(1) Is there anyone else out there who discovered that they had high blood pressure around the same time that they began experiencing symptoms of TN? If so, did controlling BP help to control the TN?
(2) Do all the people around you try to attribute your TN to stress? I am very tired of people telling me that it's related to stress. I am sure that there is probably some correlation and I am trying to make changes in my lifestyle to try and reduce any stressors, but overall, I don't think that stress has caused the TN. I do, however, become annoyed with everyone offering their opinions/diagnoses/suggestions, etc. It seems everyone around me has something to say even when they know nothing about it. Anyone else have this problem?
Not sure about the blood pressure or stress but even my mom and dad don't understand it and tell me I should stop saying i'm in pain for attention. Annoys the heck out of me even more when people say "It's okay, it will get better soon".
I think people generally mean well when they say, "It's ok," but what they don't realize is that they completely discredit your experience. I also think they feel helpless as to how to help you. Sorry to hear that your family doesn't understand. That really makes it hard for you. Wishing you wellness... :)
No stress not the cause but - can make symptoms louder!---No known 101% sure of cause - there are more than 1.
We are 12 in 100,000 souls who have to have this condition for life. Can have symptoms with low bloodpressure/stress.
Sometimes genetic
Sometimes you have it already - but dormant - and a dental appt. or a whiplash incident with car crash can kick it into existence.
Best book is "Striking Back" by Dr. Ken Casey
The more you know - the more that is better for you.
I think when you have high blood pressure -- as I did get that about 1 year before diagnosis.... that since this is in the vessels that pump the blood --- you can have worse symptoms.....that is probably the stress related biology of it.... but not for many.....
Stress makes my pain worse but did not cause my ATN. People around me usually have something to say (like, "From now on it will only get better", or "There will be so much adrenaline at your new job that you won't even have time to think about your pain"); from my experience they have no clue what they're saying, they just feel like they should say something. Unless they're doctors I don't blame them for their silly comments, but one would expect doctors to know better - wheareas they often don't.
Regarding your blood pressure question - my BP has always been normal; it got much lower when I was put on Lyrica and antidepressants.