Can't speak without severe pain flare Feeling isolated Reaching out while I'm managing

Posting here because today is one of those Saturdays and connection
shouldn't have to wait for a crisis.

Short version: refractory trigeminal/facial neuropathic pain with
TMJ involvement, 7 years in. Tried everything standard — surgery
(made it worse), Botox, lidocaine, all the usual orals. Opioids
completely stopped working and I'm weaning off under my doctor's
direction. Ketamine is the one thing that helps (10 -> 6/10).

Because of TMJ involvement I can't speak without measurable pain
increase, so I communicate mainly in writing. I live with family
who are good people but understandably tired of my mood, and I have
almost no one reachable outside the household.

Not looking for medical advice — I have a care team working on the
treatment side. What I'm looking for today is connection: people
who've lived with severe facial pain or chronic pain generally, who
understand this without needing it explained. Anyone else out there
managing something similar, especially housebound or
writing-mostly?

One reply would mean a lot today.