kikaida01
12-21-2004, 04:39 PM
Does anyone clench at night while they are sleeping when wearing a mouth splint? I seem to clench on anything that I wear in my mouth while I am sleeping which makes my muscles all tired in the morning when I wake up. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to stop clenching while wearing a mouth splint? If I don't wear a mouth splint I hardly clench and my muscles seem more relaxed in the morning.
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artbuggy3
12-21-2004, 10:42 PM
yep i clench every time i wear mine.....it makes my teeth so sore and my jaw ache i hardly every wear it anymore. My TMJ only comes up some times maybe one a month or something.....the splint helped in the beginning when i was going through a really bad spell but now it hardly ever bothers me.....
westin4
12-22-2004, 01:32 AM
kikaida.
I have that problem off and on. My dentist recently made me a soft, rubbery one to sleep in at night and it seems to have fixed that problem. It has worked so well, I just wear it all day now instead of the acrylic one.
Sometimes too....you can just need an adjustment because one of your teeth is just hitting to high.
Have you ever tried muscle relaxers at night? They are a godsend for me!
Good luck,
Karen
I have that problem off and on. My dentist recently made me a soft, rubbery one to sleep in at night and it seems to have fixed that problem. It has worked so well, I just wear it all day now instead of the acrylic one.
Sometimes too....you can just need an adjustment because one of your teeth is just hitting to high.
Have you ever tried muscle relaxers at night? They are a godsend for me!
Good luck,
Karen
Mr. Cumberpatch
12-22-2004, 04:31 PM
Kikaida,
Hold a pencil between your front teeth and try to clench, you can't, the temporalis muscles are taken out of the loop, therefore the masseter muscles are switched off.
This is what an NTI splint does. It is small, worn at night and immitates that pencil.
Give it a go mate.
Mr. Cumberpatch
Hold a pencil between your front teeth and try to clench, you can't, the temporalis muscles are taken out of the loop, therefore the masseter muscles are switched off.
This is what an NTI splint does. It is small, worn at night and immitates that pencil.
Give it a go mate.
Mr. Cumberpatch
littlegreek25
12-22-2004, 04:38 PM
This sounds like what I need. I tried the pencil idea and I see what you mean. I don't have dental insurance however, so I'm wondering if anyone knows how much an NTI might cost? Thanks for your help.
Amy
Amy
CherylLynn24
12-22-2004, 04:47 PM
My kid has tried 2 different versions of an NTI and unfortuantely, they didn't help him. The first one the dentist refused to charge us for and the second one cost us either $100 or $150, I can't remember which. The dentist had told me that they buy these things for next to nothing, so beware if anyone wants to change you and arm and a leg for one. Hope this helps!
littlegreek25
12-22-2004, 04:57 PM
CherylLynn,
Thank you for the info. I have read about people who have had six or even eight splints before they found one that worked for them. My dentist told me the TMJ exam alone would be $400, and that's not including the splint I'm sure. I will be paying out of pocket for one, so I wanted to make sure I don't waste money on one that won't help me, if possible. It's good to know that the NTI's aren't nearly as expensive as some of the splints though. I know two people who paid between $800-950 for the MORA splint. Thanks for your help and wish me luck. :)
Amy
Thank you for the info. I have read about people who have had six or even eight splints before they found one that worked for them. My dentist told me the TMJ exam alone would be $400, and that's not including the splint I'm sure. I will be paying out of pocket for one, so I wanted to make sure I don't waste money on one that won't help me, if possible. It's good to know that the NTI's aren't nearly as expensive as some of the splints though. I know two people who paid between $800-950 for the MORA splint. Thanks for your help and wish me luck. :)
Amy
CherylLynn24
12-22-2004, 05:03 PM
My kid's on splint #10 or 11 right now. He's finally beginning to see some improvement....finally. Unfortuately, it's hard to guess which ones will help and which won't. (And most do cost a fortune!)
Good luck to you and let us know how it goes. :)
Good luck to you and let us know how it goes. :)
westin4
12-22-2004, 05:58 PM
Cheryl,
Sounds familiar, I am splint 8 in the course of about 10 years. I had one dentist who charged me $1000 for an acrlyic splint and then 10 years later I got one and my dentist wrote the whole thing off. Tmj treatment can be a huge $$$ scam it seems. I am so glad your son is getting some relief. I remember your older posts about all his problems. He reminded me of myself in the severity of it.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Karen
Sounds familiar, I am splint 8 in the course of about 10 years. I had one dentist who charged me $1000 for an acrlyic splint and then 10 years later I got one and my dentist wrote the whole thing off. Tmj treatment can be a huge $$$ scam it seems. I am so glad your son is getting some relief. I remember your older posts about all his problems. He reminded me of myself in the severity of it.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Karen
CherylLynn24
12-22-2004, 09:17 PM
Karen,
Thank you for the kind words concerning my son. He's been at a constant '8' pain-wise for years and has recently come down to a constant '5' for the past several months. It leads me to believe that we're doing something right. It's been a rough road mentally and financially, as I'm sure you know. I feel very fortunate compared to most, as our insurance has helped out with some of the cost.
