temera2
08-18-2008, 04:11 AM
I had written here last week - i got a bad earache flare up ( my one and REALLY painful symptom) .. anyways i woke up and although its not half as bad as it was last year it STILL HURTS REALLY bad, its not so much inside the ear.. more on the rims but still feels like inside the ear... some stabs feel inside and some dont.. my jaw is in constant ache!
A friend of mine saw me in a foul mood ( as i always am with tmj) and was like i have that pain but i just leave it, he was a guy and it made me think .. am i just not tough?? Is there anyway possible i can master this pain ??????( the earaches..) and just go on with life, without constantly holding it??? And flinching when it hurts..? i keep trying to everytime ..but i cant , i feel agiated and angry:mad:
Any suggestions..
I cant take this!!!:( LOVE you ALL
A friend of mine saw me in a foul mood ( as i always am with tmj) and was like i have that pain but i just leave it, he was a guy and it made me think .. am i just not tough?? Is there anyway possible i can master this pain ??????( the earaches..) and just go on with life, without constantly holding it??? And flinching when it hurts..? i keep trying to everytime ..but i cant , i feel agiated and angry:mad:
Any suggestions..
I cant take this!!!:( LOVE you ALL
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temera2
08-18-2008, 04:12 AM
Another question is when it does hurt, i start opening and closing my jaws listening to the clicks on the sore side.. should i do that or just let it hurt...? i cant help play with it as in some way in eases the pain :(
MissHeadache
08-18-2008, 04:58 AM
Hey Temera, I'm sorry that you're still struggling to cope. I know the despair that you feel, I was like that before my splint started working and I feel the same in the times I have flare ups. I don't have the earaches like you do so I can't imagine what you're going through in that respect, but I was told some things not to do while in splint therapy that might help you:
1. Don't take your splint out to see how your mouth works without it as this will undo all your improvements.
2. Don't constantly play with your jaw, open and close it, and don't click it as, again, this will overwork the already sore muscles and undo all the progress.
3. Do not take it out to eat as this is when your jaw works hardest and needs the most support.
4. Relaxataion is very important so try to find something that relaxes you. Something like massage, or a hot bath.
5. Excercise (this one is tough when you're in pain) keeps your body and mind strong so you can support yourself better physically and emotionally.
It seems to me from reading your posts that you need someone to talk to. If you can't get the support you need from your friends and family I would really try counselling, I think it will make the world of difference as a good frame of mind really helps physical symptoms of illness. The counsellor will be able to teach you strategies to deal with the things you are feeling and help you master your emotions, as well as giving you someone to vent your feelings to.
I read in some of your other posts that you are not happy with your dentist. Is there someone else you could see for a second opinion or switch to for treatment? Sometimes people need to try a few doctors before they find the right one for them. I know things are tough now but you will get through this. Good luck :-)
1. Don't take your splint out to see how your mouth works without it as this will undo all your improvements.
2. Don't constantly play with your jaw, open and close it, and don't click it as, again, this will overwork the already sore muscles and undo all the progress.
3. Do not take it out to eat as this is when your jaw works hardest and needs the most support.
4. Relaxataion is very important so try to find something that relaxes you. Something like massage, or a hot bath.
5. Excercise (this one is tough when you're in pain) keeps your body and mind strong so you can support yourself better physically and emotionally.
It seems to me from reading your posts that you need someone to talk to. If you can't get the support you need from your friends and family I would really try counselling, I think it will make the world of difference as a good frame of mind really helps physical symptoms of illness. The counsellor will be able to teach you strategies to deal with the things you are feeling and help you master your emotions, as well as giving you someone to vent your feelings to.
I read in some of your other posts that you are not happy with your dentist. Is there someone else you could see for a second opinion or switch to for treatment? Sometimes people need to try a few doctors before they find the right one for them. I know things are tough now but you will get through this. Good luck :-)
temera2
08-18-2008, 05:16 AM
Dearest MissHeadache,
Thanks for your quick response and helpful advice :) Thanks for your support.. have you never suffered earaches??????????????????????????
