Surgery: Should I??

[whatupitsdani]

I am a 24-year old female, healthy for the most part, except that I have Trigeminal Neuralgia. I was diagnosed over a year ago, but for about 3 years before that, I was dealing with it, though my doctors had me labeled as having 'atypical optical migraines.' The pain situates around my right eye, above that in my forehead, off to the side around my temple, and lately has begun to travel beneath my eye into my cheek, and even into my jaw and teeth. I wear glasses (my vision is some 800 over 20) and lately, just putting my glasses on in the morning triggers pain. Obviously, this is a huge problem, and I fear contacts would be an even worse idea...The pain has gotten so bad, despite my daily dosage of Gabapentin (400 mg, 4 times a day) that I am now considering having surgery. I just cant imagine spending the rest of my life dealing with the strange looks I get from people at my job, as well as my customers, when suddenly they notice that their are tears streaming down my face. (This happens dozens of times a day, at best.) I can't bear the thought of trying to raise my little girl and any future children I may have dealing with severe intense pain, to the point that I am stressed and depressed all the time. Should I opt for surgery??

[rumpled]

You may also want to consider botox. That may give you some relief for a short time. My doc was going to try that but it would have numbed my eye, so I could not do it - but you may be able to do it.

[rumpled]

You could go and at least try contacts on in the office. Explain to the doctor what you are trying and get a sample pair.

There are also other medications other than neurontin - same class, different meds, that may or may not work - you may or may not have tried them already like keppra or topamax for instance.

There are some endoscopic surgeries to wrap the nerve in teflon. I would rather do something than live in pain and restore your quality of life.

[redkim]

I am sorry that you have to deal with this.  What are the pros and cons of surgery.  What do you have to lose?

I had brain surgery at 26 and understand your fears.  The surgery I had was only a treatment and not a cure, but I was happy that some of my symtoms have gotten better.  I hope you get some good advice from someone who has TN.  All the best!