TMJgirl
11-30-2003, 11:05 AM
I hope someone has had this happen to them. I have had this TMJ for almost a year now. I have been recieving splint therapy for about two months. Since I got the splint my symptoms have become worse, ie: dizziness, clogged ears, cracking, popping, etc. I am exasperated. My dentist told me that the splint is faze one of the process. Phase two would be the wisdom teeth extraction which would be in 6-9 months from now. I was comfortable with that. I have had the scans done and the muscles are in spasm. The second scan was worse then the first, during splint therapy. Last week I went for an adjustment of the splint and my dentist told me that I have to get the teeth removed asap. I was shocked. I have alot of anxiety and panic attacks every day due to this mayhem. It is the holidays now and I am scared to death about elective surgury right now, and I cannot handle this mentally, physically or financially at this point in time. On Thanksgiving day my splint broke to wear I cannot wear it anymore, since it has been shaved so thin. I havent had it in my mouth since then. I can feel my jaw in a different place and I can tell when I chew that things are off wack. I think this is making my symptoms worse. I told my dentist the facts that I do not want this operation now, and that he told me 6-9 in the first place. He said that he is done with me now, until I get them out because he cannot go any further with me. I am at the point now, that I feel to much intervention has been done to my head and I am willing to try nothing right now. I am going to drop off the orthotic to him on Monday and not use it anymore. I feel I wasted alot of money and I feel left in the cold. Meanwhile, I will continue to work out at the gym daily and go to my chiropractor. I think enough already with the splint and the TENS and the intervention. Maybe nature has to take its course here and just be left alone. I plan to take an antidepressant to help me deal with the anxiety but I am afraid to take the prozac. I tried different ones before and they gave me to many side effects. Has anyone out there had negative results from their splint??? Please answer..I dont know what to do.
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Navy1990
11-30-2003, 12:49 PM
I hope someone has had this happen to them. I have had this TMJ for almost a year now. I have been recieving splint therapy for about two months. Since I got the splint my symptoms have become worse, ie: dizziness, clogged ears, cracking, popping, etc. I am exasperated. My dentist told me that the splint is faze one of the process. Phase two would be the wisdom teeth extraction which would be in 6-9 months from now. I was comfortable with that. I have had the scans done and the muscles are in spasm. The second scan was worse then the first, during splint therapy. Last week I went for an adjustment of the splint and my dentist told me that I have to get the teeth removed asap. I was shocked. I have alot of anxiety and panic attacks every day due to this mayhem. It is the holidays now and I am scared to death about elective surgury right now, and I cannot handle this mentally, physically or financially at this point in time. On Thanksgiving day my splint broke to wear I cannot wear it anymore, since it has been shaved so thin. I havent had it in my mouth since then. I can feel my jaw in a different place and I can tell when I chew that things are off wack. I think this is making my symptoms worse. I told my dentist the facts that I do not want this operation now, and that he told me 6-9 in the first place. He said that he is done with me now, until I get them out because he cannot go any further with me. I am at the point now, that I feel to much intervention has been done to my head and I am willing to try nothing right now. I am going to drop off the orthotic to him on Monday and not use it anymore. I feel I wasted alot of money and I feel left in the cold. Meanwhile, I will continue to work out at the gym daily and go to my chiropractor. I think enough already with the splint and the TENS and the intervention. Maybe nature has to take its course here and just be left alone. I plan to take an antidepressant to help me deal with the anxiety but I am afraid to take the prozac. I tried different ones before and they gave me to many side effects. Has anyone out there had negative results from their splint??? Please answer..I dont know what to do.
Hi TMJgirl,
Your dentist does not sound very compassionate. The last thing someone should do is have surgery when they are dealing with tmj. The symptoms have to be addressed first. Is he interested in making money from phase II, or getting you better? It sounds like your case is too complicated for him to handle. Maybe you should seek out someone that has more experience in treating TMJ. A true specialist will treat the whole person, not just the tmj, because sometimes there are many things that contribute to the problem.
I started with a neuromuscular dentist and spent $5,000 on the scans, etc. It did not work for me. It's not for everyone. I am currently seeing another specialist and I hope that this treatment works better than the first. One thing I can tell you is that sometimes the increased joint noises are not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the disc is now reducing because it finally has room to move around. Splint therapy takes time, but, it also has to be done precisely for the individual and by someone with a lot of experience. Tomo's are important x-rays to see if the joint is in the proper position, The ligaments take a long time to heal, Also, I've read lifting weights is not necessarily good when you have tmj problems.
If you feel the need to take a break and see if things settle down on their own, then that's what you should do. There are quite a few people on the boards that tried neuromuscular splint therapy and it did not work out for them. Some are taking a break and some are looking for other treatment. Splint treatment can be successful in the hands of a qualified specialist. Then again, it's not for everybody.
I feel so bad that you are having such a hard time with your tmj. I wish I could put my arms around you and tell you it will be alright. You and I have corresponded before and we have a lot in common. I finally broke down and started taking Zoloft this week. It takes about 2 weeks for it to kick in, but, I feel a little calmer on it. I was told by a doctor once that sometimes it takes a few tries before someone finds an anti-depressant that works for them. I would try the med and see if it helps. TMJgirl I know exactly how you feel, I'm there myself. You are not alone.
