[QUOTE=Michelle W]Thanks for responding Ann123 to my post. I am sorry you are experiencing pain from dental surgery. I wondered what kind of procedure you had done? I underwent bilateral arthroplasty for TMJD. I clench/grind my teeth at night. I had stretched out the ligament attached to the articular disc. I had to have the ligament cut and pinned in place. An incision was made right in the front crease of my ear. It is visible to me, because I know there was no crease in that area but invisible to others. Sorry to go on about my ordeal. I have been thinking about trying Lexypro. My neurologist offered to take it. I was afraid of the serotonin adrenalin affect. I thought maybe it might make me grind my teeth at night. It is a listed side effect. Although, side effects are suppose to be rare with this medication. It is suppose to be one of cleanest medications now. Please do keep me posted.
Thanks for your input!
Sincerely,
Michelle
Hi Michelle, Ann and Laura,
I too suffer from facial neuropathy. Mine started as a porcelain veneer on my front tooth, followed by severe pain, 2 root canals, an apicoectomy, an extraction, finally diagnosed with osteomyelitis (a jawbone and marrow infection), was on IV abx for 11 weeks with 2 debridements (scraping of bone and removing dead tissue/bone) went through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. I have been done with this for about 8 months. Except the HBO ended 2 months ago. It has been "deduced" that I am suffering with neuropathy due to the infection, trauma and surgeries. I thank g-d I beat the infection, it never spread or became systemic, causing horrible illnesses and possible death. So, with that said, I am lucky. BUT, I have pain every day. Neurologists do tell me that this takes a long time to heal that sometimes there is damage to the nerves and to the sheath (myelin - that is a protective covering on the nerve) - and yes, it grows so slowly, but it does grow. I think that facial pain is maddening. I meditate, am starting yoga, get massages since pain refers to my neck, head and shoulders. I am also giving a LOT of consideration to the glutine removal from my diet. I don't know much about nerve blocks, and will research more. I am on Lexapro and Ativan and will be adding Neurontin to help get rid of this pain. Sometimes our brains become "wired" an actual chemical change in the brain, that sends pain signals. I think that it is NOT in the mind, however, I think the mind CAN do miraculous things, especially when the body is in top form. I hope to continue our correspondence. All of you are very special people,
[QUOTE=Michelle W]Thanks for responding Ann123 to my post. I am sorry you are experiencing pain from dental surgery. I wondered what kind of procedure you had done? I underwent bilateral arthroplasty for TMJD. I clench/grind my teeth at night. I had stretched out the ligament attached to the articular disc. I had to have the ligament cut and pinned in place. An incision was made right in the front crease of my ear. It is visible to me, because I know there was no crease in that area but invisible to others. Sorry to go on about my ordeal. I have been thinking about trying Lexypro. My neurologist offered to take it. I was afraid of the serotonin adrenalin affect. I thought maybe it might make me grind my teeth at night. It is a listed side effect. Although, side effects are suppose to be rare with this medication. It is suppose to be one of cleanest medications now. Please do keep me posted.
Thanks for your input!
Sincerely,
Michelle
Hi Michelle, I had root canal, then extraction. The doctor shot the anesthetic directly into my nerve -not a good thing. I do clench/grind at night - which started after the procedures. I have tried a lower TMJ splint for 3 months - since my pain is largely in my lower teeth that did not feel good and I gave up on that. I now wear an upper night guard at night. I have read that TMJD and trigeminal nerve pain are often co-existing conditions. The trigeminal neuralgia came first for me -one of responses to it was to begin clenching. I now also have a popping jaw and neck/shoulder pain. My TMJD is believed to be muscular and I haven't had much luck with treating that. My neurologists recognizes that I have it and said on my next visit he was hoping to be able to prescribe massage therapy - I asked why he was waiting and he said it wouldn't do me any good yet until the muscles loosened up some more. sounded odd to me but he's the doc. Are you doing anything to treat the TMJD anymore?
I asked when I started the Lorazapam (Ativan) at night a couple of months ago if it would increase the clenching-he said no that it might even help. It puts me into such a deep sleep I have no idea if I am clenching now. I don't wake up any sorer though. I am also concerned about that listed as a side effect of the Lexapro which I just started in the mornings 4 days ago. But I am a clencher anyway and I am hoping that if these drugs help relieve pain/tension/anxiety maybe it will help with the clenching. So far, beating the clenching has proven to be a tough task. Do you clench/grind now? So far I have tolerated the Lexapro fine- was very drowsy the first day and a little digestive issues but hoping that will pass. I think I actually feel a little better already. How is the Neurontin working for you? I have been on it about 6 months - and am very confused about whether it works. It has never relieved the pain entirely. And I still get bad flare-ups. The doctor just keeps upping the doses saying my pain cycles are peaking (usually before my periods) and he needs to get it high enough to reach the peaks. I hate all these drugs and it took me a long time to give in and start taking them. I worry about addiction, side effects, etc. However, I also worry about what untreated unrelenting chronic pain will do to me. Sorry this got so long. Good luck to you with your treatment - I hope you find the proper treatment soon -it sounds like you have been through a lot and I sympathize. I will keep you posted on how the Lexapro works for me, take care.
