Jerry1985
08-18-2008, 08:53 AM
Since approximately april of 2002 I've had the same constant symptoms where the left side of my head/forehead and neck, as well as along the left side of my back to an extent, has felt constantly tight which has affected both my perception (because of the tightness around the left side of the head) and also my concentration.
So, since 2002 I've tried hayfever medication, accupuncture, nasal and brain mri scans, spine ct scans, chiropracter, physio, muscle relaxants, eye ear and nose specialists, a neurologist as well as an ultra sound of my neck and of the carotid artery and nothing has been able to determine what the cause of my very frustrating health problem is.
Recently I had a stress echo cardiogram, which showed the heart was fine, but the doctor there thought my jaw could potentially be responsible for my symptoms so my G.P. prescribed diazepam to take for a week (if it was a case of bruxism caused by stress) yet aside from making me sleepy the diazepam didn't do anything to relieve the symptoms.
After that, my G.P. suggested I see my dentist so they could tell me whether the structure of my jaw was responsible for my symptoms and I did that, and the dentist agreed there could be something to this theory and has referred me on to see a proper 'jaw specialist' for the 27th of August (which will be bloody expensive).
Since the dental appointment I have become more conscious of the fact that my teeth/jaw feels misalligned in that when I shut my jaw I feel that there is a certain amount of pressure upon the left side of the jaw caused by the way the teeth close together. and when I stretch open my mouth my G.P. said my jaw did not seem to be normally composed on the left side.
So, could I possibly, after six years of frustrating schlepping, be upon the precipice of finally resolving my health problem? Will this require some sort of surgery to correct to resolve my symptoms?
I feel cautiously optimistic but don't want to get my hopes up too much because over the last six years I've gotten my hopes up countless times only to be expertly quashed when something didn't work (ie: such as when I spent seven months at a chiropracter where I just ended up wasting more than $1000!).
Thank you.
So, since 2002 I've tried hayfever medication, accupuncture, nasal and brain mri scans, spine ct scans, chiropracter, physio, muscle relaxants, eye ear and nose specialists, a neurologist as well as an ultra sound of my neck and of the carotid artery and nothing has been able to determine what the cause of my very frustrating health problem is.
Recently I had a stress echo cardiogram, which showed the heart was fine, but the doctor there thought my jaw could potentially be responsible for my symptoms so my G.P. prescribed diazepam to take for a week (if it was a case of bruxism caused by stress) yet aside from making me sleepy the diazepam didn't do anything to relieve the symptoms.
After that, my G.P. suggested I see my dentist so they could tell me whether the structure of my jaw was responsible for my symptoms and I did that, and the dentist agreed there could be something to this theory and has referred me on to see a proper 'jaw specialist' for the 27th of August (which will be bloody expensive).
Since the dental appointment I have become more conscious of the fact that my teeth/jaw feels misalligned in that when I shut my jaw I feel that there is a certain amount of pressure upon the left side of the jaw caused by the way the teeth close together. and when I stretch open my mouth my G.P. said my jaw did not seem to be normally composed on the left side.
So, could I possibly, after six years of frustrating schlepping, be upon the precipice of finally resolving my health problem? Will this require some sort of surgery to correct to resolve my symptoms?
I feel cautiously optimistic but don't want to get my hopes up too much because over the last six years I've gotten my hopes up countless times only to be expertly quashed when something didn't work (ie: such as when I spent seven months at a chiropracter where I just ended up wasting more than $1000!).
Thank you.
Sponsor
wakkochic17
08-18-2008, 11:55 AM
It's called TMJ and it absolutely can be the cause. There could also be an underlying problem with the joint itself / bone structure. Hard to say what the course of action would be, but surgery would be the last option. I have it myself, but have not had any treatment for it (it doesn't bother me to the extent you are having with it). My dentist told me I had it a few years ago when he did an evaluation of my jaw.
Jerry1985
08-18-2008, 10:42 PM
It's called TMJ and it absolutely can be the cause. There could also be an underlying problem with the joint itself / bone structure. Hard to say what the course of action would be, but surgery would be the last option. I have it myself, but have not had any treatment for it (it doesn't bother me to the extent you are having with it). My dentist told me I had it a few years ago when he did an evaluation of my jaw.
Considering the severity of my symptoms (which has considerably affected me physically and mentally), if this is what is causing it, I should think that surgery will be necessary.
Considering the severity of my symptoms (which has considerably affected me physically and mentally), if this is what is causing it, I should think that surgery will be necessary.
AuntieLeela
08-18-2008, 11:32 PM
Probably lots of dental work, possibly a night guard to prevent bruxism.
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
Jerry1985
08-19-2008, 04:15 AM
So, the "jaw specialist" will have a variety of options to choose from in addressing this issue yet hopefully whatever is deemed the best path will resolve my symptoms (the tightness along the left side of my head, and to an extent along the left side of my back, which has adversely affected my perception and concentration) as the symptoms have had a constant negative impact over the last 6 years.
judych
08-19-2008, 08:14 AM
Probably lots of dental work, possibly a night guard to prevent bruxism.
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
I have a problem with the jaw popping consantly. Now I find that Ive got an aching ear...or it seems like its the ear...and it goes down into the neck area, where the glands are directly underneath the ear. Not nice
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
I have a problem with the jaw popping consantly. Now I find that Ive got an aching ear...or it seems like its the ear...and it goes down into the neck area, where the glands are directly underneath the ear. Not nice
wakkochic17
08-19-2008, 05:45 PM
So, the "jaw specialist" will have a variety of options to choose from in addressing this issue yet hopefully whatever is deemed the best path will resolve my symptoms (the tightness along the left side of my head, and to an extent along the left side of my back, which has adversely affected my perception and concentration) as the symptoms have had a constant negative impact over the last 6 years.
unfortunately when it comes to the face/jaw/neck, things are all connected and something minor can cause the WORST discomfort. Sometimes surgery isn't a quick fix, which is why it will be the last option. They will want to do an X-ray probably to see if there are any physical problems with the joint and bones. Also, they may try night guards to force your jaw into alignment, maybe muscle relaxers to release the tension in the jaw muscle. There are many options that could work, but no one can say for sure until they look at your jaw structure which method will be best. good luck, I hope they figure it out for you!
unfortunately when it comes to the face/jaw/neck, things are all connected and something minor can cause the WORST discomfort. Sometimes surgery isn't a quick fix, which is why it will be the last option. They will want to do an X-ray probably to see if there are any physical problems with the joint and bones. Also, they may try night guards to force your jaw into alignment, maybe muscle relaxers to release the tension in the jaw muscle. There are many options that could work, but no one can say for sure until they look at your jaw structure which method will be best. good luck, I hope they figure it out for you!
Jerry1985
08-20-2008, 01:36 AM
When my G.P first suggested the jaw potentially causing the symptoms she prescribed the muscle relaxant diazepam to take for more than a week (in 2007 a neurologist had prescribed me the endep 10 muscle relaxant for 8 weeks and that didn't do anything) and, just like the endep 10, the diazepam did nothing but make me feel sleepy before bed.
Considering the length and severity of my problem I can't imagine an alternative to surgery or some sort of procedure to "clean up" the structure of the jaw which is causing the symptoms.
