We all carry heavy loads, and I know that some of your loads are far heavier than mine, so this isn’t intended as a “Woe Is Me” post (though it may sound like it).
I have Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) and am under a full-fledged attack. It is also known as The Suicide Disease and for good reason. The pain is so bad that I can see why people would do anything to make it end. By the way, Cluster Headaches are a different malady but are also known as The Suicide Disease.
I was diagnosed with TN about 6-12 months ago. The latest attack started late Monday night and has been unrelenting and intensifying. If anything touches one or more lower teeth on the left side of my jaw it creates what feels like a giant electric shock on the left side of my skull that lasts for quite a while. And when I say anything, I mean ANYTHING. Air, teeth touching when I close my jaw (and they are supposed to touch when the jaw closes), liquids, food, my tongue, etc. So it only hurts when I breath, eat, drink anything, well, you get the idea. A soggy Rice Krispie touched it this morning and I thought my head was going to explode. And the pain from hundreds of jolts per day lingers so it feels like non-stop intense pain. (OK, I guess this is turning into a “Woe Is Me” post. I apologize!).
I share this with you because many of you have become friends and I believe that friends should share important things in life with each other. I also want you to know because the pain is so bad that it is likely to severely reduce the number and quality of my posts, and the turnaround time on responding to your questions or comments, and your posts. I may also reply sharply at innapproporiate times. I apologize in advance in case I do. If it happens, please know that it is the pain talking.
With love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Oh Russ, I am so sorry to read of your incredible pain and discomfort. I struggle with a chronic disorder too, and when I have a ‘flare’ (it really feels more like an explosion), there is little I can do but roll with it. Most importantly, I hope this passes quickly, that you can get enough rest so that you can feel some moments of peace as this works its way out of your system and that you let everything else go. We’re all going to be here hoping and praying that you feel well as quickly as possible. That your next post is one with good news…til then, just take good care..m
Thank you for this wonderfully kind post, Mimi. I’m sorry that you have your own chronic disorder and explosions to deal with. I hope a permanent cure for what you have is quickly found. It pains me when one of my friends is in pain or is suffering, so I’m being selfish when I say I’d love for your pain and discomfort to end.
By the way, the last time I went shopping I bought more fruits and vegetables for me to eat. That is the direct result of comments made by you, Gina and My Beloved. You’re ganging up on me in a good way. How could I refuse all three of you Lovely Ladies? (It’s funny but I did a typo and I orignally typed “Lively Ladies”. That works too!)
Thank you!
Russ
I just shot up a prayer for you. I hope you feel better soon.
Thank you Diana. I knew that you would be one of the people to respond. Some of you always are there for me and I apprecate it greatly. Know that I would like to be there for you all too.
Russ
I am so sorry. Praying for you
Thank you, Boomie. Knowing that there are people around the world who truly care helps.
Russ
I am so sorry that you are in so much pain Russ. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Joanna
Thank you, Joanna. I appreciate it.
Russ
Oh, so sorry to hear about your condition. I hope this flare up ends soon. Real soon.
I’m so sorry you have to endure such pain; you are brave to share openly hear, and seek the comfort that comes from supportive people. I hope you are round the bend soon and on the sunny side of this mountain you are on; healing thoughts coming your way.
Thank you for your kindness, Bonnie! I appreciate your message and good wishes!
Russ
HI Russ,
I know that you didn’t post this expecting any advice, but I am a physical therapist and I work a lot with TMJ syndrome and other conditions including trigeminal neuralgia. I use a state-of-the art technology called low level laser (Peter and I actually sell them, although I’m not trying to sell you one) but it has been found that low level laser can help to reduce the pain of TN. Some chiropractors and PTs use them and depending on where you live, I could either help you find someone or at least suggest that you ask around. And if you want to know more about the device that I use, there’s a link on my website in the right sidebar…Let me know if you’d like any more information or even if you’d like to talk…
Cathy
Thank you for the suggestion, Cathy! I plan to investigate that therapy! Why don’t other types of doctors use it?
Russ
Low level laser has been used successfully for over 40 years, now in other parts of the world – and we know the science behind how they work. There have been many laboratory and clinical studies validating their use. But only in the past 5-10 years have they been more accepted in the U.S. Medical doctors rarely use therapies other than medications or surgery – I think this is mainly due to their training. Low level laser was finally approved for use by the American Physical Therapy Association last year (I’ve been using them for six years now), but they have been around for a long time. They have practically no side effects, they work really fast and they are a true healing modality. I have seen some amazing results with laser that have made me change my beliefs about how the human body heals (and, trust me, I’m really good at what I do…).
Thank you for the additional information, Cathy! I appreciate it.
Russ
My level of respect for you just shot up, why you wonder because people who suffer from agonising pain and still manage to function are amazing and I often wonder how you do it. I hope you do not suffer for too long with this attack…………
Thank you, Jo-Anne! I’ve been meaning to ask you: Are you the same Jo-Anne who spells her name with a hyphen or have I been misspelling your name all this time?
Russ
I have never heard of this and it sounds unbearable! I’ve read a future post and know things are better, but good grief. I am so sorry to hear this affects you. Horrible to imagine!
Thank you, Rhonda. Your sympathy is welcome here!
Russ
You have it in spades dear man. I feel so for you. Hope things continue to get better. Praying they do.
:-D!
You are in my prayers ~ sending you strength and healing thoughts. ❤
Thank you for all three!
Russ
Sounds bad. Hope you feel better, Russ!
Thank you, my friend! I hope I do too. ;-D!
Russ
Oh dear 😦 That sounds awful. I have suffered from migraines at times, and I honestly can’t imagine how difficult dealing with this must be! Praying for you, and hope you feel better soon!
Thank you, Andrea. May your migraines be only in your past, my friend. I appreciate your prayers and hopes.
Russ
God bless you. Dealing with any disease is a challenge; add that sort of pain and I cannot imagine it. As someone battling cancer that right now is in remission I am thankful each day for the opportunity to contribute to life. Thanks for your blog.
And you! My Beloved survived thyroid cancer last year. Along with all the blessings of life come challenges, like thorns on a rose stem. We can focus on the occasional sting of the thorn, or on the magnificent beauty, colors, fragrance, shape, and velvety touch of the rose. It is clear to me that you have chosen wisely. I’m so glad to hear that your disease is in remission and that you are focused on sharing the magnificent beauty that is you with the world. Thank you for brightening my day!
Russ