I have Trigeminal Neuralgia, aka the suicide disease. The 3rd branch of the nerve that runs along my jaw on the right side likes to go off - think lightening, stabbing, shooting pains that on a scale of 1-10 are a 15. I'm on meds to control it which is good. The risk is that dental work, especially on that side, will set it off despite the drugs. That happens to me every couple of years on its own. I end up on an additional drug for a month before it settles down. I can't stay on it longer because it's toxic to my liver.
I'll have access to the presentation in a week or two, he covered perceptions of pain and managing the fear (communicate with your dentist, meditate, up drugs beforehand and go when they are most effective, and get a long-lasting anesthetic afterwards were some of the suggestions that I recall). My dentist and his team know the problem and are very careful. I get the gel put on my gums before anything gets started. As much as I fear going, we've split some appointments into 2 sessions to make sure the nerve doesn't get overexcited. They've also been good when I had to cancel an appointment at the last minute because my TN was flaring up.
I'll PM you when I can. Sending positive thoughts to you too. I feel your pain!
