Welcome Olraalil.

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.

Thanks, Dave, for your reply. I am trying to get an appointment with a psychotherapist...just waiting. I'm pretty sure I'm only depressed because I hurt all the time but thought maybe a professional could help me with the whole 'managing the pain' concept.
All the test results (CT, MRI, bloodwork) show there is no cause for the pain which almost makes it harder to accept. I'm one who wants to know WHY? And I guess I'm a little impatient. I've been hurting for 3 months, but I've read some threads here where people have suffered for years. I don't know how they can tolerate it.

Hi Olraalil,
Visiting a Psychotherapist is a very good idea - anything that helps the mind with the coping mechanism is worth trying - many of us use Meditation daily to strengthen our minds to help us cope.
It is frustrating when tests show there seems to be no cause. I know you saw an Oral Surgeon - does that mean there is no possibility this could have a dental root (no pun)?
I hate to tell you this, but I am 19 years into my suffering. The arterial knot showing on my MRI will never go away. You COULD have an artery pressing on the Trigeminal Nerve, many times they don't show on MRI's.
Good luck finding your Therapist, you may find 'acceptance' is the first part of learning how to cope. If you are rx'd AD meds, don't automatically turn your nose up at them, few people know the severity of this pain. Do all you can, and try all the meds and treatments to get back some semblance of a normal life.

Dave.

I have the same thing and it can wear you down. However, I keep researching and looking for new things to try. The pain dr. suggested Botox, but in my state medical marijuana is a possibility, so I am looking into that as well. I have just learned that Yale has a clinic that specializes in facial pain, so that is my next stop.

Hi Sonia1,

I am curious as to if the medical marijuana had any effect. I have atypical facial pain and the medications are not helping.

Thanks,
Bradpete3

Wow, I have th too but only for past 4 weeks, allergic gabapentine and pregablin too. What I find works fir th pain is 75mg amitriptyline and cocodomal. I get the thats. Pain to remind me to take at night. Im here for different Nero problem, but nice to know like minded people who understand that rare please if being hit by a baseball bat constantly. Hugs

Hi Dave,I hope you get to see this message seeing you posted quite awhile ago! Anyway I too am from the UK,Oxford,and I have had facial pain for 14 years.I don't have the striking jolts but constant pain with painful stabs .Like you I have exhausted all the systemic medications as I am hyper sensitive to them.I am very interested in your pain management regime- are you under a pain management clinic ? I have an appointment in Feb to attend one here in Oxford.My doctor is nonplused by my case and I am being my own advocate hence my interest in your treatment.I feel very alone in this nightmare but keep searching for an answer......you may just be it Dave!Thanks!Happy New Year! Wanganui

Hello Wanganui,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups!

I'm sure that EnglishDave, or other members, will respond when they are able.

Happy New Year to you.

Thank you Lara for welcoming me! Happy New Year!