Considering the length and severity of my problem I can't imagine an alternative to surgery or some sort of procedure to "clean up" the structure of the jaw which is causing the symptoms.
Jerry1985
08-23-2008, 08:57 AM
Originally I was meant to see the jaw specialist August 13th but the day before my appointment I got a phone call saying he had been injured in a chainsaw accident (jeesh!) and the appointment was postponed to August 27th.
I recently rang up to confirm the appointment on the 27th and she said that the specialist was only just getting out of hospital so was unsure whether he would be ready for the 27th, so this is all very frustrating....
Anyway, considering the length and severity of my symptoms (ie: constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead and to a certain extent along the left side of my back which has negatively affected my perception and concentration) and considering that previous muscle relaxants have done nothing for me I assume some sort of procedure will have to be conducted? Whether it is to "clean up" the cause of the problem or to do a more intense operation?
I can't see a special mouth guard resolving this...
Thoughts?
I recently rang up to confirm the appointment on the 27th and she said that the specialist was only just getting out of hospital so was unsure whether he would be ready for the 27th, so this is all very frustrating....
Anyway, considering the length and severity of my symptoms (ie: constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead and to a certain extent along the left side of my back which has negatively affected my perception and concentration) and considering that previous muscle relaxants have done nothing for me I assume some sort of procedure will have to be conducted? Whether it is to "clean up" the cause of the problem or to do a more intense operation?
I can't see a special mouth guard resolving this...
Thoughts?
wakkochic17
08-28-2008, 10:18 PM
Hey Jerry.. did you get to see the doctor yet or did they push it back further? hope you get some answers soon.
Jerry1985
08-29-2008, 02:48 AM
Hey Jerry.. did you get to see the doctor yet or did they push it back further? hope you get some answers soon.
Unfortunately, the 'jaw specialist' was only recently released from hospital (he accidentally hurt his leg with a chainsaw) so my appointment has been once again postponed, this time for September 17th!
I was told that if there are any cancellations before then that I could potentially get in earlier though I will deffinitely see the specialist on September 17th.
I'm basically pinning everything on this 'jaw specialist' being able to locate the cause of the problem (as the 'process of elimination' over the last 6 years has essentially ruled everything else out) so that this horrendous 6 year health problem can finally be resolved.
Thanks for your continued interest.
Unfortunately, the 'jaw specialist' was only recently released from hospital (he accidentally hurt his leg with a chainsaw) so my appointment has been once again postponed, this time for September 17th!
I was told that if there are any cancellations before then that I could potentially get in earlier though I will deffinitely see the specialist on September 17th.
I'm basically pinning everything on this 'jaw specialist' being able to locate the cause of the problem (as the 'process of elimination' over the last 6 years has essentially ruled everything else out) so that this horrendous 6 year health problem can finally be resolved.
Thanks for your continued interest.
judych
08-31-2008, 07:27 AM
Since approximately april of 2002 I've had the same constant symptoms where the left side of my head/forehead and neck, as well as along the left side of my back to an extent, has felt constantly tight which has affected both my perception (because of the tightness around the left side of the head) and also my concentration.
So, since 2002 I've tried hayfever medication, accupuncture, nasal and brain mri scans, spine ct scans, chiropracter, physio, muscle relaxants, eye ear and nose specialists, a neurologist as well as an ultra sound of my neck and of the carotid artery and nothing has been able to determine what the cause of my very frustrating health problem is.
Recently I had a stress echo cardiogram, which showed the heart was fine, but the doctor there thought my jaw could potentially be responsible for my symptoms so my G.P. prescribed diazepam to take for a week (if it was a case of bruxism caused by stress) yet aside from making me sleepy the diazepam didn't do anything to relieve the symptoms.
After that, my G.P. suggested I see my dentist so they could tell me whether the structure of my jaw was responsible for my symptoms and I did that, and the dentist agreed there could be something to this theory and has referred me on to see a proper 'jaw specialist' for the 27th of August (which will be bloody expensive).
Since the dental appointment I have become more conscious of the fact that my teeth/jaw feels misalligned in that when I shut my jaw I feel that there is a certain amount of pressure upon the left side of the jaw caused by the way the teeth close together. and when I stretch open my mouth my G.P. said my jaw did not seem to be normally composed on the left side.
So, could I possibly, after six years of frustrating schlepping, be upon the precipice of finally resolving my health problem? Will this require some sort of surgery to correct to resolve my symptoms?
I feel cautiously optimistic but don't want to get my hopes up too much because over the last six years I've gotten my hopes up countless times only to be expertly quashed when something didn't work (ie: such as when I spent seven months at a chiropracter where I just ended up wasting more than $1000!).
Thank you.
how did you get on???.....judych
So, since 2002 I've tried hayfever medication, accupuncture, nasal and brain mri scans, spine ct scans, chiropracter, physio, muscle relaxants, eye ear and nose specialists, a neurologist as well as an ultra sound of my neck and of the carotid artery and nothing has been able to determine what the cause of my very frustrating health problem is.
Recently I had a stress echo cardiogram, which showed the heart was fine, but the doctor there thought my jaw could potentially be responsible for my symptoms so my G.P. prescribed diazepam to take for a week (if it was a case of bruxism caused by stress) yet aside from making me sleepy the diazepam didn't do anything to relieve the symptoms.
After that, my G.P. suggested I see my dentist so they could tell me whether the structure of my jaw was responsible for my symptoms and I did that, and the dentist agreed there could be something to this theory and has referred me on to see a proper 'jaw specialist' for the 27th of August (which will be bloody expensive).
Since the dental appointment I have become more conscious of the fact that my teeth/jaw feels misalligned in that when I shut my jaw I feel that there is a certain amount of pressure upon the left side of the jaw caused by the way the teeth close together. and when I stretch open my mouth my G.P. said my jaw did not seem to be normally composed on the left side.
So, could I possibly, after six years of frustrating schlepping, be upon the precipice of finally resolving my health problem? Will this require some sort of surgery to correct to resolve my symptoms?
I feel cautiously optimistic but don't want to get my hopes up too much because over the last six years I've gotten my hopes up countless times only to be expertly quashed when something didn't work (ie: such as when I spent seven months at a chiropracter where I just ended up wasting more than $1000!).
Thank you.
how did you get on???.....judych
Jerry1985
08-31-2008, 10:32 AM
how did you get on???.....judych
sorry?
sorry?
Jerry1985
09-18-2008, 11:09 AM
saw the jaw specialist and he said my problem is being caused by a part of the muscle (near the left part of the jaw) which has been consistently tight that has caused my symptoms.
For the next 3 weeks he wants me to take doxepin (25 mg) daily (second week two tablets per day then third week 3 a day) then I check back in with him to see how its going.
What do you all think? Should this resolve this sustained muscle tightness over the course of a few weeks?
Thanks.
For the next 3 weeks he wants me to take doxepin (25 mg) daily (second week two tablets per day then third week 3 a day) then I check back in with him to see how its going.
What do you all think? Should this resolve this sustained muscle tightness over the course of a few weeks?