Im worrying as many people dont... do you get migraines?:confused: What were your main symptoms..? What symptom is bugging you currently?
i have faith that we can both overcome this obstacle *hugs... i am looking for counselling at this moment.. i have never gone to one and am quite nervous but i REALLY do need it!!
I will follow all the steps you wrote to me.. thanks so much ..
Thinking and praying for you.. i know you can do this!
Thanks for your quick response and helpful advice :) Thanks for your support.. have you never suffered earaches??????????????????????????
Im worrying as many people dont... do you get migraines?:confused: What were your main symptoms..? What symptom is bugging you currently?
i have faith that we can both overcome this obstacle *hugs... i am looking for counselling at this moment.. i have never gone to one and am quite nervous but i REALLY do need it!!
I will follow all the steps you wrote to me.. thanks so much ..
Thinking and praying for you.. i know you can do this!
drs
08-18-2008, 07:47 AM
Tamera, I have TMJ but not a bad bad case of it. Clicking when opening the jaw, sinus and ear problems. I'm not sure if the ear problems are due to sinus or connected somehow to my thyroid medication, as this is when I started having major problems with hearing and earaches. The whole roof of my mouth is at a slant, if I didn't point it out you probably wouldn't notice if looking at me, as I kind smile with one side of my mouth more than the other.
I've been to a chiropractor that does massage in the muscles of the area of pain. He does do my jaw and bones around the ear, seems to help. Maybe if you could find someone in your area that is a chiro. plus does tissue massages this would help your anxiety and help you relax. Some insurances cover a few visits a year to the chiro.
I've been to counseling in the past, for a different reason than yours but I just want to say, taking that first step is huge and scary, after I the first couple of visits I was actually looking forward to going. It definitely makes you think of something that is actually helping you rather than dwelling on the same ole issues that occur with daily living. It makes you feel good that your doing something to really improve your thinking. The brain controls the rest of the body. It will help you improve all kinds of different aspects of your life that you'd never even thought of before.
I'm glad I went. It was almost 20yrs ago now and I've never regretted doing it, not only for myself but for the people that are close to me and were affected because of who I thought I would always be until I learned differently.
I don't post on this board but look in once in a while because I do have TMJ but not a really bad case. I do get the ear problems though they come and go.
Diana
I've been to a chiropractor that does massage in the muscles of the area of pain. He does do my jaw and bones around the ear, seems to help. Maybe if you could find someone in your area that is a chiro. plus does tissue massages this would help your anxiety and help you relax. Some insurances cover a few visits a year to the chiro.
I've been to counseling in the past, for a different reason than yours but I just want to say, taking that first step is huge and scary, after I the first couple of visits I was actually looking forward to going. It definitely makes you think of something that is actually helping you rather than dwelling on the same ole issues that occur with daily living. It makes you feel good that your doing something to really improve your thinking. The brain controls the rest of the body. It will help you improve all kinds of different aspects of your life that you'd never even thought of before.
I'm glad I went. It was almost 20yrs ago now and I've never regretted doing it, not only for myself but for the people that are close to me and were affected because of who I thought I would always be until I learned differently.
I don't post on this board but look in once in a while because I do have TMJ but not a really bad case. I do get the ear problems though they come and go.
Diana
Thelma-Louise
08-18-2008, 02:34 PM
Really excellent advice from both MissHeadache and Drs - Temera. I know you are struggling as many do - I had 2 years with the rims of my ears in so much pain - they actually were beat red and puffy looking as well. I couldn't touch them or wear my glasses for reading - I couldn't let people hug me hello or goodbye - I couldn't let the rims touch or lean against a pillow and I was sensitive to all noise, tv, radio, etc - the list went on and on. I really don't know what exactly resolved this particular symptom b/c I have tried so many various therapies and treatments over the past few years but it did eventually just resolve itself and I am certain it will for you too.
