Hi. I am a transplanted Alaska living in North Granby, CT. I see a neurologist at Yale Hospital, who diagnosed me with Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain. Meds so far give little relief and I am loathe to go on higher doses. For that reason, and because "idiopathic" bothers me, I am getting a second opinion at the Univ. of Michigan next month. Anyway, let me know if anyone wants to meet for coffee.
I live outside New Haven and go to Yale as well, I have Dr Gottschalk, just went last Wednesday. I am one of the lucky ones, I only get 1-2 times a year in my eye of all places and it is mild to seere pain and lasts about 2 weeks.
I also go to Yale and see Christopher Gottschalk in neurology, my next appt there is May 18th at 1:45. I like you get it in my eye which is the eastiest place to get it, I am told and usually once a year in Jan for a couple of week and then 1-2 spasms during the year a couple of times. The year I got it in Jan for 2 weeks 4 spasms. Then it came back March 10 and stopped the beginning of April and then I got ittwice in one day, three times the next, so have no idea what is happening. I am on balofen which is nice. I have lsot 15 poiunds, and sleep less (have mild sleep apnear). But when I take more than 4 pils in a day I am dizzy. Let me know
Dr. Gottschalk has been giving me BOTOX injections, but the insurance is denying payment so I have to stop. I can really feel the difference without the injections. He added balofen to the carbamazepine and gabapentin. I also take 4 balofen but other than making me even sleepier, no other side effects.
I am going to see Dr. Casey in Michigan May 11. He co-authored the book Striking Back about TN and studied with Dr. Janetta. He will either agree with my current diagnosis, or maybe change it to ATN. I just want to be sure of my diagnosis so that my treatment is appropriate.
Where do you live? Close enough to meet for coffee? I'm off 91 at exit 40.
I am ont he other side of New Haven about 10 miles. but I have a boyfriend in Vernon and we go up and back, right up I 91, I am nto going this next trip but hope to the following one.
Nota said:
Dr. Gottschalk has been giving me BOTOX injections, but the insurance is denying payment so I have to stop. I can really feel the difference without the injections. He added balofen to the carbamazepine and gabapentin. I also take 4 balofen but other than making me even sleepier, no other side effects.
I am going to see Dr. Casey in Michigan May 11. He co-authored the book Striking Back about TN and studied with Dr. Janetta. He will either agree with my current diagnosis, or maybe change it to ATN. I just want to be sure of my diagnosis so that my treatment is appropriate.
Where do you live? Close enough to meet for coffee? I'm off 91 at exit 40.