Chronic pain

[Walkingtrotting]

Hi I’m new to this page , I have been having terrible pain and numbness on my left side of cheek and head pains much worse at night wakes me up , the pain is unbearable I’m waiting to have an MRI scan but the wait could be months because of the covid !! I’m at my wits end and just don’t know what to do anymore!!

[Singinglouder]

Hi. Sorry you're in such pain. As you're waiting for an MRI, I take it you are talking to a doctor - do they know how much pain you're in?

For self help - I can't advise on the head, but for the cheek, either hot or cold could at least take the edge off - sadly, you can only find out which by trying. I have cheap Lidl gel packs that can be frozen/chilled/microwaved/heated in hot water. If you don't have anything like that around, there are substitutes, tho they may not maintain temperature for as long.

For heat: tie (uncooked!) rice into a clean sock and microwave it for a minute or two, or just soak a flannel in hot water from the tap & wring it out.

For cold: start gently with a flannel in cold water & wrung out; next step, put a damp flannel in the fridge; then try damp flannel in the freezer; and if you're feeling brave, the proverbial frozen peas or ice in a tea towel.

My cheek usually responds best to warmth, but if it spreads round my eye, I need cool - no idea why!

Hope you find something that helps.

[Ladybug9]

Can you go to the ER? That sounds like something my friend woke up to which is why I'm concerned about you having to wait. Please try to be seen immediately!

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Ladybug9]

I’ve tried everything to get to see someone, they had given me pain killers but that’s as far as I got.im on the phone constantly saying the pain is unbearable, what did your friend have

[Ladybug9 in reply to Walkingtrotting]

She has cancer from smoking. But that doesn't mean it has resurfaced. I do not want to scare you! I just think they need to stop putting a bandage on our problems and find out what the hell is going on! Excuse my swearing but I get so upset! There are far too many people going untreated when all it takes are some simple tests and actually listening to their patients. Please let me know what you find out?

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Ladybug9]

Sorry to hear about your friend, all the doctors and hospitals are just pushing everyone back and are saying it’s because of the covid!! I will keep on until I get an appointment no one should live like this !

[Ladybug9 in reply to Walkingtrotting]

My doctors are doing the teleconferencing but I don't have a cell phone that I use other than for an emergency. My main doctors call me via my land line. But my PA doesn't seem to want to talk to me that way. Fine, I'll find someone who will. He did have me come into his office 2 months ago but I cannot walk to his office in this heat. It's 101 today! And I don't have a car!

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Ladybug9]

Was at my wits end yesterday couldn’t stand the pain I phoned the GP and told them I’m ready to take the packet of pain tablets because know one is listening!! I have now been prescribed Pregabalin and Mirtazapine Also result have a phone appointment with an Neurologist in September,

[Ladybug9 in reply to Walkingtrotting]

I sure hope the Neurologist can help you! I understand pain all too well. I don't know if it will help but try taking an Epsom Salts bath with Lavendar and drinking a cup of Chamomile Tea just before bed. I truly hope you feel better and can get someone to listen!!! I know that feeling.

[Rabs550 in reply to Walkingtrotting]

True say I've been through hell and back since the lockdown I didn't get my treatment the pain was unbreable I couldn't walk even talk or tex much its been so bad that's so many times I wanted to let myself go poor people like us have been left behind because of the deadly covid but it's not fair government should do something arange clinic or home treatments theres not many people who can bear so much pain I will say whoever it is carry on and keep calling until u seem

[Fentiger]

Have you considered it might be trigeminal neuralgia. It’s a condition I suffer with and is extremely painful. If the pain is unbearable go to A&E, I’ve done this a couple of times and they were able to give me an injection of very strong pain killers. I know other people have to have a local anaesthetic injection (a bit like at the dentist) to calm the nerve. You could also see a dentist to check you have no dental issues causing the pain.

I hope you find a solution soon x

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Fentiger]

Thankyou yes it does seem like I have what you replied, I’ve been to a&e twice they just sent me away with pain killers, my left side of face is very tight and swollen to the other side , dentist says it’s nerve pain

[Bex2278 in reply to Walkingtrotting]

I have TN and I really feel for you to be possibly at the beginning of this dreadful illness right now. I went private in the end to get seen more quickly. Could that be a possibility? 💞

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Bex2278]

I did look into this but it’s far to much money , the doctor has put up my medication just feel really spaced out very foggy headed , how to you control your TN

[Slp2]

Hi, i think i had this same condition, and usual painkiller didn't work. Try not eating any acidic and spicey food till you don't get to proper medical help. There is a concept in acupresure that..when too much fire or heat energy got in your liver and gall blader ..one tend to have this type of nerve pain. And cause of heat is our food and emotion and incorrect daily routine. Eat fruits but not acidic fruit avoid meat and chicken for sometime. In my case acupuncture work well with changing of my food.

[Rabs550]

Hi how you feeling today?? I just wanted you to know that I was having the same problem the pain in the cheek teeth side of my left face side of my head like a migraine I just wanted to know wat has the doctor given you and apart from ur face are u getting pain anywhere else

[Walkingtrotting in reply to Rabs550]

Hi , still awful unbearable pain on left side of head and face they said it’s Trigeminal Neuralgia I’ve been put on Pregabalin, just hope it kicks in soon the pain is all day all night just getting myself in a state .