(((Hugs TMJgirl)))
Navy1990
Hi TMJgirl,
Your dentist does not sound very compassionate. The last thing someone should do is have surgery when they are dealing with tmj. The symptoms have to be addressed first. Is he interested in making money from phase II, or getting you better? It sounds like your case is too complicated for him to handle. Maybe you should seek out someone that has more experience in treating TMJ. A true specialist will treat the whole person, not just the tmj, because sometimes there are many things that contribute to the problem.
I started with a neuromuscular dentist and spent $5,000 on the scans, etc. It did not work for me. It's not for everyone. I am currently seeing another specialist and I hope that this treatment works better than the first. One thing I can tell you is that sometimes the increased joint noises are not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes the disc is now reducing because it finally has room to move around. Splint therapy takes time, but, it also has to be done precisely for the individual and by someone with a lot of experience. Tomo's are important x-rays to see if the joint is in the proper position, The ligaments take a long time to heal, Also, I've read lifting weights is not necessarily good when you have tmj problems.
If you feel the need to take a break and see if things settle down on their own, then that's what you should do. There are quite a few people on the boards that tried neuromuscular splint therapy and it did not work out for them. Some are taking a break and some are looking for other treatment. Splint treatment can be successful in the hands of a qualified specialist. Then again, it's not for everybody.
I feel so bad that you are having such a hard time with your tmj. I wish I could put my arms around you and tell you it will be alright. You and I have corresponded before and we have a lot in common. I finally broke down and started taking Zoloft this week. It takes about 2 weeks for it to kick in, but, I feel a little calmer on it. I was told by a doctor once that sometimes it takes a few tries before someone finds an anti-depressant that works for them. I would try the med and see if it helps. TMJgirl I know exactly how you feel, I'm there myself. You are not alone.
(((Hugs TMJgirl)))
Navy1990
kami-girl
11-30-2003, 01:08 PM
Hi,
I understand how you feel. I have had my splint for 5 months now and haven't seen alot of improvement yet either. I wish I knew the answer. It is so frustrating. I am not ready to give up on it yet mainly because I have spent so much money and I truly want to believe that my problems are mainly muscular and between the splint and the added trigger point massage there will be some improvement.
I feel so bad for you going through so much anxiety, I've been there and still am alot of the time. Two years ago when I was at my worst with the dizziness I did not want to take meds but finally agreed because the panic attacks were just too much for me. I wish I was your neighbor and we could walk through this together. TMJ and all the craziness that goes with it can be so terrible especially when you feel like you are fighting it alone, at least that is how I feel most of the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Take care of yourself,
Grace
I understand how you feel. I have had my splint for 5 months now and haven't seen alot of improvement yet either. I wish I knew the answer. It is so frustrating. I am not ready to give up on it yet mainly because I have spent so much money and I truly want to believe that my problems are mainly muscular and between the splint and the added trigger point massage there will be some improvement.
I feel so bad for you going through so much anxiety, I've been there and still am alot of the time. Two years ago when I was at my worst with the dizziness I did not want to take meds but finally agreed because the panic attacks were just too much for me. I wish I was your neighbor and we could walk through this together. TMJ and all the craziness that goes with it can be so terrible especially when you feel like you are fighting it alone, at least that is how I feel most of the time. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Take care of yourself,
Grace
TMJgirl
11-30-2003, 02:26 PM
To Grace and Navy:
Thanks so much for your reply. It brought a smile to my face just knowing you are there for me, electronically or otherwise. My dentist is a neuromuscular dentist. He does the scan thing to me and the electrodes, etc. I have not had an MRI of the joint, simply lots of xrays. I reiterate, I told him that I am not ready for surgery right now, for God's sake! He doesnt want to hear that, and I feel I lost lots and lots of money! I do not want to start all over again with someone else. My mother suggested that I eliminate one thing at a time, and see what happens. I cant stop the weights, my body is strong and fit and I need this in my life right now. I am going to a hypnotist Monday evening in my area. She is a cardiologist too, but believes in treating the whole person and not just the physical things. She said she feels that something is just "plugged in wrong" right now, and that the anxiety is exasperating the symptoms. I am supposed to have an ENG test Wed. and I dont know if I want to go thru that either. Stop the maddness!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vertigo is horrible and yesterday was my daughters 18th birthday and I tried to decorate the house for Christmas with her and I ended up yelling at her because she wasnt doing it right. That is pathetic! I do not like myself and who am now at all. I just wish someone out there could help me. I had utmost trust in this dentist. We have had many heart to heart conversations and I felt he was my friend. Now I feel betrayed. I am not going to my appointment with him tomorrow. Whats the use? He already stated his case, and I am out the 6,000!
