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DEBORAH's
Story

My Journey with Trigeminal Neuralgia: From Pain to Healing

 

It all started after a car accident in 2019. I saw a chiropractor to address some lingering pain, but later that night, I woke up with an excruciating sensation in my lower jaw. It felt like a cattle prod was being shoved into my face, sending electric jolts up my face into my eye. The pain was unbearable, and no amount of morphine in the ER could provide relief. That night, I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN).Trigeminal Neuralgia is often referred to as the “suicide disease” because of the unimaginable pain it causes. I tried medications, but they left me feeling like a zombie.

 

Thankfully, I found Sheena, who helped me discover ways to manage the pain. For a time, I experienced an 8-month reprieve, but then the attacks returned—and they were worse than ever. The pain was so intense, I would fall to my knees and scream. I began to understand why this disease has such a devastating nickname. At my lowest point, I contemplated ending my life.What kept me going was my family. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them behind. One night, while battling an unbearable attack, I watched the movie The Passion of The Christ. The scene of Jesus enduring the brutal beating and crucifixion struck me deeply. If He could endure such pain, I thought, I could find the strength to endure mine.

 

Soon after on April 8, 2021, I had Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery, and for a while, it felt like a miracle. The pain disappeared, and I finally had relief—until 3-4 months later. Pressure headaches started creeping in with a runny nose, I couldn’t bend over without feeling like my head might explode. At first, I felt it was a horrible sinus infection. My neurologist offered injections, but they weren’t helping, and my neurosurgeon wouldn’t return my calls.

 

Desperate for answers, I turned to Sheena, who introduced me to Chelsea. Chelsea shared her own experience after MVD surgery and the treatments that had helped her find relief. After insightful discussions with both Sheena and Chelsea, I decided to pursue care with Dr. Michael Lim. After a telehealth appointment with Dr. Lim and an MRI, I flew to California for another surgery on August 8, 2022. Dr. Lim removed the metal plate from my skull, replaced the opening with bone mesh and addressed two CSF leaks and a hole in my skull. This was the turning point.

 

Today, I’m thriving. I have my life back—a life I once thought I’d lost forever. Trigeminal Neuralgia taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of seeking out the right care. If you’re battling this disease, know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. Keep fighting.You’ve got this.

© 2023 Sheena Sharapata

This website and the contents within are not meant to be medical advice.

They are Sheena Sharapata's personal journey and other MVD Warriors personal journeys who have crossed her path.

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