One for the ladies

Hi all just coming out of a really bad episode where the pain was at it's worse, I am always getting asked how bad the pain is which I find hard to answer, so for you ladies (the ones that have had children) how does the pain compare to the pain of childbirth is it worse not in the same league? I know it is not the same sort of pain but I am just looking for a way of describing the level.

Thanks all

Alan

Hi. Childbirth is totally different. You can think of other things at the same time as being in labour and giving birth. I normally describe the pain of GPN is as the worst case of toothache/access one can have where your brain is numb with the pain. When my tongue is the worst part it feels as if there is a red hot wire inside it, being pulled and then let go, time after time.

Mine is low key at the moment, but I am never free of it and will be seeing a surgeon in the next few months. Good luck with yours x

Hi Alan, I have had my neuralgia for many years and have 3 grown sons. Yes I could say when the pain is at its worst it would compare with labor pains. They both stop you in your tracks. To bad there is no reward coming from neuralgia. At least the pain of child birth you know it will end and will then have a wonderful baby. Right now I am not having pain, but I have a cold and every time I have a cold the pain will soon begin. So for now I am peacefully drinking my morning tea and enjoying it.

God Bless,

Arlene

Hi Arlene and KatyB thanks for your thoughts you are so right about there being no reward. Talking just about pain level on a score of 1-10 10 being the worst. childbirth or GPN?

I just tell people on a scale of 1 to 10, it's an 11.

albi said:

Hi Arlene and KatyB thanks for your thoughts you are so right about there being no reward. Talking just about pain level on a score of 1-10 10 being the worst. childbirth or GPN?

And childbirth?

Long time ago now, but I dont think I would have followed the first child with two more if the pain equated to my worst GPN attacks and I would rate the worst being 15/10. Childbirth 9/10.

KatyB have to agree neuralgia beats childbirth - also, when contractions start you at least know they're only for a finite time. :)


It has been so many years since I went through labor pains that it is hard to remember just how bad it was. I know it was a lot. But I have had the neuralgia for so many years, that I would rate it worse since it will probably be with me until I die. Although the pain is not as bad as it used to be. But I have learned things that make it worse and avoid it. I know some of the people on this site have it so much worse than me, that I am grateful that it is not worse. Thank God it is not constant.
Maine Member said:

I just tell people on a scale of 1 to 10, it's an 11.

albi said:

Hi Arlene and KatyB thanks for your thoughts you are so right about there being no reward. Talking just about pain level on a score of 1-10 10 being the worst. childbirth or GPN?

I have to say that I would hands down prefer childbirth to GPN.

Both of my children were natural childbirths. There is something to be said for knowing that the contractions will mostly follow a pattern (mine didn’t), they WILL end, and you will have a wee beautiful life to hold after. There is a purpose to the pain.

I’ve tried using some of the same techniques I learned for pain management during childbirth to GPN with mixed success. It’s hard when there is no end to the pain.

That’s the key I think, knowing it will end.

I could have never imagined asking this question, but I appreciate the answers. I've never comprehended pain as severe as this condition gets at its worst, and imagining women going through this is pretty horrific. My mother had a C section, so hopefully I hurt less.