hi robbo….wow you have been through a lot!!!!! i’m glad you had the pump removed……
re the pain, search TMJ(temporalmandibular joint) dysfunction and also trigeminal neuralgia, see if your symptoms match. for tmj problems you’ll want to see a dentist that specializes in this, if possible, for evaluation and treatment. for trigeminal neuralgia you’ll want to see a neuro or pain management specialist – they’re not all bad!
i don’t know what you do for a living, but have you ever considered being a therapist yourself?
because i think i am not alone, really enjoy reading your posts, there is a certain wisdom/empathy/calming quality you share in your writing…..just a thought 
and, getting more in touch with spirituality…yes,i need to start working/focusing more on that again….the “temporary fixes” aren’t fixing anything….
oh – and likely and of course can go in the same sentence/same topic 