I do remember your older posts, as well. Your problems are muscular in origin, right? I can relate to how you feel, I was diagnosed with TMJD 11 years ago myself. Oddly enough, at times I feel somewhat blessed to have this awful disorder. Blessed in the sense that if I didn't.....maybe I truly wouldn't understand the pain my son was in and may dismiss it.
You're absolutely right that TMJ treatment can be a huge ca$h cow to some. I find this to be very unfortunate and bothersome. If you take your car to the mechanic to be repaired and he doesn't repair it properly.....you take it right back and he either fixes it correctly, or reimburses you. Not so with TMJ treatment.....I find something terribly wrong with that.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas filled with peace, happiness, and good health!
Thank you for the kind words concerning my son. He's been at a constant '8' pain-wise for years and has recently come down to a constant '5' for the past several months. It leads me to believe that we're doing something right. It's been a rough road mentally and financially, as I'm sure you know. I feel very fortunate compared to most, as our insurance has helped out with some of the cost.
I do remember your older posts, as well. Your problems are muscular in origin, right? I can relate to how you feel, I was diagnosed with TMJD 11 years ago myself. Oddly enough, at times I feel somewhat blessed to have this awful disorder. Blessed in the sense that if I didn't.....maybe I truly wouldn't understand the pain my son was in and may dismiss it.
You're absolutely right that TMJ treatment can be a huge ca$h cow to some. I find this to be very unfortunate and bothersome. If you take your car to the mechanic to be repaired and he doesn't repair it properly.....you take it right back and he either fixes it correctly, or reimburses you. Not so with TMJ treatment.....I find something terribly wrong with that.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas filled with peace, happiness, and good health!
westin4
12-22-2004, 11:56 PM
Cheryl,
I didn't know you had tmj yourself. I am sorry. I don't know how a child would deal with this. I am sure if effects him in ways we cannot understand.
Are you doing well with yours? Are you in a splint?
You remembered right, mine is muscular in nature and has just started to relent after this looooong painful year. I have had it for 14 years.......I had a 5 year "remission" and then it came back with a vegence after a crown on my back molar.
I have started in pain care, gotten on a new muscle relaxer and am in my 4th splint from this dentist.
I totally empathize with you for being thankful that you have experienced tmj yourself so you know what he is dealing with. These severe symptoms are impossible to describe, aren't they?
I wish you the same..........a WONDERFUL Christmas, and you and your son a pain free year ahead.
Karen
I didn't know you had tmj yourself. I am sorry. I don't know how a child would deal with this. I am sure if effects him in ways we cannot understand.
Are you doing well with yours? Are you in a splint?
You remembered right, mine is muscular in nature and has just started to relent after this looooong painful year. I have had it for 14 years.......I had a 5 year "remission" and then it came back with a vegence after a crown on my back molar.
I have started in pain care, gotten on a new muscle relaxer and am in my 4th splint from this dentist.
I totally empathize with you for being thankful that you have experienced tmj yourself so you know what he is dealing with. These severe symptoms are impossible to describe, aren't they?
I wish you the same..........a WONDERFUL Christmas, and you and your son a pain free year ahead.
Karen
CherylLynn24
12-23-2004, 02:01 AM
Karen,
I'm sorry to hear that after doing well for several years, your pain returned for you. Have you ever had anything done with this crown after it began giving you problems? (removal of the original crown....replacing it with a temp., possibly?) How are the new splint and muscle relaxer working for you?
I manage with mine. Some days it's 'liveable' and others, I wish my head would explode. When I was first diagnosed years ago, splint therapy wasn't even mentioned. I was given several drugs and put into physical therapy. It helped somewhat at the time. I find that the more active I am, the less it bothers me. Stress is a killer, which I'm sure you realize. I have to say, I'm quite reluctant to forego the splint therapy route. I've read about so many getting worse from splints or their bites being thrown off, that I'd rather just deal with things as they are. At least now, I can still wake up having some decent days here and there.
Speaking of splints, have you ever had a problem with any of yours? Fortunately for my kid's sake with as many as he's had, he hasn't had any in which made him any worse.
It was a very rough road for my son for quite some time. He would lay crying due to the pain. It was hard to watch, but I remained persistant and kept his head above the water, so to speak. I had him try about a zillion drugs and just nothing would take the edge off. He was even hospitalized and given morphine. That didn't work, either. Looking back now at what he's gone through, I have to say that I'm proud of him. Sure, he's gotten frustrated at times, but has never given up. He has learned to have patience and strength. I wish that I had 1/2 of what he's had!
You take care and I hope this new splint really does wonders for you!
I'm sorry to hear that after doing well for several years, your pain returned for you. Have you ever had anything done with this crown after it began giving you problems? (removal of the original crown....replacing it with a temp., possibly?) How are the new splint and muscle relaxer working for you?
I manage with mine. Some days it's 'liveable' and others, I wish my head would explode. When I was first diagnosed years ago, splint therapy wasn't even mentioned. I was given several drugs and put into physical therapy. It helped somewhat at the time. I find that the more active I am, the less it bothers me. Stress is a killer, which I'm sure you realize. I have to say, I'm quite reluctant to forego the splint therapy route. I've read about so many getting worse from splints or their bites being thrown off, that I'd rather just deal with things as they are. At least now, I can still wake up having some decent days here and there.
