Hello to my family of neuralgia sufferers. Yes, we can all identify with each other and the many trials we have and are going through. I have been laying low for a few weeks, as I had just about reached my wits end. Finally, I made a decision to see a neurologist and surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and do what ever they suggested. I was going to try the nerve block for GPN. During examination they discovered a small 1cm stage one cancer spot by my larynx. Needless to say, the nerve block was put on hold. I had surgery Nov 16 and have been told they got everything and there was no cancerous lymph nodes. Everything seems to be going well and I am very lucky they found this spot. Anyway, I asked my surgeon if this could have caused my neuralgia and was told no.
I no longer have the sever ice picks that use to run through my ear into my brain. Some of the peripherial pain that I also suffered has disappeared. I am thankful but thoroughly confused. I am terrified the pain will come back but must concentrate on regaining my strength from surgery. May God be with all of you and thanks for your concern and prayers. Just wanted to let you know, I am still hanging in there with you but had to take a little detour.
Get well soon. I am so sorry to hear of your cancer but hopefully, as it is small and there are no lymph nodes involved you will have a great chance of living a normal life. I wish you well with the pain as well.
Oh, Nancy Jo, I'm so sorry to hear about the cancer. That is one of my great fears. I hope you recover and find that you surprise the doctors with neuralgia recovery in addition to the cancer recovery.
You were lucky. Happy for you they found it so early. How did they find it? We are all with you, the anxiety that the pain is lurking around the corner is with all of us. Stay strong, think good thoughts.
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Glad you are out of pain. And thank goodness they found it early!
I too am wondering, like Funtsie, is how they found it. You mentioned your appointment was with the neurologist to give you a nerve block. Did he look in your throat? Did it show up on some kind of scan that you had had previous to the scheduling of the nerve block?
Also, how long had you suffered from GPN before this finding?
Sorry for all of the questions, but thank you for your post!! Take care :)
I too am praying for your speedy recovery and freedom from the pain. I have the same questions as Kara re: how the doctor found it, types of scans and how long you have suffered from GPN. I have had every symptom in the book for almost six years. I just foun this support group, so am new to sharing with all of you. My story seems so long and complex that I hesitate writing a book to everyone. Everything I have read is very helpful as I haven't decided to have the MVD surgery for sure. I am definitely leaning that way, but have found out that it will be at least three more months, due to new situation at work. It has been through spirtitual growth that I have managed to continue working full time and deal with the pain. You are all amazing. I will be following more in the days and weeks to come. Finding you has been the best source of information and support. Thank you. I look forward to getting to know more of you and your experiences.
Hi Nancy, sorry to hear about the diagnosis but very happy they found it now and not at a later stage. I hope you recover quickly and really pleased to read that the GPN seems to be in check. Sometimes specialistis do not have a clue about what causes GPN. Unless they had found a direct cause previously and were able to pinpoint that, they really weren't in a position (I think) to give you the answer they did. Only time will tell whether it has gone, and if it has well you may have found the cause. I'm also very curious, like a few other members, how they found the cancer. Did it show up on MRI etc?
It sounds like that because of your seeking treatment for GPN your cancer was found early…dear Lord is it possible that something good came out of your GPN? So glad it was found and I hope your pain stays away!
Get well soon. I am so sorry to hear of your cancer but hopefully, as it is small and there are no lymph nodes involved you will have a great chance of living a normal life. I wish you well with the pain as well.
The news of the cancer is discouraging for you, I’m sure, and all of us too. But consider this—it was discovered early, stage 1 and it hadn’t spread, and your neuralgic pain is gone—maybe for good. I know your doc said it wasn’t related but given my experience dealing with doctors and this disorder—they don’t know everything.
Bill, I am not certain if I am replying in the right place but will keep trying with everyone until I get it right. :) Actually, I wasn't discouraged but almost relieved. I know two years of pain may not seem long but it (almost) never stopped. Mine didn't got away for a few weeks and then return. No it wasn't episodic. Frankly, death would have been sweet relief.
I have this deep gut feeling, for what its worth that this was a hugh part of my problem. I have been able to swallow since the bioposy and can swallow now that my surgery is healing. Can swallow and no pain is a HUGH blessing. So many people, hundreds have been praying for me. I got to where I couldn't pray and admitted it to many. My known and unknown christian friends said they understood and would be there lifting me up. So, a hugh thanks to them and all who have encouraged me. My first credit must be given to God, as I know he heard and answered those prayers. I had gone my limit.
Bill, thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Bill said:
Nancy Jo,
The news of the cancer is discouraging for you, I’m sure, and all of us too. But consider this—it was discovered early, stage 1 and it hadn’t spread, and your neuralgic pain is gone—maybe for good. I know your doc said it wasn’t related but given my experience dealing with doctors and this disorder—they don’t know everything.