I first begin experiencing TN pain less than 2 years ago. Luckily I found Dr. Zhang, an experienced doctor/acupuncturist in San Jose, CA whom practices Traditional Chinese Medicine. It got better after several acupuncture visits and take home herbal medicine. I was pain free for about 4 months until I drank coffee again. According to Dr. Zhang, I need to stay off caffeinated drink as it would irritate my already sensitive/hyper nerve. After more acupuncture and medicine, it got better again. This time I was pain free for about 6 months. Up until about 2 months ago that torturing pain gradually snuck back on me again. Again I visited Dr. Zhang. This time she prescribed me a different set of herbal medicine that would calm my nerve and body. I took it home, threw all contents (a small paper bag full) into a pot of boiling water and let simmer for an hour. I was instructed to drink the liquid only - 1 cup in morning, 1 cup at night. It was quite bitter and it gives off a pungent aroma, but hey, I'll do anything to rid that pain. Guess what, it worked! Those episodes of what it feels like being stabbed with a handful of electrified needle, searing, excruciating pain stopped at end of first day. Doc prescribed 6 doses, each dose are to be finished in 2 days. As I continue on my med toward end of 2 weeks, I was practically pain free.

Since then, I do still get occasional "shock" when I touched my right forehead/temple area as I wash my face (the epicenter of my TN pain), but I can generally avoid it by being extra gentle as I touched that area of my face. Given it a pain scale from 1-10, 10 being the worst, these shocks are a 1 or less, and it only lasts a split second. It doesn't even come close to those unbearable full on pain episodes that lasts 10 seconds or a minute or 2 that feels like forever. I couldn't eat, couldn't talk, couldn't brush my teeth, couldn't touch my face, even the lightest breeze sets it off. If you are reading this, you know what I mean.

I didn't feel any side effect from taking these medicine. No sign of depression what so ever. Just have a piece of chocolate or something sweet to kill the after taste. Thank God, I feel normal again!

Here is Dr. Zhang's info:
Guang Ci Tang
Dr. Ya Wen Zhang
481 Saratoga Ave.
San Jose, CA 95035
408-249-3055

I hope sharing of my experience would help you. I know how it feels.

Jason Kung
5/10/2011