Speaking of splints, have you ever had a problem with any of yours? Fortunately for my kid's sake with as many as he's had, he hasn't had any in which made him any worse.
It was a very rough road for my son for quite some time. He would lay crying due to the pain. It was hard to watch, but I remained persistant and kept his head above the water, so to speak. I had him try about a zillion drugs and just nothing would take the edge off. He was even hospitalized and given morphine. That didn't work, either. Looking back now at what he's gone through, I have to say that I'm proud of him. Sure, he's gotten frustrated at times, but has never given up. He has learned to have patience and strength. I wish that I had 1/2 of what he's had!
You take care and I hope this new splint really does wonders for you!
westin4
12-23-2004, 11:29 AM
Cheryl,
I didn't have problems with the crown itself, it was the idiot dentist. See I hadn't really had any problems with my tmj for several years, I wore my splint dutifully and even ate with it and things had gotten really, really good. I had switched to this dentist because of insurance.......I told her before I had a crown put on I needed to take muslce relaxers because I have severe tmj. She looked at me so mean, and said I didn't have tmj ( even though she had always seen me in my splint ) I told her it was under control right then, but extended stretching would aggrevate it and I just couldn't handle getting back to how I was. She REFUSED in any way to help with meds beforehand and I needed the crown. Needless to say the very day she put it on...the whole thing stated over again. It has just been a nightmare. The crown fit great and all, it was from having my mouth stretched for 2 hours. Then after it came back, she still refused me meds. She flat out told me she didn't get in the business to hand out pills. Needless to say I left her practice. It took me quite some time to get in with the dentist I am in with now, but it sure was worth the wait.
I have had some problems with splints. I had an NTI at first and it caused my back bite to open. Then I was made a full splint and the dentist just couldn't ever get it adjusted like I needed it. My dentist now is wonderful. He has made me 3 splints and has been more than willing to make anything that he thinks I will need. He said it is very hard to correct that back open bite. He has me in a soft, rubbery splint right now and has cut out the area around my 4 front teeth. My back bite has already closed so much I cannot believe it. I also just started on Soma along with the Norco I take daily and the soma has really made a HUGE difference. I think now that I am in with this dentist, I have hope that it can be managed.
I am sorry for the ramble! :)
I am so glad your's is in a managed state. I know what you mean about the "bad" days. As long as the bad days aren't every day I guess we can make it.
What type of splint is your son in now? I know he has been in several and that is great he hasn't had a bunch of problems with them. Have you always been with the same dentist?
I admire him, I really do. I wouldn't wish this on a child, I would much rather take the burden myself. Do they know what caused his?
Take care and I hope your family has a wonderul Christmas.
Karen
I didn't have problems with the crown itself, it was the idiot dentist. See I hadn't really had any problems with my tmj for several years, I wore my splint dutifully and even ate with it and things had gotten really, really good. I had switched to this dentist because of insurance.......I told her before I had a crown put on I needed to take muslce relaxers because I have severe tmj. She looked at me so mean, and said I didn't have tmj ( even though she had always seen me in my splint ) I told her it was under control right then, but extended stretching would aggrevate it and I just couldn't handle getting back to how I was. She REFUSED in any way to help with meds beforehand and I needed the crown. Needless to say the very day she put it on...the whole thing stated over again. It has just been a nightmare. The crown fit great and all, it was from having my mouth stretched for 2 hours. Then after it came back, she still refused me meds. She flat out told me she didn't get in the business to hand out pills. Needless to say I left her practice. It took me quite some time to get in with the dentist I am in with now, but it sure was worth the wait.
I have had some problems with splints. I had an NTI at first and it caused my back bite to open. Then I was made a full splint and the dentist just couldn't ever get it adjusted like I needed it. My dentist now is wonderful. He has made me 3 splints and has been more than willing to make anything that he thinks I will need. He said it is very hard to correct that back open bite. He has me in a soft, rubbery splint right now and has cut out the area around my 4 front teeth. My back bite has already closed so much I cannot believe it. I also just started on Soma along with the Norco I take daily and the soma has really made a HUGE difference. I think now that I am in with this dentist, I have hope that it can be managed.
I am sorry for the ramble! :)
I am so glad your's is in a managed state. I know what you mean about the "bad" days. As long as the bad days aren't every day I guess we can make it.
What type of splint is your son in now? I know he has been in several and that is great he hasn't had a bunch of problems with them. Have you always been with the same dentist?
I admire him, I really do. I wouldn't wish this on a child, I would much rather take the burden myself. Do they know what caused his?
Take care and I hope your family has a wonderul Christmas.
Karen
CherylLynn24
12-25-2004, 03:53 AM
Karen,
It sure does sound like your dentist was an idiot. What would've been the harm in prescribing a few days worth of muscle relaxers?? I honestly don't think that 'some' dentists have a clue as to how bad this can be. I can remember going to the dentist about a year or so ago for a few fillings. My dentist is aware that I have TMJD and the fact that I can't open my mouth for too long. He was having trouble doing the fillings, so he insisted on using one of those spacer things to keep your mouth open. I insisted that we could just do one filling per visit, but noooooo.....had to get it all done at once. I saw him about a month later for a cleaning and he asked how I was following the visit. I told him that my head killed me and I ate soup for over 2 weeks. He felt terrible about it all. He's a nice man but just didn't get it. Hopefully, he now does with other patients with TMJD.
