Anniversaries, Michelin Stars, and The Continuing Journey of TN

This past weekend, my husband and I embarked on an anniversary trip that took us to the vibrant city of Chicago. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly an anniversary dinner at a prestigious two-star Michelin restaurant. It was a culinary experience that tickled our taste buds and filled our hearts with warmth and joy.

But amidst all the anniversary celebrations, there was another reason to be thankful. The pain block I had received the previous week was making its presence known, and for the most part, my pain had taken a backseat. I’d only encountered some mild jaw tightness and fleeting sensations, nothing too overwhelming.

The medication regimen I’ve been following includes OXCARBAZEPINE 150 MG in the morning and another dose in the evening around 7 PM. Additionally, I take my gabapentin before bedtime. I’ve learned that taking a second gabapentin during the day, when I start feeling those sensations creeping in, helps to keep them at bay.

As Monday dawned, I traded the anniversary glow for the familiar halls of the school, where I resumed my role as a substitute teacher for a long-term assignment. However, as I’ve chatted, explained, and engaged with my students, I noticed an increase in sensations throughout the afternoon. It’s a stark reminder that the actions we take can influence the ebb and flow of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Nevertheless, there was no major pain to endure, and for that, I remain grateful.

During my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who share valuable testimonies from others who navigate the realm of Trigeminal Neuralgia. Some of these testimonies pointed to the potential benefits of B12 supplementation, which aligns with what I’ve read in other documents. I spent time today researching a high-quality B12 complex, as well a R-Alpha Lipoic Acid. Ordered! Magnesium is the other supplement being found to help with this terrible disease. I started it last week!

In all this, I’ve come to realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to managing Trigeminal Neuralgia. It’s a condition as unique as the individuals it affects, and finding what works is often a process of trial and error. But isn’t that the way with many things in life?

So, as I continue this journey, I’m not just seeking answers, but I’m also cherishing the moments of joy and celebrating the love and support that surrounds me. Trigeminal Neuralgia may be a formidable adversary, but it’s also teaching me to appreciate the simple joys, the strength of human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit.

P.S. On a side note, as the evening wore on, I felt the subtle tides of Trigeminal Neuralgia making their presence known. In the evening, a nagging headache crept in, and I sensed the return of those phantom pains, like distant echoes of an unwelcome melody. But the silver lining remains – these sensations, though present, haven’t escalated into excruciating pain. In a journey riddled with uncertainty, I consider it a small victory, a testament to the steps I’ve taken in managing this condition.