It's been awhile

It's been about a year since I have been here. Had TN for 2 years had mvd last March and Dec. started noticing some pain coming back. Went to neurologist and now I am up to 800 mg of Tegretol. That is why I had the surgery in the first place the pain was so bad and I hated the way the meds made me feel. The pain has not progressed to the point that it was but I have had some pretty bad days. Some days I just feel the the whole nerve is swollen for lack of better explanation. Just looking for some thoughts from others who may have gone thru something similar. I have tried to lower the dose of meds a couple times not a good idea. Also, not real excited about running for another surgery. Any thoughts would be appreciated.