I suspect that because I need to ask what a complete remission is I have never had one. I have done much reading and researching about the condition called TN which has attached itself to my life in a very selfish way and can not get a clear understanding of what a true remission is. Does it mean you have no symptoms and so decrease and eventually completely go off your meds and remain pain free for an undefined period of time? Or does it mean that you stay on the meds but have no symptoms? My neurologist says many folks do not have a remission and my neurosurgeon says it is strange that I have not had a remission. What say ye good folks on this matter?
In my opinion, Remission = No pain, No meds.
My neurologist has always said, if you are at least 6 weeks pain free, we start weaning the meds slowly.
First time we did this after 9 months with TN, I experienced an 8 yr remission on my right side and 10 years on my left.
I hit the jackpot and didn’t even know how lucky I was…
I didn’t know back then it could come back, I thought once it was gone, it was gone for good. ( joke was on me, I’m still not laughing)
When my right side came out of remission, I started on the Tegretol…once I was pain free for more than 6 weeks we attempted to wean, BUT this time no such luck. One 200mg tablet and within 24-48hrs the electric shocks were back. Added that 200mg back and all was well again.
Left side became progressive, med resistant after remission …that’s why I had the MVD.
Unfortunately due to misinformation or not enough adequate information, many people do not try and reduce meds after a period of pain management.
Fear of the pain, or doctors un knowledgable.
Therefore many people consider “pain management” =remission (meds, no pain).
If you’ve never tried to wean / lower your meds while pain free, then you’d never know if you had a remission.
Again, this is just my opinion based on my experience, research and my longtime Neurologists advice.
I could go for a remission right about now!!!
Hope you’re doing ok Patty, think of you often!
(( hugs )) Mimi
I think the only thing I do know for sure is that this is progressive. IF you do get remissions, they get shorter. Lovely huh?
I am pain free and in remission but
MVD is not a cure --- I could have to go need to do it again....and again if I live long enough!!!
Agreed!
Lets hope not hey KC?! 
(( hugs))
After four minths with TN I did reduce my meds successfully and was one pill away from literally being off the meds entirely and being relatively pain free. Then it came back and has never left. It has had period when it was not as active or painful as somedays but always there. The past 6 weeks have been very tough with pain though even with my meds. I am on a plant based diet for Lent. Perhaps the sensitivity and inflammation in the nerves will reduce. I feel I have nothing to lose. Well besides a few pounds 
hugs to you too Mimi
Mimi said:
In my opinion, Remission = No pain, No meds.
My neurologist has always said, if you are at least 6 weeks pain free, we start weaning the meds slowly.
First time we did this after 9 months with TN, I experienced an 8 yr remission on my right side and 10 years on my left.
I hit the jackpot and didn’t even know how lucky I was…
I didn’t know back then it could come back, I thought once it was gone, it was gone for good. ( joke was on me, I’m still not laughing)
When my right side came out of remission, I started on the Tegretol…once I was pain free for more than 6 weeks we attempted to wean, BUT this time no such luck. One 200mg tablet and within 24-48hrs the electric shocks were back. Added that 200mg back and all was well again.
Left side became progressive, med resistant after remission …that’s why I had the MVD.
Unfortunately due to misinformation or not enough adequate information, many people do not try and reduce meds after a period of pain management.
Fear of the pain, or doctors un knowledgable.
Therefore many people consider “pain management” =remission (meds, no pain).
If you’ve never tried to wean / lower your meds while pain free, then you’d never know if you had a remission.
Again, this is just my opinion based on my experience, research and my longtime Neurologists advice.
I could go for a remission right about now!!!
Hope you’re doing ok Patty, think of you often!
(( hugs )) Mimi