Lizette Keith, TN Patient

Her Personal Story

I was diagnosed with TN April, 2006. I thought at 56 and after experiencing the extremely difficult time after my spouse's spinal cord injury and near fatal accident that I was prepared for anything that life had to deal me. I was not prepared for TN.

I struggled with the loss of my life, depression, and the person I used to be. Slowly, with the help of my neurologist, a lot of meds, prayer, and a new found faith in God and myself I am struggling to gain control once more of my life and the person I once was. I continue to struggle daily with the recurring pains, toothaches, eye, ear, and facial pain sometimes so extreme it takes my breath away. Few understand that trauma that is experienced with this horribl life-changing condition.

I could not have any surgery because the 1,5,7,8,9th nerves are involved after a root canal in November of 2005. They thought I had Bell's palsy, pain from post dental surgery, etc.,etc. Yet, finally my second neurologist discovered my problem. My thoughts and prayers are with those who suffer. I hope you continue to inform and enlighten the doctors and patients alike. Thank you for your website and all the news you send.

P.S.  After several decades of teaching special needs I hope that I can once again help others to envision and work towards a more positive awareness of their issues with TN and deal with them in a constructive and positive manner.

So many (from the stories I have seen posted) have allowed a negative attitude to encompass their daily life and resolved that life is over. Life has changed albeit dramatically for some, but the greatest view is from the top of the mountain...not while we are in the valley.

The greatest injustice in having TN is the lack of knowledge that friends, family, and those one meets have concerning this health issue. I also found this to be true in the medical profession. I found this true in the field of education discussing or lecturing concerning my children whose emotional needs, physical constraints, and socialization ability were seldom met outside of the classroom. Explaining this to others was a task met with a lot of frustration and lack of education.

I wrote a letter when I first got this to explain my trials and tribulations at the onset of TN...I gave this to my friends, family, and former co-workers. My boss forwarded this on to my company VP and managers, etc. I worked in the pharma industry the last seven years of employment in senior care specialty.

Updated 8-16-07