Hello all, thanks for being out there! (although sorry we must meet this way...)
I was just diagnosed with TN. My neurologist didn't differentiate between TN1 and TN2 which I am now reading about on this site.
My pain was torturous, incessant, burning and aching for about four weeks before a final diagnosis. I don't get the electric shocks that I read about. At this time it seems to be relieved for the most part, with twinges a few times an hour but bearable. Does this sound like TN2? It's right side-ear, jaw, cheek, teeth, gums, and gets no relief unless I take many Norco and over the counter painkillers at the same time.
My doctor prescribed oxcarbazepine 300mg 2x a day. I don't like how I feel on it. He said I could take it when I'm feeling the TN flare up. From your experiences, will that work? Is there a time period it takes to be in full effect? I don't ever want to feel what I've felt the last month or so, but I need to function as a mom and teacher and I'm not sure I can on the ox.
I already have Bell's Palsey on that side (14 years ago) and it never completely recovered. Now, adding this, is just utterly depressing.
Sorry that you are going through this. The description of your pain is bang on for Type 2 TN. I share your areas of pain. TN is tricky because it can come and go. I found that especially at first. Each day can be a bit different and seems to come in sort of flare ups. Whether that flare up last hours or days. That is my experience anyways.
My advice is to find a medication that works. TN can get worse and you do not want to wait until you are in dire pain. Most of the medications used for TN take awhile to work. You need to teeter up dosages and it takes some time to build up in your system.
Each of us is very different and what works for one does not work for the other. Unfortunately these medications also usually have side effects. It is a balance between trying to be pain free and still be able to function normally. I don't know too much about oxcarbazepine. I do know it is used for TN. At the top of the page look under face pain info and scroll down until you see medications.
Certain medications are more effective for Type 1 and some others for Type 2. Unfortunately it is usually trial and error in finding a med that works. If the side effects aren't too too bad you may want to try to stick it out for a couple of weeks. Often times your body will get used to the medication after awhile and you can start functioning again.
I have been dealing with this for a year and a half. I have bilateral ATN. Luckily my medication is working very well for me right now. I am on Amitriptyline.
I understand completely where you are coming from. I am a single mom to a beautiful six year old girl. I work two jobs and really do not have any time to be sick. I have found that stress, depression and anxiety make my TN worse. You need to look after yourself and give yourself some time to try medication.
Ask anything that comes to mind and learn as much as you can about TN.
Sorry that you are going through this. The description of your pain is bang on for Type 2 TN. I share your areas of pain. TN is tricky because it can come and go. I found that especially at first. Each day can be a bit different and seems to come in sort of flare ups. Whether that flare up last hours or days. That is my experience anyways.
My advice is to find a medication that works. TN can get worse and you do not want to wait until you are in dire pain. Most of the medications used for TN take awhile to work. You need to teeter up dosages and it takes some time to build up in your system.
Each of us is very different and what works for one does not work for the other. Unfortunately these medications also usually have side effects. It is a balance between trying to be pain free and still be able to function normally. I don't know too much about oxcarbazepine. I do know it is used for TN. At the top of the page look under face pain info and scroll down until you see medications.
Certain medications are more effective for Type 1 and some others for Type 2. Unfortunately it is usually trial and error in finding a med that works. If the side effects aren't too too bad you may want to try to stick it out for a couple of weeks. Often times your body will get used to the medication after awhile and you can start functioning again.
I have been dealing with this for a year and a half. I have bilateral ATN. Luckily my medication is working very well for me right now. I am on Amitriptyline.
I understand completely where you are coming from. I am a single mom to a beautiful six year old girl. I work two jobs and really do not have any time to be sick. I have found that stress, depression and anxiety make my TN worse. You need to look after yourself and give yourself some time to try medication.
Ask anything that comes to mind and learn as much as you can about TN.