Tegretol works for me. The generic version not as well but my insurance won't pay for the real version anymore. I find that 1hour or so before my next dose my face starts hurting.
You need to see a neurosurgeon that knows more about this. And research alot on your own. That is what I do.
Good Luck and have a pain free day. :)
Porcelina - i also thinks. logically, that if Tegratol is supposed to help with the Trigeminal Nerve... than it can be good for TN as for ATN (at least in some %) .
i so much want not to take all those meds.. .from the outside people can't understand it - it's like "if he doesn't want to take the meds - than - he is not THAT suffering. it's not true - it's just that we ALL know these meds have a cost... so i don't want to start with that - i'm still hopeful to understand first what causes the pain (maybe removing the wisdon teeth etc.)/
by the way - the intersting question IS - does TEGRETOL helps with dental problem ? !
i mean lets say someone suffers greatly from the teeth. (and there is a rotten teeth not shown is AND xray) and he takes tegretol - can it be helpful ? because if so - it can be confusing to the diafnosis .
i wonder if someone has medical knowledge as for that question.
thanks.
Good Morning All,
I think it is pretty common to have a normal MRI. My neurologist’s report was “unremarkable”. However, when my surgeon looked at the films, he “saw something suspicious”. When he got in there during the MVD surgery, there was both a blood vessel and an artery pressing on the nerve. Unfortunately, my surgery was not successful. I have resistant TN. I find that diagnosis funny as I think all TN is resistant!
While I do have periods of remission, the TN is definitely hurting again. I am on so much medication, I cannot even imagine what my pain level would be without it! I am taking six Tegretol, seven Neurontin, and 1 1/2 Baclofen a day and still hurting. Looks like another trip to the Neurologist to see if there are any other medications that might get the pain under control. As far as my energy level goes, it is fine as long as I don’t stop! If I stop and sit down, I fall asleep in minutes. Especially at the end of the day. I have been on the meds for a while so have gotten used to the side effects.
I am considering a Rhizotomy. I am scared about the facial numbness that may come as a result of the procedure, but I think that might be the best option for me at this point.
Stefanie Rice - just a wonder (due to many cases of MVD removing a blood vessel and the pain continues) -
maybe that means doctors should look for other direction for the pain.
also i'm not a doctor and not a specialist - but " six Tegretol, seven Neurontin, and 1 1/2 Baclofen a day and still hurting"... sounds to me that maybe it isn't the right meds.. i mean - maybe needed some meds that work on a different "function" . just a very cautious thought...
it's somehow like painkillers... when my mom sometimes saw me with SEVERE pain attacks that lasts for hours.. she beg me to take a pill... a painkiller... to "break" the pain.. .i had to explain to her that i COULD that the painkiller... even two.. but they don't effect my pain anymore.. so why take it ? it's like taking pills that do nothing.
again - not saying to quit the meds.... but think maybe someother combination at least would be better.
don't know. a very complicated situation
Hi Nir,
Yes, a complicated situation. As I said, I have periods of remission, but have not had one for the past couple of weeks. That is how TN works for some reason. No matter what surgery, medication or procedure one has, it never goes away forever. It is a chronic, painful, debilitating condition that is managed.
Will get another MRI, new meds, and do another procedure to get some relief. Any period of relief is a blessing.
All of you are in my prayers.
I had no compression showing on my MRI and just had the MVD Surgery and they found an artery on the nerve. My facial pain is gone. The surgery was long and I am 8 days recoping. There is alot of pressure on my head, very sore, but everyday well be better.
Nir Morita said:
Porcelina - i also thinks. logically, that if Tegratol is supposed to help with the Trigeminal Nerve... than it can be good for TN as for ATN (at least in some %) .
i so much want not to take all those meds.. .from the outside people can't understand it - it's like "if he doesn't want to take the meds - than - he is not THAT suffering. it's not true - it's just that we ALL know these meds have a cost... so i don't want to start with that - i'm still hopeful to understand first what causes the pain (maybe removing the wisdon teeth etc.)/
by the way - the intersting question IS - does TEGRETOL helps with dental problem ? !
i mean lets say someone suffers greatly from the teeth. (and there is a rotten teeth not shown is AND xray) and he takes tegretol - can it be helpful ? because if so - it can be confusing to the diafnosis .
i wonder if someone has medical knowledge as for that question.
thanks.
Congrats Kristin! Sounds like your MVD Surgery was a complete success. I remember the recovery period was difficult, but as you say a little better each day.
My prayers are with you for a fast recovery and all the joy that comes with getting your life back.
Stefanie
thanks so much Stefanie. getting my strength back is hard.