Quote:
Originally Posted by Olraalil
Hi. After numerous tests....cts, Mri's, blood work, oral surgeon, neurologist, internist, I have been given the diagnosis of atypical facial pain. I've been hurting (level 5-8 pain) for over 3 months. Can't work, talk, sleep, eat, no joy in my life. So now I'm told I will have this forever and can learn to 'manage' it.
Gabapentin does take the edge off but makes me so fuzzy and groggy.
Please, someone out there tell me this is not a life sentence and may possibly get better one day.
I'm feeling depressed and hopeless.
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Hi Olraalil,
I'm sorry you have this terrible problem and confirmed dx, have they told you what the cause is? My TN is caused by an arterial knot around the nerve before it branches, but I am one of the unlucky few who has chronic Neuropathic Facial Pain and Parasthesia as well.
I suffered an extreme allergic reaction to Gabapentin, so - for my whole body Neurological Hypersensitivity - I have Lidocaine Infusions and take oral Ketamine. They work wonders for all my Neurological pain (except a new, unrelated type). There are also Lidocaine and Ketamine injections available. These have far fewer side-effects than most meds, Ketamine is even shown to be a mood elevator.
There is no way of knowing how long you will have this without a cause, but being Depressed - though natural - is making things worse. Have you spoken to your GP about your mood? If not, I urge you to do so. Depression rarely goes away without help and it insidiously feeds off our pain.
Over time - with acceptance - you do learn to 'cope' with daily Chronic Pain. It is hard, but there are good days and bright spots which you learn to appreciate more, instead of taking for granted. All the time remember circumstances may change tomorrow.
Any time you feel like talking, I'm here.
Dave.