Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group

I too have trouble eating. I'm substituting Ensure of a meal once in a while. Also, I use a straw to direct the liquid way back in my mouth to swallow. I cut up my food in very small pieces and place it carefully on the good side of my mouth. I sip liquid to soften the food I am trying to chew. I agree... it's not a very good way to diet!

Also, I try to eat bland foods without strong flavors or seasonings.

I hope you find the best solutions for you!

I do the same thing, eat carefully on the good side and avoid acidic foods if possible.
If I forget, I get quick electric type shocks in the tongue to remind me.
Good luck. It is a nuisance but we have to get used to it.

Oh yes, I can definitely relate to that!
I'm very sorry you're having this trouble.

I have had the same issue with eating food since I started having the pain in July of 2008. I ususally can't eat 2 or 3 days out of each week.

When I can't eat, I usually drink a slim fast in the morning or have warm cereal such as cream of wheat. I have really smooth mashed potatoes for lunch, then I usually drink milk and ovaltine (it have vitamins and minerals and is better for you than regular chocolate milk), and an ensure in the evening. I add fiber to my mashed potatoes so I don't have any issues, if you know what I mean ;o). I also puree peas or other veggies and mix them in to the potatoes so I get more nutrition. You HAVE to make sure that you are getting enough vitamins and nutrition when you can't eat.

I have also found that if I do decide to eat something that I have to chew, I will have a warm (not really hot) cup of tea and when I am chewing I will take a sip of the tea if I start feeling the pain to start.

Please know that you are not the only one out there. We are all here to help and support you. I have had severe depression and have thought on multiple occasions that I should just end it all, but then I realize that I can't let this thing win. I am stronger than the pain and will get through this and so will you.

My prayers are with you and I hope that some of this will help you.

Since my left jaw is effected, I always eat on the right side, squinching up my face on the right and relaxing(letting hang loose) the left side.
This helps when I brush my teeth too--I do brush the left side, but lightly, while relaxing that side of my face. If I get too many shocks to eat at all, I pour a shot of vodka, and take a tiny sip to hold in the effected area after each big shock. I'm not worried about getting addicted or drunk, since I only feel the need during meals, and I use such a small amount.

Hope you can use this advice.

One more thing, before I got on medication I was getting severe pain from chewing or anything touching the left side of the mouth. My solution was to sit with my head cocked to the right side so nothing would touch the left before swallowing. That was OK at home but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be seen in public!
Thank goodness my occasional shocks are brief now and manageable.

I forgot to mention that I do this(tilt my head to the right while eating) too--and have thought the same thing: "Thank goodness I have never had to do this in a nice restaurant!" I'm steadily increasing my new medication(Lamictal) now, so maybe soon I won't even have to do the 'head tilt' at home.

Thank you all so very much for your input. I would not have thought of some of your tips!

I have had this problem awhile back and my husband was pureeing my food in the food processor..........even chicken. It was okay, as I was able to at least give it some seasoning. This lasted a few weeks. Also I had to improvise........such as rather than eat peanuts, I had to eat peanut butter, I had soups, yogurts, puddings, etc. Also, not gum chewing ever for me. No hard candies. No straws, etc. I remember I could'nt even brush my teeth on the left side at all! I had to use a cloth gently.
I'm so sorry for the pain you are going through. I hope it soon passes.

I can't drink anything with corn syrup in it like the Ensure (I am allergic to it and it makes my stomach sick - plus it is pure sugar!!!) so I order Medifast drinks off of ebay and I drink the chocolate ones. I don't lose weight unless I follow the diet strictly. Which would mean drinking the drinks all days and then a lean and green meal for dinner (chicken and greens for dinner). Now I don't do this, instead I usually have a soft pasta for dinner.

During the day I also have fruit smoothies with frozen blueberries & strawberries and I add milk and vanilla w/ ice (in the blender). My family loves them. So that is a great way to get fruit. Sometimes I add a little icecream. I think it helps my pain since ice helps my constant pain.

But there are lots of super soft foods to eat. Pasta, soup and puddings. I also eat popcycles :O)

Wow, I am really not alone.....