burgeke
01-06-2003, 04:08 PM
I happened to stumble upon this board and have noticed many insightful posts! I hope someone here can shed some light onto my situation. Pasted below is my horror story to-date. I typed this up to bring to my latest doctor. This will be my first visit to an ENT.
Thanks!
****
Current persistent symptoms without infection present are:
- Ear pressure/congestion in both ears.
- Headaches.
- I hear constant popping and clicking sounds when I swollow.
- After Dr. Schenkel's (Allergist) PA mentioned TMJ, I became consious of those symptoms, jaw sore, teeth sore, facial pain, jaw grinding, clicking.
This all started in June 2002. A couple of environment changes during that time frame were:
- another dog (dogs entire life - allergy prick test negative)
- I finished the basement during this time frame, carpet in basement.
(note that I did the work and produced drywall dust/general dust for over a month)
Initial symptoms were:
- pain and congestion in my left ear only.
- Several weeks later, my body ached badly all over.
This led to the doctor visits listed below.
July-August 2002
- two or three trips to GP - Dr. Callichio, (Doctor is In - Phillipsburg)
Symptoms:
Vertigo
Ear pressure
Severe pain in body, "overexagerated aches"
Sharp left ear pain
Congestion (green/yellow) - by ears
Fever
Overall "bad" feeling
Diagnosis/Treatment:
Sinus infection.
Zythromax 5-day with partial results.
Amoxocyllin 14Day.
Zyrtec (stopped due to bad mood swings)
Rhinocort Aqua
After antibiotics, infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present.
Sept-Jan 2002/03
- 6 visits to Allergist - Dr. Schenkel.
Symptoms:
Vertigo (off and on)
Ear pressure
Congestion (when infection present green/yellow), (otherwise, clear-white) - by ears
Fever (when infection present)
Overall "bad" feeling
Diagnosis/Treatment:
Clarinex (did not work well)
Allegra 1/day (did not work after 12 hours)
Allegra-D 2/day (taking currently)
Augmentin 14day (thought infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present)
1 month after Augmentin, Tequin 14days (infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present)
Immunization shots - ongoing, only had 1 shot to date.
Thanks!
****
Current persistent symptoms without infection present are:
- Ear pressure/congestion in both ears.
- Headaches.
- I hear constant popping and clicking sounds when I swollow.
- After Dr. Schenkel's (Allergist) PA mentioned TMJ, I became consious of those symptoms, jaw sore, teeth sore, facial pain, jaw grinding, clicking.
This all started in June 2002. A couple of environment changes during that time frame were:
- another dog (dogs entire life - allergy prick test negative)
- I finished the basement during this time frame, carpet in basement.
(note that I did the work and produced drywall dust/general dust for over a month)
Initial symptoms were:
- pain and congestion in my left ear only.
- Several weeks later, my body ached badly all over.
This led to the doctor visits listed below.
July-August 2002
- two or three trips to GP - Dr. Callichio, (Doctor is In - Phillipsburg)
Symptoms:
Vertigo
Ear pressure
Severe pain in body, "overexagerated aches"
Sharp left ear pain
Congestion (green/yellow) - by ears
Fever
Overall "bad" feeling
Diagnosis/Treatment:
Sinus infection.
Zythromax 5-day with partial results.
Amoxocyllin 14Day.
Zyrtec (stopped due to bad mood swings)
Rhinocort Aqua
After antibiotics, infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present.
Sept-Jan 2002/03
- 6 visits to Allergist - Dr. Schenkel.
Symptoms:
Vertigo (off and on)
Ear pressure
Congestion (when infection present green/yellow), (otherwise, clear-white) - by ears
Fever (when infection present)
Overall "bad" feeling
Diagnosis/Treatment:
Clarinex (did not work well)
Allegra 1/day (did not work after 12 hours)
Allegra-D 2/day (taking currently)
Augmentin 14day (thought infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present)
1 month after Augmentin, Tequin 14days (infection was gone but congestion/pressure @ ear area still present)
Immunization shots - ongoing, only had 1 shot to date.
