Well after a year and a half of constant pain and carbamazepine or now 1200 mgs of oxcarbazepine not being effective I am headed to my first appointment with a pain management dr on Wednesday It is always so scary to see a new doctor because some of them look at you like you are crazy or they can not comprehend or even try to understand the amount of pain you are in. I am a month into my carbamazepine 800 mgs a day being switched to oxcarbazepine 1200 mgs a day. It stops the sudden shocks of pain that radiate my head but nothing for the pain thats hard to even describe, almost like someone beat me in the face with a baseball bat and broke all of my bones <- that feeling I have 24/7 and have since the day this nightmare went into full blown effect. I am so exhausted physically and mentally that I just pray this dr can help me somewhere somehow. I think I may have atypical instead of just TN because my pain is 24/7 burning, aching, and broken bone feeling. I am hoping there is a nerve block or something that he can do so I can get my life back. I miss playing outside with my kids, or just feeling no pain for a day. The side effects of the level of my medication are horrendous and I find it hard to work, go to school, be a mother, and wife when I cant see straight or even stay awake half of the time. So send me some good vibes and if you have seen a pain management doctor how did it go and what did you find relief with.
I’ve never been to a Pain management Doctor, but I am wishing you all the best along with hope that they can help you! Positive thoughts!
((( hugs ))) Mimi
Please forgive my super sleepy post here. At this point I see my pain managment doctor then all the other ones. But that’s okay. These doctors do just about anything that might be helpful for you to be more of a functional human being again. Depending on the doctor he or she may do never blockers, Botox, implant a simulator, use medication, acupuncture, and so on. They may also suggest for you to see a therapist for your well being mentally, as chronic pain can beat up mentally too. The important thing is to find a PM doctor that you can trust and feel comfortable with, who listens to you, and will work with you. There goal is for your pain level to go enough that your functioning. The good ones will review your case very well before you see them. Some may even require review before you can be accepted as a patient in their office. Google pain managment doctors and you can find out what to expect from them a little better then my ramblings. Hope this helps you a bit and good luck
Thanks for the replies :) I recently ditched my primary docotr after several rude remarks about how I shouldnt still be in pain with the anitconvulsant and pretty much just suck it up. Ive already been accepted to my appointment now I just have to pray he understands my disease, I am also going to ask him what a good choice for a GP would be that is understanding of chronic pain.
Oh Heather!
Well, first…I totally get it. Totally. TN stole my son’s mom. I spent eight months unable to function properly and you described the pain perfectly…it is JUST like that! I finally went to a pain management doc in August of last year…best decision I have ever made. He listened and understood the level of pain involved. He now completely is in charge of my medicines and has a mix that affords me a degree of relief. We also have a game plan going forward.
I hope you find just the right pain specialist who understands.
My best
Saber
I have atypical tn constant pain. I take clonzepan and hydrocodone. Constantly leaves me in a fog but pain dont go away. Went to pain management and wss told to try nugyton sorry not right spelling but was on it for a week and wanted to kill myself. CALLED and told to stop taking. Never went back because he said only other thing would be to try nerve block but said it could work or might not . No guarantee and I read it could it do more damage. Wish you luck I am at end of rope. Tired of doctors and no help.
Daisy…please try another pain management doctor. Hydrocodone is not nearly strong enough for that level of pain and will wreck your liver…if you go to a doctor who is very well-versed in pain management he will want to put you on a medicine that goes directly to pain and won’t make you foggy. Yes, those exist. I am on one. I do take hydrocodone…but only for breakthrough pain, I am on a low dose of methadone for my atypical tn and have had the blocks…I can see past the pain now and even go awhile not hurting at all. Please seek a doctor who is not afraid of REAL pain management.
If you are too far past that, please reach out.
My kindest regards,
Saber
Your Doctor sounds just like mine! Anticoagulants are just not enough for this constant aching pain of ATN! I need Klonopin too! Have you ever tried K too? I really need to find a pain management Dr. near Little Rock, AR.
mommyheather said:
Thanks for the replies :) I recently ditched my primary docotr after several rude remarks about how I shouldnt still be in pain with the anitconvulsant and pretty much just suck it up. Ive already been accepted to my appointment now I just have to pray he understands my disease, I am also going to ask him what a good choice for a GP would be that is understanding of chronic pain.