Every year at this time, I look back over the year behind me and forward to the future. This is the conclusion of my 17th year of continuous Burning Mouth and the beginning of what I hope will not be the 18th. I always have hope, and this past year has fulfilled at least some of them regarding this chronic pain we deal with daily.

As I have indicated in previous posts, the combination of 1 mg of Clonazepam ODT and 40 mg of Cymbalta has given me a new lease on life. I still tingle at times, and yes, dental work continues to be a challenge, but daily life is pretty awesome.

Would this work for you?

I honestly don’t know. This disorder is highly individual, and I have lost count of all of the meds, testing, and coping strategies I have tried over the last 17 years. Clonazepam has always been the most effective, and when I switched to the ODT (orally dissolving tablet), it was even more so. However, it did not completely control the burning, no matter how often I took it.

By the way, I swish until it is completely dissolved and then swallow it. I have read on other sites that people are spitting it out, and I wonder if they are getting the full benefit.

Adding Cymbalta was a gradual strategy after discovering that Effexor XR was very effective but caused muscular tics that I did not want to continue. Cymbalta is similar but has no side effects for me and seems to be as effective at turning my burn into a very tolerable tingle. I am pleased but deeply aware that this honeymoon could end, and I am determined to enjoy the time I have.

Before COVID hit, my husband and I went to New Zealand for what we Americans call a “bucket list trip,” and had a fabulous time. Then we were homebound for a couple of years, and now it is time to resume some of these plans before we get too old to enjoy them. Next up, Norway! We will go late this summer when the 100+ degree days become too oppressive to bear, and rejoice in walks, train rides, a Zodiac boat ride through the fjords, and the incredible scenery.

And God willing, I will only tingle through the whole thing! Feel free to comment and let us know what is working for YOU!

Happy Mother’s Day to those women who have children of their own, those women who love others’ children, and those women who stand in for children who lack loving parents. You are all blessings, and the love you pour into these children will take root and grow into love for the next generation. Have a lovely day!