Hi Trying, yes I have read your story on the dental board. I am so sorry that you have been through so much. I was hoping all the ostemylitis treatments would be the end or your ordeal.
I agree it is not in my mind - I had rarely even been sick in my life before this began and had no stress/anxiety issues. Thankfully my doctors have not been the type that suggest it is "all in my head". But the theory is that chronic pain can affect our chemical make-up - putting us in a state of adrenaline overload (the classic "flight" response form the caveman days) thus these drugs to fight adrenaline and increase serotonin. And the Neurontin is supposed to stop the misfiring of the nerves. Are the Lexapro and Ativan (Lorazapam) helping you?- how long have you been on them? - that is what I am taking as well. Though I just started the Lexapro. I was on the Neurontin alone first but that isn't enough apparently. How about the massage therapy? I am supposed to be getting a prescription for that soon. My pain also is sometimes in my neck and shoulders though my doctor did not say it was referred, he said it was a separate condition from clenching/and or tension. Do you find anything increases or decreases your pain? Have you tried moist heat? That gluten free diet sounds very difficult. I wonder about that as why would I suddenly become allergic to something right after dental trauma?
I like your comment it has been "deduced" that you have neuropathy. It's like how do they know for sure-that is what is causing me worry sometimes-are they missing something? It's not like they ran any tests to prove it. Yet my neurologist remains absolutely positive this is what it is.
I saw your question on your other posts on websites to get more information.
We can't really list them on this site but searches on trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain should get you started. I will look at my notes and see what helpful things I can convey as I have already researched this a lot.
Take care, keep us posted. This is indeed a strange maddening thing we have and hopefully we can learn from/support each other.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I have been wondering if anyone else was suffering from anything similar. Unfortunately the answer is yes. I am so sorry you have been through some much. I hope things continue to get much better for you. The Neurontin has helped a lot with my pain, but I had to add another medication called Keppra. It seems many people are on Lexapro with nerve pain. It must work well. It is something to consider.
I have been wanting to go back to work part-time and wondered if any of you gals are able to work?
Thanks,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Thanks so much for your reply :) Unfortunately, I have found other people suffering too. I am sorry you have pain in your life. Perhaps it will go away. I believe it can, and hope it gets better for you as well. I was put on Lexapro when I became depressed and anxious. I had an infection eating my jawbone and marrow for 4 months, with nobody able to diagnose it. I am glad to know that Neurontin seems to work for nerve pain too. I did not know that Lexapro worked for that, thanks for the info. I find Ativan helps me too. Pain and anxiety seem to come together sometimes, one comes first and yada yada. Just don't want to be on these meds for too long.
I have not been able to work at all. If you are able, go girl! It will help keep your mind busy. I am at home and healing. I paint and play scrabble - reading is difficult, sometimes anything but sleeping is difficult.
I wish you the best and look forward to continuing talking with you :wave:
Hi Trying, yes I have read your story on the dental board. I am so sorry that you have been through so much. I was hoping all the ostemylitis treatments would be the end or your ordeal.
I agree it is not in my mind - I had rarely even been sick in my life before this began and had no stress/anxiety issues. Thankfully my doctors have not been the type that suggest it is "all in my head". But the theory is that chronic pain can affect our chemical make-up - putting us in a state of adrenaline overload (the classic "flight" response form the caveman days) thus these drugs to fight adrenaline and increase serotonin. And the Neurontin is supposed to stop the misfiring of the nerves. Are the Lexapro and Ativan (Lorazapam) helping you?- how long have you been on them? - that is what I am taking as well. Though I just started the Lexapro. I was on the Neurontin alone first but that isn't enough apparently. How about the massage therapy? I am supposed to be getting a prescription for that soon. My pain also is sometimes in my neck and shoulders though my doctor did not say it was referred, he said it was a separate condition from clenching/and or tension. Do you find anything increases or decreases your pain? Have you tried moist heat? That gluten free diet sounds very difficult. I wonder about that as why would I suddenly become allergic to something right after dental trauma?
I like your comment it has been "deduced" that you have neuropathy. It's like how do they know for sure-that is what is causing me worry sometimes-are they missing something? It's not like they ran any tests to prove it. Yet my neurologist remains absolutely positive this is what it is.
I saw your question on your other posts on websites to get more information.
We can't really list them on this site but searches on trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain should get you started. I will look at my notes and see what helpful things I can convey as I have already researched this a lot.