Thanks so much for your reply. It brought a smile to my face just knowing you are there for me, electronically or otherwise. My dentist is a neuromuscular dentist. He does the scan thing to me and the electrodes, etc. I have not had an MRI of the joint, simply lots of xrays. I reiterate, I told him that I am not ready for surgery right now, for God's sake! He doesnt want to hear that, and I feel I lost lots and lots of money! I do not want to start all over again with someone else. My mother suggested that I eliminate one thing at a time, and see what happens. I cant stop the weights, my body is strong and fit and I need this in my life right now. I am going to a hypnotist Monday evening in my area. She is a cardiologist too, but believes in treating the whole person and not just the physical things. She said she feels that something is just "plugged in wrong" right now, and that the anxiety is exasperating the symptoms. I am supposed to have an ENG test Wed. and I dont know if I want to go thru that either. Stop the maddness!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vertigo is horrible and yesterday was my daughters 18th birthday and I tried to decorate the house for Christmas with her and I ended up yelling at her because she wasnt doing it right. That is pathetic! I do not like myself and who am now at all. I just wish someone out there could help me. I had utmost trust in this dentist. We have had many heart to heart conversations and I felt he was my friend. Now I feel betrayed. I am not going to my appointment with him tomorrow. Whats the use? He already stated his case, and I am out the 6,000!
GenDen
11-30-2003, 03:51 PM
I can feel your anxiety and frustration. TMJ dysfunction is difficult. I have a suggestion about lifting weights. Perhaps you should wear a sponge-like mouthpiece to take the stress off the joints when you lift. Ask someone with experience if this is a good idea.
I don't know your neuromuscular dentist, so I don't know if he has your best interest at heart. Has he explained to you why he needs to take out your wisdom teeth in order to continue with your treatment plan? I think I would go to the appointment tomorrow and ask for an explanation. He probably has a very good medical reason. If he understands where you are emotionally and that you can't handle the extractions right now, perhaps he will be able to help you with your emotional situation so that you can get ready for the extractions at a later time. He may be fine with your decision to take a break--then begin again a little later and you won't lose the money you have spent. I would have a very honest talk with him and see where it goes from there. You have more to gain than lose. I think it is better than not keeping your visit. The one thing that TMJ dysfunction treatment takes is patience. It takes a long time and the progress is slow. I wish I could give you a hug and tell you that things will be okay. All the best to you in whatever decision you make.
I don't know your neuromuscular dentist, so I don't know if he has your best interest at heart. Has he explained to you why he needs to take out your wisdom teeth in order to continue with your treatment plan? I think I would go to the appointment tomorrow and ask for an explanation. He probably has a very good medical reason. If he understands where you are emotionally and that you can't handle the extractions right now, perhaps he will be able to help you with your emotional situation so that you can get ready for the extractions at a later time. He may be fine with your decision to take a break--then begin again a little later and you won't lose the money you have spent. I would have a very honest talk with him and see where it goes from there. You have more to gain than lose. I think it is better than not keeping your visit. The one thing that TMJ dysfunction treatment takes is patience. It takes a long time and the progress is slow. I wish I could give you a hug and tell you that things will be okay. All the best to you in whatever decision you make.
Navy1990
11-30-2003, 04:21 PM
To Grace and Navy:
Thanks so much for your reply. It brought a smile to my face just knowing you are there for me, electronically or otherwise. My dentist is a neuromuscular dentist. He does the scan thing to me and the electrodes, etc. I have not had an MRI of the joint, simply lots of xrays. I reiterate, I told him that I am not ready for surgery right now, for God's sake! He doesnt want to hear that, and I feel I lost lots and lots of money! I do not want to start all over again with someone else. My mother suggested that I eliminate one thing at a time, and see what happens. I cant stop the weights, my body is strong and fit and I need this in my life right now. I am going to a hypnotist Monday evening in my area. She is a cardiologist too, but believes in treating the whole person and not just the physical things. She said she feels that something is just "plugged in wrong" right now, and that the anxiety is exasperating the symptoms. I am supposed to have an ENG test Wed. and I dont know if I want to go thru that either. Stop the maddness!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vertigo is horrible and yesterday was my daughters 18th birthday and I tried to decorate the house for Christmas with her and I ended up yelling at her because she wasnt doing it right. That is pathetic! I do not like myself and who am now at all. I just wish someone out there could help me. I had utmost trust in this dentist. We have had many heart to heart conversations and I felt he was my friend. Now I feel betrayed. I am not going to my appointment with him tomorrow. Whats the use? He already stated his case, and I am out the 6,000!
Hi TMJgirl,
Oh My...You are having such a time with the tmj situation. I can relate to so much of what you are going through.
A Hypnotist? Let me know how that goes. I've actually thought of going to one myself. I need to get my focus off the jaw problems and get my life back on track. Maybe a Hyponotist would help with anxiety.
You will get better TMJgirl. We all will.
Navy1990
Thanks so much for your reply. It brought a smile to my face just knowing you are there for me, electronically or otherwise. My dentist is a neuromuscular dentist. He does the scan thing to me and the electrodes, etc. I have not had an MRI of the joint, simply lots of xrays. I reiterate, I told him that I am not ready for surgery right now, for God's sake! He doesnt want to hear that, and I feel I lost lots and lots of money! I do not want to start all over again with someone else. My mother suggested that I eliminate one thing at a time, and see what happens. I cant stop the weights, my body is strong and fit and I need this in my life right now. I am going to a hypnotist Monday evening in my area. She is a cardiologist too, but believes in treating the whole person and not just the physical things. She said she feels that something is just "plugged in wrong" right now, and that the anxiety is exasperating the symptoms. I am supposed to have an ENG test Wed. and I dont know if I want to go thru that either. Stop the maddness!!!!!!!!!!!!! My vertigo is horrible and yesterday was my daughters 18th birthday and I tried to decorate the house for Christmas with her and I ended up yelling at her because she wasnt doing it right. That is pathetic! I do not like myself and who am now at all. I just wish someone out there could help me. I had utmost trust in this dentist. We have had many heart to heart conversations and I felt he was my friend. Now I feel betrayed. I am not going to my appointment with him tomorrow. Whats the use? He already stated his case, and I am out the 6,000!
