This is one strange affliction. I have read many stories, and they are all different, but all the same. For some reason, the cold does not bother me on t my face the way it does others. Yes, in the car I turn the AC away from my face, but it is just uncomfortable, not a trigger. Movement is my trigger when I’m flared up.
The meds are holding back the pain, but I feel like my jaw is “locked & loaded” especially when I am due to take meds.
I am so glad the cool wind is not a trigger, because golf is my passion. I will play and just stop and deep breath if the pain hits. I would hate so much to have to give that up. I got a mouthguard to wear while playing since when you contact the ball you tend to clench …now that’s a trigger.
My tn started as a "pressure" rather than pain right away. When the pain hit months later is when I went to the dr. I understant the "locked and loaded" metaphor because that's what the pressure feels like right before I am due to take meds myself. I have an odd trigger above my hairline on the TN side. I'll scratch my head there and without fail, I'll get a zing in my teeth.
Locked & loaded! That really hit a nerve with me. You have to treat this thing with such respect! I’m sure we are all precarious about what we do or don’t ? So many triggers! Even the most subtle breeze! I hope you can continue to do what you love! My sister made a joke about me,… She said, ‘Sally needs a clear Perspex box to wear on her head!’ Not for her TN, bus so her her doesn’t get messed up in the wind! Now that’s sarcastic! Lol
P.s. I always try to be aware of what I’m doing with my face. I some times have to remind my self not to clench my jaw, or frown! Best to relax your face. Keeps you looking young too!
Does anyone find that turning to talk to someone in the car sets theirs off, happens to me!
First time of having an attack I was on a cycling holiday. Each time I had an attack was as we walked into a warm cafe. Was it going from cold to warm? Was it relaxing my jaw? I had to walk back out of the cafe on each occasion as I did not not anyone to witness the attack, it was like i was ashamed for others to see me in such pain and the body/face reflex's it caused. How do others cope with others seeing them whilst having an attack?
I try to relax my face and keep my lips together, and I just try to turn away. I was playing in my golf league one day having one attack after another. I just told them I wasn’t quitting and just kept on going. People will never know how bad this is if we hide in our houses.
Jackie, for some reason I am proned to attacks while driving. I have had my most intense pain while driving. I either pull over or get home as quickly as possible. At least I can scream when I’m alone on my car. I don’t drive very much on my meds though.
Candy, I'm in the odd ball club too! Being outside in the cold and wind is not a trigger for me either (thankfully), but a sudden temperature change can sometimes cause a flare up. Whenever anyone opens a refrigerator door, I have to turn away quickly, or else the blast of cold air that flies out as the fridge door is slammed shut will do me in.
tkal, sometimes if I scratch my eyebrow absentmindedly, I get a zing in my top teeth on that side. It is so annoying!
Sally, you are so right about trying to be aware of whether one is clenching or not. I do stretches periodically throughout the day, and that helps a lot.
Jackie, talking in general can aggravate things, and especially if I have to raise my voice. That's the worst!
Elstep, in terms of trying to deal with an attack in public, I pretend that I am yawning a lot, since a few gentle stretches can help bring the pain down a notch or two and get things somewhat under control. If I can, I run to the restroom where I can do some proper stretches and take some deep breaths. If it is happening at work, I just tell people that I have a tooth that is bugging me, which seems to explain the situation without making a big deal out of it. It is the most simple version of the truth, after all. If I am around family or friends, there isn't any explanation necessary, since they love me just the same, even if I do have a scrunchy face. :)
Take care, everyone.
Chris
i have no triggers at all, and I find that cold actually is better for me with less pain, it was the humidity this summer that made me worse. I am looking forward to snow, lol
Wendy