Trigeminal Procedure Report– GOOD NEWS

I’m going to take a break in my many parts series that I’ve started. It is becoming much longer than I envision and I thought I would be at the point to share the results of my recent procedure. It is called a Rhizzotomy. In this procedure they use MRI results, x-ray results and they live x-ray to run a needle up into the opening in my skull for the trigeminal nerve. Then they send electric signals and the doctor moves the needle around until I tell them that the tingling matches the spot where the pain resides. This hurt less than novocaine shot from the dentist. Then the hard part.

They heat the end of the needle up. Some of the setting were 70° C and 60 sec. others were 80° C and up to 90 seconds. The last setting to mention was 90° and 90 seconds. I could feel the ones that 70 and 80. The ones at 90° C were unbelievably painful. I remember about 6 different times they heated the needle. I think I mentioned earlier of the good anesthesiologist nurse talked me through the 2 painful ones that 90° C.

So now the results: it’s been over a week since and I am confident to report the results are mostly positive. There is some numbness in my right cheek but no pain. There is some extra numbness around my right eye, the right side of my nose and my right upper lip (my mustache). So in some areas there is a little more numbness than I expected and a few areas there is some I didn’t expect. I would have to proclaim this a huge success! I probably won’t know hundred percent that the pain is gone for a few more weeks but I am ultimately confident.

The biggest benefit is going off of the trigeminal pain medication. I’ve been totally off of it for a few days now. Janette suspected it had adversely affected the use of my hands. I can report she was totally correct. While my hands are still very limited I am now back to pre-Christmas abilities. That was when I went on the new medication.

Most importantly I can brush the kitty again. She has to stand on my chest while I’m in the bed in the mornings. She seems very appreciative. I can also run my PC and my iPad easier. I still get very fatigued and in the evenings am not able to do much with my right hand. I am back to being more able to be by myself during the day while Janette is at work. This is huge! We were both fearing that I would need more care than we are able to provide right now. I have gained some of my independence back so yay yay! Thank you so much for all your prayers and your continuing prayers. I am almost ecstatic. I’m hesitant because I know how easily good things disappear. I probably shouldn’t feel this way but I am what I am. By God’s grace I try To have a better attitude every day. I thank the Lord for his provision and his presence.