Hey everyone, new kid here. Had my first attack of TN two years ago this month. Went thru the usual mountain of tests, stupid nuerologist put me on a phentonyl patch (sp), and it put me in an almost coma for three weeks. No lie, it almost killed me. When my husband insisted they removed it, I came back To "life" and my pain was gone. I had nothing for almost two years, then this October,,,wow, it hit like a freight train! New doctor put me on Lyrica and tegretol. It works, but it seems like every 6-8 weeks or so, I have to increase the dose. That worries me, I mean, how hight a dose can I go? The pain this time will not go away. I'm a 51 y/o Mom with three kids who are all still at home, and my Husband is out of work right now. ( no pressure there!) For me cold seems to be a trigger, and today it's -11, with a wind chill of -30. I have a jack** of a boss in a very high stress job. I had to take last Monday off of work because it was bad, and I have to go into work tomorrow and try to deal with the cold. Mine is on my left side, and I have one tooth left on the bottom on that side, when it gets bad, that tooth seems to move up, does anyone else get that? Husband wants to move to a warmer climate to get me out of the cold, but the kids refuse, and I don't want to leave my kids....( he's my second husband and their step dad). I'm kinda tired of trying to be cheerful, and hiding the pain from everyone. Sorry I sound so negative, just a bad day today...but I'm glad I found this place. Anyone have any advise for me? My Doctor said that I have the rare kind of TN that doesn't come with triggers, it just stays. Lucky me. Anyway, thanks for listening.

Am so glad you found us too. As for advice try and let the meds catch up to the pain now, if that takes a few weeks it takes a few weeks. The side effects will be the things that will need some time too. I also have problems with the pain for longer periods. Eventually though it does stop long enough for you to say, it stopped. Coffee helps with the sleepy side effects. As for your job, I can't tell you much about that, my job has learned to cope. I take family medical leave when I need it so I guess I am protected somewhat. Weather is a big trigger. It's been cold here too. My teeth have been an issue too, had root canals, etc. eventally had two pulled cause I couldn't stand the problem. Go to the TNA website and get the Striking back book. It really helps with the kknowldge part. As for doctors it sounds like you are in better hands. Take it easy and know we are here. Jen