Hi TMJgirl,
Oh My...You are having such a time with the tmj situation. I can relate to so much of what you are going through.
A Hypnotist? Let me know how that goes. I've actually thought of going to one myself. I need to get my focus off the jaw problems and get my life back on track. Maybe a Hyponotist would help with anxiety.
You will get better TMJgirl. We all will.
Navy1990
Navy1990
11-30-2003, 05:30 PM
TMJgirl,
Where are you? I hope you are o.k. I've been concerned since your post. It will be o.k.
After your post, I actually got the phonebook out and looked up professionals that do hypnotherapy. I have a free consultation with an individual in a few days. Then we will set up the session if I feel comfortable. He asked if I was on any anti-depressants. I don't know why, but, I'm sure I'll find out. This may help my situation. Let me know how it goes for you.
Take care!
Navy1990
Where are you? I hope you are o.k. I've been concerned since your post. It will be o.k.
After your post, I actually got the phonebook out and looked up professionals that do hypnotherapy. I have a free consultation with an individual in a few days. Then we will set up the session if I feel comfortable. He asked if I was on any anti-depressants. I don't know why, but, I'm sure I'll find out. This may help my situation. Let me know how it goes for you.
Take care!
Navy1990
TMJgirl
11-30-2003, 06:05 PM
Your a nice person, GenDen! I have told my dentist where I am coming from and he just didnt listen. I thought we were friends, beyond just a dentist, but I quess I may have been wrong. Just another patient. He just doesnt want to hear me. I emailed him Thanksgiving day and told him that I broke the splint while it was in my mouth, and it was very thin and fragile. He called me the next day over the weekend and said that the wisdom teeth are imperative to the progress of the TMJ. He said they were in the way. Funny that they were not in the way two months ago and that I was promised 6-9 months of phase I until I get surgery for that! I am very frightened about it, because there isnt a fact to back up that the wisdom teeth are actually the "cause" of the TMJ. If they were the actual "cause" of it, I would have been there yesterday! It is merely supposition on his part and I do not trust that. Thanks again for the reply. I am really a basket case right now over this mess. I cant even see straight. One whole side of my head is spasms and tight and I am dizzy and very upset.
kami-girl
11-30-2003, 11:53 PM
Hi TMJgirl,
I wonder if you can share with me what your dizziness feels like since we both seem to share that as a major problem?
I originally thought my wisdom teeth were causing my problems, I still have the bottom ones and the right one is sideways, but my dentist does not think that they are a factor in my tmjd.
Take care,
Grace
I wonder if you can share with me what your dizziness feels like since we both seem to share that as a major problem?
I originally thought my wisdom teeth were causing my problems, I still have the bottom ones and the right one is sideways, but my dentist does not think that they are a factor in my tmjd.
Take care,
Grace
GenDen
11-30-2003, 11:59 PM
Grace and TMJgirl,
Dizziness is often caused because of trigger points in the SCM muscle. Check to see if you have sore places in these muscles.
Dizziness is often caused because of trigger points in the SCM muscle. Check to see if you have sore places in these muscles.
Navy1990
12-01-2003, 04:37 AM
Hi GenDen, TMJgirl, and Kami,
I was just wondering if the problems with the SCM could cause a burning sensation. If I run my hand over the area that runs over the joint and a little down my face it feels like it burns a little. Then every now and then when I talk or eat or laugh, I start to get the burning sensation. Is this muscle and lactic acid build-up? I'm not sure what is going on. i still probably need to drink more water. I've been told that helps by washing out the toxins and lactic acid. Of course I still have the spasms and twitching going on, so, it's going to take time.
This may be over the top, but, I am going for the consult with the hypnotherapist. I'm not sure, but, maybe it can help with the anxiety and put things in perspective. TMJ treatment takes time. Unfortunately, a lot of times the tmj patient goes through a lot of dead end treatment that only adds to the anxiety. Too many times doctors give up when the treatment case becomes too complicated for them. The patient has spent thousands of dollars for the complete treatment plan and is now left without treatment. I now go to a doctor that I pay as I go, instead of giving him thousands up front.
