Nerve damage

I do hope in the long run these issues you have will go away. For me it seems that by the time I finally was getting used to living with the nerve aggravation it all finally subsided.
Now, because I'm a guy and men generally are not wired correctly, I decided to get back to playing the Bugle after a twenty year absence. More to the point it was after my mandible was rebuilt three years ago that I thought I could do this. Instantly I was met with old nerve pain on the lips, cheeks, and neck. After about a year currently the nerve pain has more or less gone away even though I can only play three notes so far. I need five for Taps and six for Reveille but I keep at it and the pain has now gone away. Not sure if the nerve damage to my mouth will ever allow me to play well again. It's good exercise and there is some merit to fighting pain with pain.
Not sure if I am telling you anything meaningful here. Perhaps just hope that in time this may all get better. In the mean time it is okay to cry into your pillow at night as I did many times. Just don't give up trying.

Thank you. He is on a low dose of gabapentin (300 mg twice a day) from his pain management doctor. I think increasing the dose may help. We see him next week. I have always heard that there is no reason in this day and age for someone to be in constant pain.

Hello @phyllisg. This sounds like a miserable situation for you both. Don’t forget about using different modes of pain relief together. Ice packs can often dull pain when nothing else does. Topical pain relievers with menthol and camphor or lidocaine can be used daily. Temporary relief but a brief respite. There are patches that can last 8 hours. I used the Salonpas patches for my cancer pain around my ear. Helped me sleep at night. Nerves are very slow to heal so patience is needed, and whatever combination of pain control it takes.

Hello @phyllisg. This sounds like a miserable situation for you both. Don’t forget about using different modes of pain relief together. Ice packs can often dull pain when nothing else does. Topical pain relievers with menthol and camphor or lidocaine can be used daily. Temporary relief but a brief respite. There are patches that can last 8 hours. I used the Salonpas patches for my cancer pain around my ear. Helped me sleep at night. Nerves are very slow to heal so patience is needed, and whatever combination of pain control it takes.

Hi
I have never thought of Salonpas patches throughout my nasopharyngeal cancer treatment (that was more than 16 yrs ago) - now I am having late effects of radiation - and diagnosed with dysphagia and severe neck fibrosis - just wondering - will the Salonpas patch helps with my neck fibrosis?

Hello @josk
Salonpas only work to block pain pathways so pain associated with the fibrosis could be relieved. I would consult with your doctor about other modalities to help like laser therapy, physical therapy and swallowing therapy. I'm not really sure all that is being used for fibrosis. Are you working with your doctor on this problem?
Sue