Thanks.
shisslak
09-19-2008, 05:24 PM
Well Jerry,
What do you have to lose. You have been suffering for six years. No good doctor is going to immediately suggest doing something major. They are going to try the conservative method first. You mention that this whole thing has cost you a boat load of money. Would it not be great if in fact this medication does the trick. You need to give this one a try and follow the instructions completely. I would say this would be the cheaper option.
What do you have to lose. You have been suffering for six years. No good doctor is going to immediately suggest doing something major. They are going to try the conservative method first. You mention that this whole thing has cost you a boat load of money. Would it not be great if in fact this medication does the trick. You need to give this one a try and follow the instructions completely. I would say this would be the cheaper option.
Jerry1985
10-06-2008, 03:02 AM
In 2 days I will finish taking the doxepin tablets I've been taking, as I will see the jaw specialist again (on wednesday) to see what step to take next (2 weeks ago I had a jaw x-ray done at his request so hopefully that will give him greater insight as to how to treat the problem).
During the first week of taking the tablets I took one per day, then during the second week 2 per day then during the third week 3 taken throughout the day. I do feel as though the tablets have made the tightness along the left side of my head/forehead feel different (as in, it feels as though the medication is affecting it) but the symptoms remain as they have been (the tightness remains) as well as the weird perception I constantly have of my nose which is a direct result of the tightness along the left side of my head (which affects the left eye which is obviously situated on the left part of my head).
The specialist says he believes the problem is that a muscle along, or near, the left part of the jaw has been constantly tight possibly because of dental word I had done when I was 16/17 (before this health problem began) where I had to open my jaw on a continual basis for dental work.
So, hopefully the x-ray can reveal exactly where or what the specific tightness is and hopefully he'll be able to suggest some more direct treatment that will finally resolve this 6 and a half year problem.
If anyone has any suggestions or ideas and what they think will be able to finally resolve this problem I'd love to hear them.
Thanks.
During the first week of taking the tablets I took one per day, then during the second week 2 per day then during the third week 3 taken throughout the day. I do feel as though the tablets have made the tightness along the left side of my head/forehead feel different (as in, it feels as though the medication is affecting it) but the symptoms remain as they have been (the tightness remains) as well as the weird perception I constantly have of my nose which is a direct result of the tightness along the left side of my head (which affects the left eye which is obviously situated on the left part of my head).
The specialist says he believes the problem is that a muscle along, or near, the left part of the jaw has been constantly tight possibly because of dental word I had done when I was 16/17 (before this health problem began) where I had to open my jaw on a continual basis for dental work.
So, hopefully the x-ray can reveal exactly where or what the specific tightness is and hopefully he'll be able to suggest some more direct treatment that will finally resolve this 6 and a half year problem.
If anyone has any suggestions or ideas and what they think will be able to finally resolve this problem I'd love to hear them.
Thanks.
dogmom
10-08-2008, 06:31 PM
Well, after many years of suffering, and my dentist noting the double clicking noise emitting from my jaw each time I opened my mouth, he referred me to a "jaw specialist" or a myofacial specialist/surgeon. This was back about 10 years ago maybe? He did a very thorough exam, xrays and such he declared that I have "severe" TMJ.
The treatment included Diazapam, biofeedback once weekly and relaxation techniques. He also suggested I ramp up my exercise routine, as exercise helps release endorphins, a natural pain reliever. Oh, and I had a special mouth guard made (very pricey) and had to see him every two weeks and he would have to readjust it based on how much my jaw moved. I'm not a grinder, I'm a clencher, as in I've always clenched my jaw. This all came about from a fall directly on my jaw back in 1985 (!) from a height of about 6 feet, plus extensive dental work and then a car accident in '89.
I suffered for many years and could barely open mouth. I had constant headaches and ear pain but just lived with it, popping lots and lots of Ibuprofen. Silly me.
I don't wear the mouthguard anymore as I moved away from the doctor and it's not feasible to have it manipulated anymore. I just live with the double clicking. My new dentist actually refers to me as his "double clicker" whenever I go in to have my teeth cleaned! Ha ha, very funny.
I stopped taking the diazapam years ago, as well. I just try relaxing techniques that I was taught. It's just something I have to live with. Hopefully your doctor will be able to teach you some techniques or turn you towards things such as biofeedback. My doc said surgery was absolutely the last resort and could actually make matters worse.
But every case is different.
Best of luck to you! I hope you find relief soon!
The treatment included Diazapam, biofeedback once weekly and relaxation techniques. He also suggested I ramp up my exercise routine, as exercise helps release endorphins, a natural pain reliever. Oh, and I had a special mouth guard made (very pricey) and had to see him every two weeks and he would have to readjust it based on how much my jaw moved. I'm not a grinder, I'm a clencher, as in I've always clenched my jaw. This all came about from a fall directly on my jaw back in 1985 (!) from a height of about 6 feet, plus extensive dental work and then a car accident in '89.
I suffered for many years and could barely open mouth. I had constant headaches and ear pain but just lived with it, popping lots and lots of Ibuprofen. Silly me.
I don't wear the mouthguard anymore as I moved away from the doctor and it's not feasible to have it manipulated anymore. I just live with the double clicking. My new dentist actually refers to me as his "double clicker" whenever I go in to have my teeth cleaned! Ha ha, very funny.
I stopped taking the diazapam years ago, as well. I just try relaxing techniques that I was taught. It's just something I have to live with. Hopefully your doctor will be able to teach you some techniques or turn you towards things such as biofeedback. My doc said surgery was absolutely the last resort and could actually make matters worse.
But every case is different.
Best of luck to you! I hope you find relief soon!
Jerry1985
10-10-2008, 10:17 AM
My jaw x-ray came back fine (my jaw and teeth looked fine, in fact he said my teeth looked like i had never had any fillings).
So, he increased my dosage from 25mg of doxepin tablets up to 50mg doxepin and for the next 2 weeks I am to take two tablets per day and for the 2 weeks after that take 3 per day.
I really hope this will finally resolve the long term, and constant, tightness i have along the left side of my head/forehead which has also distorted my perception and concentration.
Thanks.
So, he increased my dosage from 25mg of doxepin tablets up to 50mg doxepin and for the next 2 weeks I am to take two tablets per day and for the 2 weeks after that take 3 per day.
I really hope this will finally resolve the long term, and constant, tightness i have along the left side of my head/forehead which has also distorted my perception and concentration.
Thanks.
Jerry1985
10-13-2008, 04:37 AM
How long should it take for these 50mg doxepin tablets to resolve my long term problem with a very tight muscle along the left side of my head (I'm taking 3 tablets per day for the next 3 weeks).
I feel like I'm going mad waiting for this medication to work (I really need to get better soon otherwise I'm sure I will go insane).
I feel like I'm going mad waiting for this medication to work (I really need to get better soon otherwise I'm sure I will go insane).
Jerry1985
11-02-2008, 08:03 AM
Could the long term tightness (over 6 years) I feel along the left side of my forehead/head be the result of my left jaw joint (or the muscle near that joint) negatively affecting my trigiminal nerve (or another significant facial nerve)?
Because I've read that the jaw joint and the trigiminal nerve are very close to one another so could my long term feeling of "tightness" along the left side of my head/forehead be caused by a main facial nerve being impinged upon? And, if that is the case, could a procedure or surgery finally relieve me of this tightness which has negatively affected my life since 2002 (I feel like my life has been pretty much on hold during this period).
