Hi, Trish (I saw your intro post) and welcome,

I'm wondering if you've tried Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine) at all. I've heard of a few people who've gone to it from Tegretol and found it actually had better pain control with much milder side effects. Might keep you working. I've not heard many TNers who had success with Lyrica - a few, but not as many and not as good as Trileptal. There's also Neurontin, which is often what people start on with TN these days, though Tegretol is still considered the "gold standard." Or have you asked your doctor about taking smaller doses more often? Maybe leveling out the side effects. There's a thread on Lyrica further down in this forum - check that out.

And if you're considering MVD, do read Ella's MVD Diary as well as the Newcomer's and Useful Sites sticky threads at the top of the forum. Ella's from Ontario and I can have her get in touch with you if you like. There are a couple of Canadian TN websites as well.

I had Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain, not classic TN, and was not doing much work when it happened so it was a matter of cleaning up a small mess that I'd made trying to work with the pain and I haven't been gainfully employed since. But I can relate as I don't want to be unemployed or retired or whatever, but feel I can't really go back for other health reasons now. But before you throw in the towel, read the stickies above and get Striking Back (the Face Pain Handbook - 2nd edition) if you don't already have it and check out all your options. There are lots of meds out there to try - - or, if you're a good candidate for MVD, that may give you your life back - definitely talk to Ella about it.

Best to you and keep after the docs to help you find a way to function.

Jean