Scharain
06-12-2003, 02:04 AM
I've just been recently diagnosed, but realize now that I've had this problem for awhile. Just within the last few weeks though, I have become almost completely disabled with pain. How do you guys (& gals) that have had this for an extended period of time work regular jobs? Or explain what is going on with your health? I'm really feeling like I'm quite close to losing control of my life. Thanks for any input you have!
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CherylLynn24
06-12-2003, 02:13 AM
Welcome to the board, :wave:
Sorry to hear that you're having a hard time. Are you undergoing splint therapy? Seeing a specialist? Joint or muscle problems? Anything helping? I'm here due to my young Son having a bad case. I'm sure that you'll get responses on the work/TMJ thing, everyone here is so nice, supportive and full of info. Again, Welcome!
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 06-12-2003).]
Sorry to hear that you're having a hard time. Are you undergoing splint therapy? Seeing a specialist? Joint or muscle problems? Anything helping? I'm here due to my young Son having a bad case. I'm sure that you'll get responses on the work/TMJ thing, everyone here is so nice, supportive and full of info. Again, Welcome!
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 06-12-2003).]
Arleen
06-12-2003, 02:20 AM
Hi:
Sorry to hear you're experiencing all the bad TMJ stuff. It's pretty hard to cope with, so I know where you're coming from. I've basically had no life for the last 1-1/2 years, and it's only recently that I got a diagnosis of TMJD after seeing numerous dentists, who all said different things.
Anyway, there is a lot of very good and informative information on this site. If you start reading the posts, you'll get some idea of how people cope. We're all at different points in our treatment, so you'll hear some uplifting success stories to balance out those still have difficulties.
I finally found it too difficult and painful to work, so I haven't been for several months. My job requires that I talk a lot, and talking makes things much more painful than they alreay are. It's also impossible to concentrate when I'm in pain.
I've been on all kinds of medication - none of which helped. Most made me feel rotten or spaced out. Now I take either tylenol or advil. I also go to the acupunturist which has helped with the pain. I still have pain, just not as much. I eat a mushy diet, as chewing increases my pain.
I hope you have a decent dentist. You need to find somebody who can accurately diagnose the problem (like why you are experiencing the pain), so that they can properly treat it. I hope you find relief very soon.
Arleen
Sorry to hear you're experiencing all the bad TMJ stuff. It's pretty hard to cope with, so I know where you're coming from. I've basically had no life for the last 1-1/2 years, and it's only recently that I got a diagnosis of TMJD after seeing numerous dentists, who all said different things.
Anyway, there is a lot of very good and informative information on this site. If you start reading the posts, you'll get some idea of how people cope. We're all at different points in our treatment, so you'll hear some uplifting success stories to balance out those still have difficulties.
I finally found it too difficult and painful to work, so I haven't been for several months. My job requires that I talk a lot, and talking makes things much more painful than they alreay are. It's also impossible to concentrate when I'm in pain.
I've been on all kinds of medication - none of which helped. Most made me feel rotten or spaced out. Now I take either tylenol or advil. I also go to the acupunturist which has helped with the pain. I still have pain, just not as much. I eat a mushy diet, as chewing increases my pain.
I hope you have a decent dentist. You need to find somebody who can accurately diagnose the problem (like why you are experiencing the pain), so that they can properly treat it. I hope you find relief very soon.
Arleen
Scharain
06-12-2003, 02:22 AM
This seems like a great board and that everyone is helpful, supportive and sharing. I just happened to stumble across a young, savvy doctor who pinpointed the problem right off the bat. I feel fortunate that I didn't go through the diagnosis horror that other people have told me about. But that was just a couple of weeks ago and my symptoms at that point had just really started to present themselves in a less vague manner. She put me on steroids and anti depressants, but I'm finding that to be a joke. Am going to have to go back to the doc, but am really beginning to be concerned about this since I don't have insurance, I'm already broke, and now I am not working due to the pain in my head. I'm really not sure which way to go from here. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it!
jafc
06-12-2003, 04:29 PM
I don't much to offer but a few thoughts:
1) See if your doc will accept a payment plan. TMJ treatment can be costly and sometimes isn't covered by dental & health insurance companies so there must be other people in your shoes.
2) Because you're not working, you may qualify for some sort of city/state assistance in paying for healthcare costs.
3) Could you request temporary help with the medical bills from your family?
Please don't be offended by these last two suggestions -- I'm making them because you sound like you don't feel you have a lot of options.
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Judy
1) See if your doc will accept a payment plan. TMJ treatment can be costly and sometimes isn't covered by dental & health insurance companies so there must be other people in your shoes.
2) Because you're not working, you may qualify for some sort of city/state assistance in paying for healthcare costs.
3) Could you request temporary help with the medical bills from your family?
Please don't be offended by these last two suggestions -- I'm making them because you sound like you don't feel you have a lot of options.
------------------
Judy
quinnma
06-12-2003, 10:00 PM
I know where you're coming from... I just found out what I have as well. I got my HMO doctor to send me to a pain clinic, and just had the first appt, so treatment hasn't really begun... Am waiting for the insurance company to review my case for the TMJ part. However, I am only going to work sporadically... told everyone at work about my problem and I talk with as little mouth movement as possible. I also eat only soft or pureed foods. This has helped, but it still hurts. I find that a little Ativan (a mild tranquilizer) that my psychiatrist gave me helps alot, because any amount of stress makes it worse. Also keep your posture as good as possible and watch how you hold your neck, since tight neck muscles are a big aggravator. After work today, I thought I would cry, it hurt so bad from tensing up at the computer for several hours. So I laid down a meditated a little, then very gently rubbed both jaw joints, dropped my jaw, and then went for a mile-long walk. It helped. I also take an Advil every 4 hours (always with food in the stomach).