On 7/23, I went in for a routine root canal for a tooth in the left upper jaw that forever changed my life. Following the procedure, I was left with debilitating neuropathic pain on the left side of my head, mainly focused in my left ear but radiating into the bones of my skull, jaw, and face, accompanied by numbness and tingling. These symptoms have been severe to the point of leaving me non-functional at times, vomiting from the pain. I have missed hours upon hours of work. I have been to the ER and more doctors, dentists, and specialists than I can count, all leading to a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia, a very painful chronic pain condition that neurologists say is difficult to manage in terms of pain relief.

Over the past few weeks, I had been trying a new medication for my pain related to this condition. The medication is called carbamazepine. Unfortunately, on 10/8, I developed a severe, rare, life-threatening drug reaction to this medication called DRESS Syndrome. I have been hospitalized at UVA to manage this condition as it has affected my liver and needs to be closely monitored to ensure my safety and recovery. This syndrome causes a very severe full-body rash that is painful, itchy, and very uncomfortable. I am receiving symptom management here at UVA as well. Due to this reaction, I have had to stop my carbamazepine, which has caused a worsening of my baseline neuropathic pain as well. Neurology is working with me here to try to find a safe medication regimen, but this will be a “journey” in their words.

Due to this, I am unable to work for an unknown amount of time. Medical bills were already piling up prior to this, and our financial situation is going to be very strained. Any donation will go directly to bills, expenses of daily living for our family, needs for our twin boys who are 20 months old, and medical expenses. Thank you for all of your support in any form ❤️