I'm glad to hear that you've found a great dentist. They sure are hard to come by. It's encouraging to hear that your bite is closing up, as my son's is the same right now and it is a concern to me. I seriously don't think he could eat without his splint.
My son's problems began 8 months after getting braces on his teeth. I'm not sure if you're familar with them, but the dentist put metal molar bands on a tooth on each side on the bottom to help hold 'things' on. A few days after doing so, the one side fell off. (They stuck up awfully high....much higher than his molars) I took him back to the dentist and he insisted that it could 'remain off' for now. This went on for 3 months straight. If he never had a clenching problem before, he did now. (The one side stuck up much higher than the other) Thereafter, I found out that the dentist was pulling all of his teeth in so much that he developed upper and lower palates that were somewhat 'buckled'. His head pain/tinnitus/other symptoms came on full-force one day shortly after all of that. Stupid me, I'm supposed to be watching out for him and I let all of this happen......trusting the dentist. I often feel at fault for all of his pain.
He's now in a repositioning splint and it's helped him quite a bit, as well as his other therapies. He hasn't seen the same dentist throughout this ordeal. I'd say that he's at least seen 50+ physicians/dentists. This man is a really kind, knowledgeable man. His pain relief has somewhat leveled off now. The dentist feels that we need to address the structural problem of his upper and lower palate soon with an ALF appliance. Apparently, these aren't like the old-school expanders, they move things very, very slowly. He's discussed his case with many of his colleagues and feels at this time, this problem (palate) is standing in his way of a complete recovery. I hope and pray he's right.
Never apologize for rambling, as you can see, I can as well!
Karen, you have a Merry Christmas. :)
Take Care,
Cheryl
It sure does sound like your dentist was an idiot. What would've been the harm in prescribing a few days worth of muscle relaxers?? I honestly don't think that 'some' dentists have a clue as to how bad this can be. I can remember going to the dentist about a year or so ago for a few fillings. My dentist is aware that I have TMJD and the fact that I can't open my mouth for too long. He was having trouble doing the fillings, so he insisted on using one of those spacer things to keep your mouth open. I insisted that we could just do one filling per visit, but noooooo.....had to get it all done at once. I saw him about a month later for a cleaning and he asked how I was following the visit. I told him that my head killed me and I ate soup for over 2 weeks. He felt terrible about it all. He's a nice man but just didn't get it. Hopefully, he now does with other patients with TMJD.
I'm glad to hear that you've found a great dentist. They sure are hard to come by. It's encouraging to hear that your bite is closing up, as my son's is the same right now and it is a concern to me. I seriously don't think he could eat without his splint.
My son's problems began 8 months after getting braces on his teeth. I'm not sure if you're familar with them, but the dentist put metal molar bands on a tooth on each side on the bottom to help hold 'things' on. A few days after doing so, the one side fell off. (They stuck up awfully high....much higher than his molars) I took him back to the dentist and he insisted that it could 'remain off' for now. This went on for 3 months straight. If he never had a clenching problem before, he did now. (The one side stuck up much higher than the other) Thereafter, I found out that the dentist was pulling all of his teeth in so much that he developed upper and lower palates that were somewhat 'buckled'. His head pain/tinnitus/other symptoms came on full-force one day shortly after all of that. Stupid me, I'm supposed to be watching out for him and I let all of this happen......trusting the dentist. I often feel at fault for all of his pain.
He's now in a repositioning splint and it's helped him quite a bit, as well as his other therapies. He hasn't seen the same dentist throughout this ordeal. I'd say that he's at least seen 50+ physicians/dentists. This man is a really kind, knowledgeable man. His pain relief has somewhat leveled off now. The dentist feels that we need to address the structural problem of his upper and lower palate soon with an ALF appliance. Apparently, these aren't like the old-school expanders, they move things very, very slowly. He's discussed his case with many of his colleagues and feels at this time, this problem (palate) is standing in his way of a complete recovery. I hope and pray he's right.
Never apologize for rambling, as you can see, I can as well!
Karen, you have a Merry Christmas. :)
Take Care,
Cheryl
westin4
12-25-2004, 10:49 PM
Merry Christmas Cheryl!
Wow, it is so good to be sitting in my recliner.......drinking coffee and the three of us just sitting here watching a Christmas movie. We ate Christmas dinner over at my sister's house and she has WILD, uncontrolled kids. Whew! :)
We have another celebration tomorrow yet. We had almost 2 feet of snow on Thursday so it changed alot of our plans.
My heart goes out to you Cheryl regarding what happened with your son's tmj. I know you feel the need to blame yourself, but you know, you just try and do your best and you know you did. The dentist seems to have been a little slacking in not knowing what he was doing to your son.
They, for the most part, are all idiots! The one I have now is a gem, but geez, what I had to go through to get to him was ridiculous.
I get so disgusted I just try and not think about all of this. I mean perhaps 6 little pills could have changed my life. Anyway, I have my meds now thankfully and thanks to the soma I just started on, I feel like a new person. I ate Christmas dinner today........it felt wonderful! Now I didn't eat the thick rolls or chomp on the hard peanut brittle, but I could eat some food instead of just mush.
