If so, how do you do it? Has anyone filed for disability? I don't think I can keep teaching (talking all day long).
Hi yes me too. Talking all day is the worst pain trigger. I’ve just had a nerve block, feeling no better yet. X
do you teach? If so, what grade? I am not sure I can continue this until retirement. The only days I feel half way normal is on test day but I can't test every day! Is there any tricks you have learned to deal with this? I am looking for any help!
I helped a teacher here…get doc to call in for you…LIDODERM PATCHES. For face prescription.
Works instant…works for hours!
She used that until she had an MVD. and went back to work.
Did the MVD work for her? How long ago did she have the MVD? Are there any side effects to the patches? I know I am asking a lot of questions but I am searching for answers and help. Thank you for opening up and being willing to help me.
Yes…so far. She had it this year. Usually people who get remission, go back to life.
I hang around even though still a success 2 years later, for my MVD cause I had theeeee best surgeon…that is the best tool for TN.
Very few here say patch does nothing…or gives rash,…most have good or great success. Please go back to your other original post…I gave you lots of info there too!
Kimberly
Yes, I'm a high school teacher and it's really hard leading a class discussion when it feels like my eyeball is being skewered. I've mentioned this before, but maybe a sound system that projects your voice would help because then you wouldn't have to open your mouth so wide. For me, that's a big trigger. Right now, my medication (Tegretol) is working, so I haven't looked into this. But I will, if I need to...
How long have had TN? I am so happy (and sad - I don't want anyone else to have this) to hear of another teacher out there. By the end of the day, I just want to cut the left side of my face off!!! I have tired to explain this to my doctors and family and they just look at me and smile and say "I know, I'm sorry." I really think they are but that does not help my problem. I have the sound system but I think it is the constant movement of the jaw causing the pain. I am not a doctor and I am not sure. I am looking for answers, suggestions, but what I have found 1st at the site is understanding (it has meant a lot to me). Thank you for any information you are willing to share with me. I have said a pray for you and know that God will see us all through this.
Meds I have been on: Tegretal, Lyrica, gabapentin and now they want me to try Cymbalta - do you know anything about this?
DL said:
Yes, I'm a high school teacher and it's really hard leading a class discussion when it feels like my eyeball is being skewered. I've mentioned this before, but maybe a sound system that projects your voice would help because then you wouldn't have to open your mouth so wide. For me, that's a big trigger. Right now, my medication (Tegretol) is working, so I haven't looked into this. But I will, if I need to...
Hi
I am a primary school teacher and have had some challenging times not just with talking to the class but also teaching phonics accurately! It is often difficult to pronounce properly and the actions we teach (I.e turning head from side to side ) can be excruciating. I had a block of seven weeks off at the start of this nightmare and worry all the time about taking more. Though I have an understanding head teacher. Prof Zac who I see in London has suggested exercise and relaxation methods may help, but I collapse asleep after work and most of the weekend. I am hoping my new combination of drugs, duloxetine and gabapentine may help as I was suffering side effects from tegretol. Do not know if you are in u.k or u.s? In the u.k you can get help from occupational health with reduced hours or other adjustments to your working week, just a thought rather than giving up completely…good luck! Just checked my duloxetine packet and the other name on it is cymbalta. This has been the best drug I have used but takes a while to kick in I am now on the max. dose but before it I could not function due to pain level. Hope it is effective for you too.
