Living with the Enemy

By Trish Wesley

A true story taken from a daily diary which evolved as a result of honest communication and observation.
Suddenly a vicious pain smashed into her face with the force of a fully loaded semi-trailer. She had been enjoying a peaceful sunny day, where not a cloud could be seen in the sky. Now writhing in agony, she became distressed and frightened. Her hands clutched her face as she sobbed. The enemy had found its target.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trish Wesley
• Release date: Mar 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301214389

Trish Wesley

I am sixty-nine years young and retired as a registered nurse seven years ago. I spent eighteen years devoted to Aged Care Nursing in the capacity of Director of Nursing. I never failed to learn something new each and every day throughout the years and completed a Graduate Diploma in Gerontology; such was my dedication to caring for the aged. I relocated from Victoria to the Sunshine Coast nine years ago and love to read, play lawn bowls, listen to music and volunteer within the community. My grandchildren are the joy of my life. Their imaginations and ability to face life issues is without doubt amazing. Early 2011 I began writing my first book.This proved the most difficult task I could ever set have set for myself. I walked away a million times eventually with perseverance I reached my goal. I continue to write daily and the enjoyment I gain from this activity is incredible.

Book preview

Living with the Enemy

Trigeminal neuralgia

Classified by the National Organisation of Rare Diseases as the most painful disease known to man. It is also known as the suicide disease.

© 2011 Trish Wesley

Smashwords Edition

Thank you for downloading this book. Although this book is free, it remains the copyrighted property of the author, and my not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com. Thank you for your support.

The information herein is of a general nature only and not intended to replace any medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified Medical Practitioner before undertaking or considering any medical or therapeutic treatment described.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my amazing daughter, who through her honesty, inspired and gave strength to her family during her time of great need.

Sharon, who found the strength to last the distance and offered continual support and assistance to see this appalling journey through to the end. Sharon, what can I say? Your encouragement was truly out of this world. My ‘many words’ made you cry, as they did me each time we revised the manuscript.

Shai, Mattie, Keely and Kira, you survived the journey and were strong and helpful despite having your lives turned upside down.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To author Pat Ritter, you read my first draft and said all the right things to encourage me to complete ‘my many words’. You have stayed by my side and offered support throughout this massive goal I set for myself.

A friend read my manuscript prior to editing and gave great advice and reassurance. ‘Trish your story has helped me to better understand my son’s battle with the enemy. He has a ‘mixed bag’ of trigeminal neuralgia Type 11 on one side and Type 1 on the other. Bilateral on both sides of his face. TN was probably the primary cause of his divorce.’ Thank you!

Tricia Erban you encouraged and supported me, you are a very special person. I gave you a mammoth task and with your help my manuscript finally took shape. Thank you.

Michael and Daniel, you both survived the journey where others unfortunately fell by the wayside. No words can thank you guys enough.

Heartfelt thanks go also to the dedicated staff and doctors of ‘The Medical Centre’, Specialists and of course the Neurosurgeon, Pacific Paradise Primary State School teachers and the staff of the food outlet Maroochydore Plaza. Your support was amazing.

THE ENEMY

My youngest daughter how brave

and strong you were.

The enemy lies within us it strikes

down some but not all.

The enemy attacked you suddenly

with enormous force.

Don’t give up! We’re here for you.

Your courage and set of mind

led you to search the internet and find

professionals to advise and provide

options available for you to decide

and help free yourself from the enemy

perhaps for a day, a week, a year.

Somewhere in this universe

a light will appear

and lead you away from

pain and fear.

INTRODUCTION

Good friends and good books are useful companions in times of need, stress, sorrow and pain. The following is a true story taken from daily diary events, which evolved as a result of honest communication and observation. The way I found to stay focused was to write daily entries about the effects trigeminal neuralgia had on my daughter and family.

I am a retired registered nurse and therefore spent many years documenting the activities