Pierre Hébert reveals shingles diagnosis after cancelling shows and TV appearance

Key facts

• Pierre Hébert was scheduled to appear on Bonsoir bonsoir on April 21 but cancelled due to health issues.
• He also cancelled two shows and a trip to Walt Disney World with Véronique et les Fantastiques.
• Hébert first experienced tooth pain after a dentist visit, followed by mouth ulcers and a cold sore on one side only.
• His dentist suspected shingles because the ulcers and cold sore were confined to one side of the mouth.
• Shingles attacks a nerve; in Hébert's case, it affected the trigeminal nerve, causing pain in teeth, ear, and head.
• Hébert said that Advil and Tylenol were ineffective because the pain originated from a stimulated nerve.
• He described the pain as 'super douloureux' and said he could not sleep, calling it 'épouvantable'.
• Hébert has since recovered and returned to his microphone and tour with his show Grandiose.

A sudden collapse of commitments

On April 21, Pierre Hébert was due to appear on the Quebec talk show Bonsoir bonsoir. But he never made it to the set that Monday afternoon. The comedian also had to cancel two scheduled performances and withdraw from a planned trip to Walt Disney World with the group Véronique et les Fantastiques. The cancellaries came without immediate explanation, leaving fans and colleagues wondering about the cause. Hébert later revealed that a severe health problem had forced him to step back from his professional obligations.

From toothache to a shingles diagnosis

Speaking on Rouge FM on Monday, Hébert recounted the onset of his symptoms. 'It started with a toothache,' he said. After a visit to the dentist, he wondered whether a cleaning had caused an infection. Soon, he developed multiple ulcers in his mouth and a cold sore. His dentist noticed that the ulcers and cold sore were confined to one side of his mouth. 'What worries me is that you have ulcers and a cold sore on only one side, not the other,' she told him. She then diagnosed him with shingles, a viral infection that can be contagious during certain periods.

The nerve of the pain

Hébert explained that shingles attacks a nerve, and in his case it targeted the trigeminal nerve, which runs to the teeth. 'That's why I thought I had a toothache,' he said. The nerve also extends to the ear and the head, causing pain in multiple areas. His doctor told him that over-the-counter painkillers like Advil and Tylenol would not help because the pain stemmed from a stimulated nerve. 'I understood something about shingles,' Hébert said. 'Because it's super painful. You know, it's not serious, but honestly, I couldn't sleep, it was awful. I've never known pain like that. Now I understand people who say, "You can't understand." '

Recovery and return to the stage

Fortunately, Hébert has since recovered. He is back behind the microphone and on tour across Quebec with his show Grandiose. The experience has given him a new perspective on chronic pain and the challenges faced by those who suffer from it. His return marks the end of a brief but intense period of illness that disrupted his schedule and tested his resilience. For now, he is focused on his performances and connecting with audiences.

The bottom line

• Pierre Hébert's cancellations were caused by a shingles infection affecting the trigeminal nerve.
• The pain was severe enough to prevent sleep and did not respond to common painkillers.
• His dentist's observation of unilateral symptoms led to the correct diagnosis.
• Hébert has fully recovered and resumed his professional activities.
• The incident highlights the debilitating nature of shingles and its potential to mimic dental pain.