January and February 2014

I got through the Christmas and New Year, despite the pain. The meds were still having no effect, much to my despair. I tried to keep going, stay positive and try to keep myself from wallowing in self pity. The latter is difficult. When you are in severe pain with Trigeminal Neuralgia, it's exhausting. Sleep is a foreign concept, and after a while things just seem to boil over. It's also difficult to conceal this from family. I have found that there is simply no point in complaining! It makes me feel worse and my family can't make it better.

My medication, lyrica was being increased very gradually. In truth I started on a “baby” dose, because my stupid body can't handle medications. Painkillers don't really work, and I refrain from taking them if possible. Getting a night's sleep is one of my biggest problems. I almost always wake up around 4am and it's difficult to fall back asleep. Falling asleep in the first place is difficult when in pain. As a result, I tend to sleep in late, which I feel is wasting the day. It's hard to explain that, and if someone calls to the house at 11am and I am just up, I feel like a lazy slob. It's not my fault though!

I returned to my GP again, mostly to check my progress. There is very little that he can do, just monitor me and adjust my medication. I recently learned that it is very rare to get a correct Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis from a GP, as very little is known about this condition. My GP hit the nail on the head and it's thanks to him that I am getting the help that I need so quickly. I have heard stories about people getting countless tooth extractions and root canals before finally getting a diagnosis. Having a knowledgeable and sympathetic doctor is vital. I have always maintained that if you aren't comfortable with your doctor, get a new one.

Towards the end of February, my attacks were becoming less frequent. Rather than having ten to fifteen attacks a day, I was only having about five or six. The burning, stabbing pain is always there, but attacks make it a hell of a lot worse. It is still a lot, but the ever increasing medication might be having a small effect. I can't imagine a time where I might have an entire day without an attack! It's what dreams are made of!!!