needle in a haystack
Finding a solution for Trigeminal Neuralgia is a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack, which is exactly what I have done. Well, I've gone looking for needles anyway. Yesterday I began acupuncture treatment in an attempt to find some relief from the endless pain I've experienced since January. It seems I've tried just about everything possible - from two microvascular decompression craniotomies (jargon for brain surgeries) to seeing a faith healer and even a homeopathic healer. (I know I have a lot of catching up to do, so look for future posts on the treatments I've tried before.) I've also tried just about every medication imaginable for this disorder. I shudder to think what I've spent this past year in medication alone - and I have health insurance!
The state of our medical treatment for patients with nervous system disorders is unacceptable. There is no medication specifically designed to treat the nerve pain created by TN. Doctors give us anti-convulsants and anti-depressants and hope for the best. For me nothing has worked. The anti-depressants probably help me cope with infuriating pain that makes me believe at times that I am going crazy, but it doesn't really make the days any easier. And as for the anti-convulsants, I could take sugar pills and have just as much affect.
So that is what led to the needles. I have reached the end of my rope with traditional medicine and have decided to give western medicine a spin. Yesterday I explained my condition to a certified acupuncturist and she proceeded to put needles in my feet, hands, elbows and neck. It was strange. I hate needles, so I was very nervous, but I only felt some of the needles when she placed them on my body. Some areas tingled, others grew warm, so just felt irritated. I laid with the needles in my body for about a half hour. When she took them out and I stood up, I was dizzy, but otherwise I felt nothing.
Today has been a better day for me pain wise, perhaps even the best day I've had in weeks, but I will have to wait to see how my body responds to the treatment. I am scheduled for another session on Monday.
Here's hoping my needle in the haystack finally helps me deal with this painful disorder.
The state of our medical treatment for patients with nervous system disorders is unacceptable. There is no medication specifically designed to treat the nerve pain created by TN. Doctors give us anti-convulsants and anti-depressants and hope for the best. For me nothing has worked. The anti-depressants probably help me cope with infuriating pain that makes me believe at times that I am going crazy, but it doesn't really make the days any easier. And as for the anti-convulsants, I could take sugar pills and have just as much affect.
So that is what led to the needles. I have reached the end of my rope with traditional medicine and have decided to give western medicine a spin. Yesterday I explained my condition to a certified acupuncturist and she proceeded to put needles in my feet, hands, elbows and neck. It was strange. I hate needles, so I was very nervous, but I only felt some of the needles when she placed them on my body. Some areas tingled, others grew warm, so just felt irritated. I laid with the needles in my body for about a half hour. When she took them out and I stood up, I was dizzy, but otherwise I felt nothing.
Today has been a better day for me pain wise, perhaps even the best day I've had in weeks, but I will have to wait to see how my body responds to the treatment. I am scheduled for another session on Monday.
Here's hoping my needle in the haystack finally helps me deal with this painful disorder.
posted by Brooke Sherman | 3:45 PM
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