In 2000, Julianne was stricken by a terrible, painful disease. At first it seemed as though it was a dental problem. After they extrated 3-4 molars my dentist finally suggested that I visit a Neurologist. This was only after I'd an extensive root canal where it felt as thought my mandibular was hit. Afterwards I met with numerous facial pain physicians, neurosurgeons and tried acupuncturist to learn to cope. This is a devastating disease that has had a very negative effect on me for the past 8 years.
Trigeminal Neuralgia ( Facial Neuralgia Resources Homepage) is also known as "the suicide disease", but believe me, I've been too close to two separate suicides and it definitely won't be a part of the legacy I leave behind. Besides, I am very proud of the accomplishments in Scuba Diving and look forward to writing a book. I am looking into pain camps now where the patient is given various therapies. I have a very loving husband, Bill, who often says, "God never gives us more than we can handle.". This must mean that I am a steel magnolia tho at times I question it. I am in a quest for a cure or at least a place where I can go learn more coping skills. The most painful thing I feel now is out of the blue it feels like a knife is stabbing me in the cheek and jaw. I plan on giving this disease a lot of my attention because I know from experience than this disease leaves a lot of people shut-in.
I hope anyone who feels that they are coping with the same situation please contact me. The Trigeminal Neuralgia Association is of some help, but I haven't really find an outlet for meetings near my home. I am trying to set up a chronic pain meeting place through a goverment agency now.
I my wish is to someday become a public speaker and educate people about this disease and the others that are misdiagnosed. I had a laser surgery in Oct. 2007 and a MicroVascular Dcompression (MVD) in August, 2008. I experience more pain now than I had before. Not only do I have to deal wtih the pain I had previously the pain in my cheek, a new pain, makes it extremely hard to manage pain. I have not lost hope, however. Together we can live.