I am in several online support groups for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Occipital and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia. I have learned so much about these conditions, what gives relief, and what procedures have been successful for others because I joined five years ago. When my brain surgery was scheduled, I logged into the Trigeminal Neuralgia group and asked … Continue reading Chronic Pain Support Groups?
The number one thing you can do for pain relief. Distraction helps move us away from catastrophizing every ache and pain. “… it appears to involve competition for attention between a highly salient sensation (pain) and consciously directed focus on some other information processing activity.” How Does Distraction Work in the Management of Pain? Think … Continue reading Distraction is the Most Powerful Analgesic
I recently had brain surgery to cure Trigeminal, Occipital and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia. My husband and I had the luxury of going to the beautiful Oregon Coast for five days just before my procedure. The night before, we went to the Oregon Symphony with my parents, sisters, and brothers-in-law to listen to Motown songs. I was … Continue reading Brain Surgery
During a very loud and claustrophobic MRI and angiogram of my brain's blood vessels, I used self-hypnosis to stay still for an hour. Especially after the tech closed the cage over my face and said, “Try not to move your head.” I began relaxing from the top of my head and moving ever so slowly … Continue reading Lessons during an MRI
