Hi Kathleen .
I think it would good if you can ask your doctors what options you have at this point. Have you seen a neruo ? Or a pain management doctor ? They should be able to offer other options and methods to help you cope with T.N. pain. I would very much see either of those types of docotrs and see what they have to offer.


Please read the stickies at the top of this forum
here is a bit of info one of the memebers posted
BobS ...


1. topical ointments, patches, and nasal sprays (Capsaisin, lidocaine, &c)

2. vitamin supplements (B-vitamins especially B12, D, H, potassium)

3. herbal remedies (often contain small amounts of same substances)

4. diet, avoid:
- Salt & foods high in salt like prepared foods.
- Saturated fats, mostly from animal sources like meat, eggs and some vegetable oils.
- Sugars and foods high in sugar like candy, cakes, cookies, etc.
- Stimulants including coffee, carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol & cigarettes.

5. musculo-skeletal treatments (chiropractic, myotherapy, osteopathy) - works some for atypical neuralgias, but not classic TN

6. nerve stimulation/blocking (accupuncture, laser stim, TENS)

7. coping skills (self-hypnosis, counseling, stress management, pain management, support groups, &c)

8. Outlets for expression (give you back some kind of a life).

Degree, frequency, quality of pain, tolerance to pain, tolerance to medication, response to alternatives, and surgical probability for success are just some of the factors determining the right answer for you. Whether surgery, medication, alternate treatment or pain management, or a combination, the choice will be entirely personal. What ever helps you manage your pain to your tolerance level is worth pursuing.

Avoid high doses of medication that become as much a problem as the pain they control. Try supplementing medication with alternatives to reduce the amount of medication you have to take.

Attitude and outlook are just as more important as treatment. Don't forget to work on your attitude. Avoid feeling despondent or isolated; and, if you feel yourself slipping, don't be afraid to ask for help.

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there is much info within the stickies up above and it is very helpful to sift threw it. Visit the T.N.A. site also the book Striking Back is a God send too. if you havent read it yet.

I am sorry your are dealing wiht this and hope things get better. I AM glad you found your way here Neurotalk is a great place to find info support and connect with others who are going threw it .
If I can help let me know.
Low pain and I hope you find some solutions to help you soon. Please let us know how things are going for you. Your NOT ALONE.
PEACE
BMW

Hi BMW!
I thank you for your response. I will look into some of the suggetions you supplied. I have been going to Neurologists (2) and Neurosurgeons and I have been on numerous medications. So far nothing has helped. I don't want to take any more mediation, all they did is make me sick and never helped the pain.

Again Thanks
Kathleen

Have you checked with a holistic dentist to see if you might have a caviation on that side of you jawbone? Just a thought since I've been heading down that path since being diagnosed with ATN recently. Some holistic dentists can see it with a panoramic x-ray. Or the CAVITAT screen.