I've Been Struggling

Hi friends! Oh boy...I'm feeling super nervous and anxious by uploading this video. First let me state that this is not a creative, stitching type video. I'm sharing what I've been going through for the past month in regards to my life with chronic pain due to having Trigeminal Neuralgia and Anesthesia Dolorosa. I have an entire playlist dedicated to this topic, which I will link below in case you're interested.
Some of you may ask why would I put videos like this up on a creative and art based channel. The number one reason is for awareness of what I have and making connections with others who also suffer with this horrific and painful disease or any other type of chronic pain. Secondly, my pain affects every single aspect of my life, which includes being creative, having the ability to function enough to work on projects etc. Hence the reason I share this on my channel : )
As I mention in the video, this isn't an attempt to garner sympathy, attention etc. It's all about awareness and complete honesty as to what I am dealing with, which in turn affects my ability to share anything creatively on my channel, which is the sole reason I made a channel in the first place : )
I'll have a link to my TN/Chronic Pain playlist below, as well as links to the Facial Pain Association (FPA) and a few other websites that are relevant to this video topic.
Thank you for taking the time to watch this video and for letting me share with you what I've been dealing with and going through. I TRULY APPRECIATE all of you.
Have a wonderful day my creative friends : )
*********************LINKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO*********************
My Journey With Trigeminal Neuralgia playlist: bit.ly/2qOafMa
Facial Pain Association website: www.facepain.org/
Assoc. Of Neurological Surgeons: bit.ly/43TzKv1
*MY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION*
Abby ( Purple Cottage Crafts)
PO Box Info:
Abby Henderson
PO Box 282
Townsend,MT 59644
Come follow me here:
Instagram:
/ purple_cott. .
Website:
www.purplecott...
My crafty Facebook Page:
/ purplecottag. .
Email:
[e-mail]
SOME OF MY FAVORITE CRAFTY FRIENDS
Miles Henderson (my nephew) bit.ly/2Ywuznk
Michele Scott bit.ly/2sRYoA6
Angie Garcia Cragwick (The Mountain Girl Studio) bit.ly/2PUj0Tn
Traice Fox bit.ly/38lU0KV
4everpurplecreations Lorelle Nakutis bit.ly/2YjLaM0
Amy Love bit.ly/2sivXs7
Nik The Booksmith bit.ly/2HCydkg
Marta Lapkowska Maremi Small Art bit.ly/2U80chB
Amanda Larson: bit.ly/3lb38Zm

[@patsmith6946]

My mother had TN. She struggled til she had surgery to put a bubble in the vein to keep it off the nerve. I hope you have success dealing with your pain.

[@stylesformiles79]

Abby, actually I came looking for your channel to see how you're doing. You've been on my heart for quite some time. Your health, your move and your new creative space. Sending hugs always. All my best, Barbara from AZ

[@christinevanhook5811]

Thank you for sharing. I know it might sound weird but you videos help me feel like I am not alone. Not that I am glad that anyone has to deal with this type of pain. You have have explained everything that I have been going through. I have TN on both sides of my face, and was told that there is blood vessels on both sides pressing on the nerve. I hurt for eight or so months before I got an answer to my pain. I was told it was my teeth; which are really bad, but I knew it was not my teeth. When I tried to explain to my primary that the pain started from my ear, in my cheek and down through my chin she said it was blisters in my mouth and that she could not see in my bones and then walked out. I felt hopeless.

[@tinastarkin7199]

I am so glad to hear this video as i have atypical neuralgia since 2020. Having chronic pain is very hard to live with so in that sense i share your pain and know how it impacts your life.

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Tina...I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with atypical TN. I hope you've been able to find some support groups etc. I rarely post or comment in the groups I'm a member of, but it is helpful to know others who have what we have "get it" when we talk about or pain. If you're interested, I did put a direct ljnk to my brain surgery/TN playlist in the description box. No pressure of course, to watch. I just like to share my experience and journey as I found it extremely helpful when I was first diagnosed in 2014. There weren't a lot of videos from the patients perspective back then that I could find. They were mostly medical related or from a hospital or clinic. You can always reach out to me via email if you have any questions or just want someone to talk. You're not alone. We're all in this together 🤗💜

[@reneasmith1588]

