Help Jess Survive an Invisible Battle: Faith in the Face of Chronic Pain

Our Story:

For the past 6.5 years, Jessica has battled Refractory Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic and "invisible" condition that compounds her already debilitating pain. At first, we thought it was just really bad headaches or migraines. However, the condition has progressively worsened over the years, evolving from manageable discomfort into a relentless, unyielding torment.

Unlike the sharp, electric shocks of classic trigeminal neuralgia, her pain is a constant background pain. The only thing that changes is the intensity, which is unpredictable because literally everything is a trigger. She suffers from two distinct types of pain: her eyes constantly ache and burn, a relentless sensation that never fully goes away.

Superimposed on this is a separate, sharper agony where it feels like someone is holding an icepick against her right temple, pressing, and twisting it. This specific pain radiates into her right eye and causes severe jaw pain, making even the normal use of her eyes and jaw extremely painful. Adding to this is a recurring neurological itch with no rash that is impossible to scratch and only adds to the constant distress.

This constant state of pain makes social interactions agonizing. Jess wants to engage with friends and family, but the effort required to do so—talking, smiling, laughing—is so painful that it often leaves her exhausted and withdrawn. She is never not in pain.

Because the pain is invisible, people often assume she is fine—or worse, that she is exaggerating or that it is "all in her head." It is isolating to smile and engage while in constant agony, knowing that the only proof is the pain itself. Jessica tries her hardest to take care of herself, but the rest is out of her hands—and it is frustrating to feel like she has to prove her suffering to those who cannot see it.

A Life of Exhaustion & The Vicious Pain Loop:

The pain is only half the battle. Jess is always exhausted, no matter how much sleep she gets. She never feels rested. Her forehead and face always feel tight and scrunched, even when she is actively trying to relax.

This creates a vicious pain loop:

• The constant pain causes muscle tension and tightness.

• This tension amplifies the pain.

• This leads to poor sleep and further exhaustion.

• The exhaustion makes the pain feel even more intense.

It is a cycle that feeds on itself, making daily life agonizing and miserable in every sense of the word. There are no "good days." There are only days that are slightly less bad than others.

The Hidden Battle: VANCOUVER Syndrome

Over the last 3-4 years, Jessica experienced chronic, persistent episodes of shortness of breath followed by a distinct tickling sensation that forces an uncontrollable, reflexive cough. On her worst days, she has counted 121 of these episodes in a single day—a relentless cycle we previously thought was unrelated. We are now learning that these dismissed symptoms were actually critical pieces of a deteriorating health puzzle.

Refusing to give up, Jess has become her own strongest advocate. Despite being in constant, relentless pain and always exhausted, she has spent countless hours researching her symptoms, piecing together medical literature to understand what her doctors have missed. Her research points strongly to VANCOUVER Syndrome (Vagus Associated Neurogenic Cough Occurring Due to Unilateral Vascular Encroachment of Its Root), a rare condition where a blood vessel compresses the vagus nerve.

Thanks to her relentless self-advocacy, we have finally secured a referral to an Interventional Pain Specialist and requested a full diagnostic workup, including a nebulized lidocaine challenge, to confirm the diagnosis.

A Long Road of Failed Treatments & Inconclusive Tests:

In our quest for answers, we have tried every other method of treatment:

• Jessica has cycled through 8 failed medications. Nothing alleviates the pain, not even a little.

• She has undergone multiple tests, lab work, panels, MRIs, and CT scans.

• She has had procedures including a skin biopsy for small fiber neuropathy and a spinal tap to check for MS.

Everything comes back clear, leaving us with more questions than answers. This relentless cycle of testing and failed treatments has only added to the financial and emotional strain on our family.

A Prayerful Fighter Who Doesn't Give Up:

Watching Jessica endure this constant, hellish pain and exhaustion while trying to maintain a normal, functioning life has been heartbreaking for our family. It's so hard to watch her battle this and feel so helpless. It's shattered her life in so many ways, but she refuses to let it steal her independence, her identity, and her joy.

For years, she has masked her agony to keep a job, pay bills, and care for our family, refusing to let the pain win. But living in a daily nightmare eventually takes its toll. Recently, the pain became truly unbearable, forcing her to quit her job.

Despite everything, she is hopeful and prayerful:

"This journey has only deepened my dependence on the Lord. I realize now more than ever that I am constantly in need of Him—His strength when mine is gone, His peace when mine is shaken, and His provision when mine runs out. I am so tired. But the Lord my God sustains me. He is my refuge and my strength. I could not do this without Him. I have faith that He is using this for my good and His glory. It's part of my testimony to His love, mercy, grace, goodness, faithfulness, and provision in my life. I just keep praying for His help to suffer well."

Through this valley of misdiagnosis and relentless pain, our faith has been our anchor. We hold tightly to two promises:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."—Psalm 46:1

And the words that sustain us when healing feels distant:"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."—2 Corinthians 12:9

Your prayers mean more than you know, friends. They are a lifeline for our whole family, and your faith is a light in our world. Please keep praying for us.

Our Immediate Hope: Being Present for Our Son

Jessica’s inability to work has left our family in a precarious financial position, facing a critical gap in earnings while we wait for approvals from Washington State PFML and Social Security disability—a process that can be lengthy and uncertain.

Compounding this stress, our son's wedding is coming up in September. We are desperate to be present and celebrate this milestone without the shadow of financial collapse looming over us. We want to focus on our son's joy, not on how we will pay the rent next month.

How You Can Help:

We have set a goal of $5,000 for living expenses for the next two months while we wait for PFML and disability approvals. If we reach this goal, we may extend the campaign to cover additional months as needed.

Your donations will go directly toward:

• Essential living expenses: Rent/mortgage, utilities, and groceries.

• Transportation costs: Gas and vehicle maintenance for frequent specialist appointments and diagnostic tests.

• Household necessities: Keeping our home running while we support Jess and help her focus on managing her pain and recovery.

We know many of you are facing challenges of your own, but any gift—no matter the size—brings us closer to stability. Your love and support mean everything to us during this uncertain time.

P.S. If you cannot donate right now, please share this campaign with your community. Your help in spreading the word is just as valuable to us as a donation.

Thank you for standing with us. God bless you!