Has your son had to take medication for this? I didn't know over what time period you were talking about. It seems like if it gets into years, that is when we end up having to live on meds to help with this. I hope your son didn't have to do this.
If you have been to 50+ "professional" for this, then you know how frustrating it is to do the dentist dance!!! Have you had alot of insurance fights during all of this? That has been a battle for me......first not having any in the beginning and then getting them to pay for things.
I hope you all totally enjoyed your Christmas Day!
Karen
Wow, it is so good to be sitting in my recliner.......drinking coffee and the three of us just sitting here watching a Christmas movie. We ate Christmas dinner over at my sister's house and she has WILD, uncontrolled kids. Whew! :)
We have another celebration tomorrow yet. We had almost 2 feet of snow on Thursday so it changed alot of our plans.
My heart goes out to you Cheryl regarding what happened with your son's tmj. I know you feel the need to blame yourself, but you know, you just try and do your best and you know you did. The dentist seems to have been a little slacking in not knowing what he was doing to your son.
They, for the most part, are all idiots! The one I have now is a gem, but geez, what I had to go through to get to him was ridiculous.
I get so disgusted I just try and not think about all of this. I mean perhaps 6 little pills could have changed my life. Anyway, I have my meds now thankfully and thanks to the soma I just started on, I feel like a new person. I ate Christmas dinner today........it felt wonderful! Now I didn't eat the thick rolls or chomp on the hard peanut brittle, but I could eat some food instead of just mush.
Has your son had to take medication for this? I didn't know over what time period you were talking about. It seems like if it gets into years, that is when we end up having to live on meds to help with this. I hope your son didn't have to do this.
If you have been to 50+ "professional" for this, then you know how frustrating it is to do the dentist dance!!! Have you had alot of insurance fights during all of this? That has been a battle for me......first not having any in the beginning and then getting them to pay for things.
I hope you all totally enjoyed your Christmas Day!
Karen
CherylLynn24
12-26-2004, 03:28 AM
Karen,
I'm pleased to hear that you were able to eat somewhat normal food today, and also the fact that you're feeling like a new person lately. That's such great news. It sounds like between your new splint and the Soma, things are really looking up for you! I'm happy for you.
You got snow too, huh? We got 21 inches on top of the 6 inches that was already out there on Thursday. I'm so sick of it already and it's only just begun. With the wind chill, I think it's below zero right now.
I'm like you, I get so disgusted thinking about some dentists that are still allowed to practice. Oh yes, I do know the 'dentist dance'. What irritates me the most is when we'd go on a consult. and it was clear to me that I knew more about this than the dentist.......bad sign. I've had many headaches at times dealing with our insurance. I am fairly persistent though and have gotten much of it taken care of. Just recently, I was fighting with the PT place/insurance that my son was going to over 2 years ago. I didn't give up and it is being paid for now. Can you believe 2 years ago?? It get ridiculous sometimes. Over a year ago, I had trouble with the hospital over tomograms. I refused to pay for them because they were taken in the 'lying down' position. What a waste! I finally had to have some dentists and oral surgeons that I knew contact the hospital and tell them that they were done incorrectly. The administration at the hospital still argued with me and I ended up having to supply them with information online as to how these were 'supposed' to be taken. Is that pathetic, or what?? In the end, they sucked up the cost.
My son has tried much in the way of medication. They started out with anti-inflammatories and moved on to muscle relaxants, various migraine medications, Valium, Xanax, Demerol, Morphine, etc. There are just too many to name. He also tried some older anti-depressants for their pain-reducing properties. Nothing helped, so he's pretty much had to deal with this on his own for the past several years. I assume that you've tried dozens of drugs, as well?
I laughed so hard at your statement that most dentists are idiots! Geez....isn't that the truth!
Isn't it nice to finally sit down and relax from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and no nothing? We did about the same as you. Coffee and movies today.......it was nice. :)
I hope that there are no wild and uncontrollable kids at your celebration tomorrow. (I know that!) You take care and stay warm!
Cheryl
I'm pleased to hear that you were able to eat somewhat normal food today, and also the fact that you're feeling like a new person lately. That's such great news. It sounds like between your new splint and the Soma, things are really looking up for you! I'm happy for you.
You got snow too, huh? We got 21 inches on top of the 6 inches that was already out there on Thursday. I'm so sick of it already and it's only just begun. With the wind chill, I think it's below zero right now.
I'm like you, I get so disgusted thinking about some dentists that are still allowed to practice. Oh yes, I do know the 'dentist dance'. What irritates me the most is when we'd go on a consult. and it was clear to me that I knew more about this than the dentist.......bad sign. I've had many headaches at times dealing with our insurance. I am fairly persistent though and have gotten much of it taken care of. Just recently, I was fighting with the PT place/insurance that my son was going to over 2 years ago. I didn't give up and it is being paid for now. Can you believe 2 years ago?? It get ridiculous sometimes. Over a year ago, I had trouble with the hospital over tomograms. I refused to pay for them because they were taken in the 'lying down' position. What a waste! I finally had to have some dentists and oral surgeons that I knew contact the hospital and tell them that they were done incorrectly. The administration at the hospital still argued with me and I ended up having to supply them with information online as to how these were 'supposed' to be taken. Is that pathetic, or what?? In the end, they sucked up the cost.
