So much pain

I've been very blessed to be free of any major flare-ups for several years through good medication management up until Thursday. It was so windy outside and as I left the health club after my workout I thought someone hit me in the side of the head with a sledge hammer. I never saw it coming. I screamed in the parking lot and clutched my face, wrapped my coat over my head and stumbled to the protection of my truck.

I felt the left side of my face start to tingle and swell a bit, I was terrified....but the pain, there was so much PAIN! OMG, I forgot how much this hurt!! I took for granted how pain-free I was and how well the medication was helping me. I still had (have) daily teeth sensitivity that rules over everything I eat or drink, but that is nothing compared to what I am going through this very minute.

I forgot how painful it is to blow your nose in the winter, or brush your hair, or put your make-up on. I feel stupid to think that I could lead a 'normal" life....after all, I hadn't had a flare-up in years..YEARS! God, I was so stupid......now the TN is back and it's whacked me on the back of the head as a reminder that it's here and living well inside my face and that I am never, ever to forget it. Ever.

Yesterday was the first time I went to work and showed co-workers and my boss,what I look like when I have a flare-up. I was embarrassed when I cringed in pain in front of them. But I had already had "the talk" with my boss about TN and what it was, so when I told him I was in a flare-up he was very compassionate and wondered what I was doing at work (bless his heart). I am fortunate enough to work in an office right now where I don't have to see alot of people or talk to many people so I was able to get my work done at my own pace and stop when I needed to, which is why I went in. If I needed to leave cause I was in pain, I knew that it would be ok. Having people see me in a flare-up was a big step for me, but I work in a small office and they are like extended family and I can't hide forever - though I wish I could in times like these.

Right now, I'm scared because I don't remember what to do in a flare-up. Do I use ice or heat....the meds I'm on cause memory loss and my neuro is not available this weekend. He's a good dr but his bedside manner kinda stinks....I would never think of leaving him though. After all, he's the reason I've been flare-up free for so many years. He's the one that found the medication combination that worked for me when my other neuro gave up.

I don't know what to do.....I can't remember.....I'm scared and it hurts so much.....

so sorry to hear this!!! Sounds like you need to get back on your meds or up your dose--or combine with something new. If it is really bad go to the ER and they can give you IV tramadol-- that should help you get through till you can see your doc... it is so weird how it can be gone for years and then boom-- like a sledgehammer... crazy. hope you feel better soon!!

So sorry to hear this… I’ve been pain free for 2 months and mine has started back too.

Thank you for your support....I'm glad I could come back here and pour my heart out to those who understand where I am coming from - without having to explain the whole story about what TN is. I spent yesterday just laying on the couch with a heating pad and eating very soft food. That seemed to help although I did have moments of smaller flare ups. Today seems to be much better. My neuro did up my meds when I went to see him on Wed last week (I saw him for the headaches associated with my TN) and they are kicking in now so today (Sunday) seems to be much better. Bless you all for your support and thank heaven for this site and all the support it provides for people like us. My husband is VERY supportive, too but it's people like all of you that make having TN possible to live with.....thank you.....