I have had the Laproscopic Micro Vascular Decompression you are probably referring to. I had it done 7 years ago. I had a very speedy recovery and after 10 days they said I could even drive within a 5 mile radius. I had virtually no pain and only needed a half does of morphine the first two days in the hospital. ICU 1st night then regular room the 2nd night before going home. The doctor used bone putty, no metal plate needed as the opening ing was very small. My husband was working but his two sisters and my best friend came to hang with me the first 10 days because there is a risk of stroke so they wanted to make sure I wasn't alone. I did have fatigue for a ot a month but nothing debilitating. I had this done by a Dr Johm YK Lee at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. He placed a teflon pad between the nerve and an artery and also the nerve in a different spot rubbing on a vein. Unfortunately my TN is back after I severely broke a tooth and it was pulled. The pain is now where you describe and Dr Lee is suggesting Gamma Knife procedure. I'm not sure if I will do this. I am 70 now and am having trouble with oxcarbazapine side affects sso I'm kind of between a rock and a hard place. Hope this helps.