Man battles severe 'suicide disease' after surviving three near-death experiences

In the United States, a 47-year-old man named Josh has publicly shared his harrowing experiences of surviving three near-death situations. As a child, he faced life-threatening incidents, including being stillborn for 15 minutes, after which he was revived. In another instance, he choked on a piece of chicken, which led to his heart stopping as he was found without breath or pulse, only to be saved by a nurse continuing CPR against medical advice. Following these brushes with death, Josh was later diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), also known as 'suicide disease,' which produces excruciating pain and significantly impacts daily life. This neurological condition is believed to have been triggered by a sinus infection that spread to his trigeminal nerve, rendering him susceptible to sharp pain attacks that could be initiated by simple actions like smiling or brushing his teeth. The painful episodes can be debilitating, leading individuals suffering from TGN to experience despair and contemplate ending their lives due to overwhelming agony. Josh vividly described the pain as akin to 'being burned alive,' outlining his continuous struggle with the disorder. Medical specialists estimate that about 10,000 to 15,000 new cases of TGN are diagnosed annually in the United States, revealing the rarity and seriousness of the condition. Despite rigorous treatments, including a complex surgery aimed at relieving nerve pressure, Josh has expressed hope that he has overcome this chapter in his life, having not faced significant problems related to his TGN in the last 12 years. His story emphasizes the fragility of life, the seriousness of neurological conditions, and the psychological impact that chronic pain can have on individuals.