Thankyou.
Because I've read that the jaw joint and the trigiminal nerve are very close to one another so could my long term feeling of "tightness" along the left side of my head/forehead be caused by a main facial nerve being impinged upon? And, if that is the case, could a procedure or surgery finally relieve me of this tightness which has negatively affected my life since 2002 (I feel like my life has been pretty much on hold during this period).
Thankyou.
bethsheba
11-02-2008, 10:03 AM
Jerry,
It sounds like you've explored every possible cause and solution to your problem and you are still having problems. If you are interested in going one step further, you may want to consider Lyme Disease which can present in some people with TMJ problems. Lyme is running rampant in some parts of the country but it is difficult to diagnose..so you may want to check out the Lyme Boards for more info on symptoms, testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Another poster on this thread is also experiencing similar symptoms to yours...to my knowledge that poster has not been diagnosed with Lyme, but she has shared with us that she has been bitten by ticks on more than one occasion.... Seems like too much to be a coincidence to me not to at least consider Lyme causing the problems.
Good luck
It sounds like you've explored every possible cause and solution to your problem and you are still having problems. If you are interested in going one step further, you may want to consider Lyme Disease which can present in some people with TMJ problems. Lyme is running rampant in some parts of the country but it is difficult to diagnose..so you may want to check out the Lyme Boards for more info on symptoms, testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Another poster on this thread is also experiencing similar symptoms to yours...to my knowledge that poster has not been diagnosed with Lyme, but she has shared with us that she has been bitten by ticks on more than one occasion.... Seems like too much to be a coincidence to me not to at least consider Lyme causing the problems.
Good luck
Benit
11-03-2008, 05:23 AM
Probably lots of dental work, possibly a night guard to prevent bruxism.
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
My jaw definitely feels "out of whack" on the left side. When I move my jaw to the left, I feel it move out of position (how else can I describe that?) and I hear a loud popping noise.
Could this cause neurological symptoms--eye problems, trouble walking, fine motor problems, numbness, etc..?
Rather than go whole hog and do the joint replacement surgery you could have arthrocentesis of the jaw to "clean" the joint of any debris. This often reduces inflammation considerably.
Other surgical options are disk repositioning or discectomy. If you've heard "popping" noises coming from your jaw, it's likely you have a slipped jaw disc. The discs are made of cartilage and protects where the jaw joint joins the skull.
My jaw definitely feels "out of whack" on the left side. When I move my jaw to the left, I feel it move out of position (how else can I describe that?) and I hear a loud popping noise.
Could this cause neurological symptoms--eye problems, trouble walking, fine motor problems, numbness, etc..?
bethsheba
11-03-2008, 10:09 AM
At least two posters on this board have similar symptoms, no known cause, but have admittedly been bitten by ticks in the past. Although it may be a coincidence, it may be Lyme Disease which can present as TMJ, jaw popping, ear and neck pain, etc.
And more than two of the posters on this board live in high risk states for Lyme which include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
And more than two of the posters on this board live in high risk states for Lyme which include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
sandi2932
11-08-2008, 08:12 PM
You might want to check with another dentist. I was watching a local health program and they were talking about TMJ. There is a plastic thing they put in your mouth I think while you sleep that moves the jaw slowly back into position. Check around
Jerry1985
11-09-2008, 03:52 AM
My specialist has taken me off the "deptran-doxepin" tablets and has now started me on clonazepam tablets which is meant to be a highly potent anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant.
What do you all think of this new medication in terms of how effective it could be in treating the long term tightness I have in the left side of my head/forehead?
If this doesn't work I have no idea what else to try? What else could be causing such long term tightness in the left side of my head? It couldn't be a problem originating below the neck that is expressing itself up in the left side of my head (everyone tells me that things don't "travel up" so I guess thats unlikely).
The jaw x-ray showed my jaw was fine so for some reason (perhaps during dental work I had done when I was younger) the left part of my head is very tight and constantly distorts my perception (because I can't open my left eye properly because of the tightness) so hopefully this new medication can resolve because I can't think of what else to do.
Thankyou.
What do you all think of this new medication in terms of how effective it could be in treating the long term tightness I have in the left side of my head/forehead?
If this doesn't work I have no idea what else to try? What else could be causing such long term tightness in the left side of my head? It couldn't be a problem originating below the neck that is expressing itself up in the left side of my head (everyone tells me that things don't "travel up" so I guess thats unlikely).
The jaw x-ray showed my jaw was fine so for some reason (perhaps during dental work I had done when I was younger) the left part of my head is very tight and constantly distorts my perception (because I can't open my left eye properly because of the tightness) so hopefully this new medication can resolve because I can't think of what else to do.
Thankyou.
AnnD
11-09-2008, 04:02 AM
I am so sorry for your very long medical nightmare and I really hope you have discovered your long standing problem. I know it was a very hard struggle through the medical mine field and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing and perhaps someone having those symptoms may learn from your ordeal. I am hoping the best for you and hopefully this will ease the pain of the never ending medical expenses. Good luck.
Jerry1985
11-09-2008, 04:46 AM
What is lyme disease and could that present itself as long term tightness in one region of the head/forehead?
I don't recall ever having been bitten by any creatures.
I don't recall ever having been bitten by any creatures.
bethsheba
11-09-2008, 08:40 AM
Jerry,
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, sometimes accompanied by coinfections...it can eat away at muscles, nerves, bone, tissue, etc. It's difficult to diagnose (I think I've read that there may be about 300 different strains) so the "best" diagnosis is done by Lyme Literate Medical Doctors who base their clinical diagnosis on symptoms, in addition to tests because the tests tend to be so unreliable.
Because it is an infection, it can do different kinds of damage all over our body...and as a result it can mimic about 200 other conditions, TMJ being just one.
It is treatable with special antibiotics, and for longer periods of time than a doctor would treat an "ordinary" bacterial infection...this due to the life cycle of the tick.
When I first started reading your post, it occurred to me that you may have this condition...but I've found that until some people have tried absolutely EVERYTHING they don't consider Lyme, probably because they are not familiar with it.
In my area of the country it is an epidemic...and even then many of the doctors don't consider the possibility. So it may be somewhat understandable for people in other states may not consider this condition even though it has been "discovered" in the lower 49.
You might want to do some reading on the Lyme Boards.
Good luck, Jerry!
Bethsheba
PS I realize I didn't answer your questions. Personally, I believe that it could cause a permenant tightness over your forehead...although I haven't read of this symptom specifically, I know that bacteria can eat and damage tissue, muscles, bones, and nerves and it may be that the bacteria has damaged the muscles and nerves in that area of your head.
I think it's fair to say that most people don't remember being bitten by a bug/tick...there are many reasons for this. But again, I would hope you would continue to seek the answers to your questions on the Lyme Boards. There are some great resources, old and new, there!
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, sometimes accompanied by coinfections...it can eat away at muscles, nerves, bone, tissue, etc. It's difficult to diagnose (I think I've read that there may be about 300 different strains) so the "best" diagnosis is done by Lyme Literate Medical Doctors who base their clinical diagnosis on symptoms, in addition to tests because the tests tend to be so unreliable.