TMJgirl, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I sincerely hope that you find the treatment that can help you. I know what you mean by feeling like a basket case, I and I'm sure others on the board have been there. You put your faith in that doctor, he should help you. As far as the wisdom teeth go, has your general dentist ever mentioned that they need to be removed? Some people don't ever get them out because they don't bother anything. It really depends on your bite, and whether they have become impacted or cause problems. My 16 year old son only got three of them and had them out last Summer. It wasn't too bad of an experience. My older son had his taken out by the Army before they deployed him to Iraq. In the military, if you have wisdom teeth, they remove them before they deploy you. Also, my 43 year old neighbor just had her's removed last month. She tried getting them filed down by the dentist, but, that didn't work too well, because they were impacted in the bone. Your dentist should have explained that splint therapy is a learning process and that as things change with the bite, it becomes more evident what exactly needs to be done. I would go to my general dentist and get his opinion about the wisdom teeth and possibly a referral to an oral surgeon that you feel comfortable with. I would not jump into anything. Your dentist should be trying to help you, especially if you have trouble with the splint. He should be trying something else that may help you, or at least referring you to someone that can. I've been where you are. It is very upsetting to have spent thousands of dollars on treatment and then not have it work. I'm still paying my bill. Personally I think that these dentists, when they discover that the treatment is not working out for the patient and they cannot finish Phase I, should give some type of refund to the patient. But, I've never heard of any TMJ doctor giving a refund. There will always be the next TMJ patient, to spend the thousands up front. I now ask for the cost of the total treatment, then I ask them to break it down for me. I then pay as each procedure or visit is done. If they have so many adjustments built in, then I have them put that in writing. I wish I would have done that in the past. You spent $6,000. Aside from the fact that you are totally stressed out from the doctors attitude, you have the right to get a breakdown of the fees. I know with everything that is going on in your life right now, this may not be something that you want to deal with, but, I truly believe if more of use questioned the doctors and made them put the treatment plan in writing, then maybe some of these doctors that think they can make big bucks making splints may be more responsible about the level of care they provide. I hope you feel better soon.
Take care!
Navy1990
I was just wondering if the problems with the SCM could cause a burning sensation. If I run my hand over the area that runs over the joint and a little down my face it feels like it burns a little. Then every now and then when I talk or eat or laugh, I start to get the burning sensation. Is this muscle and lactic acid build-up? I'm not sure what is going on. i still probably need to drink more water. I've been told that helps by washing out the toxins and lactic acid. Of course I still have the spasms and twitching going on, so, it's going to take time.
This may be over the top, but, I am going for the consult with the hypnotherapist. I'm not sure, but, maybe it can help with the anxiety and put things in perspective. TMJ treatment takes time. Unfortunately, a lot of times the tmj patient goes through a lot of dead end treatment that only adds to the anxiety. Too many times doctors give up when the treatment case becomes too complicated for them. The patient has spent thousands of dollars for the complete treatment plan and is now left without treatment. I now go to a doctor that I pay as I go, instead of giving him thousands up front.
TMJgirl, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I sincerely hope that you find the treatment that can help you. I know what you mean by feeling like a basket case, I and I'm sure others on the board have been there. You put your faith in that doctor, he should help you. As far as the wisdom teeth go, has your general dentist ever mentioned that they need to be removed? Some people don't ever get them out because they don't bother anything. It really depends on your bite, and whether they have become impacted or cause problems. My 16 year old son only got three of them and had them out last Summer. It wasn't too bad of an experience. My older son had his taken out by the Army before they deployed him to Iraq. In the military, if you have wisdom teeth, they remove them before they deploy you. Also, my 43 year old neighbor just had her's removed last month. She tried getting them filed down by the dentist, but, that didn't work too well, because they were impacted in the bone. Your dentist should have explained that splint therapy is a learning process and that as things change with the bite, it becomes more evident what exactly needs to be done. I would go to my general dentist and get his opinion about the wisdom teeth and possibly a referral to an oral surgeon that you feel comfortable with. I would not jump into anything. Your dentist should be trying to help you, especially if you have trouble with the splint. He should be trying something else that may help you, or at least referring you to someone that can. I've been where you are. It is very upsetting to have spent thousands of dollars on treatment and then not have it work. I'm still paying my bill. Personally I think that these dentists, when they discover that the treatment is not working out for the patient and they cannot finish Phase I, should give some type of refund to the patient. But, I've never heard of any TMJ doctor giving a refund. There will always be the next TMJ patient, to spend the thousands up front. I now ask for the cost of the total treatment, then I ask them to break it down for me. I then pay as each procedure or visit is done. If they have so many adjustments built in, then I have them put that in writing. I wish I would have done that in the past. You spent $6,000. Aside from the fact that you are totally stressed out from the doctors attitude, you have the right to get a breakdown of the fees. I know with everything that is going on in your life right now, this may not be something that you want to deal with, but, I truly believe if more of use questioned the doctors and made them put the treatment plan in writing, then maybe some of these doctors that think they can make big bucks making splints may be more responsible about the level of care they provide. I hope you feel better soon.
Take care!
Navy1990
TMJgirl
12-01-2003, 09:28 AM
Navy:
You are very kind. As far as your face burning goes, have you looked into the trimeningel nerve (or however ya spell that). It has to do with neuralgia of some kind. Nerve pain sometimes is burning. Maybe your nerves are healing too! Burning is a sign of that also. Funny you mentioned a hypnotist, because I have an appointment with one today, Monday at 7PM! We are on the same wave length I think! I want her to rid me of this anxiety so I can think straight. The dentist I went to did break down the fee, but the wisdom teeth were far in the distant future for me. I was ready to take on the fee with a credit card which I did, for relief of any kind. I was promised relief in a short time, but now I am worse off. My scans had gotten worse 10 fold after even the second scan with the splint. I have in fact been told by other dentists that the wisdom teeth "should" come out, one is impacted in the lower left jaw, and I take very good care of these brush twice a day and use peroxide rinse also. All the gums are healthy and otherwise. This dentist is actually rushing me into this, handing me a phone to call his oral surgeon. So, in a couple hours, I go to my chiropractor, same procedure, over and over again. Then to the gym, then to the hyponotist. I cant even get a job because of this. The panic begins daily at this time and goes the rest of the day until I have a glass of wine in the evening to calm down. This is unreal!!! Well, Navy God bless your boy for being in Iraq too. You must be very proud of him. I hear President Bush handed out Thanksgiving dinner with the boys in Iraq. That must have been quite an experience for those people! Well, stay well, and I will let you know about if I can be hypnotised or not! More money........