Hey floss I’m on that second sick time u r dreading. I got into a terrible state in class last term now I’m in no fit state to return. When I do tho I’ll go into special needs dept and occ health helped me get that alteration, I already work part time. I feel very anxious about the future. I take duloxetine too. I do think its been good. Please say your prayers for me. Helen x
I am in the US and we do not have the option of shortening our weeks - I wish we did. I love what I do. I did not go into teaching for the money but because I love educating the students. I don't want to give me, but somedays are just horrible. Thanks for the information.
floss61 said:
Hi
I am a primary school teacher and have had some challenging times not just with talking to the class but also teaching phonics accurately! It is often difficult to pronounce properly and the actions we teach (I.e turning head from side to side ) can be excruciating. I had a block of seven weeks off at the start of this nightmare and worry all the time about taking more. Though I have an understanding head teacher. Prof Zac who I see in London has suggested exercise and relaxation methods may help, but I collapse asleep after work and most of the weekend. I am hoping my new combination of drugs, duloxetine and gabapentine may help as I was suffering side effects from tegretol. Do not know if you are in u.k or u.s? In the u.k you can get help from occupational health with reduced hours or other adjustments to your working week, just a thought rather than giving up completely.....good luck! Just checked my duloxetine packet and the other name on it is cymbalta. This has been the best drug I have used but takes a while to kick in I am now on the max. dose but before it I could not function due to pain level. Hope it is effective for you too.
Hi Helen
Do you take anything else? Duloxetine takes care of the neuropathic pain , but does not touch the Other as I call them fireworks in my face. Tegretol was helping but have cut those right down, in order to change to gabapentine just started this weekend and desperate to build dose so that I can get some relief. Sending you positive thoughts. It is so good to share with someone who empathises. Hope you continue to be well supported in your job.
I take Topiramate 100mg twice a day. I have had the worse time finding a doctor(s) who believe me and the pain is real. I have seen soooo many neurologist I don't think there are any more left in my area. I had to take off Feb - May last school year due to radiation burns caused from the CK. The last 12 months have been long and very frustrating. I have said a pray for you and your loved ones.
Hi floss I’ve been o. Pregablin for 3 yes. The side effects have become intolerable though. I feel like part of my brain is now missing from this experience! Stupid I no but true.
Thank u ginger for yr prayers. Our loved ones do suffer don’t they. Xx
I was a teacher and had to take an early retirement because of my TN. I have had a MVD, but it left me with severe numbness(anesthesia dolorosa). Although, the severe pain is gone this is also an extremely difficult condition...both physically and emotionally. I have applied, but have not as of yet heard from SSI
Hi, Ginger!
I'm a high school special education teacher. I work with students who have mild/moderate cognitive disorders. I usually do ok for most of the day. I have a part-time teacher's aide who reads out loud to my students and does a lengthy calendar session with them. I can usually work through the pain, but it gets worse in the afternoon. Once school is over, I try to talk as little as possible. I'm currently on 400 mg. of Tegretol twice a day, plus 10 mg. of Baclofen three times a day. I have an MVD scheduled for Dec. 5. I wish I had some good advice for you. I hope you can find a solution.
Hi Ginger,
I'm not a teacher but in the same boat at work. Customer Service for a government building and planning department. When I am not talking to a customer at the counter I am on the phone. The phone sets off pain when it touches my face. Can't use a headset because that too sets off pain. Twisting, turning, picking up plans, the noise of the machines around me, noise all the time! I am working only 4 hours a day and am pretty good most mornings but by the end of my work day I am exhausted and in pain, all I can do is go home and rest, take some Tegratol or Oxycotin to take the edge off. As the week goes on, I am worse and worse. Always TGIF. I have insomnia and am always exhausted.
Good Luck in your journey!
I hate to hear I am not alone (I wish we did not have this beast) but I am happy to hear I am not alone (nice to know others know what I am talking about). I get what you mean about the noise - cafeteria duty with 150 + kids just about kills me and then I end the day with bus duty. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you get some relief!!
Hi Ginger2,
I wanted to ask for advice, because I am 24, and have been teaching for 2 years now, and I don’t how long I can keep teaching (although I intend to keep going, but am looking for the best conditions to teach in to manage anxiety and stress caused by TN and life in general). My face hurts all the time and I’m on two meds and I am visiting doctors when I have pain, which has been every month or two. How long have y’all taught, and how long were you/have you been able to teach for?
Would appreciate advice, hope, and friendship 