Well, its been about a month and a half since I've updated. I went back to work the beginning of November, as my short term disability was up. I am one of the fortunate ones who has that benefit through my employer! I went back only 4 hours at a time, and at this time, I'm up to about 4 or 5 hour shifts 5 days a week. It has been going ok. I'm definitely not ready for an 8 hour shift any time soon.
As far as my TN pain goes, I've had a few shocks here & there, but for the most part I've been doing ok. When I do have pain, its normally late afternoon/evening, or very early morning. I did have a couple days that I thought my TN was flaring back up, but I somehow got it under control, and I was able to go back to work after a couple days. My boss is very understanding.
I'm still currently using Upper Cervical Healthcare and I feel that is going well. I just went 3 weeks and my neck stayed in place, in fact my scans looked better than ever! Yay Me! Its the small things. I am taking some new meds too. I initially started on amitriptyline and Lyrica. However, one of the 2 of those meds is making my hair fall out really bad, and its still falling out. So, after talking to my boss who is a Pharmacist, and my PA, we kind of decided to quit the amitriptyline right away. Then I started weaning off the Lyrica. In place of that, I'm titrating up on Oxcarbazepine, which I have used years ago, and seemed to work well. I'm currently up to 450 mg, twice a day. It seems to be working fine, and keeping my pain under control. Which is more than I can ask for! I'm also currently using a topical compounded cream, which I have also tried before, and I believe works well. Not sure of all the ingredients in this batch. Its working, so that's what matters most.
I'm so happy to report I'm back to work, church and my normal activities. I do still get really tired, but that might just be my meds. Some days I'm really dizzy, and "foggy", which is normal side effects of the meds I'm taking. Its crazy because when my TN initially flared this time, it was August. I was down & out for 3 months...and now its a white winter outside. Crazy how much a person can miss in 3 months. I feel horrible for people who are dealing with this and other types of chronic health problems. I can only imagine what they are going thru.
I'm so thankful to God for giving me my life back, for now anyway. I'm also grateful for all my family, friends, church congregation & community for all the love & support they have shown my family. And lastly to my wonderful boss & co-workers who "sucked it up" while I was out of commission. They just jumped right in and kept my responsibilities going there. Love my job!
I have also met so many wonderful people & TN people & families over the past 3 months. Many of them are very special to me, and we are one big family, trying to figure out this whole TN thing, raise awareness & find a cure! So please remember Oct 7 is TN Awareness Day & our "color" is teal! I am hoping next year I won't be suffering during this time, and can actually contribute to raising awareness!
Thank you for checking in! Merry Christmas, remember that Christ is the reason for this season!
Until Next Time-
Robbie