Facial Pain

Amaya's Nana · 08-01-2006, 11:22 PM

Well, my family doctor diagnosed me with a sinus infection in June. Although I ran no fever I had severe left sided facial pain in my check, around my eye, behind my left eye and above my eye. After four rounds of antibiotics, the pain was not subsiding so we had a cat scan done last week because he felt that maybe I was so stuffed with congestion and the "bacteria" was resistant to the different antibiotics I was on.

I finally had my appointment with the specialist today (well known ENT here in the Houston medical center) and guess what? I have absolutely NO EVIDENCE of a sinus infection at all. All of my sinuses are perfectly clear. He told me that what I was probably experiencing was migraine headaches. Well, after spending over $300 on doctor's visits and medicines, I was flabbergasted. I've never had migraine headaches in my life. The pain would go away with some pretty good doses of ibuprofen but it was never all the way gone.

I can only say that I believe, and I may be all wet here, that these "facial" migraines are all a part of withdrawal from Paxil. I just read BanjoDan's awesome post and one of his statements was "I no longer have the facial pain."

So, there ya go. Chalk it up to one more Paxhell discontinuation side effect. On another note, for 5 days, I have experienced absolutely no emotional roller coaster. Calm, no anxiety, no depression, I'm laughing again spontaneously and it feels so dang good. I'm almost to my fifth month free so the mental funk I've been in must've been that so well known dreaded 4-5 month hell. Although, mine actually started at about 2 months out and didn't let up until 5 days ago. And, for that, I am so, so grateful. I'm viewing these "windows" as such a beautiful thing and I hope and pray that I've been one of the fortunate one's who's gotten over the "hump" in a relatively short amount of time. I'm knocking on wood, crossing my fingers and praying that this window will continue and if another "funk" should come, it won't last long.

To those of you who are in the dark tunnel of this hell, let me tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel. Two weeks ago, I thought it was never going to end and I was doomed to live this way the rest of my life. Thanks to the good folks here who kept encouraging me (although at times I suspected you were full of crap) that it would get better. I appreciate you all so much!!

And, for those who suffer from the dreaded ringing in the ears, the ENT told me today that it may never resolve. He's had LOTS of complaints from people who've taken Paxil as well as other SSRI's who suffer from this. He said it may resolve on its own or it may never. I've had it since the first dose I put in my mouth 9 years ago. Hey, if all I have to put up with is some ringing in my ears, I'll put up with it. Anything's better than being suicidally depressed all the time, full of rage, constant anxiety and panic that's off the scale, and hopelessness that its never going to get better.

To better health for everyone!!!!! And, I'll still be coming here cheering other's on and I may still need to be "cheered on" on occasion and reminded that it does get better.

Hugs to all --

JBB

rdjanis · 08-01-2006, 11:45 PM

Great post!! So glad you are starting to feel some relief!! Congrats, and it only gets better from here!

mach3939 · 08-02-2006, 01:53 AM

JBB

I did have sinus congestion with my facial pain (showed on CAT Scan). Was on lots of antibiotics all winter for it. But now that summer is here and I am still having major headaches and no nose stuffyness I have to wonder how much of the winter pain that I had was withdrawal headaches and not sinus headaches? They feel the same to me. They are bad but my kids have had migraines and I don't think that mine are migraines, just bad ones?

I am glad that things are at a more positive point for you and do hope it continues! Thanks for the information and Good Luck.
Debbie

special k · 08-02-2006, 09:31 AM

Yay JBB! Aren't those good windows INCREDIBLE?? They ARE real, they DO come, and they will last longer and longer.

Sorry about your facial pain, but you sound like you have such a healthy, positive attitude about it all. We should never give up that realization. Hugs to you.

Homerbcool · 08-02-2006, 09:36 AM

JBB..congrats!! these posts are what we need to her more of....

The facial pain is something that I have too, I think it is the same..

Mine starts as a very sensitive scalp, moves into my temple to my ear and then typically settles into my gums where it inflammes...this happens every 6 weeks or so..been to the dentist, he is happy with my teeth and gums...and have not gone to dr about it, next time it is happening I will for sure to make certain that it is withdrawl, not that my doctor will know, but I will...

Amaya's Nana · 08-02-2006, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homerbcool

JBB..congrats!! these posts are what we need to her more of....

The facial pain is something that I have too, I think it is the same..

Mine starts as a very sensitive scalp, moves into my temple to my ear and then typically settles into my gums where it inflammes...this happens every 6 weeks or so..been to the dentist, he is happy with my teeth and gums...and have not gone to dr about it, next time it is happening I will for sure to make certain that it is withdrawl, not that my doctor will know, but I will...

I was so happy (if that's the right word) to see BanjoDan's post about his facial pain because this really started sometime in mid-May. About 2 months after my last dose. Finally, I know what this is and knowing, just seemed to make it better for some odd reason. No pain in the face today though and that's a good thing. Better than a "pain in the butt", eh???