I would definitely consider seeing another tmj dentist for his opinion - I have been to several over the years and have noticed that each one was able to help in some regards but then I would plateau and not see any further improvement - and the same would happen with the next and so on - but its one of the reasons I think I am where I am now which is 50% better than when this all started.
PS to Drs - The roof of my mouth is slanted as well - I never heard anyone here mention it before so I am glad you did - I kind of thought I was the only with this oddity as well. Its affecting my tongue movement and ability to swallow as well.
I would definitely consider seeing another tmj dentist for his opinion - I have been to several over the years and have noticed that each one was able to help in some regards but then I would plateau and not see any further improvement - and the same would happen with the next and so on - but its one of the reasons I think I am where I am now which is 50% better than when this all started.
PS to Drs - The roof of my mouth is slanted as well - I never heard anyone here mention it before so I am glad you did - I kind of thought I was the only with this oddity as well. Its affecting my tongue movement and ability to swallow as well.
drs
08-18-2008, 10:13 PM
Thelma, It was always in the back of my mind that dental work when I was younger didn't help the situation, had a partial on the top at the age of 18, I had large sized teeth the roots were very deep. I think it took so much to pull them that each time I went in it got worse. The slant and the TMJ. I do have an upper denture now. Thank goodness they put me under for cutting them out, instead of pulling on the jaw. I had a rough time of it fitting the plate, like I said, one side the bite is high and the other side it's low. There pretty good considering.
I have lots of noise sensitivity, not only is it from TMJ but also I think from thyroid meds and recently had lymes and took Cephtin (sp?) and Doxicycleen for infection. I've read that can cause ringing. But I already had this prior to the lymes.
I must say this. The cartilage on the outside of my ears is sensitive. I found the perfect pillow for it. It's called a buckwheat hull pillow. It's not very big, about half the size of a regular pillow. You can punch a hole where your ears hit the pillow and make a space by the jaw area, it doesn't move, the pillow stays formed. Took me a bit to get the hang of it, but now I go everywhere with that pillow. Even just long rides in the car. It's so nice not to get that cauliflower ear after sleeping.
I have lots of noise sensitivity, not only is it from TMJ but also I think from thyroid meds and recently had lymes and took Cephtin (sp?) and Doxicycleen for infection. I've read that can cause ringing. But I already had this prior to the lymes.
I must say this. The cartilage on the outside of my ears is sensitive. I found the perfect pillow for it. It's called a buckwheat hull pillow. It's not very big, about half the size of a regular pillow. You can punch a hole where your ears hit the pillow and make a space by the jaw area, it doesn't move, the pillow stays formed. Took me a bit to get the hang of it, but now I go everywhere with that pillow. Even just long rides in the car. It's so nice not to get that cauliflower ear after sleeping.
Thelma-Louise
08-19-2008, 12:23 AM
Thanks for the tip on the pillow - I will look into it. I have a cotton stuffed horseshoe shaped cervical pillow I can not sleep without as well but can not seem to find a replacement so have taken to making repairs to it - as it has seen better days. I have tried a few others but found them either too hard for my sensitive ears, head and neck or b/c they contained natural fillers - the smell from it would keep me up at night.
I have an extensive dental background too - a few childhood facial accidents that loosened and moved teeth - braces, chin augmentation surgery, anterior dental implants and fixed bridges and perio surgery - I am not sure which changed or caused the slant to the palate but think it was a combination of the perio surgery and then anterior replacement bridges since that is when I first started to notice the change.
What I find interesting is that before the tmj I used to sleep with no pillow - it just seemed to be in my way - but after I got new bridges I was finding it hard to sleep that low (when I mentioned this to the dentist though he seemed to dismiss it as nothing) and started adding pillows - i was upt to 4 when the tmj started and I also started to develop bouts of sleep apnea and snoring - now I only sleep with the small cervical pillow and toss the others to the floor.
