Just thought of something...when I was going through a really bad flare up the only thing that worked for me were steroids...I know everyone shy's away from this as an option. However the low dose steroid pack (you take 5 the first day and work your way down) can be very effective in stopping a really bad flare up.

So perhaps that is something to talk over with your Neuro. They are relatively easy on your system,,it's not like taking prednesone,,,,but for some people it can really help. I have found that taking Toradol for a few days can break the pain cycle enough to get me back to normal. Not every MD will be comfortable with that but as I have developed a very good relationship with my pain mgmt MD, he understands that for me these help at extreme times.
I always have some in the house,,just in case. If I have to travel or in case the holidays hit and I am in agony.....talk to him. Perhaps when you have one of your episodes that start to last for days,,this might be something to try to stop it.

I'll keep thinking...

Hello Beth,this is a shot in the dark seeing you posted the above four years ago! I found your post very comforting as I have hit a low for past three months.I have ATN and have had it for 12 years with some remissions,bliss! I have been on many meds but the side effects are too great so have to come off them.The last one was nortripyline,I had such high hopes but got racing heart.Now I'm only on .75 clonazepam ( this keeps me asleep for four it five hours)and 25 mg lyrica which of course is not enough to help with pain.My GP is bewildered.You say the pain management people are my best bet..I have an appt in Feb but was wondering whether to go privately( Im in the UK) to see a neurologist .This costs a lot so need to think carefully whether it would be worthwhile re other med advice.I have had several procedures done, no invasive surgery just blocks ,Botox ...I would appreciate some feedback.I forgot to say I do feel very low and a little panicky even though before I was able to be way more upbeat re this pain even though in pain....I feel stuck with the constant pain...I used to get some pain free days.I also wonder if I need some psychotherapy as I find when I am completely relaxed such as with dear friends and family the pain lessens but I realise I can't live life being completely relaxed and avoiding the normal stresses of life....Thank you!

PS.Im interested in the PNS.Can you please tell me more?

I have ATN that came after a dental procedure.
I had all sorts of meds and all sorts of bad side effects.
What helped me the most was a specially compounded cream that I rub on my face with Gabapentin, Lidocaine and Capsaicin in it.
Gabapentin is Neurontin.
If you do a search you should be able to see more info. from previous posts.

Hi Wanganui I have had Atypical for 11yrs now, I live in Canada i have a lot of
knowledge about it. you're last post was sometime ago so i'm not sure if you check in here often, i did just join so I'm not sure yet how this all works but if you would like some info from me we sure can talk, i will check back to see if you replied