You are very kind. As far as your face burning goes, have you looked into the trimeningel nerve (or however ya spell that). It has to do with neuralgia of some kind. Nerve pain sometimes is burning. Maybe your nerves are healing too! Burning is a sign of that also. Funny you mentioned a hypnotist, because I have an appointment with one today, Monday at 7PM! We are on the same wave length I think! I want her to rid me of this anxiety so I can think straight. The dentist I went to did break down the fee, but the wisdom teeth were far in the distant future for me. I was ready to take on the fee with a credit card which I did, for relief of any kind. I was promised relief in a short time, but now I am worse off. My scans had gotten worse 10 fold after even the second scan with the splint. I have in fact been told by other dentists that the wisdom teeth "should" come out, one is impacted in the lower left jaw, and I take very good care of these brush twice a day and use peroxide rinse also. All the gums are healthy and otherwise. This dentist is actually rushing me into this, handing me a phone to call his oral surgeon. So, in a couple hours, I go to my chiropractor, same procedure, over and over again. Then to the gym, then to the hyponotist. I cant even get a job because of this. The panic begins daily at this time and goes the rest of the day until I have a glass of wine in the evening to calm down. This is unreal!!! Well, Navy God bless your boy for being in Iraq too. You must be very proud of him. I hear President Bush handed out Thanksgiving dinner with the boys in Iraq. That must have been quite an experience for those people! Well, stay well, and I will let you know about if I can be hypnotised or not! More money........
TMJgirl
12-01-2003, 09:37 AM
My dizziness is a feeling of like I am on a merry go round. Sometimes is worse then others. Like the room keeps going slowly while I stand still. If I look down, I have depth perseption problems too. Like if I look at the key board sometimes, it looks further away then it is. I do wear glasses for certain things, I really should wear them more, fighting that fact, but the ears are definately involved someway, not what the ENT says, but I know what I feel. My voice sounds like I have a bucket on my head. Anxiety also produces this, because hyperventalation keeps the CO2 from expelling properly and overloads the body of oxygen. The brain and extremedies and organs cannot get the proper oxygen. Somehow my eustachian tubes want to pop, when I try to pop them they get loud, and stay loud. I feel the dizzy is coming from there regardless of the ENT. It is a sickening feeling. Mainly depth perseption, if I turn my head I get a wierd feeling and if I look down. GenDen, yes, I know about the muscle you refer to. I do have many trigger points according to my chiropractor, but he still hasnt done anything with them yet either! I asked him about the massage and he said I still have to be adjusted further, until he does that. He has two massage people in his office, and I already spoke to one. I dont know why he doesnt hook me up with one of them for that. Anyway, I see him today and I think after I tell him about the dentist story, then Iwill question him about the massage too. Thanks for being there, folks. This is horrendous. I have tried for months, and gotten nowhere except broke! Have a nice day.......
GenDen
12-01-2003, 04:07 PM
I hope I am not out of line in saying this. However, it seems to be a consensus of opinion from your dental providers that you should have your wisdom teeth out. It doesn't appear to be just your TMJ specialist's whim. I can understand his frustration too when he isn't able to continue your treatment because the wisdom teeth need to come out first. I know it is hard for you to face getting your wisdom teeth out. It is also presumptuous of me to tell you that a good oral surgeon can remove wisdom teeth quite painlessly. I had mine out as an adult. My children had their's out when they were eighteen and nineteen without incident. I know you were thinking that you had a few more months to prepare for the extractions both emotionally and financially and it is a shock to find that it has to be now, but it has to be done sometime. I wish you the best in coming to grips with the best thing for you in your quest to become pain free.
Jezebelle
12-01-2003, 05:09 PM
:dizzy:
yes its true.....it does suck to think you need them out sooner than expected
im 22 and i got mines out january of this year....i suffer from social anxiety disorder, agorophobia and depression OH JOY! hehehe so it was soooooooooooooooooooooooo scray for me to go get them out and im even more freaked out by the idea of jaw surgery but the truth is it wasnt as bad as i had imagined...i had all four out at the same time but he was a nice oral surgeon and was patient with me..i thought i was gunna barf all over him or pass out but nope i didnt...just take a lot of deep breaths and dont worry its not like your going to die taking you teeth out! :)
trust me in a few months youll forget all about it so get it over with quick like that your anxiety wont continue
goodluck
~jez~
yes its true.....it does suck to think you need them out sooner than expected
im 22 and i got mines out january of this year....i suffer from social anxiety disorder, agorophobia and depression OH JOY! hehehe so it was soooooooooooooooooooooooo scray for me to go get them out and im even more freaked out by the idea of jaw surgery but the truth is it wasnt as bad as i had imagined...i had all four out at the same time but he was a nice oral surgeon and was patient with me..i thought i was gunna barf all over him or pass out but nope i didnt...just take a lot of deep breaths and dont worry its not like your going to die taking you teeth out! :)
trust me in a few months youll forget all about it so get it over with quick like that your anxiety wont continue
goodluck
~jez~
TMJgirl
12-02-2003, 09:47 AM
Hi Guys:
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
Navy1990
12-02-2003, 11:12 AM
Hi Guys:
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
Hi TMJgirl,
Sometimes it's best to trust our women's intuition. Go with your heart and do what you feel is best for you. Sometimes I think doctor's like to rush in to things.
