I hope you have discovered that music can help you get through a rough episode of pain, or even keep triggers at bay. I keep a visible list (taped to the wall!) of the things that help when I’m in the most pain. Since pain causes me to forget and have to start my own regimen over, it serves as a reminder to me and to anyone who may be trying to get me through a tough period. After "Medication", "Music" is the next item on my list. My singing is awful, but my moaning and groaning is much worse. Singing along with a song also forces your mind to switch over from all your thoughts of worry and pain. Here is a favorite that I like to put on loud when I'm making a stand against pain.
I have no idea how anyone in the throes of Type I TN could even manage to open their mouth to sing, sorry! It would be impossible for me, I cannot even breathe deeply when in pain with TN. How does Type II cope, is it any easier?
I have no idea how anyone in the throes of Type I TN could even manage to open their mouth to sing, sorry! It would be impossible for me, I cannot even breathe deeply when in pain with TN. How does Type II cope, is it any easier?
Jackie, please forgive me if I came across as insensitivie or less than understanding of the intollerable pain that as TN patients we all experience. I know firsthand how difficult it is cope with the unrelenting pain, and I should have ellaborated on the point that my singing as a way to cope is my way of standing strong when it just isnt possible to cry, scream, yell or otherwise. Especially with the added layer of pain that I believe comes with a concurrent outbreak of shingles, I was having problems due to holding my breath and even more serious problems with a roommate that was less than caring and mimicked my moaning, groaning and crying in an effort to feed her theory that I was just crying for attention. It is sooooo difficult to remain positive under even the best circumstances. My "singing" actually evolved from using breathing techniques I learned in childbirthing classes. I also have had five long years to work on trying to "cope" while around others. Thank you for causing me to rethink the way I presented my advice. I wish you the best.
I have heard Dr Oz say that humming helps to clear the sinuses, I wonder if it would help with TN? At least you don't have to move your face much to hum...
Melinda, no offense was taken or meant by me, I just cannot imagine being capable. Your roommate experience is not unusual nor unique unfortunately, many people here report insensitivity from others, we have an invisible condition and suffer more as a consequence. I might add when it is impossible for me to physically sing I do so in my head, not quite as good but better than nothing. No need to rethink the way you present your advice, it was just a question. I wish you well also.
I read in the book, The Stress Answer, by Dr. Lawless, he says (after much research) listening to a drum solo CD or picking out the drums in a composition or playing the drums uses the same part of the brain that acknowledges pain. In this part of our brain, it cannot do two things at once.
Like worrying and being grateful, these two jobs are given to one part of the brain, but it cannot do both simultaneously. Who wants to be grateful for TN, or in TN. That is a HUGE step for anyone. We can find other things to be grateful for and thus using the energy in this part of the brain for our gratefulness and thankfulness, for our kids, spouses, friends, profession, job, meds that work (kind of), etc., etc,
When in pain both are hard to do…be grateful for something and focus on a particular instrament in a song. Singing in our minds does not use our mouth or breathing, so Jackie, this is how I figured a work-around.
One last work-around I've been using is to be thankful in advance for a permanent remission for all of us who are going through the TN journey. Families of patients included. Sometimes it seems to be worse on them! If I think of what it may be like to have a permanent remission, my thoughts suddenly becomes colorful again. When pain is here, my thoughts are in black and white with levels of gray. No life whatsoever! But with music, thankfulness and thinking of a day when this is NOT part of our lives, of us being in permanent remission—it makes me feel better in an instant.
Blessings!
LyndaS
Jackie said:
I have no idea how anyone in the throes of Type I TN could even manage to open their mouth to sing, sorry! It would be impossible for me, I cannot even breathe deeply when in pain with TN. How does Type II cope, is it any easier?
I love singing so I wish this would help me but unfortunately I've found singing is a trigger for me. I'll be belting out some Adele in the car and the pain just hits. Makes me sad that I can't sing. Low moaning helps temporary relief (only while I'm moaning) but in the midst of an attack it's better than nothing.
Melinda carry on singing anything that helps. What an insensitive room mate, lets hope she doesnt start to complain about your voice! I listened to the clip and enjoyed it. x