Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
My experience tells me that Alcohol brought an attack-on that too during my pain-free period. Have not touched since than.O
My experience tells me that Alcohol brought an attack-on that too during my pain-free period. Have not touched since than.O
Iwas in remission from Classic TN began to get ATN symptoms (burning temples) when laying in bed after drinking quite a lot of red wine. I have now begun to drink again but only one or two glasses a couple of times a week and this seems ok.
Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:
Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
Hi Rick
I know where you are coming from. I tried the same to kill the pain . It worked for some months, however I found I was drinking more and more as the pain increased (Merlot was my choice). I am on a combination of Gab 6x400mg and Teg 5x400mg a day. I have however weaned myself off the drink as I found the pain area started getting sensitive to the extent the pain increased rather than decreasing. I am now down to having an occasional drink this has helped reduce the pain. You may have to increase your meds. I know taking meds makes me mad too however I've got used to it. Hope you find your balance.
Albee,
Just try to keep at it so you can build up callouses on your fingertips, to make those steel strings easier to deal with. There are some outstanding guitar lesson clips on YouTube, for sure. You might want to back those up with a good, old fashion chord book to learn how to read chord diagrams and keep your Ax in tune which is very helpful as you go along.
I have 3 guitars here at the house, a Fender Strat and two acoustics which I play a lot more than the electric these days. I use open tunings, usually in "D" with a glass bottleneck slide on my pinky. I used to be a much better picker than I am today due to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and carpal tunnel. Not being able to play comfortably is a real drag, but I've accepted that with age, the flesh begins to protest. I won't mention what 30 years of running has done for my knees and the circulation in my legs. ;-) Stick with it my Brother and have fun! Rick
Albee said:
Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
As to Adverts here in the States, cigarette and "alcoholic spirits" ads on TV have been banned for decades. However, the alcohol ads are trickling their way back on our TV using "sharp elbows" via pay-offs, etc. The number of "bottle shops" here is usually dictated by the statutes of the municipality in which they are located.
For example: If town/county "A" prohibits Sunday alcoholic beverage sales, town/county "B", just down the road- does. Ready availability is not a problem here in most municipalities of our 50 States. Take Care, Rick
Lupa said:
Adverts on tv promoting cigarettes have been banned here for a long time, and I wish they would do the same with alcohol. I don't know what it's like in other countries, but it is FAR too accessible here - A bottle shop in every group of shops you find, pretty much. I'm from a small suburb, and off the top of my head, I know there are 5 bottle shops within walking distance, and 3 or 4 bar type places...Too many. I sound all stodgy lol, I'm not anti alcohol, I have no problems with people having a drink if they so choose. It's the ones that overdo it that bother me...
Out of curiousity though, knowing that you seemed to find some relief from it.....Has anyone found the opposite? The occasional drink triggering TN pain? I'm all for both sides of the coin in things :)
The troubles in Christchurch are sadly an ongoing thing...My heart goes out to all of those who were and continue to be effected. :(
I too have had feelings about ending the suffering. Whatever comes of this - DO NOT follow through! There is NO second chance. As far as the alcohol goes... like most things in life, everything in moderation. I am not a medical professional who will likely get sued for giving bad info. I am a fellow sufferer who allows himself the occasional beverage despite warnings on the medicine labels. I have found that I am better in the morning and take advantage of this to do my research, phone calls, etc. when I am coherent and not in lots of pain. Please give this a try.
Hello Dale and thank you for your thoughtful comment!
I'd never follow-through on that threat and was drowning in self-pity at the time as the pain cycles reoccur with more intensity as time goes on. Dale, may I ask about which meds regimen has worked best for you?
Blessings, my Brother, Rick
Dale said:
I too have had feelings about ending the suffering. Whatever comes of this - DO NOT follow through! There is NO second chance. As far as the alcohol goes... like most things in life, everything in moderation. I am not a medical professional who will likely get sued for giving bad info. I am a fellow sufferer who allows himself the occasional beverage despite warnings on the medicine labels. I have found that I am better in the morning and take advantage of this to do my research, phone calls, etc. when I am coherent and not in lots of pain. Please give this a try.