Because it is an infection, it can do different kinds of damage all over our body...and as a result it can mimic about 200 other conditions, TMJ being just one.
It is treatable with special antibiotics, and for longer periods of time than a doctor would treat an "ordinary" bacterial infection...this due to the life cycle of the tick.
When I first started reading your post, it occurred to me that you may have this condition...but I've found that until some people have tried absolutely EVERYTHING they don't consider Lyme, probably because they are not familiar with it.
In my area of the country it is an epidemic...and even then many of the doctors don't consider the possibility. So it may be somewhat understandable for people in other states may not consider this condition even though it has been "discovered" in the lower 49.
You might want to do some reading on the Lyme Boards.
Good luck, Jerry!
Bethsheba
PS I realize I didn't answer your questions. Personally, I believe that it could cause a permenant tightness over your forehead...although I haven't read of this symptom specifically, I know that bacteria can eat and damage tissue, muscles, bones, and nerves and it may be that the bacteria has damaged the muscles and nerves in that area of your head.
I think it's fair to say that most people don't remember being bitten by a bug/tick...there are many reasons for this. But again, I would hope you would continue to seek the answers to your questions on the Lyme Boards. There are some great resources, old and new, there!
Jerry1985
11-10-2008, 04:49 AM
Thankyou Bethsheba for your informative response.
I am seeing my GP tomorrow and as well as complaining about my current muscle relaxants, "clonazepam", will enquire about the possibility of my problem being lyme disease.
Many years ago (I was in high school when I noticed this so could have been around the time this health problem started) I noticed a small red mark on the middle of my right hand and there was a pale white circle around it. I think at the time there may have been a small amount of red marks around it as well and at the time I thought it was weird but eventually it subsided so didn't think much of it.
So, if it is lyme disease (which would be decided by my symptoms and some tests I assume) would a specialised concentration of antibiotics (maybe by IV? I've been on antibiotic tablets before when I had a foot infection and all they did was resolve my foot infection) finally resolve this?
Thanks again.
P.S. I live in Melbourne, Australia. This problem is entirely possible here right?
I am seeing my GP tomorrow and as well as complaining about my current muscle relaxants, "clonazepam", will enquire about the possibility of my problem being lyme disease.
Many years ago (I was in high school when I noticed this so could have been around the time this health problem started) I noticed a small red mark on the middle of my right hand and there was a pale white circle around it. I think at the time there may have been a small amount of red marks around it as well and at the time I thought it was weird but eventually it subsided so didn't think much of it.
So, if it is lyme disease (which would be decided by my symptoms and some tests I assume) would a specialised concentration of antibiotics (maybe by IV? I've been on antibiotic tablets before when I had a foot infection and all they did was resolve my foot infection) finally resolve this?
Thanks again.
P.S. I live in Melbourne, Australia. This problem is entirely possible here right?
bethsheba
11-10-2008, 08:14 AM
Jerry,
You're very welcome...again, I can't diagnose you, simply point you in a direction in which you may wish to pursue further.
The circle you describe, very much, sounds like the tell tale bullseye rash left by a tick bite. Less than half get the rash (or if they get it don't see it) so in that respect you are one of the luckier ones as it is one of the more definitive signs of Lyme...(there are very good pictures of the bullseve rash on the internet.)
The disease is best determined by a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor as tests are very inconclusive...some of these docs treat based on symptoms even if nothing shows up on the tests. Treatments with special antibiotics for lengths of time longer than for "typical" infections are used for Lyme infections (Lyme may include more than one infection so some people are treated with different antibiotics). Some people with Lyme actually feel worse intially, and that is due to the herx reaction but then they feel better.
It's interesting that you note that you are from Melbourne, Australia...I have seen a number of posts on various different boards from Australia (including another poster on this board with symptoms similar to yours), that I strongly, strongly suspect are describing symptoms of Lyme Disease...in my opinion, it's definitely there but not recognized!!
Board rules limit the links I can post but this may give you a head start on info...but don't let the title dissuade you!
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol1no1/russell.htm
You may have to do a considerable research on your own in order to get treatment...but don't let that stop you...and until you get a definite "yea or nay", don't take any steroids as your condition may rapidly deteriorate if you do.
Take care, Jerry! And do keep us posted...others with similar conditions (and yes, there are several currently posting on these boards) will benefit from your experience and your knowledge.
Let us know if we can be of further help!
Bethsheba
You're very welcome...again, I can't diagnose you, simply point you in a direction in which you may wish to pursue further.
The circle you describe, very much, sounds like the tell tale bullseye rash left by a tick bite. Less than half get the rash (or if they get it don't see it) so in that respect you are one of the luckier ones as it is one of the more definitive signs of Lyme...(there are very good pictures of the bullseve rash on the internet.)
The disease is best determined by a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor as tests are very inconclusive...some of these docs treat based on symptoms even if nothing shows up on the tests. Treatments with special antibiotics for lengths of time longer than for "typical" infections are used for Lyme infections (Lyme may include more than one infection so some people are treated with different antibiotics). Some people with Lyme actually feel worse intially, and that is due to the herx reaction but then they feel better.
It's interesting that you note that you are from Melbourne, Australia...I have seen a number of posts on various different boards from Australia (including another poster on this board with symptoms similar to yours), that I strongly, strongly suspect are describing symptoms of Lyme Disease...in my opinion, it's definitely there but not recognized!!
Board rules limit the links I can post but this may give you a head start on info...but don't let the title dissuade you!
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol1no1/russell.htm
You may have to do a considerable research on your own in order to get treatment...but don't let that stop you...and until you get a definite "yea or nay", don't take any steroids as your condition may rapidly deteriorate if you do.
Take care, Jerry! And do keep us posted...others with similar conditions (and yes, there are several currently posting on these boards) will benefit from your experience and your knowledge.
Let us know if we can be of further help!
Bethsheba
bethsheba
11-10-2008, 09:25 AM
Jerry,
Interestingly enough, you are the third poster on this thread to remember a tick bite...hmmmm. Again, it's too much of a coincidence not to take Lyme seriously!
Bethsheba
Interestingly enough, you are the third poster on this thread to remember a tick bite...hmmmm. Again, it's too much of a coincidence not to take Lyme seriously!
Bethsheba
Benit
11-11-2008, 04:01 AM
Jerry,
Interestingly enough, you are the third poster on this thread to remember a tick bite...hmmmm. Again, it's too much of a coincidence not to take Lyme seriously!
Bethsheba
I remember a tick bite 8 years ago, all right, but the problem for me is no recollection of a bullseye rash, no recollection of an illness in the coming weeks.
I also seem to be missing most if not all of the first two stages of Lyme disease.
it does seem like a long shot in my case...
Interestingly enough, you are the third poster on this thread to remember a tick bite...hmmmm. Again, it's too much of a coincidence not to take Lyme seriously!
Bethsheba
I remember a tick bite 8 years ago, all right, but the problem for me is no recollection of a bullseye rash, no recollection of an illness in the coming weeks.
I also seem to be missing most if not all of the first two stages of Lyme disease.
it does seem like a long shot in my case...
Jerry1985
11-11-2008, 04:03 AM
Today my GP referred me to an infectious disease unit at a major hospital near where I live.
I think I should get in soon.