Sponsor
Cymy Sue
01-06-2003, 07:34 PM
Hello & Welcome,
I bumped Marlene's post of TMJ Symtoms up, in case you had not read the posts and replies. There is a lot of information on that thread that might help you. Sometimes, a comparison of symtoms will give you some insight to your problem.
It sounds like you're having an awful time. I hope you will get some response here that will help.
My problem is completely TMJD oriented, with ear problems secondary, so I don't think I can help.
A lot of people who post here do have a lot of ear symtoms and I'm sure you will hear from them.
I wanted to welcome you to the board and hope you get answers soon.
Cymy Sue
I bumped Marlene's post of TMJ Symtoms up, in case you had not read the posts and replies. There is a lot of information on that thread that might help you. Sometimes, a comparison of symtoms will give you some insight to your problem.
It sounds like you're having an awful time. I hope you will get some response here that will help.
My problem is completely TMJD oriented, with ear problems secondary, so I don't think I can help.
A lot of people who post here do have a lot of ear symtoms and I'm sure you will hear from them.
I wanted to welcome you to the board and hope you get answers soon.
Cymy Sue
shell389
01-06-2003, 08:56 PM
Hello! Just wondered if you ever had any root canals done on your teeth especially recently? I have read of stories of people getting this sick from a root canaled tooth. Michelle
burgeke
01-07-2003, 09:31 AM
WOW! What a response. Thank you all for your concern and information. It surely is nice to know that I am not alone - that in itself helps greatly!
Here are some answers to the questions you have asked of me...
- I have had several root canals in the past. When the symptoms started, 6 mo ago, I had a dentist visit. It was only for a cleaning.
- Carol, thanks for your post! Your symptoms sound very similar to mine. The vertigo was mostly as you describe, happens when I get up from a seated position mostly. I do hope the ENT can help. I was POSITIVE that it was allergies in the begining, before the many infections. We had gotten a new puppy to keep our other dog company. In the past, I had a kitten which put me in the hospital for similar symptoms x100. Got rid of the kittenj :( and I got better. This would seem to make sense but the allergy tests were totally negative for dog and cat. I have also had dogs my entire life with no problems.
An additional note to the feeling that it is NOT allergy is that I have NO other allergy symptoms. My nose is clear, eyes normal etc. I do have bad allergies but they always produce clasic allergy symptoms.
Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome!
Here are some answers to the questions you have asked of me...
- I have had several root canals in the past. When the symptoms started, 6 mo ago, I had a dentist visit. It was only for a cleaning.
- Carol, thanks for your post! Your symptoms sound very similar to mine. The vertigo was mostly as you describe, happens when I get up from a seated position mostly. I do hope the ENT can help. I was POSITIVE that it was allergies in the begining, before the many infections. We had gotten a new puppy to keep our other dog company. In the past, I had a kitten which put me in the hospital for similar symptoms x100. Got rid of the kittenj :( and I got better. This would seem to make sense but the allergy tests were totally negative for dog and cat. I have also had dogs my entire life with no problems.
An additional note to the feeling that it is NOT allergy is that I have NO other allergy symptoms. My nose is clear, eyes normal etc. I do have bad allergies but they always produce clasic allergy symptoms.
Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome!
burgeke
01-07-2003, 03:59 PM
update...
Woke up yesterday with neck and jaw pain. My teeth were sore and my ears plugged (more than usual.) I also had the headache to go along with it. Although I went to sleep on my back, I woke on my side. Also my pillow was all bunched up. All day my symptoms were terrible.
Today I woke on my back and had no pain or soreness. My ears were still plugged but not as bad. No other symptoms. I just got back from lunch and my jaw is drawn and sore. My teeth hurt once again, I have a headache and my ears are plugged bad.
All of this kind of explains to me why I am bad certain days and not on others while being exposed to the same things. More evidence of TMJ instead of allergy.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I don't know if I mentioned that I have always ground my teeth at night. Sometimes my finacee wakes me. I can also see the jaw take the "detour" as it opens and closes like many of you mention.