My son has tried much in the way of medication. They started out with anti-inflammatories and moved on to muscle relaxants, various migraine medications, Valium, Xanax, Demerol, Morphine, etc. There are just too many to name. He also tried some older anti-depressants for their pain-reducing properties. Nothing helped, so he's pretty much had to deal with this on his own for the past several years. I assume that you've tried dozens of drugs, as well?
I laughed so hard at your statement that most dentists are idiots! Geez....isn't that the truth!
Isn't it nice to finally sit down and relax from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and no nothing? We did about the same as you. Coffee and movies today.......it was nice. :)
I hope that there are no wild and uncontrollable kids at your celebration tomorrow. (I know that!) You take care and stay warm!
Cheryl
westin4
12-26-2004, 12:10 PM
Good morning Cheryl,
Oh my, I woke up about 4am clenching and grinding and I could hardly move my neck. I guess it was from family tension! :) We were only with my family for 2 hours yesterday, but that can seem like an eternity! My family is just not supportive at all with all I have been through...........it is a very long story, but it has just hurt me and it causes me alot of stress. It was just SO good to come home. My husband and son are incredibly supportive. I don't know what I would do without them.
You know, the kids yesterday, ( and I know it was Christmas and all ) but they are the kind that never, ever get diciplined, they yell and scream and jump on furniture....spill all their food.......turn over drinks......and I just can't take noise and commotion like that with all the pain I live in. NOBODY gets that and nobody cares. They all tell me I just like to make a big deal over things and that I like the attention.......Oh, there is so much frustration there......I better change the subject!
How did your son enjoy his Christmas? Now, is he an only child? I cannot remember. When I first joined this board I remember going back and reading all of your posts about his condition because it sounded very severe like mine and it really touched me that a child would be dealing with this. I was older in my mid 20's when mine started, but I had no support. I was recently divorced and on my own with no insurance and I don't know, your story really touched my heart.
I am glad I didn't offend you calling dentists idiots! :) But, they really are! I just don't get it. My dentist now told me this just at our last visit. ( he actually has me come in just to talk and see how I am doing )....he said that they are flat out told in dental school that if tmj isn't fixed in a visit or two that the patient is probably making things up for either meds or for some other reason that is not dental related! I was floored! I don't know how he got to be such a caring soul....he is younger, probably early 30's, so it is not like he has 20 years experience with patients, but he is a god-send.
Usually I take the tree down the day after.....I am just such a neat freak. This year, I am going to let it up and take things nice and slow. I have had a very hard year and the tree is not bothering me. I am just glad I am imporved and could enjoy yesterday.
Hey, thanks for your ear Cheryl. It helps so much to have a good friend who knows what this is all about. All of my "real" friends ( and you are real ) have given up on me. Most don't even call because they don't understand that I just cannot talk on the phone for more than a minute or two. Thanks again.
Karen
by the way, is it warmer for you today? we are getting up to 30! time for this snow to melt!
Oh my, I woke up about 4am clenching and grinding and I could hardly move my neck. I guess it was from family tension! :) We were only with my family for 2 hours yesterday, but that can seem like an eternity! My family is just not supportive at all with all I have been through...........it is a very long story, but it has just hurt me and it causes me alot of stress. It was just SO good to come home. My husband and son are incredibly supportive. I don't know what I would do without them.
You know, the kids yesterday, ( and I know it was Christmas and all ) but they are the kind that never, ever get diciplined, they yell and scream and jump on furniture....spill all their food.......turn over drinks......and I just can't take noise and commotion like that with all the pain I live in. NOBODY gets that and nobody cares. They all tell me I just like to make a big deal over things and that I like the attention.......Oh, there is so much frustration there......I better change the subject!
How did your son enjoy his Christmas? Now, is he an only child? I cannot remember. When I first joined this board I remember going back and reading all of your posts about his condition because it sounded very severe like mine and it really touched me that a child would be dealing with this. I was older in my mid 20's when mine started, but I had no support. I was recently divorced and on my own with no insurance and I don't know, your story really touched my heart.
I am glad I didn't offend you calling dentists idiots! :) But, they really are! I just don't get it. My dentist now told me this just at our last visit. ( he actually has me come in just to talk and see how I am doing )....he said that they are flat out told in dental school that if tmj isn't fixed in a visit or two that the patient is probably making things up for either meds or for some other reason that is not dental related! I was floored! I don't know how he got to be such a caring soul....he is younger, probably early 30's, so it is not like he has 20 years experience with patients, but he is a god-send.
Usually I take the tree down the day after.....I am just such a neat freak. This year, I am going to let it up and take things nice and slow. I have had a very hard year and the tree is not bothering me. I am just glad I am imporved and could enjoy yesterday.
Hey, thanks for your ear Cheryl. It helps so much to have a good friend who knows what this is all about. All of my "real" friends ( and you are real ) have given up on me. Most don't even call because they don't understand that I just cannot talk on the phone for more than a minute or two. Thanks again.
