More Trigeminal Neuralgia Problems

[spears0227]

So since I last posted I have been on Neurontin for 2 weeks. I was doing great on 300mg 3 times a day. Friday I woke up with all the pain back. I also had a lot of stress in my life friday but the pain was horrible. I took all my medication as perscribed and nothing helped all weekend. I felt the same through Sunday. I called the neurologist Monday and asked what we could do and she called back and told me to gradually increase to 600mg 3 times a day so double the prior dose. It makes me so tired but it is worth it if it will help. I am actually feeling better this evening. I dont feel great but better. I have another nerve block tomorrow since the first one was done more for the occipital nerve because the pain specialsit felt he knew best...he didnt. So now I am getting the correct one tomorrow. We will see how that goes. I really just want to have the MVD procedure. I have been in pain that I cannot tolerate since April. I know there are tons of you that have been having this problem for years and I dont know how you do it. I have learned so much from reading on here and doing a lot of research. I was hoping you guys could give me some feedback and  what you think. I want to feel better. I am 25 years old. I want to start a family but cant while like this and on these meds.I have fertility problems too so I have to take fertility medication. This is just a big complication in my life plans. I am frustrated and would love some input. Thanks!

[pamlewis01]

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this insane pain. I was 27 years old in 1997 when my TN began and I was told for months that I was too young to have this condition. Luckily before I turned to street drugs for help or decided a worse fate, my family doctor sent me to a neurologist who began me on the anti-seizures which only minimally worked for short periods of time. I also could not function or work which I had to do. I met with Dr. Gionnatta at USC University hospital and that was the day my life was saved. I have met a few people with this condition who are effected a bit differently but I was at the point where even a breeze on my lower chin would send me jumping. I could not eat, talk, drink or do anything without pain 24 hrs a day and that was it. I had the MVD surgery July 1997 and I haven't looked back. I just got a call for follow up and was so pleased to report no pain in 12 years. I don't believe that if you are a surgical candidate and in good health, there is any reason not to have the surgery. It saved my life! As far as I know Dr. G is one of the doctor's who created or helped create this surgery. If you are not in the Los Angeles area or you have a HMO, you may want to contact his office for a recommnedation of a surgeon. Best of luck. Obviously there are risks with surgery and this is only my experience, but I hope this has helped a bit.