I am happy to be able to correct the post above. My pain has not returned, at least not permanently.

July 22, 2010
5 year anniversary of my MVD

This year was a little different. I had a few more shocks than last year. Still had my usual seasonal blip in April like I seem to have every year. When I say blip, I mean about 5-7 hours of mild shocks, maybe 2-3 every hour and then it disappears for another year.

This year in June I had a 2 day problem. I had a huge shock in the middle of the night that jolted me out of a deep sleep. The attack continued very strongly for two days. I actually was convinced my TN had returned in full glory. I went back on a low dose of Tegretol and it seemed to work. I stayed on the Tegretol and had no shocks for a few days and then reduced till I was off the drug. The shocks were gone and I have not had any since. That weekend was a horrible stormy hot and humid weekend and my hormones were all over the place. I am starting to go through peri menopause and besides the TN, I have lots of other lovely symptoms that go along with this.

How am I now? Nervous. I am concerned and watch the days on the calender to try to time when the next possible attack could come (to coincide with my cycle). I have read how a sudden spike or drop in estrogen can affect the trigeminal nerve and I am convinced that is what is happening to me. I believe it falls under the heading of "Menstrual Migraines" http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/4465789

I have an appointment booked with my neurosurgeon for October just to see if he can rule out another compression, but I am pretty sure that if it was a compression the TN would be more consistent.

Physically, I am fine and 95% pain free and 100% medication free.
Emotionally, TN has a strong hold on my life.

I still don't take any day for granted without TN and without Tegretol.