An intro - will try to keep somewhat brief.  Diagnosed with clusters and migraines 25+ years ago, with Atypical TN added to the fun in 2012.  Looking back thru logs can see trigem pain through the years, but drowned out by the other pain.  Since 2012 in pain every day. Intensity varies throughout day and day-to-day, but there every day.  Have been hospitalized several times since then.  Once for 11 days and once for 14 days.  Pain not really resolved, but eventually insurance forces you to be discharged and continue outpatient treatment.

Daily 'grinding' pain in teeth (feels like when I had braces on teeth 30+years ago, and are being tightened and tightened all day) and jaw that gets worse thru day, with intermittent 'typical' TN jabs here and there.  Sometimes have the more typical TN type pain lasting up to an hour or more.  These are the times I had to go to the ER, but even ER now has become really problematic when it comes to getting any relief.

Botox controls migraines but still have clusters. Have been to Mayo Jacksonville and numerous doctors, tried every treatment identified but to no avail.  List of meds is long and exhaustive.  "Last hope" was Ketamine infusions, but these did not help to any degree, and caused a lot of unbearable side effects, so had to discontinue.

Went on long term disability 18 months ago (still fighting with SSA to get labeled as disabled). Health insurance from employer runs out next Feb as could my disability insurance payments as they have tried to label as 'self-reported.'  Only 56 years old and had no intention of retiring at this point.  Essentially forced retirement combined with high medical costs - and no clarity on what will be available with regard to insurance due to government debacle - will take a huge toll on finances.

Essentially have no life now - rarely feel good enough to go out and I miss a lot of family/social events.  Very difficult to think/concentrate.  Was an avid reader and have only been able to complete 2 books in past 5-6 years.  Some days feel ok to drive and will go to grocery or other store, but is not uncommon for me spend days either in bed or in our dark den.

Due to pain have definitely become depressed. Was on Cymbalta along with a LOT of other meds concurrently. This year working with Neuro went off all meds as could not tell what, if anything, was helping.  Definitely worse since going off Trileptal and Cymbalta, so no working back up on Trileptal first.  

Sorry to all if this is just a depressing data dump.  I'm now to the point I recognize I need support and counseling to cope with, not just the pain, but everything I have lost. 

So - me in a nutshell.  Hoping this group can help, and that I can give back as well.  Also still hoping to find a local support group of people that physically meet as I think that would be helpful, too.