Take care, keep us posted. This is indeed a strange maddening thing we have and hopefully we can learn from/support each other.
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for your kind reply. I was also hoping the osteomyelitis was the end of my ordeal. It was not to be and now it is what it is. It is not good, so I will have to do what I can to help make it better. I have things to do in this lifetime! A lot of things! :blob_fire: ! OK, better now.
Yes, the neurontin is supposed to help with the nerves firing correctly. I did not know about Lexapro as being used for neuropathy. I happen to really like this medication. I have no side effects, well I've put a few pounds on, but I'll take that. The first week I was on it, I had terrible headaches and nausea. Now, nothing. I find myself less depressed and able to shake anxiety and depression quicker -which means less stress and utlimately, less pain. This is a good thing. I have been on it for a year or so now. Ask anything you wish, if you have more questions. I do know the seratonin levels are important - especially when nerves are concerned. The Ativan was prescribed to me 1 year ago when I was unable to take pain meds and having horrible withdrawal from morphine. I've been on it since. It is addictive, and hard to come off of, but I am not addicted- however, i don't intend to come off of it anytime soon, unless Yoga is a miraculous thing - and I can handle the gluten free diet. I wonder if it is for "all" types of neuropathy, particularly facial. I do not clench my teeth any more/less than I did pre-Lexapro. It's a rare thing. I know you are a clencher - I'd still give it a try.
I use moist heat on my neck - never at the site. I don't go near my site - and I think that is the thing that keeps the pain down. That, and not talking, moving my face, wearing a bite plate (bite has shifted from surgeries and bone removal) and smiling. So now people think I am a bit^*, which I am not. I also have no front tooth so public smiling is out of the question anyhow ;) Not really - I'm over it., well sort of.
I too have not been ill before. I wonder if you have a lawsuit going? If OK to ask. I hope to continue our discussions. I appreciate any information you are able to post here. I wish we were able to email with each other. It makes no sense. The moderators must be very afraid of the competition, and they don't need to be. This site is hot - a lot of hits are made here first and people always come back. Anyhow, I wish you peace.
Hope you are doing okay. I do like the Lexapro so far. (5 days on it)Didn't really think I was depressed; except during PMS. But trips to different doctors, getting your hopes up, then having them be confused and just sending me on to someone else - all that definitely had to cause anxiety. How can dealing with this type of thing not play havoc on ones emotions...hence the Ativan and Lexapro. Both of which I like. Neurontin has proven to be relatively easy to take as well; tiredness at first which passes. I am allergic to ibuprofen and sulfa so not all drugs agree with me - I am glad I found some I can take. Are you planning to start taking something like Neurontin soon? Are you working with a neurologist? Have you had a MRI? Are you taking yoga classes or self taught? I'd like to try that Did you say you also get massage therapy? If so, how do you like that?
My doctor told me to put the moist heat bag right in front of my ear and hold it all along the side of the face to my chin. This is wear the trigeminal nerve runs. It does not make it hurt more for me, it feels good. I use one of those bags with rice you heat in the microwave someone made for me. I agree- mouth movements, talking, smiling etc makes the pain bad. Very hard to avoid these things though. Where exactly is your pain? What does it feel like?
No I do not have a lawsuit going. I've heard it is very difficult. Are you pursuiing that at all?
Scrabble, huh? One of my favorite games.
We will both get better, it will just take time. You have been through more than myself without a doubt, again I am so sorry for all the pain you have endured. Take care of yourself, continue to be strong.
You WILL have a chance to do all those things you still want to do in this lifetime.
Well if it makes you feel any better, I am NOT a high stress person at all and my life was very easy and happy-go-lucky and nerve damage happened to me. It can happen to anybody, stressed or not. But yes I have had one oral surgeon who I didn't like tell me to reduce stress, blah, blah - I told him the only stress I had was this pain and the failures I'd faced in getting helpful treatment. I do find that now that I have the pain stresss aggravates it -but it did not cause it!
As far as being alone in your symptoms - no, not at all, I have found many many people with facial pain, trigeminal nerve pain, etc. There are many stories on the internet. Are you working with a neurologist used to treating this condition? Mine gets most of his referrals from oral surgeons. He has many patients like us.
I like the Lexapro so far - 5 days into it. Think it is helping me feel less pain, but I will give it more time to know for sure. Tired the first day, that was it. I do not think I am clenching more- I am not waking up sorer. I take it in the morning and Ativan at night. I am not familiar with Abilify or Geodon - are they in the same class as Lexapro? If they are then you may have same trouble with Lexapro. I know some people have too much drowsiness and nausea with it. I hope you can tolerate it cuz it seems people who can love it.
I'd like to hear more about the kind of pain you are experiencing if you feel like writing about it. Compare notes type of thing.
It would be so good to hear a recovery story from one of us one day. And it will happen, we just have to be patient and look forward to that day coming. Stay strong.
