My Story

My how those words rang out over and over!!! My TN story began in 1999 in the "typical" fashion. My face hurt, no must be my teeth, hmmm... Well, the dentist will fix this. That was the start of 3 months of doctor, dentist, ENT, doctor, dentist, oral surgeon, doctor, neurologist, etc.

We discovered that this was something that the elderly got or someone who had Multiple Sclerosis. I did not fall into either category, I was only 29!!!

TN is an extremely painful neurological disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve in the brain. While the root or ganglion of the nerve itself is located near the brain stem, behind the ear, the pain from the irritation of this nerve is felt in the face, gums, tongue, throat, eye, eyebrow, or lips, depending on which branch of the nerve is affected. It is thought to be the most painful affliction known to humankind. Prognosis is not terminal -- most patients just wish it were!

I am interested in providing information and support to others with the disease, or living with someone who has the disease. Below are some links to my personal experiences with the disease, a mailing list that provides support for sufferers, and links to good resources that are both TN-specific or are medically-related.