Woke up yesterday with neck and jaw pain. My teeth were sore and my ears plugged (more than usual.) I also had the headache to go along with it. Although I went to sleep on my back, I woke on my side. Also my pillow was all bunched up. All day my symptoms were terrible.
Today I woke on my back and had no pain or soreness. My ears were still plugged but not as bad. No other symptoms. I just got back from lunch and my jaw is drawn and sore. My teeth hurt once again, I have a headache and my ears are plugged bad.
All of this kind of explains to me why I am bad certain days and not on others while being exposed to the same things. More evidence of TMJ instead of allergy.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I don't know if I mentioned that I have always ground my teeth at night. Sometimes my finacee wakes me. I can also see the jaw take the "detour" as it opens and closes like many of you mention.
MichaelV
01-07-2003, 05:59 PM
I think your last paragraph may be significant!
Cymy Sue
01-07-2003, 06:05 PM
I have a little more experience with your last post of symtoms. Grinding your teeth or bruxism is considered by many to be one of the main causes of TMJS. These last symtoms you've mentioned (all) sound like Tmj problems. My advice would be to find out as soon as possible and try to get the grinding stopped. Splint therapy is starting to make a comeback in dealing with many TMJ problems. Surgery was very popular during the last 2 decades, but has not worked very well for a lot of people. I've had 7 and I'm in a mess.
The most important thing is to find a Doctor or Dentist who knows what they are doing and take the least invasive treatment that will help you.
Major changes made to the teeth and joint area can be devastating.
There are many here who can give you answers and experiences with TMJD.
Cymy Sue
The most important thing is to find a Doctor or Dentist who knows what they are doing and take the least invasive treatment that will help you.
Major changes made to the teeth and joint area can be devastating.
There are many here who can give you answers and experiences with TMJD.
Cymy Sue
burgeke
01-08-2003, 10:31 AM
Thanks again everyone for your replies. It helps to know I am not alone and to be able to learn from your experiences.
Today I feel about the same as yesterday, about 50% normal which is not bad for me.
More and more each day I am learning that this issue is not allergy alone. I thought the congestion being present ruled out TMJ but now I am learning that TMJ could be causing the congestion (from allergy) to stay in my ears and then turn to infection.
On a side, gross note, I have been using a Grossman nasal irrigator at the recomendation of the allergist for quite some time. Not sure if anyone is familiar or not but it is a waterpick like device that you use to pump water into your nose/sinus that flushes out your sinuses. When I am bad, and use the device, I get a glob of mucus that comes out. Attached to the glob is a long thin hard (like a toothpick) piece of mucus. So I definately have mucus in my eustation tube that is being blocked somehow. If TMJ is the main contributer, it would cause this scenario. I read that TMJ effects the muscle that controls the ET.
Today I feel about the same as yesterday, about 50% normal which is not bad for me.
More and more each day I am learning that this issue is not allergy alone. I thought the congestion being present ruled out TMJ but now I am learning that TMJ could be causing the congestion (from allergy) to stay in my ears and then turn to infection.
On a side, gross note, I have been using a Grossman nasal irrigator at the recomendation of the allergist for quite some time. Not sure if anyone is familiar or not but it is a waterpick like device that you use to pump water into your nose/sinus that flushes out your sinuses. When I am bad, and use the device, I get a glob of mucus that comes out. Attached to the glob is a long thin hard (like a toothpick) piece of mucus. So I definately have mucus in my eustation tube that is being blocked somehow. If TMJ is the main contributer, it would cause this scenario. I read that TMJ effects the muscle that controls the ET.
Cymy Sue
01-08-2003, 02:17 PM
Carol,
I think you, Michael, and I posted at the same time yesterday. I did'nt want you think I had copied what you said. When I went back to the thread, all of our replies popped up at the same time.
Cymy Sue
I think you, Michael, and I posted at the same time yesterday. I did'nt want you think I had copied what you said. When I went back to the thread, all of our replies popped up at the same time.
