Hypertension, Diabetes, Thyroid, or Trigeminal Neuralgia - Which is your Choice?

I've been taking raw ginger on an empty stomach in the morning for more than 15 years now, and raw garlic along with ginger for almost 8 years. Regular intake of the combo coupled with a morning walk of about half an hour managed to save me from hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid but couldn't protect me from the stinging pangs of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Stress has been an inevitable part of my life for almost 23 years, thanks primarily to my docile and humane disposition. I firmly believe in the words of revered saint Tulsidas ji - 'Daya dharm ka mool hai, paap mool abhimaan. Tulsi daya na chodiye, jab lagi ghat mein pran', or 'Kindness is the root of all religion and arrogance is the foundation of sin; don't give up pity as long as you are alive.'

Neither did my circumstances ever improve nor could I change my perception and attitude towards what transpired. In the beginning of December 2022, my stress reached inordinate proportions and it persisted till mid January 2023.

Around this time itself, one day I felt that gums in the right part of my mouth were swollen although I hadn't consumed any such thing to cause the problem. I tried different home remedies like rinsing my mouth with salted lukewarm water with phitkari added to it and applying a paste of turmeric, salt,?phitkari, and mustard oil, but there was no relief at all.?

Actually, in a span of a month, I began experiencing piercing pain in my right ear, throat, and temple. It was then that I visited my local dentist. After thoroughly examining my teeth and conducting 3 X Rays, he said that I was, in all probability, suffering from TMJ, a disease of the jaw joint that restricts jaw mobility and causes immense pain. He prescribed medications and advised hot presses at least 3 times a day. I did all that he had recommended but to no avail.?

My condition worsened as the jabbing and burning pain that imitated lightening patterns and struck continuously spread its tentacles to my teeth, lips, tongue, chin, eye, eye socket, side of nose, and temple, to take in its grip the entire right part of my face.?

By now, it had become a Herculean task for me to eat, speak, smile, bend, sleep, or even brush my teeth because the excruciating pain would frequently cross my endurance. I would howl my eyes out multiple times a day, and felt like shutting myself inside a room - neither eating anything nor talking to anybody. The reason was that the pain subsided to some extent when there was no movement in the afflicted area.

Highly perturbed and baffled, I called upon an ENT specialist who checked my jaw joint and ruled out TMJ. She was of the opinion that my symptoms pointed towards Trigeminal Neuralgia. To confirm the same, I paid a visit to another dentist, who came to the same conclusion as the ENT doctor.?

I searched extensively on the Net and discovered that the disease has no reliable cure in allopathy. Still I discussed the problem with a US-based neurologist cousin of mine. He suggested that I should take Carbamazepine and Pregabalin after consulting my local physician. In the meantime, I had also started visiting a physiotherapist, who suggested Pregator. I started taking the said medicine. On the second day itself, I could feel that the pain had alleviated by almost 40%. My joy knew no bounds.

I continued with Pregator for 15 days but there was no further improvement. So, I went to a renowned homeopathic doctor who had retired from government service and had vast experience. He also deduced that I was a patient of Trigeminal Neuralgia. He gave some medicines and told me to come back in a week.?There was some improvement initially but then again, there was a plateau. And whenever I was more stressed than usual, the pain aggravated.?

Now, I visited my hometown where my sisters reside. Both of them insisted on my heading to Patanjali Wellness Center for trying ayurvedic treatment.?Actually, my elder sister had already planned a 3-day stay there along with her son for their ailments.

I accompanied them to Haridwar, and witnessed Baba Ramdev's hospitality and medical services that cured people using traditional Indian methodologies of Ayurveda. I must acknowledge that he offers par-excellence services according to what he charges. I also felt that he is an exceptional orator who could motivate and revive just anybody.?

After repeatedly listening to this Indian Yoga Guru who has an ardent fan following and a demigod status in the nation, I was able to get rid of my negativity and am now hopeful of recovery. Even as I am writing, I have acute pain but I'm optimistic that if I learn to manage my stress, I can convalesce.??

The purpose of penning this post is not just catharsis but also an attempt to awaken all those who spare some time to read about my ongoing struggle?with Trigeminal Neuralgia about the disastrous consequences of stress, depression, and anxiety.

Wake up and take stock of your health, especially mental health, before it's too late!

Here is some advice on my part -

• Being kind-hearted is good, but I would like to tell all good people to be kind to themselves too. A little self-care is essential.
• If you can't change your circumstances, take up the challenge of changing your perception. Practise deep breathing, yoga and meditation to achieve the same.
• Find reasons to be happy, and if you see no reason, find ways to be happy but don't let sadness become your natural state.
• Being grateful can pave your way to a blissful life, as it invites more blessings.
• Philanthropy can also make you feel satisfied from within, and raise your happiness levels.
• Develop creative hobbies.
• Spare time for your family and friends, and surround yourself with positive people who exhort you.
• Try spirituality. Yes! Having faith in Almighty can work wonders for your health as it nourishes your soul.
• Read inspirational quotes and biographies of people who struggled with problems in their life and yet emerged victorious.
• Never ever give up because giving up makes life even harder.
• Different things work for different people. Stick to what works best for you but try to lead a contented life because - Contentment is the highest form of bliss.

Stay Happy, Stay Healthy!