I have an extensive dental background too - a few childhood facial accidents that loosened and moved teeth - braces, chin augmentation surgery, anterior dental implants and fixed bridges and perio surgery - I am not sure which changed or caused the slant to the palate but think it was a combination of the perio surgery and then anterior replacement bridges since that is when I first started to notice the change.
What I find interesting is that before the tmj I used to sleep with no pillow - it just seemed to be in my way - but after I got new bridges I was finding it hard to sleep that low (when I mentioned this to the dentist though he seemed to dismiss it as nothing) and started adding pillows - i was upt to 4 when the tmj started and I also started to develop bouts of sleep apnea and snoring - now I only sleep with the small cervical pillow and toss the others to the floor.
MissHeadache
08-19-2008, 04:23 AM
Dearest MissHeadache,
Thanks for your quick response and helpful advice :) Thanks for your support.. have you never suffered earaches??????????????????????????
Im worrying as many people dont... do you get migraines?:confused: What were your main symptoms..? What symptom is bugging you currently?
i have faith that we can both overcome this obstacle *hugs... i am looking for counselling at this moment.. i have never gone to one and am quite nervous but i REALLY do need it!!
I will follow all the steps you wrote to me.. thanks so much ..
Thinking and praying for you.. i know you can do this!
Temera, I don't get earaches. I have had the odd one or two in the past but not related to my TMJ. My main problem is constant daily headaches that in a way have the same effect as your earaches as they stop me from feeling like I can manage even the simplest things, let alone get out of the house and go to work for 8 hours. Luckily my splint seems to have lessened and the pain for now but I still live with the fear that I will flare up or relapse. I just try to forget about it if I can. For me, doing something that keeps my mind off how I feel really helps. You only get one life to live and I don't intend to let mine be ruled and ruined by this illness if I can help it.
Thanks for your quick response and helpful advice :) Thanks for your support.. have you never suffered earaches??????????????????????????
Im worrying as many people dont... do you get migraines?:confused: What were your main symptoms..? What symptom is bugging you currently?
i have faith that we can both overcome this obstacle *hugs... i am looking for counselling at this moment.. i have never gone to one and am quite nervous but i REALLY do need it!!
I will follow all the steps you wrote to me.. thanks so much ..
Thinking and praying for you.. i know you can do this!
Temera, I don't get earaches. I have had the odd one or two in the past but not related to my TMJ. My main problem is constant daily headaches that in a way have the same effect as your earaches as they stop me from feeling like I can manage even the simplest things, let alone get out of the house and go to work for 8 hours. Luckily my splint seems to have lessened and the pain for now but I still live with the fear that I will flare up or relapse. I just try to forget about it if I can. For me, doing something that keeps my mind off how I feel really helps. You only get one life to live and I don't intend to let mine be ruled and ruined by this illness if I can help it.
temera2
08-19-2008, 06:33 AM
Hey there everyone, thanks for your wonderful replies..
Missheadache.. are your headaches more occasional now? i am SO SO happy for you that you feel better.. thats weird hey how we both have completely different symptoms yet the same illness.You only get one life to live and I don't intend to let mine be ruled and ruined by this illness if I can help it- i LOVE that line.
I always wish i knew how my tmj began .. i never ever was in a accident.... i was a stress head though...i'm 20 at the moment and apparently this is the prime age to have it.. i haven't gone out properly since i got this illness as i don't feel like i can socialize no more..im sitting back watching life go without any control
Is it true that its best to sleep on your back? TL oh my goodness i am so glad your earaches went away....:)
All your advice was so helpful .. thanks Dr , TL and Missheadache.. Thank you...
Currently im feeling weezy :( i don't have the pain IN the ear but around it right in front of it...its excruciating..it feels like its inside the ear... i keep pretending its not there as i know if you stress it worsens it right? So i am pretending like its not there... i have been snapping at everyone though... after my bouts of pain my ears get really tired.. and red... i feel as though i am in hell.. like i am being tortured and people around me don't even know.
