Ro and I have been talking back and forth a bit. I was diagnosed with TN in December. I have MS (20 years). This is pain I just don't know what to do with sometimes! I am an artist ~~ I paint and create jewelry. I can no longer play the piano (as an accompaniest) because my right hand doesn't work well (I'm left handed :-)
Long story, short... Ro asked that I put some pictures of my art where she can see them. I blog... http://www.melodyejoy.wordpress.com/ There, if you click on decorative painting or jewelry, you can see all my art. Of course, you can just read the ramblings of a 50-year old, if you'd like! I've attached two examples of my latest creations.
It seems, when I slip into my right brain, sometimes the pain has a place to go!! Is there any creative outlet that helps you?
Hey Melodye,
I’ve had TN for about 15 years, and bilateral TN for 3 years - but it’s non-conforming lately 
anyways, now all of sudden my doctors are looking back at MS as a possibility again. My MRI’s were clear, but they’re still looking into it now rather seriously considering my other health issues. But as to your question of diversions. It is certainly difficult to divert away from pain like this - but I find if I put on some relaxing music, stay out of wind and sit in a nice warm place to listen and preferably i try not to move. I sit with a bunch of pillows and a blanket like this or instead of music will sometimes put on a favourite DVD. Art is definitely great therapy as well as fun - i just don’t have much talent for it I sometimes try painting landscapes to divert also.
Sorry don’t have anything better to suggest right now but I’m very sleep deprived of late, maybe i can come up with better ideas later.
Cheers ~ Kerry xx
what are your other health issues? I have lower back/hip pain along with my left leg sciadia. Sometimes I can’t move my leg to walk. My brother has back problems and sciadia also. I just figured it is back related. I have trouble sleeping, my legs ache and bother me alot. My TN has been getting worse, I now have cold/hot feelings in my face. My test also came out clear for MS from the MRI. I think I will ask them more questions. Thank you. I would love to talk. Kristin
Kerry said:
Hey Melodye,
I’ve had TN for about 15 years, and bilateral TN for 3 years - but it’s non-conforming lately
anyways, now all of sudden my doctors are looking back at MS as a possibility again. My MRI’s were clear, but they’re still looking into it now rather seriously considering my other health issues. But as to your question of diversions. It is certainly difficult to divert away from pain like this - but I find if I put on some relaxing music, stay out of wind and sit in a nice warm place to listen and preferably i try not to move. I sit with a bunch of pillows and a blanket like this or instead of music will sometimes put on a favourite DVD. Art is definitely great therapy as well as fun - i just don’t have much talent for it
I sometimes try painting landscapes to divert also.
Sorry don’t have anything better to suggest right now but I’m very sleep deprived of late, maybe i can come up with better ideas later.
Cheers ~ Kerry xx
Hi Kerry! My MS effects my balance, walking and dexterity in my right hand. Fortunately I’m left-handed! I also have tremors that are uncontrollable when I get really, really tired. The right side of my face falls, like bell’s palsy. In the 90’s I had seizures, but they have been under control for many years. The fatigue factor really rules my life ~~ unfortunately when my body decides to shut down, it shuts down. My MRIs were clean for a long time but my symptoms are classic MS. I went to the Cleveland Clinic for a definitive diagnosis in 1995.
Right now, I am new to the TN thing. My symptoms started as cold patches on my face too! I had an MRI and my doctor told me I need to see a neurosurgeon ~~ I have a glioma on my right temporal lobe that may be causing the TN. I am making an appointment as I write to you! Ugh. More decisions to make!!
I hope you have a great day! It is snowing, snowing, snowing here. I am staying positive!!
Blessings,
Melodye
http://www.melodyejoy.wordpress.com/
I go in tomorrow to talk to a different neurologist about botox treatments. I will also ask him more questions on MS. I have terrible muscle spasms in my legs everyday. I just think it has to do with my back, because my family has a history of back problems. My brother has had 2 disks removed and cannot work do to this. My mother said to ask questions anyway. I have trouble with balance and recently fell going up the stairs. I think it is from the carbenzibine medication that I am on. Anyways thanks for talking with me about all of this. It does help to be able to talk with someone who understands. Thanks, Kristin
Melodye Olsavsky said:
Hi Kerry! My MS effects my balance, walking and dexterity in my right hand. Fortunately I’m left-handed! I also have tremors that are uncontrollable when I get really, really tired. The right side of my face falls, like bell’s palsy. In the 90’s I had seizures, but they have been under control for many years. The fatigue factor really rules my life ~~ unfortunately when my body decides to shut down, it shuts down. My MRIs were clean for a long time but my symptoms are classic MS. I went to the Cleveland Clinic for a definitive diagnosis in 1995.
Right now, I am new to the TN thing. My symptoms started as cold patches on my face too! I had an MRI and my doctor told me I need to see a neurosurgeon ~~ I have a glioma on my right temporal lobe that may be causing the TN. I am making an appointment as I write to you! Ugh. More decisions to make!!
I hope you have a great day! It is snowing, snowing, snowing here. I am staying positive!!
Blessings,
Melodye
http://www.melodyejoy.wordpress.com/