[Fighting Shingles Part 2] How Nerve Block Injections Changed My Wife’s Shingles Pain Overnight

 




[Fighting Shingles Part 2] How Nerve Block Injections Changed My Wife’s Shingles Pain Overnight


Despite receiving a nerve block injection at the pain management clinic three days ago, my wife's pain returned yesterday. She began complaining once again of that unbearable agony.

I tried to apply antiviral ointment to the red rash spreading across her back, but she firmly refused. She insisted, "The doctor said the ointment doesn't help much and that it's natural for the rash to spread, so there's no need to worry."

On the morning of May 4, 2026, feeling anxious, I rushed her to the clinic as soon as they opened at 9:00 AM. Fortunately, she was prescribed another nerve block injection along with a week's worth of medication.

A nerve block is not just a painkiller; it helps reduce inflammation around the affected nerves and prevents long-term nerve damage (postherpetic neuralgia), which is often the most dreaded part of shingles. As soon as we left the clinic, her expression brightened instantly, as if she had never been in pain at all. Once we got home, I made her a warm cup of ginger tea to help boost her immune system. In Korea, we believe that warm ginger tea helps improve blood circulation and naturally strengthens the body's defenses during illness.

However, later that afternoon, I realized my wife was nowhere to be found. When I asked where she had been, I couldn't believe my ears—she had gone out to exercise!

"This illness happened because your immune system is weak. How can you push yourself to exercise right now?" I scolded her gently, but she just laughed it off, saying she felt fine. Even though the injection wiped out the pain, seeing a patient move around so energetically makes me incredibly nervous. I am deeply worried that the pain might relapse if she continues to exercise instead of getting plenty of rest at home.

Today’s medical bill came to 51,900 KRW (approx. $38 USD), and a 7-day supply of medication cost 17,360 KRW (approx. $13 USD).


                                                                                             
                                                                                                     

 

Once again, I realized that South Korea’s health insurance system is truly world-class.

My wife's physician, Dr. Han Sang-woo, is a renowned authority who served as the Director of the Pain Center and a professor at Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital until last year.

 It is hard to believe that such world-class medical expertise is accessible at such an affordable price.

According to the nurse, while it varies by individual, most patients recover fully after 3 to 4 more treatments. While I am relieved to see her going about her daily life without pain, I remain concerned that her premature return to exercise might cause a setback.

I sincerely hope for her complete recovery, and I will continue to share the journey of an active person like my wife in her battle against shingles next week. . Please stay tuned.

"It's a relief that the pain is gone, but do you think it's okay to exercise right after a nerve block? I'm still worried she's pushing herself too hard! Have you ever had a similar experience with shingles? Let me know in the comments. Part 3 will follow next week!"


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