How do you fight an illness that is incurable and known as the “worst pain known to mankind?”

First things first, by saying “the worst pain known to mankind” I’m referring to Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). How do you manage a chronic pain condition that results in sudden, severe facial pain, a chronic illness (long-lasting) and that doesn’t have a specific cause or cure? What do you do when no amount of fighting makes you better?

How do you stay true to yourself when there appears to be no hope of recovery? How do you wake up each morning knowing you will have to fight the same devils you left behind last night? How do you explain your problems when even the most intelligent minds do not know the cause of your condition? How do you accept the current limited life, compared to the limitless one you once had?

How do you hide all the anger inside and smile?

How do you function when TN affects every part of your life- physically, emotionally, financially, mentally... it's tough.

You take a step back and take it one day at a time. You laugh when you can and cry when you need to. You learn to accept what is. You choose your battles and let go of the ones that serve no purpose except to exhaust you. You appreciate each day because the future is so uncertain. You adapt to your limitations.

You fight to raise awareness and understanding because regardless of the relentless pain you experience, you feel misunderstood. Especially when you don’t “look” sick.

You never lose hope because some days that’s all you have.

Living with TN is hard, but it makes you appreciate stuff the normal you wouldn’t. You appreciate your family who loves you no matter how many mistakes you make. You appreciate your real friends who have stuck by you even when you have given up on yourself. Chronic illness makes you appreciate every little happy moment.

You appreciate the less-pain days you have because you have been broken and hurting for so long.

You appreciate kindness and love the world has.

You appreciate life.

[You can read more about TN here.]