Homerbcool · 08-02-2006, 10:16 AM

jjb...is my facial pain consistent with what you expereince..I thought I was the only one...

nicemom · 08-02-2006, 10:28 AM

That is amazing! Isn't something how the right information can make your life so much better!!!!!

So happy for you!

Amaya's Nana · 08-02-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homerbcool

jjb...is my facial pain consistent with what you expereince..I thought I was the only one...

Mine doesn't start in my scalp. It starts above my eye or next to my eye (only on the left side) and then progresses to deep, throbbing pain over the cheek area, behind my eye and over and around my eye. I also get a tingling sensation at the outer part of my cheek area. Its very weird. Also, when I move my eye, my left eyeball will hurt behind it during these episodes. One more thing, my left ear will feel "clogged" like its full of water or something.

Homerbcool · 08-02-2006, 10:41 AM

HOLY SHEEP **** BATMAN...that is exactly the same feelings not the same place but the same feelings...man I am not crazy..it si withdrawl..MANY THANKS TO THE ****ING BASTARDS AT GSK..and with then news on SHANEY...BOMB THE **** OUT OF GSK ********

Katesmom · 08-02-2006, 10:43 AM

JBB-

I learned very quickly to assume everything weird was related to withdrawal in those first 6 or 7 months.

summer bee · 08-02-2006, 10:43 AM

i've definitely had weird facial pain too, except mine was more of a general tightness all over my entire face.

08-01-2006, 11:22 PM	#1
Amaya's Nana An "A bucket" gal! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 6,371	Facial Pain Well, my family doctor diagnosed me with a sinus infection in June. Although I ran no fever I had severe left sided facial pain in my check, around my eye, behind my left eye and above my eye. After four rounds of antibiotics, the pain was not subsiding so we had a cat scan done last week because he felt that maybe I was so stuffed with congestion and the "bacteria" was resistant to the different antibiotics I was on. I finally had my appointment with the specialist today (well known ENT here in the Houston medical center) and guess what? I have absolutely NO EVIDENCE of a sinus infection at all. All of my sinuses are perfectly clear. He told me that what I was probably experiencing was migraine headaches. Well, after spending over $300 on doctor's visits and medicines, I was flabbergasted. I've never had migraine headaches in my life. The pain would go away with some pretty good doses of ibuprofen but it was never all the way gone. I can only say that I believe, and I may be all wet here, that these "facial" migraines are all a part of withdrawal from Paxil. I just read BanjoDan's awesome post and one of his statements was "I no longer have the facial pain." So, there ya go. Chalk it up to one more Paxhell discontinuation side effect. On another note, for 5 days, I have experienced absolutely no emotional roller coaster. Calm, no anxiety, no depression, I'm laughing again spontaneously and it feels so dang good. I'm almost to my fifth month free so the mental funk I've been in must've been that so well known dreaded 4-5 month hell. Although, mine actually started at about 2 months out and didn't let up until 5 days ago. And, for that, I am so, so grateful. I'm viewing these "windows" as such a beautiful thing and I hope and pray that I've been one of the fortunate one's who's gotten over the "hump" in a relatively short amount of time. I'm knocking on wood, crossing my fingers and praying that this window will continue and if another "funk" should come, it won't last long. To those of you who are in the dark tunnel of this hell, let me tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel. Two weeks ago, I thought it was never going to end and I was doomed to live this way the rest of my life. Thanks to the good folks here who kept encouraging me (although at times I suspected you were full of crap) that it would get better. I appreciate you all so much!! And, for those who suffer from the dreaded ringing in the ears, the ENT told me today that it may never resolve. He's had LOTS of complaints from people who've taken Paxil as well as other SSRI's who suffer from this. He said it may resolve on its own or it may never. I've had it since the first dose I put in my mouth 9 years ago. Hey, if all I have to put up with is some ringing in my ears, I'll put up with it. Anything's better than being suicidally depressed all the time, full of rage, constant anxiety and panic that's off the scale, and hopelessness that its never going to get better. To better health for everyone!!!!! And, I'll still be coming here cheering other's on and I may still need to be "cheered on" on occasion and reminded that it does get better. Hugs to all -- JBB __________________ a/k/a Lisa PAXIL FREE AS OF 3/18/06! Fully recovered! Currently weaning Klonopin - down to .25 mg - Onward and Upward!!!!!! Focus your attention on the here and now. Recognize it for what it is: the one moment of the only life you will ever have that you truly possess. Rare is the individual who has come to completely accept that the past is no more than a memory and the future an assumption about unborn events.

