I Have The Sweetest Beaver

Yesterday marked the first ever Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness day. I belong to a couple of TN support groups requesting we wear teal to help raise awareness of this syndrome. The groups also suggested we post any photos showing the various ways we used the color teal. Some people arranged to have various bridges or monuments shed in teal lights for the night. Niagara Falls even turned teal to mark the day. My husband surprised me with a flower delivery to let me know he cared. The flowers were not teal, but I still love him for marking this day in some manner. I also had another family member that joined in to mark this day and help raise awareness.

 

 

Todd, the sweetest beaver ever, donned a teal ribbon to help raise awareness. I am the luckiest gal in the world to have such a loving beaver.

 

 

Did you happen to notice the card reads "Happy ATN. Love, Phil". What the? So does this mean he's actually happy that I have Atypical TN? I think I need to make my own husband "aware" I am not "happy" I have this horrible syndrome. He tried blaming the florist, but why would the florist be happy I'm in pain? I guess I shall choose to believe him this time.

 

 

Take time to stop and smell the roses, or in this case the daisies.

 

I wish you all many pain-free days.

 

 

 

Back In The Saddle

I'm back in the saddle and it feels great.

 

 (Found this photo at an estate sale recently. Couldn't resist the cuteness.)

 

Oh, where do I begin? I was diagnosed way back in April with something called Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia(ATN from here on out). I could go in to great detail about what this is, but just go Google or Bing, or whatever... after you've read this, of course. Basically, ATN is a type of facial pain syndrome. I have an artery touching my trigeminal nerve causing the protective coating to wear away, exposing the nerve, which makes my facial nerves go haywire. I haven't fully figured out all of my "triggers" for the pain. Usually cool air, light breezes, wisps of hair on my jaw/cheek will start an intense burning deep in my jaw. Many times my teeth feel as though a hot poker, straight from a fire is being held in my mouth. I can't speak, eat, drink or think during one of these pain episodes. I haven't been myself for quite some time.

 

 

I started this zentangle type doodle, while waiting to hear the results from my first MRI. Although it is rare, sometimes ATN can be caused by a tumor or MS...I didn't want either as a diagnosis. Instead, the report stated that they located the possible offending artery. From there I was sent to consult a Neurosurgeon and now I am waiting for my appointment with a Neurologist for pain management.

 

 

Deciding to try a little art therapy, I started working on this doodle to help myself work through the wide range of emotions I was feeling.  As of lately, I am finding myself in less pain due to the medication. I am hopeful this will go into remission for a long time. Forever would be nice. If you happen to suffer from this rare syndrome, I wish you pain-free days.

 

October 7th is Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day so wear teal...

"All the cool kids are doing it"