I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. Tri - what? Trigeminal Neuralgia. A condition described by Neurosurgery today.org as :sometimes the most excruciating pain known to humanity. The pain typically involves the lower face and jaw, although sometimes it affects the area around the nose and above the eye. This intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which sends branches to the forehead, cheek, and lower jaw.
It is estimated that 1 in 15,000 people suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. It can bring about stabbing, mind-numbing, electric shock-like pain from just a finger's glance of the cheek.From my view -- there are no words to describe the pain when it hits. From my readings, there is no surefire cure for neuralgia although surgery can be an option. There is no reason or pattern on who gets it or how. Plainly stated, there is a miscommunication in my trigeminal nerves sending wrong messages to my brain. It is something I have learned to live with since 2004. I take medication when the pain becomes unbearable, but then there are side effects.
Why discuss it here?
Because despite the pain, this affliction has taught me two things: Appreciation and Hope.
Appreciation of simple things taken for granted. When TN strikes, even the mere act of smiling is painful, talking or even air that blows can trigger the pain. When pain free -- I laugh louder, talk more often (son says he does not remember me talking lesser!), and I don't care if the cold wind blows hard.
Hope. During the TN months, I always live in the hope that tomorrow could be the start of a pain free days again.
Embrace life. Be positive. Be considerate with others.
Read more about TN. . . then more. . .
Nagpa MRI ka to see what's causing this?
ReplyDeleteYup, I went through the whole gamut of exams -- starting from the dentist to facial pains, to MRIs, and a few others. Same conclusion - "factory defect".
ReplyDeleteSo it's part of getting old. Ako sad, I have carpal tunnel syndrome on both hands. Getting old, overuse of the joints, mainly the wrists. I wear braces at night. It seems to help. And I have to do some exercises and stretching, if I remember/feel the symptoms. Noncompliant, perfect patient..
ReplyDeleteSorry,change of topic. Didn't you mention wanting to visit the Statue of Liberty?
ReplyDeleteLove your positive thinking of appreciation and hope.
ReplyDeleteMe too is suffering from TN and has been on medication (tegretol) for about 2 yrs already.
Sometimes the medication works, sometimes it doesn't. But when the pain comes it is really unbearable, and no one seems to understand.
Like what you said, i have learnt to appreciate days that are pain-free, cause you will never when its going to strike again.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for passing by.
I am also taking tegretol - but cannot take it as a whole - I cannot work if I do. I agree with you - nobody seems to understand - except people like you.
I noticed my "attacks" are around the months of January to April-May.
Take care.