I really hope it is lyme disease because I've tried everything else and am so frustrated with how long I've had it.
If it is lyme disease does it get resolved via a special strain of antibiotic treatment?
Thanks.
I think I should get in soon.
I really hope it is lyme disease because I've tried everything else and am so frustrated with how long I've had it.
If it is lyme disease does it get resolved via a special strain of antibiotic treatment?
Thanks.
bethsheba
11-11-2008, 08:21 AM
Jerry,
I'm glad to hear you're getting some specialized help. Keep in mind that few doctors have the training and experience to diagnose this condition (including infectious disease doctors) so you may have to be proactive and educate them! So do as much reading as you can keeping in mind this is a relatively "new" infectious disease and there is a lot of contradictary info out there. You might want to check the Lyme boards to see if anyone knows of a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor in Austraila.
Igenex Labs, in Palo Alto, California, from what I understand, has the most reliable testing available for tick borne illnesses (Lyme is not the only infection carried by a tick) in our side of the world. One Lyme poster recently was tested for Lyme and for the coinfections, and was grateful she did...she didn't have Lyme, but she does have a serious co infection.
Many of the symptoms of lyme and coinfections can be reversed with antibiotic treatment if the damage isn't permenant. The type of antibiotic treatment depends on what kinds of bacterial infections are in the body... someone may have Lyme AND have two or three other coinfections...so treatment may be with several different types of antibiotics.
Again, I would hope that you'll post or at least review the Lyme boards.
Good luck Jerry!
Bethsheba
I'm glad to hear you're getting some specialized help. Keep in mind that few doctors have the training and experience to diagnose this condition (including infectious disease doctors) so you may have to be proactive and educate them! So do as much reading as you can keeping in mind this is a relatively "new" infectious disease and there is a lot of contradictary info out there. You might want to check the Lyme boards to see if anyone knows of a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor in Austraila.
Igenex Labs, in Palo Alto, California, from what I understand, has the most reliable testing available for tick borne illnesses (Lyme is not the only infection carried by a tick) in our side of the world. One Lyme poster recently was tested for Lyme and for the coinfections, and was grateful she did...she didn't have Lyme, but she does have a serious co infection.
Many of the symptoms of lyme and coinfections can be reversed with antibiotic treatment if the damage isn't permenant. The type of antibiotic treatment depends on what kinds of bacterial infections are in the body... someone may have Lyme AND have two or three other coinfections...so treatment may be with several different types of antibiotics.
Again, I would hope that you'll post or at least review the Lyme boards.
Good luck Jerry!
Bethsheba
Jerry1985
11-12-2008, 04:51 AM
I found out today the appointment will be November 27.
Until then I'll just keep taking the clonazepam so I'll be able to rule out whether or not it is a bizarre evil tight muscle caused by TMJ. If the clonazepam doesn't work by the 27th of November then I'll know that muscle relaxants won't be able to do the trick then lyme disease will look like an even more viable candidate.
Until then I'll just keep taking the clonazepam so I'll be able to rule out whether or not it is a bizarre evil tight muscle caused by TMJ. If the clonazepam doesn't work by the 27th of November then I'll know that muscle relaxants won't be able to do the trick then lyme disease will look like an even more viable candidate.
bethsheba
11-12-2008, 10:58 AM
Good luck, Jerry.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bethsheba
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bethsheba
alexgmiami
11-13-2008, 12:02 AM
Jerry,
You are not alone and tell me if these symptoms apply to you as I myself feel like you for almost 6 years as well...
Hello,
I have been living with a numb jaw/cheeks sensation for about 5 years now and it is starting to really aggrivate me as I cant find a cure for it. I first though I had TMJ and then blamed wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth have been removed and TMJ is not a believable reason to me at this time. I mainly get the sensation when I meet new people or in an uncomfortable environment. I came to a conclusion it is caused from stress.
I tried self medicating myself since no doctor was able to diagnose this problem. I took, XANAX, KOLONOPIN and other anti anxiety muscle relaxer pills. They are all short term solutions and I dont want to take them all my life. Also, i went to the dentist and was prescribed a mouth guard because I have been grinding my teeth for a very long time and it is starting to show.
I read some posts and did see people experiencing my problem and are pretty shocked and puzzled themselves. I wish someone can give me a solution as I completely ran out of hope to get rid of this symptom. Im in good healthy shape and am very athletic.
Please if someone can point me into the right direction, I would really appreciate it. Here are my symptoms:
Sore/stiff/popping jaw almost like TMJ
Intense, chronic headaches (blinding stabbing pains/pressure)
loss of ability to problem solve/make decisions (produces anxiety attacks)
cannot follow conversation becomes to overstimulated/complex for me
inability to concentrate
loss of vision in both eyes (gradually came back - now have multiple images/floaters/auras/after images/grainy-fuzzy vision in both)
vertigo/dizziness
extreme mood swings
no patience
intolerable of exercise, alcohol, or sugar....increases severity of all symptoms ridiculosuly.
Negative thoughts
Anxiety
Im just tired of looking for a solution and it would be so much easier to eat pain killers, but this will cause more problems down the line...
You are not alone and tell me if these symptoms apply to you as I myself feel like you for almost 6 years as well...
Hello,
I have been living with a numb jaw/cheeks sensation for about 5 years now and it is starting to really aggrivate me as I cant find a cure for it. I first though I had TMJ and then blamed wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth have been removed and TMJ is not a believable reason to me at this time. I mainly get the sensation when I meet new people or in an uncomfortable environment. I came to a conclusion it is caused from stress.
I tried self medicating myself since no doctor was able to diagnose this problem. I took, XANAX, KOLONOPIN and other anti anxiety muscle relaxer pills. They are all short term solutions and I dont want to take them all my life. Also, i went to the dentist and was prescribed a mouth guard because I have been grinding my teeth for a very long time and it is starting to show.
I read some posts and did see people experiencing my problem and are pretty shocked and puzzled themselves. I wish someone can give me a solution as I completely ran out of hope to get rid of this symptom. Im in good healthy shape and am very athletic.
Please if someone can point me into the right direction, I would really appreciate it. Here are my symptoms:
Sore/stiff/popping jaw almost like TMJ
Intense, chronic headaches (blinding stabbing pains/pressure)
loss of ability to problem solve/make decisions (produces anxiety attacks)
cannot follow conversation becomes to overstimulated/complex for me
inability to concentrate
loss of vision in both eyes (gradually came back - now have multiple images/floaters/auras/after images/grainy-fuzzy vision in both)
vertigo/dizziness
extreme mood swings
no patience
intolerable of exercise, alcohol, or sugar....increases severity of all symptoms ridiculosuly.
Negative thoughts
Anxiety
Im just tired of looking for a solution and it would be so much easier to eat pain killers, but this will cause more problems down the line...
bethsheba
11-13-2008, 07:30 AM
Alex,
Welcome to the boards!!
You have many of the symptoms of Lyme Disease which is difficult to diagnose...check out the Lyme Boards.
Good luck!
Bethsheba
Welcome to the boards!!
You have many of the symptoms of Lyme Disease which is difficult to diagnose...check out the Lyme Boards.
Good luck!
Bethsheba
Jerry1985
11-14-2008, 05:23 AM
Are there any other infections/diseases that can be caused by a tick/vector other than Lyme disease?
