Another "NORMAL" MS Day

By Maris B. Mohr Tuesday, November 02, 2010

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Hi guys. I'm "calling" to complain, cry, vent today. Sorry in advance .

Does anyone suffer from trigeminal neuralgia (TN)? I've been suffering from it on the right side of my neck, face, jaw, lips, tongue, nose for years.

Something else I've had over the years is a sharp, cutting pain at the base of my skull behind my left ear that spreads up from there into the left side of my head and down to my shoulder. That's where I've been for the last few days. Today is, by far, the worst. I started wondering if it's possible or likely that this is also TN. TN is usually unilateral, but could I be soooo special - lol - that I've got it on both sides?

Is there anyone who can give a suggestion on how to live with this in peace? I'm trying to keep my positive attitude about this too, but the pain is becoming hard to bear. Luckily, I have an appointment with my neuro tomorrow. I hope he can help me out with this.

In the meantime I'll read and write here online. It's the best therapy for me.

Tomorrow's a new day. I'm sure it'll be better . My motto is DAY BY DAY.

Not so "normal"

Comments (2) | Add comment

Lisa Emrich, Health Guide

11/ 2/10 8:39am

Maris,

Ouch and ouch!! I haven't experienced trigimenal neuralgia, but Vicki does. I'm not sure about the pain on the left side, if it could be related. Maybe Vicki would know more about which nerves might be involved besides the branches on the face.

Very glad that you have a neuro appointment tomorrow. Maybe you can get some effective pain relief. Hope the shooting pain will go away for you.

Lisa

Vicki, Health Guide

11/ 3/10 6:53am

Hi Maris,

So sorry to hear we share this symptom, but I'm glad you are going to see your neuro today.

I do not know your meds. I have been taking Tegritol for years, but my neuro recently added Lyrica. That totally took the pain away. At first the combination put me to sleep, and then I had major repeated attacks again. I added a small dose of Lyrica to my current dose. Now I am again experiencing somnolence. At least I do not have the pain.

When in the heart of a major attack, I practice deep breathing. It is not easy. I have to really focus on breathing, and it is pretty hard to do. After a period of time — and I cannot tell how long, I'm sure you can relate to that — the breathing begins to help.

The other thing is I brace my chin, helping to hold my mouth shut. If the pain subsides and I let go, as soon as my mouth relaxes the pain is back full force.

The only other thing I have had success with is acupressure. I learned from my yoga teacher that holding between my thumb and index finger, really pressing stops the pain. I don't know the precise spot, but I feel around and eventually get to it. This one provides incredible relief. It does not always work, maybe because I have not found the right spot.

The problem with the accupressure besides the fact that it does not always work is it takes my hand away from my chin, allowing my mouth to open just a little. I hold it closed by almost gritting my teeth, but the hand helps. How much of this is only in my mind? I don't know, but I really don't care as long as it doesn't hurt.

I must look funny, holding my chin, pressing my hand, unable to clear my tears. Again, if it doesn't hurt I don't care. The best solution is when the drugs work and I don't have to hold or press anything and I have no tears — that is good.

I read somewhere that MSers with TN often have it on two sides. I have it on only one side so far. I have not found that recently.

I don't know if this helps or not. You may have already passed me in this condition. I wish you luck, I wish you painless times. I hope you neuro appointment goes well. Please keep your positive attitude. I think there is always hope, but during a major TN attack, that hope is hard to continue grasping. If ever you think it isn't fair, this is it.

So sorry for your pain. I understand.

Another "NORMAL" MS Day

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