Hello Jean,
I’ve had the nerve blocks done twice, both times were done in an emergency room situation, both times the pain went away for me for many hours so I counted them as successes. In TN, the nerve damage already exists - as my dr explains it, and for me I guess I had successful procedures as both times the nerve blocks helped me get relief from unstopping attacks that were rated over 10/10 at the time and as no opiods are going to help, the nerve block is the only answer for me in that scenario.
I’ve also since had pulsed radio frequency treatment on each side of my face, that also involves needles through the jaw directly through into the trigeminal ganglion. I was told I’d get 3 months relief, I got 5 months so that too, I counted as another success. I’m booking in to have that done again, that procedure has the possible side effect of semi-permanent facial numbness, but it’s something I’m willing to risk to rid myself of the pain. As I write this my pain is already now at a decent 8/10 and my head wants to explode…
I am terribly sorry to hear you felt more pain after a nerve block than before, I hadn’t heard of a bad nerve block till now.
I have bilateral tn, that means it’s on both sides for me. My attacks defy the bilateral description that says attacks will happen only on one side or the other at any given time. My head doesn’t act that way. It can be that way, or it can, like now - happen on both sides at the same time.
I have had TN for over 20 years progressively getting worse for me, it began just on the right hand side, but in 2006 it became bilateral. I wouldn’t say it “crossed” to the other side as it’s a separate nerve system, two distinct branch pathways variating from the brain stem. One t nerve going left, the other right.
Also, I have not been able to work for the past 3 years and I’m on disability. I am sorry I cannot answer or help with the question of returning to work, for as yet - I’ve not been able to do so.
Jean have you had an MRI of your head done yet? Have you spoken with your Neurologist and maybe a Neurosurgeon to discuss your options going into the future?
Cheers ~ Kerry.
“Wishing us all pain free days”