My Perspective on Trigeminal Neuralgia

TN symptoms began to worsen for me in 2011, and since I was diagnosed in 2013, I have been writing about this disorder, hoping that my posts inform readers about trigeminal neuralgia. These blog posts follow my person experiences with TN, and how I cope. If you are a fellow TN sufferer, know you are not alone. We are in this fight together!

It’s all in the mind— How Trigeminal Neuralgia has affected my love of running, how much I run, and whether or not I dare to at all.

I’ve got my running legs on— I’m still running races! Nothing will stop me.

Like dangling cheese in front of a mouse— Trigeminal Neuralgia has caused quite a financial burden in my life. I can’t seem to catch up.

Don’t try this at home, kids: Part 1— How do you know if you’re better when you don’t know what better is?

Don’t try this at home, kids: Part 2— Trippy visions in the midst of Effexor withdrawal.

Don’t try this at home, kids: Part 3— What to do if you think you have trigeminal neuralgia

Drop the doctor, bring on the fresh air— Getting outdoors is always good medicine.

Was that me, or the drug?— Do you ever worry a medication you’re taking is altering who you are? I do.

Somehow I managed to run— Don’t let the pain stop you. Fight!

The Stinging Needle: Reflections of Trigeminal Neuralgia— “I wrote a poem years ago, long before I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, and over the years the lines of the poem have returned to me, echoing in my subconscious especially when I’m up north. One of the lines of the poem related Pennsylvania to “stinging needle pain”, and I recall that ever since I was a child I related Pennsylvania, and especially fall and winter, to pain, especially stabbing, aching, and stinging pain.”

When chronic pain makes you feel alone— You aren’t truly alone. There is a huge support system out there. Take advantage of it!

Feel the warmth: Do what’s right for you— Relief, at last.

Staying within myself, and living with physical pain— Apparently, I can leave my body. Not during intense pain attacks, but when things are mild. Useful, but not to be abused. Stay grounded.

Something you can’t see? Trigeminal neuralgia— Maybe it’s not so invisible after all. Having been told that my nerves are weaker on my left side, I have noticed the left side of my face is more “droopy” than the right.

From Battle to War: Return of the TN Beast— When all you have left is the fight.

“What’s it feel like?” The TN Attack— I’ve been asked what trigeminal neuralgia feels like. Here’s my experience. I hope that one day a cure is found, and no one has to endure this ever again.

Trigeminal Neuralgia in Fiction— I hope writing about this disorder helps to spread awareness. Writing is my weapon against TN.

Out of the body— Pain, this world and the next. A perspective.

Doubt in the face of darkness— When trying to get more medication, I am faced with doubt.