HI everyone -- thanks for being so welcoming. I was diagnosed with MS about 8 yrs ago. Found out recently after a few zaps every now and then, I have TN1. Zaps have been every so often, usually just once and then nothing over a period of time. Got a new waterpik and had become obsessed with it using it twice a day, once with water and the other with listerine. Had no idea waterpik is bad for TN. About 2 weeks ago after using my waterpik I got 2 zaps, dropping me to the floor (Had Tegretol XR on hand) scared the daylights out of me and shortly after that ended up in the ED. I had no more zaps and just sat in the ED for a few hours. Since then, been taking Tegretol XR...I see my doc this week. Was told my waterpik must have aggravated the nerve. Any thoughts. I am scared. Could the nerve settle down and not give me any more problem? Looking for hope, feedback, what should I expect......
Hi there, never used a waterpik before so I can't really add anything to that but to say I would never try to use one. Just the thought sent a shiver up my spine. As for being new to all of this, I just want to say hi and hope you are doing much better. My sister has MS, I have TN 1&2. Doc's have ck'd for MS and have said I don't have that. Anyhow, this is a wonderful place to find things out and pick peoples minds for information and ideas. I hope you have many painfree days....
If you go to groups tab above - there is a group for MS patients
Who told you waterpick caused TN?
Nobody really knows why/how - waiting for research dollars!
Learn allllll you can
Once you have TN, it can go in remission, but not be gone forever.
Find the BEST TN doctor in your area - or beyond if necessary!
read, watch videos, ask, learn, repeat
The more you learn, the better your outcome can be
Ask for lidocaine mouthwash or
lidocaine cream or patches for your face
You might want to talk to your doctor about a topical cream or gel and if the Tegretol help, most people stay on in to get the pain back into go in remission and then slowly reduce your dose (or just stay on a maintenance dosage). Last time I triggered my pain cycle, my doctor told me that this is one of those conditions that comes and goes and you are going to have to learn to manage your life around the cycles and what your triggers are. That was not what I wanted to hear, but.. we have this condition that likes to rear it's ugly head hopefully now and then and not daily. For me it's always there... but some days are better than other and there are just somethings that are just not worth doing anymore as they are sure to trigger pain episodes.