Take care of yourself!
Navy1990
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
Hi TMJgirl,
Sometimes it's best to trust our women's intuition. Go with your heart and do what you feel is best for you. Sometimes I think doctor's like to rush in to things.
Take care of yourself!
Navy1990
Al4
12-02-2003, 02:36 PM
TMJgirl,
I am so sorry about your little boy. Do not let the dentist take your wisdom teeth, which is an irreversible procedure, if he does not have convincing evidence that they are the problem. Even if you accept to go through with it, ask him to give you in writing the reasons, the evidence and the treatment expectations from teeth extractions. You are ultimately the only one who can protect yourself. They make their money and move on, whether you get worse or not. I know a lot about that, so in general I do not trust them either. As soon as something goes wrong with their treatment, they tend to lie/deny/shift blame/find excuses/modify records/ignore the patient to cover their back.
As for working out with weights, if you are not into body building, you can lessen the weights and improve your technique to try to isolate the specific muscles you want to work out without tensing the neck and jaw muscles too much. I work out/exercise almost everyday, and my physiotherapist showed me how to improve my technique with weights. Her advice was valuable since exercise more than anything helps me with the stress. Alex
I am so sorry about your little boy. Do not let the dentist take your wisdom teeth, which is an irreversible procedure, if he does not have convincing evidence that they are the problem. Even if you accept to go through with it, ask him to give you in writing the reasons, the evidence and the treatment expectations from teeth extractions. You are ultimately the only one who can protect yourself. They make their money and move on, whether you get worse or not. I know a lot about that, so in general I do not trust them either. As soon as something goes wrong with their treatment, they tend to lie/deny/shift blame/find excuses/modify records/ignore the patient to cover their back.
As for working out with weights, if you are not into body building, you can lessen the weights and improve your technique to try to isolate the specific muscles you want to work out without tensing the neck and jaw muscles too much. I work out/exercise almost everyday, and my physiotherapist showed me how to improve my technique with weights. Her advice was valuable since exercise more than anything helps me with the stress. Alex
Michele B
12-02-2003, 03:13 PM
Hello. I'm new to this board, but not new to the devastating pain of TMJ. (I hope I'm accessing this board correctly!) I'm so glad I found you all here. Looks like lots of people have TMJ. I've had it for 8 years now, (off and on) but the last 15 months I have not been able to work - I was on state disability for a year because of the pain. I'm going to quit writing now, cuz I want to make sure I'm accessing this board correctly. Will someone write me back and let me know if it worked. Then I can tell you my story! Thanks so much.
CherylLynn24
12-02-2003, 03:26 PM
Michele,
Welcome! It's working. Why don't you start a new topic telling your story?
Cheryl
Welcome! It's working. Why don't you start a new topic telling your story?
Cheryl
Michele B
12-02-2003, 04:01 PM
Hi Cheryl. It's Newbie, Michele B. I'm glad you got my post. I can't figure out how to write to you guys in here! Maybe I'm in the write spot now. I'll try & shorten my 8 year story with TMJ. Neck started hurting first on right side 8 years ago. Then a year later the jaw on right side started hurting. I thought they were two separate problems. I got a night guard 7 years ago. I've worn it off and on for 7 years. More off than on. This last 8 years I've had daily right-sided shoulder & neck, but the jaw would act up every now and then. My goal for 8 years has been concentrated on my neck pain rather than the jaw problem. So, now 15 months ago, my jaw (on right side) started hurting so bad, along with the neck and shoulder also. I have not been able to work for 15 months because of the daily constant jaw, neck and shoulder pain. Been to 30 docs just this past year alone. The first six months I was concentrating on my neck thinking the pain was coming from there. I've had TMJ, c-spine, brain MRIs, cat scans, facet joint injections in neck, epiduryls, radio frequency lesioning on my neck - they burned the little facet nerves in my neck. Pain is still an every day constant battle. All my tests come back normal of my neck at least. When no treatment was working on my neck, we moved along to the jaw. So, the last six months I've seen numerous dentists - they all have their own different treatment of TMJ. I don't know which way to go. The latest doc I've seen uses splint therapy. He says I have "micromalocclusion" which is very minimal considering the horrific pain I've endured for over a year. He wants $2700 for splint therapy and equilibration of my teeth after that. Whew. I was going to set the appt. today to make the splint, but after reading posts in here that splints have not helped some people or made their symptoms worse, I'm not sure now! Anyway, I'm an absolute disaster. The pain is unbearable.
Hope to hear from all my fellow TMJ sufferers soon.
Hope to hear from all my fellow TMJ sufferers soon.
