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Family & friends don't understand that I don't feel like talking

Posted , 4 users are following.

marsha_c
marsha_c

I've suffered with trigeminal facial pain for many years. My family and friends know how serious the pain is and one of my biggest triggers is talking. They actually get mad that I won't talk on the phone and my parents have even made snide remarks about how they don't hear from me often enough. The whole family spends the day together every Sunday, but they still feel there needs to be more talking during the week. Has anyone else lost friends because you don't feel like visiting all the time?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • heather30609
    heather30609 marsha_c

    Posted

    I do understand how you feel Marsha, when my tn is active, if I turn my head suddenly, or smile it starts and I just can't speak.  Luckily mine is controlled by Lyrica 150mg twice a day and I also had a remission of 2 months - its just come back this time.  It's really hard to explain the pain, it feels different and gets to different parts of the nerve but when it feels like you've got a dagger running up your tooth and into your nostril - you just can't talk.  The only suggestion I can make is try to talk to them when the pain is not bad so they understand, can you get your mum and dad on email and keep in touch that way?
  • eddie13
    eddie13 marsha_c

    Posted

    Hi Marsha C,

    I know all about the talking trigger! When it was really bad, my wife would get mad at me for writing on paper. Fortunately for me that is long ago because I manage successfully now on Tegretol generic Carbamazepine. I have not been in that bad of shape in years. Are you seeing a neurologist? Don't worry because things can get much better for you.

    eddie13

  • Glor888
    Glor888 marsha_c

    Posted

    Hi Marsha

    I too know what you are going through. What I did at first, when the pain eased off, was I explained to my family and friends what it is like. I also stated that if I'm about to talk and I get a bad bout, I hand signal for them to understand. Then when it has passed I can then talk to them.

    If this doesn't work, try getting the TN information on line and print some copies. Give a copy to the individuals so they can get a better understanding of what you are going through.

     

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