Back after some time... Trigeminal Neuralgia MVD Wednsday Pray please

[Heismjoy]

My name is Martha and I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia in 2003 and soon after found out from the MRI that I also have MS. I am doing pretty well with the ms. Not much mobility problems. Mosty sensory..cognitive..fatigue..some bladder retention etc. No relapses ..so PPMS is the likely diagnosis.

But my TN does come in episodes. Worse each time. I saw Dr Peter Konrad in Tn at Vanderbilt on Nov 9th.. he says I am a good canidate for MVD because my TN is totally typical and most likely a completely seperate situation from my MS. I had no idea that the surgery would be so soon. But he answered my questions wonderfully.. and I honestly believe this is the way to go. Non destructive and although very invasive.. I have found the high doses of anti seizure medications to be completely invasive to my lifestyle. You'd think the MS was out of control when they get the dose up high enough to put a dent in the pain during an episode. Dizzy... unsteady gait... cognitively out of it etc. etc. So for me.. this option seems better.

But of course I am having second thoughts and times of overwhelming anxiety and dread.

I am a Christian and have placed my trust in the Lord to see me through this surgery.

I am on the TN e-mail list.

But I would appreciate your prayers as well.

And any advice anyone wants to pass along my way.

Thanksgiving will be good for me.. b/c the surgery will be behind me. Now I am not so sure that I will feel good at that time.. or even remember it. But it will be hopefully behind me and have been sucessful

Thanks for listening

Martha (Indiana)

[ToTs11]

Hi Martha,
Welcome to the forum.
Although I haven't had an MVD as yet, many of my friends here have and I'm sure they will try and answer your questions.
I shall keep you in my thoughts and wish you all the very best and a pain free future..

Love Tracy

[ella138]

Hi Martha
I'm sorry you are going through this high anxiety period before your surgery, but rest assured, what you are feeling is very normal. I was very scared before my MVD. It really is a blessing that your surgery has been scheduled quickly. I had to wait 3 months...and it was the longest 3 months of my life.
I'm the author of the MVD diary sticky (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2028) at the top of the forum. I just want to repeat that I am pain and medication free today.
Martha, if your MVD is as uneventful as mine was, you will have no problem remembering thanksgiving. You will be home by the weekend with your family. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Heismjoy]

THanks for the vote of confidence and support. I know it is good I got in so quickly.. and I honestly needed your encouraging words. I am completely questioning myself. As I am in remission from any TN episodes at the present time. (my husband nearly wishes one jolt of pain on me that I might be reminded why I felt so important)

Just honestly overwhelmed.. but I am trusting in my only Hope.. Jesus Christ.. but praying also that I will not respond in such a fearful way at this time. But it is a battle.

I love the story you published in the sticky notes.. so very very encouraging. I know however that many don't have such sucessful outcomes. And sort of like labor & birth etc.. it is the ones with the most difficult experiences who usually need to find the time to share them in great detail. Often to help themselves get through it.. but often to help those of us who are considering this to take a second look and re evaluate our need.

Folks who have great outcomes tend to often leave the issue well behind them and we aren't as often blessed with their encouraging stories.

Thank you again

Martha

[NattyNat11]

Everyone is rooting for you. I am not going to lie and say it's a picnic but I was more terrified leading up to the surgery. It's not as horrific as you would imagine. I even had a staph infection and had it re-opened again and it still was not as bad as my fear. Knock on wood that won't happen to you. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THEM CLEAN YOUR SHEETS TWICE DAILY is my biggest piece of advice. I hope you have an adversary to help you out while you are on your back for a few weeks. If you need to vent or want more advice you are more than welcome to shoot me an email. I just had the surgery done 2 mos. ago. I postponed it for a year. Trust me bite the bullet and get the pain behind you. The TN is paralyzing and surgery is definitely the right answer and solution.

Best,
N