Defying Death, Living With Pain: A Man’s Journey
His life has been a rollercoaster of near-death experiences and a relentless battle against excruciating pain. A 47-year-old man, known online as Josh, has defied death not once, not twice, but three times, battling a condition so agonizing doctors labeled it “suicide disease.”
Josh’s story began even before birth. His pregnant mother, in a desperate attempt to end her life, unknowingly sparked a chain of trauma when exposure to toxic chemicals nearly cost both their lives. Miraculously, both survived, but Josh’s journey was far from smooth.
After an agonizing 15 minutes without breath, he was revived as a stillborn infant. A few months later, his brother’s attempt to silence Josh’s cries by stuffing his nose and mouth with baby powder left him "blue and cold," requiring 20 minutes of resuscitation to regain consciousness. At six years old, a piece of chicken choked him, his pulse fading until a nurse, refusing to give up, fought to bring him back.
He survived being trampled by a horse and was the sole survivor of a car accident that took the lives of his uncle and two cousins. Doctors repeatedly told him he was "lucky to be alive."
Little did he know, a far more formidable challenge lay ahead. At 22, Josh was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), a condition described as ‘suicide disease’ due to its intensity.
"A disease so painful," doctors warned him, "you’d probably kill yourself."
He compared the pain to "being burned alive, freezing to death, electrocuted, stabbed everywhere, flesh peeled off, nose hairs plucked."
While the exact cause of TGN remains unclear, it’s thought to be triggered by a compressed blood vessel near the trigeminal nerve or conditions like multiple sclerosis that damage protective coatings around nerve cells.
In Josh’s case, a sinus infection is believed to have spread to the trigeminal nerve, unleashing the unbearable pain.
This massive nerve is responsible for relaying signals from the brain to the face and vice versa. Triggers as innocuous as shaving, a gentle touch, eating, brushing teeth, applying makeup, even weather changes and simple smiling can unleash agony. Mount Sinai describes TGN as "unpredictable bouts of severe pain that makes everyday living unbearable," causing "both physical and mental anguish".
Josh experienced the excruciating pain in his cheek, eyelid, lips, and jaw. His pain began suddenly and acutely, causing such intense suffering that he required three separate coma inductions to manage the agony.
"There are weeks I don’t have beyond bits and pieces past the first several hours. Several hours was more than enough. I do my best to not remember them.”
He says his TGN has been dormant for 12 years, leaving him hopeful it’s permanently behind him.
For cases that aren’t so fortunate, the most effective treatment is a posterior fossa exploration (PFE) procedure. During this surgery, bone from the base of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the trigeminal nerve.
One patient, Claudia Hirsch, suffered 100 agonizing episodes of pain daily before medication stopped working.
Just four days after undergoing PFE surgery, she was pain-free.
‘It’s like a load of cinder blocks have been taken off my back’, Hirsch expressed.
Josh’s story underscores the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming pain and seeming death, hope and survival remain possible.
## defying Death, Living Wiht Pain: An Exclusive Interview
**World Today News | Exclusive Interview**
**The remarkable story of Josh, a 47-year-old man who has defied death three times, gripped the internet. Josh, plagued by a condition so agonizing doctors called it “suicide disease,” shares his amazing journey with us, revealing the truth behind his near-death experiences and the enduring spirit that keeps him fighting.**
**WTN:** Josh, thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s truly inspiring. To begin, can you tell us about your ”journey” from even before birth?
**JOSH:** (Takes a deep breath) It’s a story that’s hard to comprehend, even for me sometimes. My mother, faced with unimaginable difficulties, attempted to end her life while pregnant with me. the exposure to toxic chemicals spared her,but the trauma left its mark. Growing up, I suffered from chronic pain, unexplained illnesses, and a vulnerability to accidents.
**WTN:** How did these early experiences influence your outlook on life?
**JOSH:** You learn very early on that life is fragile. And when pain becomes your constant companion, you develop a resilience that most wouldn’t understand.
**WTN:** Your online moniker “Josh” provides a shield. Tell us why you chose to share your experiences under a pseudonym.
**JOSH:** Exposure isn’t easy when your condition is labelled “suicide disease” – it carries a stigma. Sharing my story anonymously allows me to connect with others without the fear of judgment. It’s about spreading hope and understanding, not seeking pity.
**WTN:** What are the greatest challenges you face on a daily basis?
**JOSH:** imagine pain that never subsides,that eats away at your body and mind. Add to that the constant reminder of mortality, the three near-death experiences that have shaped my reality. It’s a constant battle, a mental and physical wrestling match.
**WTN:** How do you manage to stay positive in the face of such adversity?
**JOSH:** I find strength in connecting with others. Knowing I’m not alone in my struggles, that there are others who understand my pain, gives me hope.
**WTN:** Your story has touched countless lives.What message do you hope to convey to those facing ähnlich challenges?
**JOSH:** Never give up hope.Even in the darkest moments,there is light,there is strength. You are not alone.
**WTN:**Josh, thank you for your honesty and courage. Your story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of humankind. We wish you continued strength and peace.
**Editor’s Note:** This interview is a glimpse into the extraordinary life of Josh. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience,the importance of empathy,and the unyielding will to live.
