It’s been a while since I’ve penned down my thoughts on my journey with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), and today I find myself compelled to share a recent twist in the tale.

About a month ago, I found myself stumbling through awkward situations, moments where words eluded me, and even simple tasks seemed daunting. It was as if my mind had hit a roadblock, leaving me stranded in a sea of forgetfulness. “What is wrong with me?” I pondered, my frustration mounting with each passing day.

A gentle nudge from my friend Terri brought my growing concern to light. She noticed my increasing forgetfulness and offered her support, prompting me to delve deeper into the root cause. Seeking answers, I reached out to my future daughter-in-law, a pharmacy tech, hoping for some clarity.

Ironically, the solution lay in the very medication meant to ease my nerve pain – Gabapentin. It had slipped my mind that this drug, while effective against TN, could also induce memory loss. A cruel irony, indeed. Faced with the dilemma of sacrificing cherished memories for pain relief, I made a difficult decision.

With a resolve to preserve my mental clarity, I embarked on a journey without Gabapentin. The first missed dose was a test of willpower, followed by another, and another. Surprisingly, I found myself managing without it, relying instead on my trusty essential oil roller bottle to alleviate the pain between doses of morning and night medications and supplements.

As I navigate this intricate labyrinth of TN, I’m reminded of the condition’s grim moniker – the “suicide disease.” The intensity of the pain, coupled with its debilitating effects, can plunge even the strongest into despair. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope.

Through shared experiences and invaluable insights, I’ve learned to adapt and persevere. Each day is a triumph, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As I continue on this journey, I’m grateful for the unwavering support of loved ones and the newfound clarity that comes with reclaiming my memories. While the road ahead may be long and uncertain, I face it with renewed determination and a steadfast resolve to embrace each moment, however fleeting.

In the realm of TN, where pain knows no bounds, every victory, no matter how small, is a triumph worth celebrating.

Pic taken at Wind Creek State Park, Alabama, January 2024 while car camping. Enjoying every moment of nature that I can!