RE: Keeping me guessing

Since the pain has come back full-force with my TN (two weeks this coming Sunday) it has been eye-opening. This time, it started on my left side and last week switched to my right. This morning when I woke up about 4 AM, the pain started on my left, only to subside for a while and pick up again on my right where it has remain since. I have also been thinking back since the major episode subsidedin 2008. I have realized that I have never really been pain-free. I have had dull, aching pain since that time, or at least discomfort. I do not know how else to say it except that I am always at least aware of my face. Has anyone else experienced this? I guess that's strange to say...of course we are all aware of our faces, but I mean I am always aware and hesitant of my face, fearing and apprehensive of what may be about to come. Crazy?

Amy Ive never been pain free and yes I do wonder if this pain is ever gonna go away Some times’s I think Im going to get better then tomarrow or the next day come’s theen I think May be I wont this pain seem’s so crazey I never know what tomarror will bring.Also I" ve had my pain for two year’s I think there have been some small change’s and I even have some new pain. I hope you get pain relief soon.But one thing for sure I seem to alway’s think I will get better. And I hope you do to,

I think it’s a good thing that you can say you have remained hopeful…losing hope is scary to me. I called the doctor’s office today to say the medication has yet to give me hope and they increased the dose. That means an increase in the side effects that are already unbearable. I honestly do not know how I will funtion personally, professionally, or academically with more confusion, exhaustion, and lethargy.

Funny…even when I am not in the midst of a spasm I am waiting for the next one…I have in other areas of my life worked at living in the moment and living for the day…this is certainly another instance when that has becoming increasingly necessary. Today, driving down the road, I felt discomfort in one of my front teeth…I was like really? Seriously? Radiating to my front tooth? Craziness…

Shannon Hoke said:

Amy,

I had been pain free for 3 years. Now it has returned as the burning and achy feeling and I have also been experiencing on both sides more so on the side of my surgery. I hope the increase in meds help and yes the side effects are horrible. You ar enot crazy just very aware of your pain. As someone explained it to me in the beginning, when you have TN you become aware of every little sensation in your face. This disease makes you paroniod and you have every right to be.

I wish you luck in some pain relief.

Shannon