Hi, got diagnosed 2 years ago with bilateral TN. I am in pain constant but went 18 months without a relapse. I starting relapsing in December with shooting pains etc in both sides of my face. I take carbamezapine and pregablin daily but since relapsing they have been increased to Max and I am also taking tramadol and Baclofen. In a constant foggy stat with meds and waiting to see neurologist again. I also have fybromialgia so in paina lot. I’m normally a fighter but struggling to cope this time and been off my work 6 weeks now. Any advice or help would be appreciated x
Also take narproxen too.
I'm sorry to hear of your difficulty, Clare. TN and Fibromyalgia are a very tough combination. You might want to discuss Trileptal with your neurologist. It's in the same family with Carbamazepine, but was created in an effort to reduce side effects. Another option might be to add a tri-cyclic antidepressant like Amitriptyline or Nortriptyline. But be advised that both have similar side effects in brain fog and problems with equilibrium.
Go in Peace and Power
Red
I was on the max dose of lyrica two for TN it took the brunt of the pain away but still left enough that I couldn’t sleep. Amitriptyline was added to the lyrica and it helped wonders for the pain and sleep. Like that I was left very very groggy but found after about 6 weeks I could function for up to 2 in the day if I managed to sleep the night before. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have fibro with TN. I hope you get some relief soon
Suzi
Hi Clare, wow you take a lot of meds. I got off most of my meds, 5 to be exact, this past year with great results. I talked with my doctor and he said I was overmedicated. I was scared to rid myself of my "crutches". I eat better, work full time, and can finally find my hammer when I look for it, lol. I am bilateral, mostly left sided, but I never know which side it will be on. I guess after 18 years of this aweful pain, I seem to handle it better. I mostly stay home except for working, to keep the hot shower handy. But in no way does my life stop, just gets a little complicated. I have fun playing with my dogs, and bike often. Just try to research as much as possible, and let me know if I can help. KevinP.
Hi guys thanks for replying. Kevin i am the same bilateral but mainly left hand side. Feel sick of amount of pills I take. Just want the pain to go away.
Hi Clare,
Sorry you are struggling, probably an understatement, I'm interested how you were diagnosed with tn especially as your bilateral and have FM. Wondered if you might reply to
http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/how-are-you-diagnosed.
Wishing you well.
Clare said:
Hi guys thanks for replying. Kevin i am the same bilateral but mainly left hand side. Feel sick of amount of pills I take. Just want the pain to go away.