Coping with pain

[barbz1]

Years ago I started getting crawly feelingings on the left side of my head and face. Through the years it turned into constant pressureI raidiating to the left side of my neck. I could often feel the muscles pull on the left side of my neck. I had bad teeth so I thought it might be TMJ, so I had my bottm teeth pulled, and I got top dentures.. Unfortunately the dentures were very uncomfortable so I rarely wear them. I also had a sius operation, and that did nothing for me. I have lived with this chronic condition for years. Recently the pressure in my head has become unbearable, as when I lay down and try to relax it throbs, and the pressure gets worse.

[Tuckamore]

Welcome Barbz,

I have read both of your posts. Don't worry about the duplication I am just glad that you found us and posted.

I think it may be time for some more diagnostic studies and possibly a second opinion. Medical science changes over the years and new medications and treatments emerge.

Your symptoms do sound like they could be nerve related meaning a neuralgia. There are some new medications is use that may be more effective than the ones you are prescribed, although I admit that I do not know what meds you are on so that may not be the case. At any rate another opinion cannot hurt and may be beneficial.

If after all is said and done if your only choice is medications, which many of us have been told the same, than do a trial and error with them. Some meds will make you more "doped up" than others and be no more effective than the ones that don't.

There are no treatments or choices for me other than medications. Accepting that was difficult. I am a fighter by nature and denial was my middle name.....sometimes my first name. Once I accepted the facts I found myself less stressed and more accepting of my lot in life. It's ok that I have to take narcotics. It's ok that some days the pain is just not controlled. It's ok that some days (rare) I feel a bit doped up.  

I don't know if that helps you at all. But I do encourage you to obtain some recent studies to determine that every thing is the same as it was some years ago. The imagining techniques have improved over the years also.

I hope you will keep in touch and become active in our community. We are here to support you. This site has been very helpful for me and many others. Feel free to respond to other posts and become involved. Everyone is welcome. I'll look forward to your updates. Best of luck to you in your search.

Peace,
Tuck

[barbz1]

Years ago when I had the crawly sensations, I was referred to a neurologist. He just wrote out scripts for depression and pain. I also had a CT scan, and an MRI. They said it showed nothing remarkable. eventually I was given a diagnosis of the possibility of neuralgia?

Other then keeping myself all doped up, it seems there is nothing they can for me.

[Mollyrae]

Hello barbz1:

I'm so very sorry that you've had to suffer from this type of pain for such a long time. Have you seen a Neurologist?  What type of tests have you had?

From what your describing, this could be caused from am number of things including the upper spine. If you could be more specific and give us additional information, you may get some good advise. Weekends are slow here at MedHelp and many members are away. Please be patient and I'm sure that others will offer you their opinions.

Take care,
Mollyrae