has anyone tried any naturopathic or homeopathic treatments? there are a couple advertised online -just wondering if anyone here has experience with any?
I know of no validated trials data on either naturopathic or homeopathic treatments for TN. And I've been studying this literature for over 17 years. There are LOTS of things advertised online, MRL. But I would remind you gently that there's a terrible amount of hype and fraud running around out there. Laertril was once one of those supposedly "natural" treatments for cancer. But few who went to Mexico to get the treatments were in any way helped, and many in effect killed themselves by refusing more effective treatments that they unreasonably feared.
Regards, Red
You can get the book - our bible here --- "Striking Back" written by Dr. Ken Casey
It has a section on natural options -- a trusted source! Also goes in depth on meds and procedures.
I accidentally stumbled upon Reiki -- and got relief for 3 weeks -- A local practitioner only charged $25.....eventually she came to our local TN group to speak about natural energy..... Like acupuncture or supplements I beleive some natural things can work short term. But ALSO - heed the advice of RED -- he is very knowledgable on TN-- and he doesn't charge for consultation!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dancer. I promise I won't let my hat size expand... {:-)
My overall reading of the complimentary treatment modalities is that some of them work for some patients, some of the time. They can be worth exploring as adjuncts to mainstream medication or surgery, so long as you go into the process with an appropriately trained physician monitoring your outcomes. And please note: a chiropractor is NOT an appropriately trained physician to serve as your primary care provider in something as complex at TN.
Regards, Red
i am currently starting treatment with a pain mgmt specialist, but also trying some off-the-wall stuff. at thus point, I could easily be one of those patients running to Mexico for Laetrile… and I’m an RN with 30 practice . the desperation will lead you a lot of places you’d never have gone before.
Hi mrl,
I see what you mean by the desperation leading one a lot of places. Unfortunatelly, there are a lot of sales men out there who know that all too well. Having said that psychology plays a role in one's healing and people may find relief when they believe something is working when it actually isn't really.
From my experience, acupuncture will buy me a few days' relief and I believe in vitamins/minerals, reasonable eating habits and reasonable physical activity. I've also been feeling better since I got myself a cat, but that's simply because I have someone else to think about now rather than just myself, so it's the psychological part.
I know this isn't much help, but I don't believe in "miraculous" cures any more when it comes to ATN.
Take care,
Oli
Oli-
you are right & I agree on all points. there is no miracle cure, and I try to be aware of the truly crazy stuff. but desperation to control the pain has definitely made me open to things I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. for instance, i cant really explain why UCC or acupuncture works; but it seems to have helped a number of people with ATN. i havent tried UCC yet, but acupuncture did seem to provide some relief. so if its not likely to harm me, and not ridiculously expensive, I’m being open!
My Reiki Story More In Depth -----I know this sounds weird - but when I was a volunteer last year, I thought we had signed up for a free massage.
It ended up being Reiki. Energy healing. I was wearing a lidocaine patch on my face, but didn't really tell her what was wrong with me. They run their hands over you about 12 inches above, and everything starts getting warm..... needless to say, at the end - I felt a weeeeird shock out of my little toe. Then I told her about that, and my TN. I took the pain patch off and did not have that pain for 3 days.
So the next time I had break thru pain I scheduled an hour with her - It was $30 and I didn't have any pain for THREE WEEKS! It's not a forever fix - but it might be something you could look for --- certified reiki master in your area - look at reviews and make sure certified. I also went to see her for an hour session for my pre-MVD stress - i was terrified beyond belief to have my head cut open - and when I left, it was like I had done 3 massages.
I had her booked to come to our local TN support group and she explained the process.
that’s another one that I don’t get how it works, but I’m willing to try it if it helped someone. thanks for the info!