08-01-2006, 11:45 PM	#2
rdjanis "has a lavender scented keyboard" Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ontario Posts: 22,238	Re: Facial Pain Great post!! So glad you are starting to feel some relief!! Congrats, and it only gets better from here! __________________ Rita

08-02-2006, 01:53 AM	#3
mach3939 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Romulus, Michigan Posts: 1,089	Re: Facial Pain JBB I did have sinus congestion with my facial pain (showed on CAT Scan). Was on lots of antibiotics all winter for it. But now that summer is here and I am still having major headaches and no nose stuffyness I have to wonder how much of the winter pain that I had was withdrawal headaches and not sinus headaches? They feel the same to me. They are bad but my kids have had migraines and I don't think that mine are migraines, just bad ones? I am glad that things are at a more positive point for you and do hope it continues! Thanks for the information and Good Luck. Debbie __________________ Antidepressants since 1997 Zoloft, Serzone, Paxil for 7 years, Effexor for 9 months of that Welburtin & Lexapro mixed in too. Paxil 30mgs July 8 till Aug 6th, 15mgs Aug 7 till Sept 14, 10mgs sept 15 till Nov 14, 5mgs (Oct sinus infection 10 days antibiotics), Nov 15 thru Now, 2.5mgs (Dec sinsus infection 20 days antibiotics) Last Paxil 1/10/06 (Feb Bronchitis & URI 7 days antibiotics and Inhalers) (March Severe Sinus infection 5 weeks antibiotics & diflucan)

08-02-2006, 09:31 AM	#4
special k Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 135	Re: Facial Pain Yay JBB! Aren't those good windows INCREDIBLE?? They ARE real, they DO come, and they will last longer and longer. Sorry about your facial pain, but you sound like you have such a healthy, positive attitude about it all. We should never give up that realization. Hugs to you. __________________ On Paxil 30 mg for almost 10 years for GAD/panic attacks. Tapered slowly over the past year because I want to get pregnant eventually! Pregnancy plans now on hold because things are just too difficult. Did slow liquid taper from 8 ml (equal to 16 mg) starting in November. Finished last .5 ml dose on March 29, 2006 after tapering 1 ml every few weeks. Withdrawal has created bad depression on and off. Trying to live in the present moment, and not dwell on the past or worry about the future!

08-02-2006, 09:36 AM	#5
Homerbcool "colors outside the lines" Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 15,949	Re: Facial Pain JBB..congrats!! these posts are what we need to her more of.... The facial pain is something that I have too, I think it is the same.. Mine starts as a very sensitive scalp, moves into my temple to my ear and then typically settles into my gums where it inflammes...this happens every 6 weeks or so..been to the dentist, he is happy with my teeth and gums...and have not gone to dr about it, next time it is happening I will for sure to make certain that it is withdrawl, not that my doctor will know, but I will... __________________ That's one of the curses of anxiety--we make possibilities into certainties.....Tim

08-02-2006, 10:16 AM	#7
Homerbcool "colors outside the lines" Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 15,949	Re: Facial Pain jjb...is my facial pain consistent with what you expereince..I thought I was the only one... __________________ That's one of the curses of anxiety--we make possibilities into certainties.....Tim

08-02-2006, 10:28 AM	#8
nicemom Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 3,183	Re: Facial Pain That is amazing! Isn't something how the right information can make your life so much better!!!!! So happy for you! __________________ Diane On Paxil for 5+ years Weaned from 40mg to 15 over a 1 1/2 year period. From 15mg-0 May/June 06 (before finding PP) Protracted w/d from c/t. First 10 mths up and down but tolerable. Akathesia hit at 11 months. Many months of terrible mental and physical torture. 3/09 started Prozac but too stimulating. Currently on 15mg Lexapro and feeling so much better. Not all who waunder are lost.

08-02-2006, 10:41 AM	#10
Homerbcool "colors outside the lines" Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 15,949	Re: Facial Pain HOLY SHEEP ** BATMAN...that is exactly the same feelings not the same place but the same feelings...man I am not crazy..it si withdrawl..MANY THANKS TO THE ING BASTARDS AT GSK..and with then news on SHANEY...BOMB THE OUT OF GSK ****** __________________ That's one of the curses of anxiety--we make possibilities into certainties.....Tim

08-02-2006, 10:43 AM	#11
Katesmom Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 13,706	Re: Facial Pain JBB- I learned very quickly to assume everything weird was related to withdrawal in those first 6 or 7 months. __________________ Katesmom aka Kim started Paxil Oct. 2003 for PIH Paxil free since 19 Jul 2005 ". . .the cruelest lies are often told without a word. . .the kindest truths are often spoken, never heard." -- Ben Folds

08-02-2006, 10:43 AM	#12
summer bee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 1,665	Re: Facial Pain i've definitely had weird facial pain too, except mine was more of a general tightness all over my entire face. __________________ 06/26/2006: 10mg; found paxilprogress.org 06/28/2006-01/20/07: a long, zappy time of tapering paxil-free for: TWO YEARS! video: tapering off of paxil. facebook: the dangers of antidepressants. la times: my paxil withdrawal story "all systems begin and end in silence; nothing needs solving, nothing is a problem..." - al zolynas, the algebra nightmare

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