Another Monday, and another week to get through. I get to pick up my cousin and her two girls on Saturday, so it gives me something to look forward to. Although my mom called me last night and informed me that my vehicle registeration showed up...another couple hundred dollar bill *joy*

I suppose I should start off by stating that unless you've had TN (trigeminal neuralgia), ATFP (atypical facial pain), or other cranio-facial neuralgia, it's hard to understand how this consumes and changes your life. I hope this limits the number of comments of how I'm a baby and need to shut-up and deal with it. There is an international support group listserv with over 400 people. There are many more who are unaware of the listserv, or are no longer on it for their reasons. Through my posts, I will try and help you understand how hard it is to try and have a life with this disease. I also would never wish this on anyone (even my enemies).

From the beginning....February 1995 was when my first attack occured. Over the years as the episodes lasted longer and came more frequently, I had to find a way to handle it. Some people now say that I can tolerate a lot of pain (a party trick I'd rather not be known for). My parents have been wonderful in their support that they would do almost anything for me (including flying with me around the country to see doctors and seek treatment). Even my extended family has shown how much they care (a big extended family). The feeling that I know that I am not alone with this (on an emotional level) is one of the things that has always been part of the way I cope with this.

Busy day at work, so I must now catch up. The short-lived episodes of jolting pain are very easy to deal with right now.