1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Trigeminal Neuralgia

TN suspected, so confused!!!

Posted , 5 users are following.

JavaJ
JavaJ

Im not sure where to start.  I started to feel pain in the left side of my head exactly one week ago.  It wasn't shocking or stabbing, just achy jaw temple area.  The same the next day with a bit more pain coming and going.  On the 3rd day I went to the ER as I was experiencing stabbing pain in my teeth, jaw, temple, facial numbness on left side only.  It happened multiple times during the day.  The description of TN was exactly what I was experiencing.  The ER did nothing except rule out a stroke.  The doctor suggested it was TN & offered pain killers (no thanks).  How little I knew of TN one week ago & how much I know now.  I made it thru a couple of days with sporlactic attacks then went to my Family Doc.  She immediately suspected TN & prescribed Lyrica & referred me to a neurologist (how long that will take I have no idea).  The pain was excruciating that evening, bringing me to tears, it felt  like my teeth we all cracking.  A sip of warm tea would send me into a severe attack. So off to the dentist because I felt I should rule out dental issues to be sure.  I have a great dentist and she was quite certain my teeth were all healthy and she felt TN sounded plausible.  So referral to a facial pain specialist, who treats specifically facial nerve disorders.  So now I just wait for the appointment.  What confuses me is that now I'm 7 days out and have been on Lyrica for 4 days.  The pain is constant, not stabbing electrical pain but achy throbbing tender pain in lower jaw. The occasional zap. It hurts to open my mouth to eat and my rear molars are very touchy.  I have not had a stabbing attack though.  But this achy constant discomfort is there.  Advil seem to help it a bit which makes me think this isn't TN, as Advil shouldn't help much.  Any words of wisdom would really help.  I am really scared that this could be from something more going on (MS, Tumour)  Or that I may have a whole new normal to adjust to.  I can't imagine living with this for years on end.  I feel so much compassion for all of you who suffer with this.  Cheers

0 likes, 30 replies

30 Replies

Prev
  • vicki78970
    vicki78970 JavaJ

    Posted

    There are a few things you can use to have less side effects.

    1. 800mg of Turmeric in the am. For some reason it doesn't work that well at night.

    2.  B 12 & a B complex. This needs to be taken in the am. (B vitamins keep you awake)

    At night I take 1/2 a Carbamazapine. 

    I hate the side effects of the meds. 

    Click here to view image

    • JavaJ
      JavaJ vicki78970

      Posted

      Hi Vicky.  Sound like you’ve found a great combo.  So great that you don’t need all the chemicals to control things.  I’m taking a B-complex.  Not sure I trust tummeric and B just yet.  I’m very worried this will come back, so I feel like sticking with the meds for now is the way to go.  I do love going with natural remedies for many ailments and believe in it whole heartedly.  Perhaps when I have some answers and things have settled I will explore a naturopathic route.  I sure do appreciate your suggestions and the time you take to offer up support.  It’s really amazing how people you don’t even know can make the difference by sharing their stories and advice.  Have a fabulous pain free week!!!!
  • vicki78970
    vicki78970 JavaJ

    Posted

    I share what works for me with people because I am so thankful that people shared their method of relief with me.

    This is an awful disease & if I can help just 1 I am over joyed!

     Turmeric is a spice & actually good for you. Just a question about your B complex. How many mg of the B vitamins are in that?  I use B 100 from Puritans Pride.com. They have buy 2 get 3 free withe free shipping. If you do take such a high mg you should take it in the am. I didn't sleep for 3 days. Then I figured it out. B is an energy vitamin.

    Have a blessed & pain free week! Thank you for replying! 

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.