Hi, Rick and Albee…On the subject of YouTube guitar lessons, my oldest son, Nate, has a few cool lessons up teaching some John Mayer (sp). You can find him under…(don't laugh)…SHOEIFICATION…I am hunbled by these three children of mine :-) They have been so wonderful through these 10 years with TN, and they have blossomed so despite my lack of being the mom I want(ed) to be. Many blessings to you! LyndaS
Rick Bruce said:
Albee,
Just try to keep at it so you can build up callouses on your fingertips, to make those steel strings easier to deal with. There are some outstanding guitar lesson clips on YouTube, for sure. You might want to back those up with a good, old fashion chord book to learn how to read chord diagrams and keep your Ax in tune which is very helpful as you go along.
I have 3 guitars here at the house, a Fender Strat and two acoustics which I play a lot more than the electric these days. I use open tunings, usually in "D" with a glass bottleneck slide on my pinky. I used to be a much better picker than I am today due to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and carpal tunnel. Not being able to play comfortably is a real drag, but I've accepted that with age, the flesh begins to protest. I won't mention what 30 years of running has done for my knees and the circulation in my legs. ;-) Stick with it my Brother and have fun! Rick
Albee said:Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
Welcome LyndaS...
It's great to hear that your kids discovered their inclination toward music early on in their lives and kept at it.
I'm sorry to learn hat you were struggling with such a very painful malady at the same time.
If possible, your kids all need a tranquil place in your home t0 learn how to play their chosen musical instruments. Not easy for most folks...But as they begin to gain mastery on their instruments, you will be very proud!
LyndaS said:
Hi, Rick and Albee…On the subject of YouTube guitar lessons, my oldest son, Nate, has a few cool lessons up teaching some John Mayer (sp). You can find him under…(don't laugh)…SHOEIFICATION…I am hunbled by these three children of mine :-) They have been so wonderful through these 10 years with TN, and they have blossomed so despite my lack of being the mom I want(ed) to be. Many blessings to you! LyndaS
Rick Bruce said:Albee,
Just try to keep at it so you can build up callouses on your fingertips, to make those steel strings easier to deal with. There are some outstanding guitar lesson clips on YouTube, for sure. You might want to back those up with a good, old fashion chord book to learn how to read chord diagrams and keep your Ax in tune which is very helpful as you go along.
I have 3 guitars here at the house, a Fender Strat and two acoustics which I play a lot more than the electric these days. I use open tunings, usually in "D" with a glass bottleneck slide on my pinky. I used to be a much better picker than I am today due to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and carpal tunnel. Not being able to play comfortably is a real drag, but I've accepted that with age, the flesh begins to protest. I won't mention what 30 years of running has done for my knees and the circulation in my legs. ;-) Stick with it my Brother and have fun! Rick
Albee said:Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
Hi Lynda,
I checked out a few of Nate's teaching and playing clips on You Tube--Wow! He really is a GREAT young guitar player! I sort of chuckled at some of his buddies worshipful comments; many begging him to put out more lesson videos. Also noticed he isn't shy about being a Christian and that he has a wonderful "Teaching gift"...
Nice job, Mom!
Rick
LyndaS said:
Hi, Rick and Albee…On the subject of YouTube guitar lessons, my oldest son, Nate, has a few cool lessons up teaching some John Mayer (sp). You can find him under…(don't laugh)…SHOEIFICATION…I am hunbled by these three children of mine :-) They have been so wonderful through these 10 years with TN, and they have blossomed so despite my lack of being the mom I want(ed) to be. Many blessings to you! LyndaS
Rick Bruce said:Albee,
Just try to keep at it so you can build up callouses on your fingertips, to make those steel strings easier to deal with. There are some outstanding guitar lesson clips on YouTube, for sure. You might want to back those up with a good, old fashion chord book to learn how to read chord diagrams and keep your Ax in tune which is very helpful as you go along.
I have 3 guitars here at the house, a Fender Strat and two acoustics which I play a lot more than the electric these days. I use open tunings, usually in "D" with a glass bottleneck slide on my pinky. I used to be a much better picker than I am today due to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and carpal tunnel. Not being able to play comfortably is a real drag, but I've accepted that with age, the flesh begins to protest. I won't mention what 30 years of running has done for my knees and the circulation in my legs. ;-) Stick with it my Brother and have fun! Rick
Albee said:Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
:-) You're sweet to say these kind words. I shared them with Nate (just after I reminded him he had to clean the bathroom this week!). Someone has to keep his feet on the ground! ha! It has been a reward (2Thes2:19-20) to be near all of my kids as they've grown and blossomed.
