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.
Hello all. I was diagnosed with TN over this past July and only had a brief one week period in October where I didn't have any pain at all. When I first started having these pains I swore that I had a tooth problem and even ended up having a root canal on a molar which obviously didn't even need it. My symptoms are only on my right side and occur in my gums and teeth. When my symptoms first started I had some of the crushing like sensations and then it was mostly the electrical shocks along my gums. Yesterday all that changed however. I was in the car going to get a new tire put on and it was very cold outside. The vehicle had not warmed up yet and I needed to make a phone call. As I was talking a pain hit me soooo bad that it took all I had to be able to finish the conversation. It felt like someone was taking an ice pick and shoving my top molars through my gums. Then the pain traveled all the way up my face to right above my eyebrow and was throbbing like a heartbeat. I have had the ice pick sensation in my teeth before but never the pain traveling up my face like that until yesterday. It took about 15 minutes from the time that it started until it stopped. I had taken some Trileptal before I left the house because I was having more pain than usual. When that took effect then I felt pretty good the rest of the day. My pain has not been very bad lately and I haven't had to take anything until yesterday. I just hate that this thing has interfered with my life. I am young, 29 and I am married with a 3 year old son and 7 month old daughter. I know that alot of you guys can relate to my story so I guess I'm just looking for some support. Thanks alot!!!
Mary
Mary
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I gave my 2 week notice last Friday 13th. Now to join you fine people in a life of leisure and nothing else to do but to look out for myself....is it just me or does that sound pretty boring? My goal was to live to retire and I guess having to take early retirement because of health reasons wasn't exactly the way I had planned things. I just can't stay in that building that is reeking mildew...
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Yes I can relate... I also thought it was my tooth.. My dentist diagnosed my condition... that day.. I would have pulled all my teeth out.. it hurt sooo bad... I even used whiskey to numb my teeth but it only helped for seconds... I have ATN which has the red, swollen, hot pain up the right side of my face that doesn't stop...24/7 My medications help me but my life has changed drastically. I have a daughter that's 18 and a whole different type of needs. You have young children.. I think it would be ten times harder with young children. I've read that this disease is affecting more younger people than before... They don't have a reason why.. I wish they could say.. oh it's because you eat or drank a certain thing... unfortunately to me, it seams all guess work... do this take this don't eat this... I don't know... I do know how you feel.. I wish I could tell you what would work or take your pain away... You will find lots of beautiful people on this page willing to give you unconditional love and advice.... I will pray for you...
Karen
Mary
From what I read ATN is a pain that doesn't stop with all of the symptoms as I described heat, swelling and a constant pain that feels like your jaw is being removed from your face... no relief... TN is dagger like electric shocks that go through your face so hard like an ice pick it takes you to your knees...by certain triggers, cold, chewing and many others. I'm glad to say I only know one of these.. to have both.. I think would drive a person crazy.. When my TN is in full force.. I panic... I have that flight or fight reaction from my body.. I don't know what to do... I usually try to sleep as much as possible... It takes a while to get the right remedy for each person...the trial and error part is the worst... I have it under control right now... but the fear of it coming back does sit in the back of your mind.... I watched many videos on youtube, read articles online... and advice from here always helps..
I hope you feel better today!
Karen
I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this. I understand completely what you feel. I was dx with TN Sept 09. After being in so much pain for so long and being so medicated, I decided to have surgery. I had in on Dec 2, 2010 and that was the last day I had pain! I have to pinch myself and ask, is life this good? I forgot how good it felt to be "normal" It was the best thing I have ever ever done. You should consider it.
Susan
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this; I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I'd however like to give a few people the symtoms for about 15 minutes so that they can see what I go through because some people just look at me like I'm nuts.
So sorry that you are in such pain.
I diagnosed myself 10 years ago and my doctor confirmed that I have TN. No trauma, no MS, just TN. I've never had any tests other than an MRI and a try at using migraine meds that did nothing as opposed to tegretol which I thought was a miracle drug! I do not know what is wrong where, just that I have TN.
When my monster attacks the left half of my face swells and any movement from the collar-bone up is excrutiating.
It feels like someone has taken a red hot curling iron and rammed it all the way into my left ear. Then just for kicks they walk by and slam it in further every now and then.
The up side (yes, there really is one for me) is that it doesn't happen every day. In fact I had one remission (that's what I call it anyway) that lasted a little over a year. I took my meds the whole time. As soon as the remission was over the monster would attack at least every other day. For some strange reason mine usually starts late in the afternoon and is gone when I wake up the next day. There can be some residual soreness like bruising, but not the TN pain. Therefore......when attacked, my strategy is to knock myself out!
And yes, you will meet the nicest people here!!
I will be praying for peace for you.