I have been away for quite some time. In June, I gave birth to my 5th child. When I was pregnant, my TN went into somewhat of a remission, as close as I have ever been. Now, it is back with a vengeance. I am breastfeeding my son and my doc said there isn't anything I can take for my pain except for the occasional Morphine which helps my TN2 symptoms but not my TN1 symptoms. (I weaned off everything while I was pregnant except for the Morphine.)
I use Lidocaine patches, heat wraps and hot tea when the shocks are in my mouth.
Does anyone have any other suggestions for me and/or have experience with TN meds and breastfeeding? Tonight the pain is so bad I am very close to making a trip to the ER.
Don't want to wean my baby yet...was really hoping to at least breastfeed for 6 months.
Sorry I don't expect to be of much help, but as you have probably realised, hormones do have an impact on trigeminal neuralgia, this is due to their action on the receptors at the spinal trigeminal nucleus which extends to the neck. It is not just hormones but foodstuffs from cocoa to grape seed. If you have a 'sensitised' trigeminal complex hormones will play a part. Not advocating a treatment modality, it isn't allowed, but you probably deserve a nice gentle neck massage from your partner, especially if your are breast feeding, posture and all that. A word of warning, it might lead to additional babies..
Iām breastfeeding and taking gabapentin. Check with your lactation consultant, but mine said it was fairly safe. Very interesting your TN went into remission when you were pregnant.
Thanks for your reply. I definitely think hormones play a part in my pain. Just haven't quite figured out what to do about it. Still searching...
Did have one pain doc tell me once, when I questioned her about the changes in my pain correlating with my cycles,
to look forward to menopause. Really? That is all you can suggest? Needless to say, I don't see her anymore.
aiculsamoth said:
Sorry I don't expect to be of much help, but as you have probably realised, hormones do have an impact on trigeminal neuralgia, this is due to their action on the receptors at the spinal trigeminal nucleus which extends to the neck. It is not just hormones but foodstuffs from cocoa to grape seed. If you have a 'sensitised' trigeminal complex hormones will play a part. Not advocating a treatment modality, it isn't allowed, but you probably deserve a nice gentle neck massage from your partner, especially if your are breast feeding, posture and all that. A word of warning, it might lead to additional babies..
Thanks, Annie! Glad to hear of someone else dealing with this and taking care of a baby. It isn't easy but he is so worth it! I will try to get hold of a lactation consultant!
Annie said:
I'm breastfeeding and taking gabapentin. Check with your lactation consultant, but mine said it was fairly safe. Very interesting your TN went into remission when you were pregnant.