It was a cold day and my children had forgot their lunches, so I quickly took them to school. As I entered the school, a searing pain, worse than any toothache, more like a cattle prod, stung the left side of my face. I tried to play it off but as I dropped to the floor screaming while holding the left side of my face, I knew the secret was out, that I had Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a neurological condition that affects the nerves, usually on one side of the face. It can cause the feeling of jabs, electric shock, or in my case a cattle prod to the nerves. This can often feel like my eye is going to pop out or my face hurts so bad I have a hard time eating or talking, sometimes just trying to get through the night without waking the kids while I scream in a towel in pain. I am one of the lucky ones; I have remissions for a month or two, with only small zaps during it. With the support of my family and learning my cues I have been able to hide it from most people. It is often hard to explain to people. I have not always had this.
It happened one night four years ago. After visiting a dentist and a sinus doctor, a friend suggested I see a neurologist. I found a great neurologist. But sadly my condition has progressed and we are constantly trying to find the right medication. At one point this year I could not eat for weeks and had limited liquids. This has been hard physically, but also emotionally. I have had to lean on others, change my goals, and face the unknown. There is no cure. There are surgeries that are successful for some, but for others cause complications. Medication can help but it has its limits and at times side effects. I even have tried meditation and yoga classes. What I really need is more research. I need to know why I got this. I need a medicine that helps me through those rough days. I need a surgery that has great success and will work for me. Most of all I need you to spread the word about this condition.
This Thursday, October 7th, Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day. Wear teal and spread the word about Trigeminal Neuralgia. For more information check out: www.facebook.com/endTrigeminalNeuralgia
