I am about 4 months post op and was doing great. Now I have developed shingles on the left side of my face and I have several blisters on my lips, gums, and tongue. So far I have had a couple of premier Protein shakes and some creamy chicken Soup. I drank both with a straw because the bottles hurt my lips.

Before surgery, I would have pretty much lived on ice cream and mashed potatoes and the like until it no longer hurt to eat. All of my mushy comfort foods are full of carbs!

I don't even want to try my chewable Vitamins, which are overly tart to me even when my mouth isn't in pain. I have some capsules, but they make me nauseous.

Any advice?

I don't even want to change out of my pajamas, much less go to the gym. I am pretty miserable.

Sounds like you are doing well with protein shakes and soup. You might try going back to purees and pureeing some tasty chicken or tuna salad. Heat them up a little bit to make them more palatable. Greek yogurt (preferably all natural). Cottage cheese. Eggface's Ricotta Bake is super-tasty. Small amounts of hummus, pureed/mashed lentils and refried beans might work, too. Good luck!

I had shingles on my back a couple of years ago, and I just can't imagine the pain you are going through with it in and around your mouth. I was already taking max doses of Lyrica for sciatica, and that helped some. My doctor had me put calamine lotion on the blisters.

I think he also gave me an anti-viral drug, and I used a lidocaine spray as well. It took about a month before the pain started to back off. I feel for you. I hope you get well soon.