JasonCable.com

Usually when I disappear for periods of time it is for some reason or another.  Typically I’m busy with work, moving, or experiencing a period of depression.  I always say that I’m okay and I’ll be back soon.  This time is different.  I will be back but am not “okay”.  I have been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition.  It cannot be cured; it is not fatal.  Right now I have to focus on getting the treatment I need and trying to find some physical comfort while working full-time.

Have you ever had a pain in your face that comes on without warning and is like someone just struck you with a steel beam, then as suddenly as it came goes away?  That is the truth of a rare disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia.  No one is really sure how rare it is, but the United States’ National Institutes of Health calls it rare.  The pain is debilitating.  It takes every ounce of one’s soul to get through an attack.

I was one of the lucky ones to be diagnosed within a few weeks of my first attack.  Actually, the attack is still going on… FIVE weeks later.  The disease does go into some sort of remission but those periods of remission shorten as it progresses, eventually requiring surgery.  It’s hell.  I’m taking it all one day at a time as they say.  Processing all of this is difficult.  I have a rare disease that can’t be cured, only treated.

The drugs wear me out as seen this past weekend.  I visited my family that lives 3 hours away and saw my grandmother for perhaps the last time.  By the time I got back I was totally exhausted.  Normally this type of trip would not have phased me, but due to the recent stress and drugs it killed me.  My neurologist has placed me on an anti-epileptic (anti-seizure) drug called Trileptal which does some funky stuff to slow down the pain (and other) signals to and from the brain.  This class of drugs is known for it’s rich cornucopia of side-effects.  My biggest problem is that I am somewhat unstable on my feet.  It’s worse at certain times than others.  I’m 28 and using a cane.  Who would have thought?  I’m fine, just not great.  The good news is that my MRI and MRI confirmed that I have neither MS nor a tumor!

You never know when something like this will strike and just try your best to keep going and be positive.  In fact, I’ve seen myself turn from eternal pessimist to part-time optimist lately.  You have to be positive to get through times like these.  I will be back here blogging and podcasting soon enough.  Hopefully some of you will get to see me at Podcamp Pittsburgh 3!

~Jason

Trigeminal Neuralgia Association
Trigeminal Neuralgia (Mayo Clinic)
Trigeminal Neuralgia (NIH)

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