This is bad but almost every single person tells me the same thing eg. my family and everyone ask me how can i cope with what i have and that they don't even know how an earache feels like.. i am happy for them but at the same time would like to scream... why why me.. why did i have to get the thing which i just cant handle! I just cant handle it anymore. i cant.
Currently since the lat 4 days i have been getting constant bouts of earaches just in front of the ear.. it almost feels like its inside the ears...:( Last year was worse but this one is making me hurl... i cant take it..
Tl when i read your post that you're ears got better i began to cry in happiness.. i hope mine also get better.. i have lost motivation for everything...
I have been to chiro for 8 weeks now i had seen results but now i feel as though i wasted all my money on stupid splints , chiro , podiatry... i feel so low that i don't want to eat so that i become so frail i end up in hospital and then they will have no choice but to try fixing me as they will recognize the severity of my condition.. im trying to stop cradling my ears.. see how crazy i sound .. its embarrassing but i feel numb and cursed.. its in such spasm... :(
OWWWWW gosh! .. you guys are all i have and for that i am forever grateful...
Missheadache.. are your headaches more occasional now? i am SO SO happy for you that you feel better.. thats weird hey how we both have completely different symptoms yet the same illness.You only get one life to live and I don't intend to let mine be ruled and ruined by this illness if I can help it- i LOVE that line.
I always wish i knew how my tmj began .. i never ever was in a accident.... i was a stress head though...i'm 20 at the moment and apparently this is the prime age to have it.. i haven't gone out properly since i got this illness as i don't feel like i can socialize no more..im sitting back watching life go without any control
Is it true that its best to sleep on your back? TL oh my goodness i am so glad your earaches went away....:)
All your advice was so helpful .. thanks Dr , TL and Missheadache.. Thank you...
Currently im feeling weezy :( i don't have the pain IN the ear but around it right in front of it...its excruciating..it feels like its inside the ear... i keep pretending its not there as i know if you stress it worsens it right? So i am pretending like its not there... i have been snapping at everyone though... after my bouts of pain my ears get really tired.. and red... i feel as though i am in hell.. like i am being tortured and people around me don't even know.
This is bad but almost every single person tells me the same thing eg. my family and everyone ask me how can i cope with what i have and that they don't even know how an earache feels like.. i am happy for them but at the same time would like to scream... why why me.. why did i have to get the thing which i just cant handle! I just cant handle it anymore. i cant.
Currently since the lat 4 days i have been getting constant bouts of earaches just in front of the ear.. it almost feels like its inside the ears...:( Last year was worse but this one is making me hurl... i cant take it..
Tl when i read your post that you're ears got better i began to cry in happiness.. i hope mine also get better.. i have lost motivation for everything...
I have been to chiro for 8 weeks now i had seen results but now i feel as though i wasted all my money on stupid splints , chiro , podiatry... i feel so low that i don't want to eat so that i become so frail i end up in hospital and then they will have no choice but to try fixing me as they will recognize the severity of my condition.. im trying to stop cradling my ears.. see how crazy i sound .. its embarrassing but i feel numb and cursed.. its in such spasm... :(
OWWWWW gosh! .. you guys are all i have and for that i am forever grateful...
nynavey
08-19-2008, 10:23 AM
Missheadache, I wanted to say I have the same issues - headaches. I don't think I've realized just how much headache I've been having until I got this splint! But what you've described about living in fear of feeling bad is exactly what I can relate to. I tried to have an A plan and a B plan for every day in case I felt especially bad. Temera, I am early in my treatment, but I can see from others that this could be a back-and-forth long haul, so to speak, on your healing. If you feel your dentist isn't listening, address it with your dentist, and if they don't listen, find another one. You are the one who has to take charge of your care, and that can be especially hard if you are in such pain. I hope you find some relief very soon.