Hi Donna,
I don’t mean to discourage anyone from trying MVD. It may turn out OK for me once I am healed and I know a few people who woke up pain free and ten years later they are still pain free:) Wouldn’t that be the most wonderful thing? They say they would do it again in an instant. So, there definitely are people out there that it works great for. These two people I know had the typical TN where there is not a constant ache. They had the electric shock jolts of pain that were set off by a touch to the face (or some other trigger point). I wish you luck and blessings.
Jamie
I think that the best is lots of research and having a good neurosurgeon that you trust and who can give you all the options that are out there for you. Like any surgery there are pros and cons to all of them. I am not there but seriously considering MVD. My look on it is… if I wake up still in the pain at least I know I tried, but I could wake up pain free from it and wouldnt that be wonderful. I have a very stressful job and lots of responsiblity for dispensing meds and taking care of people. I need to get better or I will not be able to return to my job. Being a single mom I cant do that. But for now, started Baclofen with Tegrotol and crossing fingers that will help. One day at a time.
Shelley; I was an LNA when my TN hit like a ton of bricks. Everyone else has given insight and helpful info. The mandated leave, the med titrations, etc. I won’t make a short story long; I still take a concoction of over 30 pills a day, enough to put down a horse! I’ve had severe adverse reaction to tegretol and ativan. My MVD was a craniotomy, 2nd SRS put brachial lesions. This resulted in TBI, cerabellar ataxia, et al. Now disabled, assisted living and a payee for finances. LNA was the most rewarding job I ever had. An estimated 1.8 million dollar head, but I’m worth it, for I am ‘special’!!! My very best to you and yours, bob