hi claire,
i have also just been diagnosed with TN and am on gabapentin, thankfully for me the gabapentin as working and if the pain starts to get strong i have co-codamol with it aswell.when ive been researching into TN i have also considered going straight for the surgery.im 22 and ive read most people who get it dont get it till over 50,so getting it so young like yourself i dont like the thought of being on meds for years to come! i just want to try and get my life back to normal.it would be interesting to know whether you choose to go for surgery so please keep us updated.
take care and hope your ok
carly