Everyone says, "This semester is going to kill me," but the spring semester of my sophomore year almost did kill me. I took on a vice president role in my sorority, got a little, ran for president of the Student Senate, and then won that race -- which meant that I spent all of my time following around the former president. I threw myself into everything I did.
This stress and lack of sleep triggered a neurological disorder that had been dormant. For two and a half weeks, I ignored the pain; I had so little time to worry about it that the pain was easy to tuck away. Then after a whole bottle of Excedrin Extra Strength, I could no longer ignore it. My face swelled up, and I was using frozen fruit from my freezer as a cold compress.
I went to MedExpress looking for answers and got codeine. When that did not work, I called my mother in tears, mostly out of frustration, and she came up first thing the next morning. We went to the ER, where I was given shots in my spine and a myriad of different prescriptions.
I am now diagnosed with Bilateral Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is an extremely rare diagnosis and even more rare because of the type of TN that I have, considering my age. I am my facial pain specialist's youngest patient and one of the oddest cases overall -- truly unique.
A lot of people do not see the trials and tribulations that young adults have when they have a chronic illness/pain that can and can't be seen. So here is chronic pain in college, as told by Donald Trump.
1. When the meds hit hard
This is usually during a Government 110 class, and no amount of Warrior One coffee is going to save you now.
2. Or when the meds hit REALLY hard
I can't feel my face when I'm with you, Codeine.
3. Talking to a family member about your disorder and suddenly, they are a doctor
Because apparently rolling around on lavender and virgin's blood will cure all my problems. I'm 20, not a Viking.
4. Running out of class skips, but taking one anyway
Academic accommodations are a wild minx to get with jumping between doctors and the school and, you know, the law, but in the end, if I can't open my eyes because the light is unbearable, maybe I really should just stay in bed.
5. When doctors mention brain surgery as an option
The best part is always that nothing is guaranteed at all.
6. When an attack sneaks up on you
*horror music*
7. "You don't look sick"
You don't look like an idiot.
8. Giving a presentation while on high dosages of meds
Let's be frank, it's a miracle I am functioning this well.
9. The moment you meet someone else with a chronic illness
It is the worst club to be a part of, but other spoonies just get you.
10. FINALLY getting rid of a crappy doctor
No sir, it is not just all in my head, but thanks for asking for the 12th time.
11. 3 o'clock in the morning the flare dissipates, and you can finally eat solid food again
Sipping lukewarm soup gets old pretty quickly.
12. Acting like you're an actual adult while calling the doctor
Or the insurance company, or pharmacy, or lab.
"Hi, yes, there are a lot of things wrong with me. Yes, ma'am, I do know it's 10 p.m. No, I don't know my insurance card number. Can you just call my mom?"
13. Having an attack
But they last a lot longer than five seconds, and you are not normally surrounded by pageant queens.
14. "Are you okay?"
Yup. Just dandy. My face is not on fire or anything.
15. Having a pain-free day and you're able to look put together
Why, yes, my eyebrows are fleeky today, and yes, I did take a shower.