Karen
by the way, is it warmer for you today? we are getting up to 30! time for this snow to melt!
CherylLynn24
12-27-2004, 03:59 AM
Karen,
I laughed so hard reading your post, not at you, but with you. I can totally relate to the 'kids in the family' not being disciplined thing. We have a busload full in our family and they're the same way. The parents just let them run around like maniacs constantly without telling them to behave. They're like animals, to put it mildy. I grow so tired of hearing the 'you're going to get a time out' phrase.......with nothing ever coming of it. A few years back, they were all visiting here and were harrassing the dog. When I say 'harrassing' the dog, I mean in the sense of being cruel. They kept chasing the poor thing around poking at it's eyes! I sat there watching this (Seething inside) while listening to their mother say.......'we don't do that'......over and over. I finally had to open up my mouth and tell her to either get her kids away from the dog, or leave. Guess what??? They don't come around that much, anymore. :) I've always taught my own kid that when we're out or have company, to behave. I have a hard time understanding why others don't do the same. I'll stop there.....you mentioning this struck a nerve! :)
I'm sorry to hear that you woke up so early not feeling well and clenching. It's likely all the holiday stress with family. I'm sure in a few days, you'll be back to feeling better.
I'm sorry that your family hasn't been very supportive of you throughout this, but can relate to how you feel. Over 10 years ago, mine wasn't either. At times, they made me feel like I was acting like a baby about it all. When my Son came down with his problems, they still didn't understand.....at first. (They thought that his problems were only a nuisance) I finally made them all 'aware' of what he deals with daily. It was a real eye-opener for them. Now, it seems, they understand when I say that I have an awful headache and need to lie down. As for him, they've all grown very overprotective of him and how he feels, in a sense.
I'm glad to hear that your husband and son do understand how you feel. Those are who REALLY matter, the ones that live with you. Try not to let anyone get to you that doesn't understand. I know....easier said than done.....but try. You're very fortunate to have those close to you understand and care. I am, as well. Yes, my son is an only child, although, I can't say that having another would be so bad.....;) About how old is your son? I do realize that we're on a public board. (Elementary school, middle, high?) It sounds like you have a very good family surrounding you.
My son enjoyed Christmas. Did yours? It seems they all do, getting gifts and all!
Aw....Don't worry about that tree! This is the time to try and relax. Mine's staying up until New Years! I'm a neat freak with my house too, but don't care about the tree, yet. My kid laughs at how I have to have everything cleaned up around here all of the time. I just wouldn't want anyone to drop by unannounced and see the house a mess. :rolleyes:
Wow....dentists are told in school that if patients aren't 'fixed' in a visit or two that they're likely making things up??? I could add to that, but better save that for another time. I've vented enough! Thanks for listening to me too, Karen. You're a very nice person. I hope you wake up tomorrow feeling on top of the world. Don't worry.......the holidays are almost over! :)
I'll talk to you soon.
Take Care,
Cheryl
PS...It sounds like you're in the tropics there....30?? We're still in the 20's.
I laughed so hard reading your post, not at you, but with you. I can totally relate to the 'kids in the family' not being disciplined thing. We have a busload full in our family and they're the same way. The parents just let them run around like maniacs constantly without telling them to behave. They're like animals, to put it mildy. I grow so tired of hearing the 'you're going to get a time out' phrase.......with nothing ever coming of it. A few years back, they were all visiting here and were harrassing the dog. When I say 'harrassing' the dog, I mean in the sense of being cruel. They kept chasing the poor thing around poking at it's eyes! I sat there watching this (Seething inside) while listening to their mother say.......'we don't do that'......over and over. I finally had to open up my mouth and tell her to either get her kids away from the dog, or leave. Guess what??? They don't come around that much, anymore. :) I've always taught my own kid that when we're out or have company, to behave. I have a hard time understanding why others don't do the same. I'll stop there.....you mentioning this struck a nerve! :)
I'm sorry to hear that you woke up so early not feeling well and clenching. It's likely all the holiday stress with family. I'm sure in a few days, you'll be back to feeling better.
I'm sorry that your family hasn't been very supportive of you throughout this, but can relate to how you feel. Over 10 years ago, mine wasn't either. At times, they made me feel like I was acting like a baby about it all. When my Son came down with his problems, they still didn't understand.....at first. (They thought that his problems were only a nuisance) I finally made them all 'aware' of what he deals with daily. It was a real eye-opener for them. Now, it seems, they understand when I say that I have an awful headache and need to lie down. As for him, they've all grown very overprotective of him and how he feels, in a sense.
I'm glad to hear that your husband and son do understand how you feel. Those are who REALLY matter, the ones that live with you. Try not to let anyone get to you that doesn't understand. I know....easier said than done.....but try. You're very fortunate to have those close to you understand and care. I am, as well. Yes, my son is an only child, although, I can't say that having another would be so bad.....;) About how old is your son? I do realize that we're on a public board. (Elementary school, middle, high?) It sounds like you have a very good family surrounding you.
My son enjoyed Christmas. Did yours? It seems they all do, getting gifts and all!
