Just an update.....the Neurontin was a bust....same side effects as Tegretol. While waiting to see the new neurologist I went back to trying the Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) which before had no effect on the pain, but also had no side effects. After a few weeks on that, I finally started to notice about a 40% reduction in the pain. I then saw the neurologist on March 19th and he suggested sticking with the Trileptal for now. He also ordered an MRI, which I just had this past Friday (no results yet). Yesterday (Easter Sunday) was the first day in 18 months that I've had no face pain at all! Today was the second day! At this point, I'm thankful for one day at a time of relief.

Now to get this hernia surgery over with this coming Friday....more pain...lol!