Navy1990
12-02-2003, 04:51 PM
Hi Cheryl. It's Newbie, Michele B. I'm glad you got my post. I can't figure out how to write to you guys in here! Maybe I'm in the write spot now. I'll try & shorten my 8 year story with TMJ. Neck started hurting first on right side 8 years ago. Then a year later the jaw on right side started hurting. I thought they were two separate problems. I got a night guard 7 years ago. I've worn it off and on for 7 years. More off than on. This last 8 years I've had daily right-sided shoulder & neck, but the jaw would act up every now and then. My goal for 8 years has been concentrated on my neck pain rather than the jaw problem. So, now 15 months ago, my jaw (on right side) started hurting so bad, along with the neck and shoulder also. I have not been able to work for 15 months because of the daily constant jaw, neck and shoulder pain. Been to 30 docs just this past year alone. The first six months I was concentrating on my neck thinking the pain was coming from there. I've had TMJ, c-spine, brain MRIs, cat scans, facet joint injections in neck, epiduryls, radio frequency lesioning on my neck - they burned the little facet nerves in my neck. Pain is still an every day constant battle. All my tests come back normal of my neck at least. When no treatment was working on my neck, we moved along to the jaw. So, the last six months I've seen numerous dentists - they all have their own different treatment of TMJ. I don't know which way to go. The latest doc I've seen uses splint therapy. He says I have "micromalocclusion" which is very minimal considering the horrific pain I've endured for over a year. He wants $2700 for splint therapy and equilibration of my teeth after that. Whew. I was going to set the appt. today to make the splint, but after reading posts in here that splints have not helped some people or made their symptoms worse, I'm not sure now! Anyway, I'm an absolute disaster. The pain is unbearable.
Hope to hear from all my fellow TMJ sufferers soon.
Welcome Michelle,
Splint Therapy does work if it's done by someone that has a lot of experience. Too many dentists say they treat tmj ...get your money upfront and then bail when things don't go perfectly. I would make sure the person that I went to treats a lot of tmj and has been for many many years.
Navy1990
Hope to hear from all my fellow TMJ sufferers soon.
Welcome Michelle,
Splint Therapy does work if it's done by someone that has a lot of experience. Too many dentists say they treat tmj ...get your money upfront and then bail when things don't go perfectly. I would make sure the person that I went to treats a lot of tmj and has been for many many years.
Navy1990
Isobelj
12-02-2003, 11:51 PM
I'm so sorry about your loss also. I can understand the way you are feeling perfectly, it's not the same but I've had some bad experiences with vets treating my cat when she was a kitten, now she is healthy but this created in me a lasting distrust of medical profession. Yet also, I find I want to trust, to belive in a dr or dentist, I look for the good points in them and hope ... and then am doubly distressed if they let me down, that they prove trustworthy is so important. I think you may feel similarly, since this dentist has been able to hurt your feelings and make you feel betrayed recently. Bother him!
I am curious about why your wisdom teeth are problematic now after you have had them some years? Have dentists always said they will cause health issues, or is it only recently this has come up? I have all my wisdom teeth and no one has suggested removing them since my tmj diagnosis a few months ago, or that they are in the way.
Anyway, I think too that following your instincts is so vital, even if a treatment plan is right if you are not convinced it is and don't feel it is adequately explained or there is something iffy about it, you have every right to wait to act until you are happy with whatever course of action you are going to follow/take. Your being at peace is tremendously important and no dentist or dr has any right to try to railroad you or bully you.
Take care,
Isobel
Hi Guys:
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
I am curious about why your wisdom teeth are problematic now after you have had them some years? Have dentists always said they will cause health issues, or is it only recently this has come up? I have all my wisdom teeth and no one has suggested removing them since my tmj diagnosis a few months ago, or that they are in the way.
Anyway, I think too that following your instincts is so vital, even if a treatment plan is right if you are not convinced it is and don't feel it is adequately explained or there is something iffy about it, you have every right to wait to act until you are happy with whatever course of action you are going to follow/take. Your being at peace is tremendously important and no dentist or dr has any right to try to railroad you or bully you.
Take care,
Isobel
Hi Guys:
I appreciate your honesty with me about the wisdom teeth. If I may reveal a personal fear....19 years ago I lost a little boy from doctors screwing up. He died because of a misdiagnoses. I do not trust them now. Any of them! To me, when the plan or phase I was to last 6-9 months, that was set in stone mentally for me. I prepared myself for that. I have in fact gotten worse with the splint. In my mind, the dentist realizes this and is looking for something to blame for failure. The teeth do not hurt, he says they are just in the way, so why did he even start phase I without doing the operation 2 months ago! Thanks for the input.
GenDen
12-03-2003, 02:50 PM
TMJ Girl,
I am so sorry about your little boy. The pain of losing a child never goes away. We live in an imperfect world where mistakes are made. We all make mistakes and we all suffer the consequences of the mistakes of others. Doctors are no exception to the rule of making mistakes, but their mistakes can be very costly and the consequences sometimes tragic. I do hope you can find some emotional healing and begin to trust doctors again so that you can be pain free.
I am so sorry about your little boy. The pain of losing a child never goes away. We live in an imperfect world where mistakes are made. We all make mistakes and we all suffer the consequences of the mistakes of others. Doctors are no exception to the rule of making mistakes, but their mistakes can be very costly and the consequences sometimes tragic. I do hope you can find some emotional healing and begin to trust doctors again so that you can be pain free.