Jerry1985
11-14-2008, 06:51 AM
AlexMiami, do you have constant tightness around either the left or right side of your forehead/head that causes such tightness around one of your eyes that it causes you to always perceive your nose as two 'separate shadowy images'.
The left side of my head/forehead is constantly tight and this affects my left eye as I assume this means it can't open properly so it causes me to constantly perceive the two side of my nose as two separate shadowy transparent images and this is absolutely the most frustrating result of my health problem because I've had this weird perception of my nose since about mid 2002 and since its a constant visual reminder of my problem is the most frustrating aspect of this problem (also what is so frustrating is that no one seems to understand this when I try to explain it). Because of the constant tightness, as well as this weird perception of my nose, I also sometimes find it difficult to properly concentrate and feel like I'm just "waiting" to get better before I have all my faculties working again so I can feel mentally stimulated and do what I really want to do with life. It's often very depressing because I feel like trying to resolve this problem is my prime objective to the detriment of any academic and social life (and because this has been going on for more than 6 years that makes it all the more depressing).
So what I really hope to achieve is to decrease, or hopefully comepletely eradicate, this constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead so that I no longer have this bizarre perception of my nose.
My jaw specialist currently has me on clonazepam and I will keep taking this until my appointment with the 'Infectious disease unit' at a major hospital in my city (If by my appointment, on Nov.27, if the clonazepam hasn't worked by then then I know it won't work) to discover if this is lyme disease or another infectious disease.
The left side of my head/forehead is constantly tight and this affects my left eye as I assume this means it can't open properly so it causes me to constantly perceive the two side of my nose as two separate shadowy transparent images and this is absolutely the most frustrating result of my health problem because I've had this weird perception of my nose since about mid 2002 and since its a constant visual reminder of my problem is the most frustrating aspect of this problem (also what is so frustrating is that no one seems to understand this when I try to explain it). Because of the constant tightness, as well as this weird perception of my nose, I also sometimes find it difficult to properly concentrate and feel like I'm just "waiting" to get better before I have all my faculties working again so I can feel mentally stimulated and do what I really want to do with life. It's often very depressing because I feel like trying to resolve this problem is my prime objective to the detriment of any academic and social life (and because this has been going on for more than 6 years that makes it all the more depressing).
So what I really hope to achieve is to decrease, or hopefully comepletely eradicate, this constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead so that I no longer have this bizarre perception of my nose.
My jaw specialist currently has me on clonazepam and I will keep taking this until my appointment with the 'Infectious disease unit' at a major hospital in my city (If by my appointment, on Nov.27, if the clonazepam hasn't worked by then then I know it won't work) to discover if this is lyme disease or another infectious disease.
alexgmiami
11-14-2008, 02:15 PM
Jerry,
I dont think I can describe the side of my head being tight and an image of my nose like you are mentioning, however, my sight is fuzzy at times and jaw pain is deffinetly there. I will be doing some blood test to see if I have a lyme disease and I should be getting results by next week.
I will let you once I hear something...
Alex
I dont think I can describe the side of my head being tight and an image of my nose like you are mentioning, however, my sight is fuzzy at times and jaw pain is deffinetly there. I will be doing some blood test to see if I have a lyme disease and I should be getting results by next week.
I will let you once I hear something...
Alex
bethsheba
11-14-2008, 03:08 PM
Yes there are and they are referred to as coinfections...more info about the various strains on the Lyme Boards.
Please remember that the tests we have for Lyme and for other bacteria/organisms carried by ticks are very limited. There is an internation association of specialists dealing with these issues and they state that symptoms should be treated even if the tests are not conclusive...treatment protocols are public information but due to web rules I can not post the link.
One reputed lab, Igenex Labs in CA, from what i understand will recommend which specific co infection tests to have based on the area of the country/world you live in.
Bethsheba
Please remember that the tests we have for Lyme and for other bacteria/organisms carried by ticks are very limited. There is an internation association of specialists dealing with these issues and they state that symptoms should be treated even if the tests are not conclusive...treatment protocols are public information but due to web rules I can not post the link.
One reputed lab, Igenex Labs in CA, from what i understand will recommend which specific co infection tests to have based on the area of the country/world you live in.
Bethsheba
Benit
11-15-2008, 03:56 AM
AlexMiami, do you have constant tightness around either the left or right side of your forehead/head that causes such tightness around one of your eyes that it causes you to always perceive your nose as two 'separate shadowy images'.
I have this exact same problem! Everything in my head/face feels tighter than it should be, and it makes it harder for me to move my eye muscles. Now my eyes are slightly misaligned and I have both shadowy images of my nose all the time.
I always used to have one shadowy image but that's because I have a large nose (no joke..) I only started to get the TWO shadowy images when my eye muscles started getting tight.
I have this exact same problem! Everything in my head/face feels tighter than it should be, and it makes it harder for me to move my eye muscles. Now my eyes are slightly misaligned and I have both shadowy images of my nose all the time.
I always used to have one shadowy image but that's because I have a large nose (no joke..) I only started to get the TWO shadowy images when my eye muscles started getting tight.
Jerry1985
11-15-2008, 04:37 AM
I have this exact same problem! Everything in my head/face feels tighter than it should be, and it makes it harder for me to move my eye muscles. Now my eyes are slightly misaligned and I have both shadowy images of my nose all the time.
I always used to have one shadowy image but that's because I have a large nose (no joke..) I only started to get the TWO shadowy images when my eye muscles started getting tight.
I always see the two sides of my nose as "two separate shadowy images" because I have constant tightness along the left side of my forehead/head. Do you know what can be done to relieve this tightness that impinges upon the left eye (thus, I believe the left eye can't open properly because of the surrounding tight muscle) which causes this distorted perception?
I'm on clonazepam now to treat this if its simply a bizarre long term tight muscle problem but should there be something else I should be doing?
Thanks.
I always used to have one shadowy image but that's because I have a large nose (no joke..) I only started to get the TWO shadowy images when my eye muscles started getting tight.
I always see the two sides of my nose as "two separate shadowy images" because I have constant tightness along the left side of my forehead/head. Do you know what can be done to relieve this tightness that impinges upon the left eye (thus, I believe the left eye can't open properly because of the surrounding tight muscle) which causes this distorted perception?
I'm on clonazepam now to treat this if its simply a bizarre long term tight muscle problem but should there be something else I should be doing?
Thanks.
luvtheislands
11-15-2008, 11:23 AM
I have a problem with the jaw popping consantly. Now I find that Ive got an aching ear...or it seems like its the ear...and it goes down into the neck area, where the glands are directly underneath the ear. Not nice
Do you do anything for that?
Do you do anything for that?
Jerry1985
11-20-2008, 04:50 AM
Is it possible that a sort of "tight" feeling in my left leg, and i sometimes hear a click behind my left knee cap, could be travelling up the left side of my body and presenting the symptoms of "tightness" in the left side of my head/forehead?
However, I do keep hearing that things can't "travel up" so I suppose thats unlikely?
However, I do keep hearing that things can't "travel up" so I suppose thats unlikely?
