Sorry I'm just getting replying to your thread. These past 2 weeks have been challenging at best. I had at least 3 days where I pondered taking myself out. I hate it when it gets that bad.
That second consult was a complete joke. I've watched several neuro lectures and heard that atypical TN was a wastebasket term and it is not to be accepted. What I did know after leaving that appointment was that this guy had no interest in treating TN. Just like on the Ken Casey lecture that KC referred me to, very few doctors are even interested in treating these neuralgia's that we have. The second opinion did tell me regarding the MVD is that when it's an artery it's easy, when it's a bunch of blood vessels causing the problem it's a chore. He also said, that surgery is no joke...it's right by the off switch. GRRR...talk about freaking me out. I'm glad he's not my doctor.
I will not do another ablative procedure again. While my the left side of my face has felt so so good for the past 2 days, (day 15 & 16 have been the best) my ear and throat on the left side are still hurting. The right side of my face is like...now that the left side is out of the limelight, it's my turn. The right is not as bad as the left was, but still, I hear you....why would I keep doing minor procedures when it doesn't fix the other problems. After September 9 I will either do as you suggested which is get another consult, or if my surgeon agrees I would like to plan the MVD. That's going to have to be it for me.
Somethingforkate said:
I posted my comment but it seemed to disappear so I will try again. With respect to these physicians, you do not sound as though you have atypical facial pain. That is a rubbish diagnosis. There is nothing atypical about your pain. In fact there's a very specific pattern to it. It sounds as though you have GPN/GN with TN overlap. GPN will do the throat and GPN with GN does the ears. Ablative procedures can be very damaging, especially if the surgeon is treating the wrong nerves. Can I suggest that you have an email discussion with a neurosurgeon with wider experience with cranial neuralgias? Or that you put some substantial literature in front of your doctor and ask him to think about your ears and throat too. There is more to the world than TN and ATN.