Aw....Don't worry about that tree! This is the time to try and relax. Mine's staying up until New Years! I'm a neat freak with my house too, but don't care about the tree, yet. My kid laughs at how I have to have everything cleaned up around here all of the time. I just wouldn't want anyone to drop by unannounced and see the house a mess. :rolleyes:
Wow....dentists are told in school that if patients aren't 'fixed' in a visit or two that they're likely making things up??? I could add to that, but better save that for another time. I've vented enough! Thanks for listening to me too, Karen. You're a very nice person. I hope you wake up tomorrow feeling on top of the world. Don't worry.......the holidays are almost over! :)
I'll talk to you soon.
Take Care,
Cheryl
PS...It sounds like you're in the tropics there....30?? We're still in the 20's.
westin4
12-27-2004, 12:06 PM
Oh..Oh....ohohohoh...Cheryl.........Oh! Let me tell you ( since you have it too )......those kids are the WORST kids I have ever met in my life!!!! If you try and go out to eat with them the whole entire place ends up looking at our table because we look like donkeys ( for lack of the right word ) sitting there in public while their kids run around the tables....hop up and down....spilling their drinks......talking to people who are trying to eat........screaming out they have to poop!!!!! You just wanna die! My sister will sit there in her " I am so perfect" attitude, that I just want to slap her! We have had many arguments over this but her and her husband are so stupidly blind to it all. I have tried to talk to my parents about it, and while they will say that the kids need some discipline, they won't say how bad it is. Of course they are blind to problems also. The whole thing is really so frustrating. Oh, here is another thing.......( these kids are a 6 year old girl and 4 year old, twin boys ) .....the 6 year old CONSTANTLY makes up lies that my son hits her........kicks her.........shoves her.......CONSTANTLY and the parents will believe her!! Now, granted, he dislikes them alot, but he was raised completely different. He is very mild mannered, he is homeschooled and being homeschooled combined with being an only child.......he is just very calm and has alot of self control. He has never been a loud, routy kid. He would never hurt one of them. I am not saying he doesn't act unkind to them with his mouth, but the way she lies about him drive my husband and I crazy. Like on Christmas he was sitting in a chair playing his gameboy when she told one of these lies and they aren't smart enough to realize she is just a trouble maker and he wasn't even upstairs where he supposedly hit her! Oh, I am sorry I got started on this.........I don't have anyone to vent to about this!
My son is 11 by the way, so I think we are past having another one. I could have never handled two with all the problems I have had and I feel bad for my son sometimes that he is an only child.
It has been very hard this year doing the homeschooling with as bad as my tmj has been. I have never regretted doing it, but this year has been a huge effort on my part. Before I got into long term care for this pain I deal with I know my fuse was short.
My son did have a wonderful Christmas and I am so glad that yours did as well. He really deserves one having to live with this. I bet it has effected his friendships and all the extras he can do? How old is he ?? I was thinking it was 12.
I am feeling much better today. I have soma coumpound......soma+aspirin+codeine that I can take with Norco on my really bad days. Usually I take just plain soma with the Norco. My dr had written for me to take 2 of the soma compounds at a time if I was really bad, so last night I did. WOW, you talk about a punch. I was out cold and the pain relief was incredible. It is not a med I could take daily because it is quite powerful mixed with the Norco, but for a horrible night like I was having it was wonderful. It is so frustrating to think there are meds out there like this that are very potent that can help people with severe muscle pain and spasms and that nobody will prescribe it.
Oh Cheryl. I have ranted on long enough.............I will continue later.........sorry...
What meds are you taking?
Karen :)
My son is 11 by the way, so I think we are past having another one. I could have never handled two with all the problems I have had and I feel bad for my son sometimes that he is an only child.
It has been very hard this year doing the homeschooling with as bad as my tmj has been. I have never regretted doing it, but this year has been a huge effort on my part. Before I got into long term care for this pain I deal with I know my fuse was short.
My son did have a wonderful Christmas and I am so glad that yours did as well. He really deserves one having to live with this. I bet it has effected his friendships and all the extras he can do? How old is he ?? I was thinking it was 12.
I am feeling much better today. I have soma coumpound......soma+aspirin+codeine that I can take with Norco on my really bad days. Usually I take just plain soma with the Norco. My dr had written for me to take 2 of the soma compounds at a time if I was really bad, so last night I did. WOW, you talk about a punch. I was out cold and the pain relief was incredible. It is not a med I could take daily because it is quite powerful mixed with the Norco, but for a horrible night like I was having it was wonderful. It is so frustrating to think there are meds out there like this that are very potent that can help people with severe muscle pain and spasms and that nobody will prescribe it.
Oh Cheryl. I have ranted on long enough.............I will continue later.........sorry...
What meds are you taking?
Karen :)
CherylLynn24
12-29-2004, 01:01 AM
Karen,
I didn't forget about you. :) I'll get back to you tomorrow.....I'm getting over the flu, here. :eek:
Hope you're feeling better.
Cheryl
I didn't forget about you. :) I'll get back to you tomorrow.....I'm getting over the flu, here. :eek:
Hope you're feeling better.
Cheryl
westin4
12-29-2004, 01:10 AM
Hey girl, I am so sorry you had the flu...yuck! I hope you are on your way to getting better.......post when you're up to it.
Karen :)
Karen :)