Hi Ella, I am also Canadian. Just DX with petrosal vein compression of the CN5, and awaiting MVD.

Doctors have not yet referred to TN, only using the phrase spasms.

I have spasms both right-&-left side of my face.

Question: Are there any local support groups in Canada...?

Thx
michatki

Have you contacted the TNA support group in Florida?? They go by the Facial Pain Asociation now,,but they usually keep postings on every group they know about,,,can't hurt....
I had an MVD an although for me it did not work I am still very Pro having them if you are the right candidate,, sounds like they think they see something so you probably are.
Although I have a high tolerance for pain,,the first night was bad but I was up and walking the next day and have had back surgeries that hurt more,,,you'll be fine
Keep us posted on your journey,, we are with you

Sorry I did not see this earlier. There is a support group that meets usually once a month in the Thornhill Community center on Bayview and John. The next meeting is Sept 30, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. The person who sends out the emailed notifications is Kathy, her email is toronto@catna.ca. Please write to her to get further info. I believe they are in the process of arranging their annual TN dinner right now and Dr. Anthony Kauffman from Winnipeg is usually the guest speaker. If you need to reach me I am at ellacjn@hotmail.com

Hi all I have been following Ella for a couple of years now and feel she must have helped no end.

I do not suffer but my wife did. She had an MVD almost exactly a year ago, and has been OK since. Understandably she wants nothing more to do with the subject, but I feel as Ella does that more needs to be made available from those for whom the surgery has been a "success".

I say success but it has only been a year. I am hopeful that we will be spared a return to the dark days. It started in 2003 and one by one the meds gave her allergic reactions until the only thing left was MVD. Periods of remission became shorter, so we looked for the best the UK had to offer.

Nik Patel from Frenshays hospital in Bristol was the one. Only 2 minor problems in over 200 MVDs. We had to go private due to the relationship between the Welsh and English NHS systems, but it was worth it, at least so far.

To say she is clear would be too simplistic, but I believe she is. She has a sensitive face due I believe to the recovery of the nerve. No pain, but some 'creepiness' around her eye and sometimes sensitivity above the eye and around the nose. Dental pain is a thing of the past.

I wont be able to be as forthcoming as Ella but I hope this story gives hope.