I apologize for such a long absence. It has been a pretty difficult time for a while. After several months of declining health, my Father passed away this year on April 12Th. He was 92 and his passing, while peaceful and pain-free, is still heartfelt by our family. He will be missed. I can only believe that he is in the company of my youngest brother (who passed in 1985) and the two are enjoying each other's presence. I ma very fortunate to have a wife who has been such a wonderful support, not only for me, but for my parents as well. She has even reduce her work to part time to care for my mother (who lives in Assisted Living) and for me, when I need her to.
I got lucky when I met and married her!!!
I have been having a continuous increase in pain and difficulty in controlling it. I had my first appointment yesterday with a Pain Management Clinic.
The Doctor has started me on Amitriptyline, 25 ms, changed my pain med to Oxycodone and wants me to keep her inform as to the progress, especially if the meds aren't working. I told her I acknowledge that I will have pain but over the past 2 -3 months, the pain has been in control of my life. I want the control back. She also discussed a couple of the surgical options. I told her that I am in no hurry to have any surgery unless it becomes apparent that meds are ineffective and surgery is the only option. I was diagnosed with this TN only a year or so ago and I consider myself a newcomer in all of this.
However, she pointed out that since I now have pain in all regions of my face, surgery may become the only option to explore. I will keep that in mind, but not ready to explore it. I think that I will know when it is time for that, not necessarily her.
I would seriously consider the surgery. Mine is pretty well controlled on 1200mg tegretol per day and I still consider surgery because I hate the way I feel all the time. (((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))
Hi Ron, nice to see you again, although I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
I hope with time your memories bring comfort to you in times of sadness. It’s been 6 yrs since my Father passed and I miss him every day.
I hope your TN pain becomes manageable, and you soon feel some respite from the pain.
Take good care of you and keep in touch,
First let me offer you my condolences formthe loss of hour Dad, these passages in life are difficult but have no option but to forge thru them. Sorry to hear your having so much pain, I fimd when I go thru stressful situations all bets are off for me. Where you have been given an option for surgery is great. Give yourself some time to settle in with the loss of your Dad then you need tomtake care of yourself. Keep us posted and once again am so sorry!
My Best
Joanne
Latest studies show MVD in first three years are the best MVDs ---I just wanted you to have that in your tool kit - no hurry.
The stress of losing a loved one can really stress TN nerves -- and when TN nerves hurt - it causes stress.
Can you try a prescription topical lidocaine cream for possible relief? Under groups tab there is a whole topical group - has helped many of us in various forms for instant help.
I'm very glad you have your super woman to watch over you!
When you do decide to take more drastic measures, do plenty of research. I thought I had. I choose one of the best surgeons in the country. I feel confident of that. But I had also had Gamma Knife before the MVD. I think that was a mistake for me. My Trigeminal nerve is now damaged pretty badly and he admits there is no way to know for sure why. They just don't know much about any of it. Just be careful. I suffered for 13 years and now he thinks I have Anesthesia Dolorosa. So here I m. Now no where to go. Becareful and do plenty or research. Each and everyone of us is different though. Good Luck to you. So sorry about your Dad, we never get over losing them. I still hurt and it's been 21 years. Just like yesterday.