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Here's the best way to get rid of TN in the United States...

Posted , 4 users are following.

clint71
clint71

Provided you have health insurance and have been dignosed.

1. Visit your family doctor for a referral to a neurosurgeon. A neurologist might work too, but it's best to skip the middle man if you can.

2. An MRI should be performed, with a focus on the trigeminal nerve. My recent MRI consisted of about 600 images.

3. The first visit with the neurosurgeon will consist of him/her going over the MRI with you, and discussing treatment options. Preferably Microvascular Decompression Surgery, which is the best bet to permanently get rid of TN. The procedure should be scheduled during this visit.

4. Have the procedure performed, and enjoy your pain and medication-free life.

This is fairly straightforward, but it can seem like a daunting challenge if you're in pain and unfamiliar with having surgery like I am.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • alicot
    alicot clint71

    Posted

    I have MS so the doc won't do the decompression surgery hence the radio frequency surgery.

    • clint71
      clint71 alicot

      Posted

      If I was unable to have the MVD surgery, RF would be my second choice. Good luck!
    • Tnhurtsme
      Tnhurtsme alicot

      Posted

      I have trauma of the nerve from an ear infection but I'm thinking about rf any suggestions

    • alicot
      alicot Tnhurtsme

      Posted

      That's what I did.  There are good parts and bad, like with anything.

      For me, the good, it totally got rid of the TN pain, got me off all drugs, I got my life back,had an  easy recovery and no scars, only one night of some surgery pain.

      The bad part.  Had three of these and the TN came back the first two times (1=less than a year, 2=a year and 1/2) but had a break from it which helped my attitude and they got me right in each time so I didn't have to suffer very long. Am waiting to see how long this 3rd one lasts.  So far it is almost a year of no pain.

    • Tnhurtsme
      Tnhurtsme alicot

      Posted

      Any numbness or issues with it and did you get back on your meds an how much did it cost with your insurance I have hra an have hit my ductible an close to my max
    • alicot
      alicot Tnhurtsme

      Posted

      I am on Medicare which so far has paid for all of it. Universal health insurance is very needed in these United States. Oh yes, numbness!  I had to learn a whole new way to eat because of it!  Softer foods and I am chewing with my mouth open so I use a napkin to hide the chewing.  So you are just screwed with this condition. Have to just accept it ( not easy, took me a few years to adjust) but now I don't care because I am not suffering.  My face is not distorted, no one can tell. Just don't eat in front of people without a napkin to hide the chewing!

    • dona40912
      dona40912 alicot

      Posted

      Hi alicot,

      Did you have typical or atypical TN/neuropathy?

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