What causes ATN to stay active?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I am a single mother of 3 kids that is absolutely mentally and physically exhausted from the excruciating pain of Trigeminal Neuralgia. I was misdiagnosed with TMJ for 5 years now. I have been cleared from the ENT, top TMJ specialist in Houston, and have been hospitalized twice and both times cleared. I have had 2 MRI brain scans done, one at the E.R. the other outpatient procedure both came back with no abnormalities. A chiropractor can readjust my neck and spine and will give INSTANT relief but never lasts longer then a day or two, suggested compressed nerve. I was recently, this month, re-diagnosed with episodic TN caused from zoster sine. Immediately put on valtrex 1gm 3x daily, gabapentin 100mg 2x daily and 300mg 1x at night. It's definitely helped lower the pain from being a 50 on a scale of 1-10 now down to 20 but still hurts like hell! The more I look into this I'm realizing I might have ATN rather then TN and have several questions. I had my left side of my thyroid removed 5 years ago due to large tumor. I now have another mass tumor in the right side of my thyroid pending biopsy results to determine removal. Is this causing my flare up of my left mandibular nerve? I have one wisdom tooth left on the left side is this causing my flare up? Am I on the wrong anti viral if that's even possible? What other viruses cause flare ups? I have 2 episodes a year that last 3-4 months every year and I'm currently 1.5 months into this current episode or flare up and am at my breaking point! 😭😭😭😭 there is absolutely no solid pain relief until it's completely run it's course then it's literally just gone but always returns a few months later and hits me full force instantly crippling pain, will have me doubled over crying for hrs at first til it eases to get me to an E.R. or my regular Dr. Each episode initially is getting stronger and stronger every year and it's become dangerous until I can figure out better ways to prepare for a flare up. I never know when it's coming! Please if anyone can help!??? I'm desperate for advice or answers!? I'd be eternally grateful!!!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Annickan,

    I understand how bad the pain can be. 

    I hope you are able to locate a certified acupuncturist in your area with expertise in Tn (see peer reviewed medical journals on acupuncture and effectiveness in treating Tn).

    In the mean time,

    1) Stay warm (avoid cold food/salads/water).

    2) Stay active (staying in bed/home often worsens the pain. Do some exercise - daily brisk walking for an hour or so helps).

    3) Healthy diet - cut down on sugar (zero if possible).

    4) Positive emotional health - we tend to be worriers/over thinkers - breathing exercise helps (or mindfulness meditation etc).

    H.O.P.E. Hold on, Pain Ends.

    • Posted

      Omg thank you I will definitely look into that! I very much appreciate the advice!
  • Posted

    I am so sorry you are having so much pain!

    What I have had to do is stay away from all sugar & tomato products. I take 800 mg of Turmeric in the am. It doesn't work at night though. I take Carbamazapine at night so I sleep through the side effects.

     I have tried everything to get relief including acupuncture. It's not cheap to have it done. Insurance doesn't cover this either. Try the turmeric. It's a pill you buy at any drug store, all natural, no side effects.

    I pray you get relief quickly!

    • Posted

      Thank you so much, I have yet another follow up today with my Dr so I'm going to talk to him about better medication. I really appreciate the prayers!

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