In Our Own Words is a new way for members of the facial pain community to share their story. Whether you had a successful surgery, found a medication that works for you, or you are trying to find a treatment option that helps lessen your pain — wherever you are on your facial pain journey, we hope these stories give you faith for the future.
I have some very exciting news to share about the high school where I teach part time.
On October 7th, for Trigeminal Awareness Day, I told my story to my students and offered them all one of the new wristbands, but only if they planned to wear it. They stormed the front of the classroom to get one — almost every student.
I had spoken to our biology teacher in advance about my talk. I wanted to give her a heads up, in case the students had questions for her about it afterward.
Since then, I received my copy of the new book, Living Well With Neuropathic Facial Pain. The biology teacher asked to borrow it so she could read my story. After reading my story, she asked if I could visit her 2 anatomy classes in January and tell my story to them. As a follow up to my visit, each of her students will be required to write a research paper on trigeminal neuralgia.
To say the least, I was totally shocked but extremely excited to hear of her plans for this research paper. Ms. Upton said many of these 41 students are considering a career in the health care field. She believes it’s important for them to hear a firsthand account of what it’s like to deal with trigeminal neuralgia and then research it further.
Also, she is aware of the wristband I wear and that I gave out to my classes. She asked if it would be possible for me to offer wristbands to her students as well. So it looks like I will be giving more of those out, too.
I’m so excited about this opportunity to help educate and spread awareness to potential members of the next generation of health care workers.