I must say that TN has made this a possibility! And, although we may feel we fall short in the parent dept. because we cannot be with them and do fun things with them most of the time, there is a community of people that love our children and support them in our absence. I am not lucky; I am blessed. Nate knew me as a mom who was very present, responsive and goofy. TN robbed me of much of this type of expression. My husband saw Nate's desire and he taught Nate to play by ear, bringing him as far as he could with his knowledge. Nate took up the ax and used it to carry him to a place where pain is abolished…his emotional pain from this TN effecting our family, and the many of the stresses of growing up and being part of a rigorous jr high, and high school with many demands. This school placed bronze in the USA in the US News and World Report rating during Nate's Jr. year in high school. He also has played for Jr & High School ministry at our church since 6th grade. He is the one child I have that has never met a mountain he did not like! ha! Having music parallell his learning years was what propelled him in both arenas. What a huge blessing on both fronts :-)
Sincerely,
Lynda
Rick Bruce said:
Hi Lynda,
I checked out a few of Nate's teaching and playing clips on You Tube--Wow! He really is a GREAT young guitar player! I sort of chuckled at some of his buddies worshipful comments; many begging him to put out more lesson videos. Also noticed he isn't shy about being a Christian and that he has a wonderful "Teaching gift"...
Nice job, Mom!
Rick
LyndaS said:Hi, Rick and Albee…On the subject of YouTube guitar lessons, my oldest son, Nate, has a few cool lessons up teaching some John Mayer (sp). You can find him under…(don't laugh)…SHOEIFICATION…I am hunbled by these three children of mine :-) They have been so wonderful through these 10 years with TN, and they have blossomed so despite my lack of being the mom I want(ed) to be. Many blessings to you! LyndaS
Rick Bruce said:Albee,
Just try to keep at it so you can build up callouses on your fingertips, to make those steel strings easier to deal with. There are some outstanding guitar lesson clips on YouTube, for sure. You might want to back those up with a good, old fashion chord book to learn how to read chord diagrams and keep your Ax in tune which is very helpful as you go along.
I have 3 guitars here at the house, a Fender Strat and two acoustics which I play a lot more than the electric these days. I use open tunings, usually in "D" with a glass bottleneck slide on my pinky. I used to be a much better picker than I am today due to peripheral neuropathy in my hands and carpal tunnel. Not being able to play comfortably is a real drag, but I've accepted that with age, the flesh begins to protest. I won't mention what 30 years of running has done for my knees and the circulation in my legs. ;-) Stick with it my Brother and have fun! Rick
Albee said:Rick - I am with you on his talent and ability to create the new sound, just dont like the ending to the story. My entire life I have tried to look at people at try to emulate that goodness they exude(d) (Such as Elvis' talents) but while also consciously noting what I do not want to copy (his addictions and the dreaded "toxic" cocktail). On a totally separate off topic, this TN has spooked me, so have chosen to "live my life" - I always wanted to learn the guitar, so there was an acoustic here in the house - I have picked it up, fired up a lesson or 2 on the YouTube.com and am finally able to move my fingers up and down those strings. Its a great feeling - Cant wait to learn chords and hopefully learn a song by summertime
Rick Bruce said:Yo, Albee,
Much Thanks for the advice and insight.
I just have to say, that in the mid-1950's when Elvis put out Jailhouse Rock, Heartbreak Hotel and ...Hound Dog, etc., I was so deliriously happy that I couldn't even see straight, because his songs and the entire new R&B genre were so unique--. I prefer to remember him as he was in those days...Back when the descriptor "totally awesome", actually meant something. "Not a sermon, Brother, just a thought."
