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Hi,

My name is Danna and I live outside of Portland Oregon. I have only had TN for 5 months and have tried several medications with no relief.

The end of September I was able to get into OHSU’s neuro-surgery department for a TN screening. I completed Dr. Kim Burchiel questionnaire on TN with his PHD assistant and then was examined by his assistant. All signs verified TN (which I was beginning to doubt myself). I saw two neurologists within a month, one told me I had atypical TN (no trigger) and the other said I was too young and to go see a dentist.

On October 2, 2007, I saw Dr. Burchiel for the follow-up appointment, he said that I have TN2, which is the constant background pain not TN1 since I do not have the lightening pain since the initial onset of the problems. He also said that there was a vein involved not an artery. Since I am only 49 years young and because of my bad reaction to Topamax and Tegretol we discussed MVD. My husband and I decided to have the surgery and have schedule it for early December. I have a few questions that I hope someone can answer.

Can anyone suggest questions to ask for my pre-op visit?
Has anyone else had MVD with a vein involved, how was the initial pain relief? Has it come back?
How about CSF leak?
Has anyone been a MRSA carrier (I have had 2 infections with MRSA) and had the surgery and if so were you screened before had and were you put on medication prior to the surgery?

Thanks for your help.

Danna