjoying your new house? Are you well-settled now?

Raven, let me know when you are going to Nelson's. I would like to meet you there, if I can.

Marilyn we are going to on May 3rd a Thursday. We will go there then to Red River BBQ for lunch. We would love to have you join us again.

We are really enjoying the new house and yard. I have the yard looking like a private hidden garden lol. It had a nice start with the rose gardens and other things like hydrangea and Hosta and cannas. I have my plant stands from the atrium out in the yard filled with flowering plants. We very much enjoy sitting on the patio in our rocking chairs and seeing our hard work paying off. Especially with the nice weather. Mia loves her yard.

That's pretty!

That is a beautiful secret garden! You've decorated the shed so cheerfully! I am a sucker for gecko wall art.

In the first picture you can see the vine on the fence. It's star jasmine and it smells wonderful! We have a big birdhouse and just noticed that we have nest building happening.

I hope you get complete relief soon Raven.

Your yard is fab!!

Oh what a beautiful, peaceful looking place your yard is with all of those gorgeous flowers. I'm so happy for you, Mr. Raven, and little Mia.

Raven, I am sorry bout the pain . I hope you can find something to help. Glad you are enjoying your new house. Thank you for the pics.