This is my first article on a blog and my desire is that others who suffer from Trigeminal Neuralgia may benefit from what I personally have experienced.
Thirteen years ago I began having electricity in my face at the age of 51 years old. Thanks to Google I discovered that in fact I had Trigeminal Neuralgia. I consulted a neurologist early on wondering if I didn't have a brain tumor or multiple sclerosis. This possibility was quickly eliminated following a MRI, there was no explaination for my pain the diagnosis was Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia which came with a prescription of Tegretol (anti convulsive med). Everywhere I searched I fell upon the same description of the mysterious disease which causes tremendous pain and has no known cause. It effects mostly women, usually over 50, is known to have remissions, and the common treatment, at least from the point of view of a specialist in neurology is "anti-eplileptic" medication and if that fails (which it often does) then various surgical interventions are possible with names that give one the jitters to say the least.
Well inspite of years of "remission" which I attributed to wearing a night guard to prevent me from clenching my teeth while sleeping, in December of 2017 the painful and dreaded electrical zaps in the right side of my face returned in full force. Every single chew was sufficient to set it off. I became obsessed with my chronic pain. Nothing helped me, and I tried medical marijuana, colloidal silver, searched internet for any possible home remedies and finally out of desperation, I consulted a second neurologist. I selected him because he worked in a Pain Clinic and I was in severe and pretty much constant pain, I was getting zapped every minute at times, it seemed even thinking could set off the pain, enough to drive one crazy. This neurologist impressed me, he seemed very good, very calm, he took a lot of time to explain to me the disease that no one knows what causes, he explained that it is thought to be caused by an artery pressing on the nerve. (why are women more often affected?)) He was convinced that the only way to treat the pain was with an anti convulsive medication (Oxcarbazepine) which he went on to prescribe. He explained that I must begin with a very low dose and increase the dosage little by little over the coming weeks, until I am taking a dosage which is effective against the pain. This method is the only way to avoid the secondary effects. He encouraged me to begin as soon as possible saying that sooner is better with chronic pain, he wanted me to make a follow-up appointment in 3 months ( he had no available appointment before 6 ). If I was still suffering then we could discuss our options, for example, best start with a low risk surgical procedure that involves sticking a needle in my cheek and heating up the maxillary branch of my trigeminal nerve. I don't do needles….at least not yet.
It was the beginning of May 2018 and I had now had pain for 5 months straight. I had zaps and pain while chewing and throughout an entire meal, sometimes while thinking and even at times while sleeping. I had lost weight (5lbs) and I do not recommend this method of weight loss. So desperate, I began taking Oxcarbazepine, starting at 150mg and every week adding 150mg until I was taking 1150mg a day. Nothing changed, this medication did not even touch the pain, so combined with the fact that I did not want to take this medication, I became convinced that Trileptal wasnt going to help, therefore I lost hope. The pain was effecting my well being, my heart goes out to anyone with chronic pain, it is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. So I went back to the Pain Clinic and I asked for an anti-anxiety medication….I felt extremely anxious and tense and if I couldn’t get rid of the pain then I wanted relief from my emotions. I managed to convince another Dr (my original Neurologist had no available appointment) that I needed drugs, that my pain was caused by my manner of handling stress which involved clenching my teeth at night, and I walked out with my prescription for Lexotanil!! It is one of these addicting Benzo medications….I did not care, at least it would help me cope. All I wanted was to be able to RELAX.
Please bare with me, I am coming to the most important part of the story.
In the Providence of God, A good friend wrote me a text message that very day, asking me how I was doing...she knew what I had been going through with the Neurologist etc. I told her that I was going to fill my new prescription for my anti-anxiety drug and cope with the pain the best way I could. She immediately responded, informing me this type of medication prevents deep sleep, that it is extremely dangerous...and that she knew a friend who took "Ancopir" for her neuralgia. Ancopir was recommended by a highly respected Docteresse here in Switzerland, whom has now passed away, but who for years dominated the medical scene with natural remedies and healthy alternatives to medication. In short it was a good address. I had never heard of Ancopir but I was ready to try anything, and went straight to a pharmacie. "What is it"? Are you ready?? It is a Vitamin B complex, Thiamin Nitra (B1) 200mg; Pyridoxini hydrocholridum( B6)100mg, Cyanocobalaminum (B12)0.3mg. I ordered 5 boxes (had to get a prescription from my general practitioner for it is required in Switzerland, more on that later) Reading the notice, one of the first indications given for taking Ancopir was for neuralgia!! I am thinking, «why don't neurologists know about this???? » I took two tablettes at the same time in that first Morning and the second day I was already practically pain free. PAIN FREE Are you kidding me?? I will never forget the apple I ate hiking that day, thinking I haven't eaten an apple without pain in 6 months. I am alive and well!! YES
I couldn't believe it, this was the first week of June after six months of constant pain, and pouf gone. Today is July 26, 2018 and I am taking my vitamin B (Ancopir) everyday and I am healed, competely. I know this disease this is not on remission, I am sure my neurologist would tell me that it is. And by the way why are there remissions...perhaps there are times when our "B"is OK. By the way, our Vit B levels are OK by what standard, my blood test in the midst of severe pain showed B12 normal. I think I need more….or which B does it?
I am totally convinced that the cause of my Trigeminal Neuralgia was simply a defiency in Vitamin B.
As far as a prescription, apparently it is the dosage in Ancopir which requires prescription, but in the USA you find Vitamin B complex over the counter. I am a retired dental hygieniste, from my understanding of vitamins, B and C are water soluble, which means that the body cannot stock them so there is a very low risk of over dosing.. I come to the conclusion that menapause with accompanying hot flushes and night sweats was the main factor in the depletion of my Vitamin B. I might add too for all of you wine lovers that alcohol also depletes Vit B and we do have wine with dinner most evenings...especially during my pain period..what can I say, I love wine with dinner.
Hope this encourages at least one person out there. And I would love feedback. There are alot of TN sufferers out there!
May God bless this blog.
McGranny
