Originally Posted by perlo

I am incredibly happy to find you both!!!!!
I too went through unnecessary dental work and a whole lot of testing before reaching the conclusion that my pain must be nerve related.
Just barely avoided sinus surgery during this whole debacle.

It's been a very long year with multiple root canals and both my 2nd molars on my right side being extracted. What I don't understand is how none of the dentists and oral surgeons I saw suggested I go see a neurologist...

I did get referred to an ENT and was suggested sinus surgery, 2nd opinion said I didn't need it, third opinion said it could help...
I am so happy today that I didn't go through that.

Now both the upper and lower 1st molars on that side have been root canaled.
And the pain didn't cease, so another round of ct-scans... and the root canals looked perfect.

Living inbetween Europeand the US the past couple years I was self-medicating with european otc codeine, didn't help much. Hence considering ripping out the 1st molars.... but then what? The next two teeth?

I became very depressed and helpless, lost my job because I couldn't function with the pain.
Also have had migraines on the same side most of my life, if you can imagine TN and migraine together...
I almost killed myself a few times just to escape the pain. Many many a night spent underneath the shower just because the constant flow of water over my head distracted from the pain.
Sit down, then stand up the sit down again, all in the tub until there was no warm water left.
About 5 months ago I took a valium before a long flight and was amazed at how all the tooth and facial pain went away for the following 3 days. So I found someone with a valium and took another one a few weeks later and boom, all the pain was gone. Not even a strong vicodin ever helped like that.

SO finally I found a decent GP who mostly treats women and was incredibly sympathetic to my situation and automatically said it sounds like TN and atypical migraine. Thank God!!!

I am now taking Lyrica 75mg twice daily for the last 4 months for the nerve pain and 5mg of valium for breakthrough pain and migraine attacks.

The Lyrica has done wonders, though I still have attacks, just less often and much less severe.
The valium always helps when I need a little extra and has been incredible for taking migraine away even when it has completely taken over.

I realize this is quite quite long, but I want to relate with you what has happened. If you have any questions or want to talk some time do let me know. I'm still researching and am not completely satisfied with my diagnosis and treatment, especially the Lyrica side-effects (my hair is thinning drastically).

Thank you both!!