i have a disorder.

just thought i'd let anyone interested know that i have been diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia just the other day. i found some info on the disorder...thought i'd share.

TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia / tic douloureux) is a disorder of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve that causes episodes of intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed - lips, eyes, nose, scalp, forehead, upper jaw, and lower jaw. By many, it's called the "suicide disease". A less common form of the disorder called "Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia" may cause less intense, constant, dull burning or aching pain, sometimes with occasional electric shock-like stabs. Both forms of the disorder most often affect one side of the face, but some patients experience pain at different times on both sides. Something as simple and routine as brushing the teeth, putting on makeup or even a slight breeze can trigger an attack, resulting in sheer agony for the individual.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is not fatal, but it is universally considered to be the most painful affliction known to medical practice. Initial treatment of TN is usually by means of anti-convulsant drugs, such as Tegretol or Neurontin. Some anti-depressant drugs also have significant pain relieving effects. Should medication be ineffective or if it produces undesirable side effects, neurosurgical procedures are available to relieve pressure on the nerve or to reduce nerve sensitivity. Some patients report having reduced or relieved pain by means of alternative medical therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, self-hypnosis or meditation.

Needless to say, I'm not happy about this...understatement of course. i was told that i may never have another episode again, but i may have several...you never know. let's hope for the best.

I know...I know...I'm very behind in my entries!!!

i do realize how far behind in my blog entries i am...more scotland photos to post, updates of what i'm doing etc., but i wanted to first introduce the latest member of my family. i welcomed in a golden retreiver puppy last month. her name is maggie mei mei. i wanted to name her mei mei, my brother tom liked maggie...so, i combined it. mei mei means little sister in chinese. now that her bladder infection has cleared, housebreaking is going much more smoothly.

let's see...tom moved in (brother) only to move out last week. he found out that if he stays, he'll lose all his insurance and since he's a diabetic...this is bad. i went to urgent care due to severe pain in my face...which i had since march. i didn't do anything earlier due to lack of money/insurance and time. found out that i have a condition, which i forget the name of, that attackes the nerves in the face. on a scale of 1 to 10, my pain at the worst was ~8.5. i'm on 5 medications now...had a severe allergic reaction to one and had to go back to the doctor. i have another appointment in 2 days. so, in other words...my health is getting much better, but my pain kept me from many things including the internet. i love vicadin...lets me sleep at night!! amanda has moved in...her job in california has ended.

i will post more and write more at another time...it's late and time for bed. keep in touch everyone!