Chronic pain is something you can't understand unless you've experienced it. My hubby never has pain. A while back he had a gout flare up and the mean girl in me wanted to say, 'see, it's miserable'. But he's really very understanding with me so I didn't. Lol. Hope you have better days ahead! Glad you were able to get a video made! ❤

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Renea...you are so right regarding chronic pain. I'd never wish this pain (or any pain) on anyone else, but you're right about not knowing unless you're going through it. My husband is the absolute best caregiver, supporter, advocate and best friend a gal could ever ask for. He knows the level of pain I deal with on a daily basis, but he has even stated many times that he can't fully understand as he doesn't feel what I feel. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's gout. I hope he is doing better. Thank you for taking the time to watch and for leaving me a comment 😘💜

[@reneasmith1588]

@@PurpleCottageCrafts thank you. He's fine. It was short lived thanks to los of vitamins and enzymes. A good hubby is such a treasure! I'm so thankful!

[@karenkaren9526]

I am so sorry that you have to deal with this. ❤ you are in my prayers. My husband also deals with chronic pain. It affects both of us

[@thevictorianedge5465]

@@PurpleCottageCraftsa supportive spouse is a gift from God❤❤

[@midgeberg22]

Prayers for you Abby! I can’t imagine what you are going through. Sometimes we just need to get things off our chest and that’s ok! Praying for better days for you!

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Thank you so much for your sweet and supportive comment. I appreciate your prayers and for taking the time to watch 😘💜

[@OnTheHookCrochetwithJeanne]

Hi Abby. I stumbled across your channel searching around for some new information about TN. I have had it for about 15 years. I can appreciate your level of pain and how you struggle with it. I saw your first TN video about the diagnosis and symptoms and how you were looking forward to your surgery. I assume from this video years later that it was not a solution for you. I am so sorry and can understand your disappointment and now dealing with depression. I will say I went into remission in 2019 and was there for close to 5 years. Upper cervical chiropractor has helped me keep my spine in line and Tegretol is working to keep me going. I decided that I was well in 2019 and started a KZbin crochet channel. I struggle with filming now because only certain days I can talk because of the strikes in my cheek. I might go the capsaicin route (Hugh Spencer) as a last resort. I again am so sorry you are in chronic pain. I will put you on my prayer list, Abby. Blessings. Jeanne❤

[@thevictorianedge5465]

I can do relate. I suffer with multiple sclerosis which is also “an invisible “ disease. My first bout with ms was in December 1997. I worked up until 2015 and then just felt that so couldn’t any longer. But these last two years have been a struggle. And I can completely relate to what you are talking about how I might look normal but people do not understand or see what I am going through. This last year I have retreated into my home. I have no desire to try and explain what I feel physically or mentally because I do not want pity, I am not looking for attention, I don’t want any help (even though I could use it) some days I do not want to talk to anyone, I don’t feel like going to family functions etc etc. some days or weeks or more I just want to be left alone, but I love all my family and friends but I’m just not up to engaging in conversation and then some days I do and I’m yapping away but when I do that most always it will take a day to 3 days or more to recoup. I understand completely. ❤❤ much love to you. I pray God sends you strength for each day!!

[@pamelapittenger3294]

Abby, I have been following you for years and I always want to hear how you are doing and how you are coping. Saying I enjoyed this video feels wrong, but hopefully you'll know what I mean. And recently a friend of mine was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, so your experiences help me understand a little of what both of you are going through. Sending you always love and prayers.

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Pamela 😊 Thank you so much for being a long-time follower and for your support. I totally understand what you mean about not liking the video, lol. I feel that way too when I watch other videos like this. I'm sorry to hear about your friend being diagnosed with TN. There are a lot of online support groups and services if they're interested. They can always email me, too, if they want. No pressure, of course 😊 Thank you for the love and prayers...I truly appreciate you 😘💜

[@lindahammond7759]

I was wondering how you were doing. I had Classic TN on both sides which I am cured so far by successful MVD’s in 2021 and 2022.. But I still have the atypical on both sides too. I have had a lot pain and drug side effects too. I have been following you before you had the surgery. I learn a lot from you about this rare disease. Seeing your clips gave me courage to carry on. Although you are having a rough time now, I think you will get out of the depression which I really understand. Good hearing from you.

