Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group

Trigeminal neuralgia, or Tic Douloureux, is a neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of intense pain in the eyes, lips, nose, scalp, forehead, and jaw. Trigeminal neuralgia is considered by many to be among the most painful of conditions.

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Trigeminal Neuralgia Support Group

Changing your reaction to the TN

aussiewriter
aussiewriter
What if the brain could interpret TN as a good thing...then you have won the battle straight away. Our brains are saying "I don't like this" or "I can't stand this pain anymore" etc and the result is tension, anxiety and depression. What if we could turn it around and every time we feel the 'sensation' in the jaw/face, our brains said a positive thing like,"I am safe, God is with, all is well." If we can do that, relaxation will result not fear. I came up with idea while walking on the beach this afternoon. I also thought of imagining a cross on my face which the brain would interpret as safety, peace, love, joy, security...Anyway, just a thought I'd mention. So I'm not changing the sensation itself, I'm changing the REACTION to the sensation. Any comments would be most welcome.
bootoo
bootoo
not so sure I could go so far as to change my perception of the pain to one of joy, but I do try to do some of what you describe,

When the pain strikes - I try to get myself alone in a room and do my best to relax thinking things like "I can handle this" "relax and this will pass". . . until it gets to a bearable point,

I can't say it's a cureall, but it seems to have better results than clenching up and screaming.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My severe pain has subsided, but with the twinges that scare me half to death that is a good idea. I use "This too shall pass" all the time now that the severe pain is controlled with 14mg of Carbamazepine a day. I hate the drug and how stupid it makes me but it does take the pain away. Guess I could think "you are one of God's special children". I truly hope that line of thinking works for you and helps with bearing the pain and suffering this thing causes us. Be sure to share with the group if you are successful.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I also try to just relax and breathe. What helps me sometimes is to just sit down when I'm feeling sorry for myself and think "there are so many people going through way more pain than I am"

Sometimes I have a pity party. I became a widow at 32 and then was diagnosed with this around 40. It's easy to just say "why me" until I think "why NOT me" We're all Gods children and I wouldn't wish this on ANYONE. Sometimes I do wish that certain people could feel my pain for a day. It's hard for people to understand what we're going through because I really don't understand it myself.

All I can do is pray to God to help me through this. I'll pray for all of you also.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, no one understands the pain..they just think I'm making it something more then what it really is. That really bothers me when I'm having a bad attact and people keep asking why don't I take some aspirin when I can't even talk and answer their questions..Have to go to a quiet room and try to relax. But, you do have a good point, and that is trying to get your mind off the pain as best as you can no matter how you can do it, and to relax. Tension seems to make mine more intense.
Wishing you all pain free days!!
jady
jady
I HAD THE MOTOR CORTEX STIMULATOR IMPLANT THAT INTERRUPTS THE PAIN TO MY BRAIN. NOT A CURE BUT NOW I CAN MANAGE AND FUNCTION MORE THAN BEFORE. LESS MEDS. LESS PAIN. CHECK WITH YOUR DR TO SEE IF THEY DO THIS SURGERY IN YOUR AREA.
BLESSINGS FOR PAIN FREE DAYS.
JADY
deleted_user
deleted_user
Jady, how long did it take you to get your dr agreed to do this surgery for you? And what medications are u left still taking?

Hugs