I am new to this site but I have had TN for over 30 years. I have used every drug known to man and tried gamma knife surgery and mad with no help. Nerves regenerate and the pain returns worse than before. Now I use trileptal fentanyl patches, oxycodone, Xanax, ambien, antidepressants, fentora, ketamine nasal spray and gel. Beyond that I get ketamine injections in my face every 2-3 weeks and still have breakthrough pain. I have terrible migraines and use maxalt for those. It has been terrible and surgeons have all said they can't do anything else.
Please don't think I feel sorry for myself. On the contrary. I have been very fortunate. The best doctors in the field have tried to help me and that is what keeps me going. My neurologist is also a pain management specialist and he promises me that he won't let me down and he never has. I am disabled by crippling arthritis and several autoimmune diseases. I have a wheelchair and my house has had to be adapted for my problems. I have a wonderful husband of 31 years who has had to become a caregiver as well and he never lets me down. Instead of feeling sorry for myself I look at the blessings I have and try to keep going through some often unbearable pain. I can't let these people down. I am truly blessed. I am not a religious person but someone is watching out for me. Don't give up. Keep being your own advocate and always look for research and possibilities. Help yourself !