Lauren's interview
Error
How did all start?
I believe I have had this since I was in grade school. I remember going to the dentist telling him I felt like I had 'air in between' my teeth. He dismissed it as my teeth just growing in and settling, but it never disappeared. A week after a dental surgery it became awful. I thought I broke a tooth but I didn't, it was TN.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I am diagnosed. It took about 3 weeks to diagnose me.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
I have had MVD surgery - 3.5 months post op. When I stopped taking my Lyrica my pain came back full force. If not worse than before. Lyrica has been the only thing making a difference at all.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Lyrica and not opening my mouth
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Well, my job is now pushing me out after I returned to work because I requested reasonable accommodations. So thats been tough... on me, my fiance, the new house we just bought.... ugh
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Everyone has been supportive, even though they have no clue what I have.
What things have you stopped doing?
Eating hard things where I need to chew, talking, laughing...
What do you think about the future?
No idea. I wanted to have kids soon and thats out of the question now that I can't go off meds.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
Honestly, right now! I'm engaged, have a dream house with someone I love.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Work! I wish I could handle everything now that I'm sick but I can't. I'm in agonizing pain everyday by 2PM.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is better than I dreamed right now but trigeminal neuralgia is slowly ruining all of it.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
You just have to keep going. Find a medication that controls pain (even if you have side effects), and keep it moving as best you can. And don't forget, you are your own biggest advocate! No one else can make a change but you, dont give up.