Cymy Sue
bachel
01-08-2003, 10:10 PM
Hello, I just got through reading your horror story and I am in shock the symtoms are exactly what I have been going through for the past 4 months, I am getting worse not better, and I hate even getting up in the morning.Do you have anything else you can tell me that has helped you. Thanks
burgeke
01-09-2003, 11:15 AM
bachel -
Well besides what I mentioned, the rest is purely emotional. I am really at the same point you are. I barely want to get up in the morning. More importantly, I just want to know what the heck is wrong! I can't tell you how much money I have dumped into air cleaners etc to try and feel better. This group and my thoughts on TMJD are the closest I have come to a cause.
Good luck to you - keep posting, it helps greatly to be able to talk about it.
Well besides what I mentioned, the rest is purely emotional. I am really at the same point you are. I barely want to get up in the morning. More importantly, I just want to know what the heck is wrong! I can't tell you how much money I have dumped into air cleaners etc to try and feel better. This group and my thoughts on TMJD are the closest I have come to a cause.
Good luck to you - keep posting, it helps greatly to be able to talk about it.
shana
01-09-2003, 04:26 PM
burgeke,
Hi, finally some one that has unxplained ear infections! (guess that is a bad thing though) I have had really bad unexplained ear infections for 2 years now. I have taken every antibiotic that you listed, I now take a dose of Vantin 2x daily for prevention. When abreak through infection occurs (about every 2 wks to month) I am put on more antibiotics. My ears get so bad within 24 hours the canal opening swells shut, so painful I have been hospitalized several times for iv antibiotics, prescription pills won't beat them. My ears have that full feeling & ringing all the time. I don't hear well anymore, the infections have been so bad they have damaged both of the drums & now are covered with scar tissue. On my 3rd ENT & still the same answer, TMJD doesn't cause ear infections, I am totally convinced other wise! I guess that after my tmj surgery we'll see if the infection mysteriously stop. Keep me updated if you find out any answers! Shana
------------------
shana
Hi, finally some one that has unxplained ear infections! (guess that is a bad thing though) I have had really bad unexplained ear infections for 2 years now. I have taken every antibiotic that you listed, I now take a dose of Vantin 2x daily for prevention. When abreak through infection occurs (about every 2 wks to month) I am put on more antibiotics. My ears get so bad within 24 hours the canal opening swells shut, so painful I have been hospitalized several times for iv antibiotics, prescription pills won't beat them. My ears have that full feeling & ringing all the time. I don't hear well anymore, the infections have been so bad they have damaged both of the drums & now are covered with scar tissue. On my 3rd ENT & still the same answer, TMJD doesn't cause ear infections, I am totally convinced other wise! I guess that after my tmj surgery we'll see if the infection mysteriously stop. Keep me updated if you find out any answers! Shana
------------------
shana
bachel
01-09-2003, 08:48 PM
Thank you for responding so quickly Burgeke, How do you feel? So you have been told that it might be TMJ huh? I am on antibiotics right now for the second time in 1 month and it is not helping me at all. Well sorry to say this but I am glad somebody is going through the same thing I am going through I thought I was the only one that is nice to know I am not.This is the worst I have ever felt in my whole 30 years of my life. Well I would appreciate anything you can tell me,Thanks again.
shell389
01-09-2003, 08:55 PM
Burgeke,
I wish I could give you the website where I found out about root canaled teeth causing the type of health problems you are having but I don't think we are allowed to post websites on here. Anyway, the woman whose site it is had alot of the same symptoms you are describing and it went on for 2-3 years until she had the root canaled tooth pulled. Then her health improved and she is now back to normal. She tells a very long story of all the problems she had over those years and alot of them match up to your symptoms. Anyway, it is worth looking into. Shell
I wish I could give you the website where I found out about root canaled teeth causing the type of health problems you are having but I don't think we are allowed to post websites on here. Anyway, the woman whose site it is had alot of the same symptoms you are describing and it went on for 2-3 years until she had the root canaled tooth pulled. Then her health improved and she is now back to normal. She tells a very long story of all the problems she had over those years and alot of them match up to your symptoms. Anyway, it is worth looking into. Shell
bachel
01-09-2003, 09:14 PM
I am really nervous that this feeling will never go away and I will never feel better do you ever feel like that, I do not have Medical insurance right now so I am sort of stuck on finding out what is really wrong with me. I will be honest with you I think doctors are very dense. Well thanks again.
