I was diagnosed in 1999 in Chicago. In 2002 I saw a surgeon shortly before I moved to the Atlanta area. That doctor did not think I was a candidate for MVD because he thought that I only had atypical pain. I found a good neurologist in our new city. He has been very good about about working with me to try different meds and combinations of meds. He has also been good about encouraging me to get another opinion about MVD. For several years I was my own road block to seeing a surgeon. I was in fear of being denied again. Adding to the delay of getting an MVD opinion were life events that didn't allow me to focus on persuing surgery. I had several surgeries that had nothing to do with TN. I kept telling myself, "once things settle down . . ." Well things finally sort of settled down. I got brave and went to a surgeon I had met when taking a friend to see him. Unfortunately it turned out that he no longer does MVD. A few more months went by and my neuro encouraged me to see a guy he knows. I checked him out and got brave again and called for an appointment. It took almost 2 weeks before the P.A. got back to me to quiz me about my symptoms. Once I had spoken with him it was another week before I got a call back to let me know that the doctor would see me. I had to get an MRA before seeing him so it was another 10 days or so before I could see the doc. I really surprised myself by how stressed out I got while waiting for my appointment. I was so worried about whether or not the doc would agree to operate on me. I kept thinking about all I have put up with for over 15 years. I came up with lots of reasons why I was, "worthy" to get a hole cut in my head. I fully expected that I would have to plead my case with him. I knew that I would burst into tears if he told me, "No." I was so relieved when he told me he thought I should have MVD. I was stunned when his scheduler told me I could have the surgery on Feb 17th. It is such a production to get in to see this doc because he is in such demand. My appoinment was on the 5th and surgery just ten days later! My head is spinning! My MRI was normal and I don't know what the report said on my MRA but the doc and the PA saw an artery or blood vessel (I can't remember what he said) resting on my crazy nerve.
So here I am, after all of these years, suddenly on the door step of getting some of my life back. I feel like Feb 17th will be a birthday for me.