Doctor Visit

[allih]

I saw my GP today as this pain is getting ridiculous. I'm in the hunt for a new neuro as mine is mostly retired. As luck would have it I had three flares while there, one in front of the nurse and two with Dr. Randhawa so they saw exactly why I was there.

Today it is hitting my upper jaw and eyes. It feels like my teeth are going to pop out of my jaw. The feeling of pressure and pain it horrible. I love it when they tell you to take deep slow breaths during the worst part of the flare. I can hardly breathe when it happen so trying to take long slow breaths is well, not so easy, especially when my sinuses swell up.

At least I didn't have to try to explain why I was there. If you have to have a flare, in front of the doctor is the best time.

She added Effexor XR and Ativan to the Neurontin so I am hopeful that this will get things under control. No pain meds as she thinks it makes things worse. I only use pain meds when the flares are constant, so hopefully the combe she has me on will keep the flares to a minimum and I won't need them anyway.

Being a GP, she thinks I have TN as a result of shingles, which I don't, and that stress is what is making it flare. Oh well. She is a great doctor and TN is not her forte so I'm not going to bother with arguing with her over the cause and triggers. She want me to see a neuro for long term care and is more than willing to treat me until I find a new one.

So, a good appointment aside from all the pain.

Alli

[gene1950]

Hang in there Alli. Even though your having a flare the doctor may not be able to see it. The doctor certainly can't feel it.

Good luck on finding a neuro, I hope you find one that can help you. I'm going to have a sweat shirt made that reads "I have TN and own a gun" to wear to all my doctor appointments.

[EE03]

I had an appt. with one of my neuro's yesterday and it was a total bust. So now, he has left the door open for me to return, but I won't be going back. I don't know whats up with these people lately:confused: At least you have a knowledgable GP and Effexor XR worked great for me so I'm optimistic for you.

Best of luck and pain free wishes :)

[allih]

Gene, your are right, she can't see what is going on but she certainly saw me reacting to it. When I get a flare I have to lay down and endure whatever sensation is going haywire. They last 2-5 minutes with me squeezing my eyes shut to lessen the eye pain, wringing my hands or squeezing a pillow, and breathing really heavy and fast like you do when you HURT.. kind like Lamaze breathing only not as controlled. It was obvious that I was in a whole lotta pain. And I make noises when a particularily sharp pain hits. It's like acid burns on my face. No one can see what is happening but man they know something is really wrong.

I don't want that to happen ever again, but the doctors office is certainly the best place.

Today the pain is like a moderate sunburn. Not too many spikes and I'm more relaxed most likely because of the Ativan. :) I hopeful that in a few days I'll be at a level that I can tolerate.

Alli

[facehurts]

Alli, I am sorry that you are hurting. I hope that you will soon be granted the days of many days and years of being pain free. I wish that for myself too.

Sarah