burgeke
01-10-2003, 08:59 AM
Sandy (bachel)-
Turn that frown upside down. OK that was lame but I am no counselor. Knew it might make you laugh though it was so bad.
Anyway, I wanted to post again just to reafirm what Carol said in her post(THANKS CAROL!!) I too believe that this WILL end or at least get better. Once we stop believing that.. well you know.
I will keep you posted on my progress since you seem to have the same symtoms.
Regarding the infections that most of us mention having - I spoke with an allergist whom my mom worked for and I went to for 10 years as a kid. He was more like a family friend. He mentioned that once you get an ear infection, it is VERY difficult to get rid of. If TMJ is causing a back up, this makes treatment even more difficult.
His treatment advice for me was:
2-3 days in between each antibiotic.
14 days Ceftin
10 Days Augmentin
14 Days Septra DS
Of course getting my doctor (the allergist I mention is currently in FLA, I am in PA) to buy into that was difficult so I keep going back and back and back to him over and over again. grrr.
I thought of ordering them myself from an overseas pharmacy but I am waiting to see the ENT for the first time.
Please try to remain positive. My finace keeps reminding me that we WILL find an answer.
Keith
Turn that frown upside down. OK that was lame but I am no counselor. Knew it might make you laugh though it was so bad.
Anyway, I wanted to post again just to reafirm what Carol said in her post(THANKS CAROL!!) I too believe that this WILL end or at least get better. Once we stop believing that.. well you know.
I will keep you posted on my progress since you seem to have the same symtoms.
Regarding the infections that most of us mention having - I spoke with an allergist whom my mom worked for and I went to for 10 years as a kid. He was more like a family friend. He mentioned that once you get an ear infection, it is VERY difficult to get rid of. If TMJ is causing a back up, this makes treatment even more difficult.
His treatment advice for me was:
2-3 days in between each antibiotic.
14 days Ceftin
10 Days Augmentin
14 Days Septra DS
Of course getting my doctor (the allergist I mention is currently in FLA, I am in PA) to buy into that was difficult so I keep going back and back and back to him over and over again. grrr.
I thought of ordering them myself from an overseas pharmacy but I am waiting to see the ENT for the first time.
Please try to remain positive. My finace keeps reminding me that we WILL find an answer.
Keith
burgeke
01-10-2003, 09:11 AM
Can anyone confirm that this is the case with them? I would like to mention this to the ENT on Tuesday..
Scenario:
Prior to eating I have dry hard pressure in my ears. I hear harsh crackling when I swollow. After as and after I eat, the pressure gets better and the congestion feels looser (although thick.) Within ten minutes after I am done eating, the pressure is back but worse than before.
Seems to make sense. The muscle that controls the Eustation tube loosens up (guess) and allows the tube to open. When I am done, it goes back into spasm.
Just a guess. hmmmm
Thanks!
Scenario:
Prior to eating I have dry hard pressure in my ears. I hear harsh crackling when I swollow. After as and after I eat, the pressure gets better and the congestion feels looser (although thick.) Within ten minutes after I am done eating, the pressure is back but worse than before.
Seems to make sense. The muscle that controls the Eustation tube loosens up (guess) and allows the tube to open. When I am done, it goes back into spasm.
Just a guess. hmmmm
Thanks!
bachel
01-10-2003, 03:33 PM
I can not tell you how nice it is to hear all the positive feedback Thanks Carol and Keith, Thanks alot. I do hope that we can all feel normal again because at this point I am sick of feeling like crap. Well I will keep a postive attitude, if you all will. Do you meditate any of you, I heard that helps relieve stress.