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Linda...first let me say how happy I am to hear that your prior MVD's helped you. Even though the surgery failed for me, I am ALWAYS so happy to hear about success stories like yours 😊 I'm sorry to hear about the pain and medication side effects. Unfortunately, they are part of our journey with TN and sort of a necessary evil. I appreciate you following me for so long. One of the 2 main reasons why I chose to share my story on my craft channel was to help bring awareness to what we have and meet others like yourself who also have TN. Even though I'm 8 years in, I'm still learning from others no matter how long they've been dealing with the various types of TN. I, of course, don't know everything, but I can certainly share what my experiences have been. Thank you so much for letting me know that my journey and videos have helped you in some way and to help encourage you. Best compliment I could ever get. Its comments and support like yours, that help me continue as well. Thank you 😘💜

[@roseanndeighan5872]

Hi Abby, You have my prayers 🙏🏽 😌 I relate to you as I have suffered with Trigeminal Neuralgia and Spinal Stenosis and chronic pain in other regions of my body plus seasonal affective disorder depression! I take medication but I haven't taken pain rx because I would be useless to my grandkids. I stay super busy with my 5 grandkids and craft to keep my mind distracted 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@roseanndeighan5872]

Peace be with you 🙏🏽

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Roseanne.. thank you so much, and I'll keep you in my prayers as well. I hate to hear how much pain, depression and medical conditions you have to deal with. I totally relate with your thoughts on the pain meds. They don't help, and I felt like a medicated zombie. No thanks, lol. Like you, I want to be able to function and be there for our 6 year old grandson and our kids, and not be rummy or foggy due to medication. Despite our chronic pain and diseases, we still have to live life. I commend you for how strong you are with all the pain and medical conditions you have. It's not easy. Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment for watching the video. Prayers for you 😘💜

[@MsSuperklutz]

Hi Precious Abby Gosh Girl Always think boutcha and Keep you in thought and prayer and just kinda sorta thought you've been busy and enjoying your outdoors and or vaca..type stuff and Kiddo Steve IS one Super Man....and you are his SUPER Girl a.k.a. Wonder Woman and I know whatcha mean tho but also know the he's the LOVE of your live and and he'd do anything and everything for ya and you for him too!! So Sorry about your Precious Fur Baby and she's is Heaven for sure and Congrats on your new little Fur Baby.....and I know you always have been and will continue to be awe inspiring!! Thanks for chosing to come on and share....and I know it was Gods Plan for you to do so!! Take Great Care Sweet Abby and HUGS to you and Steve! LOVE ya baby Girl!! YOU AND STEVE SO ROCK!! Joan Smith

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Aww my sweet Joan. Thank you my friend for all of your support throughout the 11+ years I've been on KZbin. You always make me smile and feel encouraged and supported. Love you 😘💜

[@MsSuperklutz]

🥰😍@@PurpleCottageCrafts

[@judymcintire7095]

Hi Abby. I live in Florida. I enjoyed feeling close to you being close by. I’ve lived with chronic nausea for so long. No one knows why. I’m going to my Gastrointestinal Dr next week. I associate with what you’re dealing with as far as depression. I fell and broke my femur 4 years ago and that’s what started not dressing. Why are you sorting those now and what do you use them for? Hang in there. You’re not alone.

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Hi Judy...yes I remember you reaching out and telling me you were in Florida when we still lived there. I do miss Florida, I have to say. Such a different culture than being on the West Coast my whole life, lol. I'm sorry to hear about your chronic nausea, I'm hoping that the gastrointestinal doctor was able to give you some answers and some sort of plan to get rid of the nausea. I couldn't even imagine. I get occasional nausea from my meds, and my doctor has me take Phenergan. Again, I can't even imagine what you have to go through dealing with it on a daily basis. I was sorting through the rusty stuff to give me something to do with my hands and help me not be so nervous while talking about my depression etc. I use them in my various mixed media and textile work. For example, I'll add them to journals (I'll not only have them as an embellishment, but I sometimes use them to clip in small stitchy bits I add in my journals), I use them when I'm eco dyeing. I have a video of me using them on my channel. If you're interested, just search "eco dye" on my channel, and it should pop up. Thank you for taking the time to watch and for leaving me a comment. It means so much 😘💜

[@beckybrown553]

❤🙏

[@PurpleCottageCrafts]

Thank you for watching 🤗💜