Blessings, Rick
I had TN and MVD years ago (70s) on the left side after having allergic reactions to all meds tried.17 years later some other surgical procedure that left me numb from top of my head to bottom of my chin. About 5 years ago I began to have symptoms on the right side, never as acute as the left side had been (yet... I know that can change). Dental causes have been eliminated. I'm on gabapentin and recently increased dose 300 mg 3 times a day.\ because I had some zingers. I told my doctor I'm normally not a drinker of hard alcohol , but no pain meds ever work, and I have found that a couple of drinks does the trick. Fortunately I don't have daily severe pain and so I don't feel once in awhile if severe pain can be stopped by alcohol that I should;d avoid it.. Haven't tried wine "medicinally" ... recently my choice and the most effective seems to be tequila which I have to take in tomato or vegetable juice and gulp it down fast. 2 shots and the pain is gone for at least 5 or 6 hours and actually nev er has come back then as severely. I see nothing wrong with drinking for occasional attacks. If and when my attacks increase I will explore other treatment. At 79, my PC doc is concerned about an MVD, and prefers to see what we an do with meds. There are so few I can take so it remains to be seen what the future has in store for me.
Elizabeth, what seems right for you may not be for others. And of course, vice versa. Alcohol can be a definite problem for a lot of people in pain, both for its direct physical effects and because it is associated with emotional depression.
However, be aware that prevailing medical opinion these days is that age by itself is not a disqualifier for eligibility for the MVD procedure, so long as your other health conditions are compatible. High blood pressure or a history of stroke or heart disease are generally negatives. A dominant component of pain characterized as "atypical" (constant throbbing, burning pain) may also suggest that you aren't the best candidate for MVD.
Regards and best,
Red
On the issue of alcohol, red wine in my case, I definitely had my fair share of red wine during this last year since my TN diagnosis. I LOVE red wine (no other alcohol) and wasn't giving that up. I have spent the last 12 months on Trileptal and then Tegretol and was up to 1200mg on the later and still drank 1-3 glasses of red a few nights a week. It helped me honestly on some nights to get through the breakthrough pain here and there. Tegretol overall worked great but still only controlled most of the pain most of the time. I thought about the liver issues but I had my blood tested twice with nothing out of sorts. I had my MVD 12 weeks ago and of course drank no red wine for the month before and 6 weeks after. I am down to one 200mg Tegretol a day now (weaning off) and will be done tomorrow - no meds - YEAH! I had blood work done again late December and once again my liver numbers were all perfectly normal. I do, however, eat clean, am a vegetarian and exercise 6 days a week. I'm happy though to hear (my doctor told me this too) that any effects that Tegretol may have had on my body or liver will go away in a short time.
Many years ago, 70s, I had 10 years of hell on the left side in all 3 divisions before an MVD that saved me. I had bad reactions to most meds tried, No pain killer helped me. During those 10 years, when I would have a severe attack, my roommates would say "time to take you out for an "alcohol block"... of course they meant a drink and we didn't have any in the house so they took me to the local pub for a couple of drinks... almost immediate relief. Now I am having symptoms on my right side and on Gabapentin 600 3 times a day. I won't even go into what I don't like about that drug here, only that when I get a flare up and I have oxycodone which I don't take because it doesn't help, a couple of drinks and the pain is gone. I found that wine was too slow, held my nose and drank tequila in tomato juice. Last night I found that brandy in warm milk really did the trickand was more pleasant to drink Maybethere was a little help from the triptaphane too. I am not advocating drinking. But I am saying that it helps me better than pain meds I've been given. I know its controversial and I've never been a drinker so it isn't easy. I'd wager that more of us than will admit find help from alcohol and are embarrassed to share. .I'd be interested in knowing if there are others.
interesting, I have very similar experiences but there are a few things...if you do ANYTHING for 30 days in a row (purposely or NOT) it becomes a habit then you will do automatically without thinking twice...be mindful of this and others perspective who might be keeping an eye on your on the outside.
2ndly I found that I get hungover alot easier prob just simply due to being dehydrated from the pills but over doing it is painful..TN + Hangover = no fun for at least 1 full day...
Lastly if anyone takes any sleep "helpers" be VERY careful to skip or take the minimum dose you need to fall asleep. Otherwise, your system will shut down and everyone will end up thinking hmmmm sleeping pills and alcohol ...poor fellow...meanwhile the person may have not thought twice in taking their nightly sleeping pills then BAM game over...