Jerry1985
12-06-2008, 02:15 AM
Ok, so I gave up on the jaw specialist route because both the deptran/doxepin and clonazepam didn't do anything so went to see an 'infectious disease specialist' at a major hospital who got me to take several blood tests and I will see him on the 18th of December to see what those tests have shown (probably nothing I'm sure) and should they not show anything he wants a new MRI and a lumber puncture (at least this specialist seems very motivated to get to the bottom of it). I think he also wants me to do a test for varying tick bourne infectious diseases so we'll see what he says in the Dec. 18th appointment.
Also, in the last week or so I feel like my symptoms have inexplicably gotten worse, which I don't understand, whereby the tightness along the left side of my forehead/head feels more severe as well as the tightness/discomfort along the lower left side of my back and left leg.
And of course I continue to get increasingly depressed because it seems more and more likely I'll never get better and will be doomed to a life of being an idiotic unhealthy schmuck. :(
Also, in the last week or so I feel like my symptoms have inexplicably gotten worse, which I don't understand, whereby the tightness along the left side of my forehead/head feels more severe as well as the tightness/discomfort along the lower left side of my back and left leg.
And of course I continue to get increasingly depressed because it seems more and more likely I'll never get better and will be doomed to a life of being an idiotic unhealthy schmuck. :(
Jerry1985
12-20-2008, 10:10 PM
So I went back to the 'infectious disease' specialist and he told me my blood tests came back all normal and said that aside from ordering a new MRI he's all out of ideas.
I notice that I often hear a clicking sound behind my left knee and parts of my left leg often feel tight, so, should I get an x-ray or scan of my left leg to see whether or not the source of my condition could be something with the joints, ligaments, muscles or something else originating somewhere in that left leg (and the "tightness" feeling has spread up the left side of my back, neck and head).
Thanks.
P.S. I wish that "House" was a real person so I could see him.
I notice that I often hear a clicking sound behind my left knee and parts of my left leg often feel tight, so, should I get an x-ray or scan of my left leg to see whether or not the source of my condition could be something with the joints, ligaments, muscles or something else originating somewhere in that left leg (and the "tightness" feeling has spread up the left side of my back, neck and head).
Thanks.
P.S. I wish that "House" was a real person so I could see him.
ticker
12-20-2008, 11:11 PM
Hi Jerry1985. I am sorry you have been through so much.
Lyme Disease is a multi-system bacterial infection caused from the bite of an infected tick. Many people are bitten by ticks and don't know it. They are tiny, they inject a numbing agent so you cannot feel them, and they often go in hard-to-see places.
Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the US, and it is in other countries also. No test for Lyme is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. It is my understanding that the ELISA or titer is the least reliable test and the ones most doctors run first. Is this the test you had done?
Below is a Lyme disease symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.
Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
Besides Lyme disease, ticks can transmit co-infections including Babesiosis, two types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected. No test is completely reliable. It is important to be tested by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA.
When Lyme disease is possible, it is important to see a knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and treat with outdated protocols. Often infectious disease doctors are not the best to see for tick-borne dieases. If you think this could be a possibility and if you would like a doctor recommendation, let me know.
It is also important to learn as much as possible. I recommend reading Dr. Joseph Burrascano's 2005 Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines For Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses (on-line). He is one of the top Lyme doctors in the country, and many Lyme doctors follow his protocols. I also recommend the books "Everything You Need To Know about Lyme Disease Second Edition" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner and "The Lyme Disease Solution" by Kenneth B. Singleton MD.
Do not give up, you will find out what is wrong.
Lyme Disease is a multi-system bacterial infection caused from the bite of an infected tick. Many people are bitten by ticks and don't know it. They are tiny, they inject a numbing agent so you cannot feel them, and they often go in hard-to-see places.
Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the US, and it is in other countries also. No test for Lyme is completely reliable, and results can vary by lab. It is my understanding that the ELISA or titer is the least reliable test and the ones most doctors run first. Is this the test you had done?
Below is a Lyme disease symptom list. You can have any combination of symptoms.
Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol
Besides Lyme disease, ticks can transmit co-infections including Babesiosis, two types of Ehrlichiosis (HME & HGE), Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. Many people who have Lyme are co-infected. No test is completely reliable. It is important to be tested by a Lyme reputable lab such as IgeneX in Palo Alto, CA.
When Lyme disease is possible, it is important to see a knowledgeable doctor. Many doctors do not understand Lyme and treat with outdated protocols. Often infectious disease doctors are not the best to see for tick-borne dieases. If you think this could be a possibility and if you would like a doctor recommendation, let me know.
It is also important to learn as much as possible. I recommend reading Dr. Joseph Burrascano's 2005 Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines For Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses (on-line). He is one of the top Lyme doctors in the country, and many Lyme doctors follow his protocols. I also recommend the books "Everything You Need To Know about Lyme Disease Second Edition" by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner and "The Lyme Disease Solution" by Kenneth B. Singleton MD.
Do not give up, you will find out what is wrong.
Jerry1985
12-21-2008, 01:00 AM
Ticker, My infectious disease specialist says my problem can't be lyme disease because it doesn't occur in Australia.
Could my problem be originating in my left leg (possible ligament, muscle or joint problem) that is causing the tightness up along the left side of my body (as my left leg can generally feel ususually tight and I hear clicking sounds behind the knee)? Is that possible and could an x-ray or scan of the left leg help to clarify that?
And, another theory, is that around the age of 14 my left testicle (again with the "left".. coincidence?) withdrew into my abdomen and has been there ever since and sometimes feels uncomfortable and even, at times, slightly painful. I was wondering whether an acquired undescended testicle could be impinging on nearby muscle, nerves or something else which is resulting in the sporadic tightness I feel around the upper part of my left leg and lower left side of my back/hip and importantly the constant tightness i feel along the left side of my head/forehead (as I've had spine ct scans, neck x-rays, an mri and multiple muscle relaxants I think that has ruled out the tightness originating in the head).
I appreciate any and all comments and thoughts.
Could my problem be originating in my left leg (possible ligament, muscle or joint problem) that is causing the tightness up along the left side of my body (as my left leg can generally feel ususually tight and I hear clicking sounds behind the knee)? Is that possible and could an x-ray or scan of the left leg help to clarify that?
And, another theory, is that around the age of 14 my left testicle (again with the "left".. coincidence?) withdrew into my abdomen and has been there ever since and sometimes feels uncomfortable and even, at times, slightly painful. I was wondering whether an acquired undescended testicle could be impinging on nearby muscle, nerves or something else which is resulting in the sporadic tightness I feel around the upper part of my left leg and lower left side of my back/hip and importantly the constant tightness i feel along the left side of my head/forehead (as I've had spine ct scans, neck x-rays, an mri and multiple muscle relaxants I think that has ruled out the tightness originating in the head).
I appreciate any and all comments and thoughts.
ticker
12-21-2008, 09:23 AM
Hi Jerry. Unfortunately, many doctors mistakenly believe Lyme does not exist in a particular area. I was told the same thing. This led to a delay in diagnosis and I became much sicker. I ended up traveling very far to get the help I needed. I have corresponded with people in Australia who have Lyme disease, so it is there.
In the states, infectious disease doctors are usually the worst to see for Lyme unless they specialize in it.
I don't know the answer to your questions. Have you asked your doctors about this? Some people who have Lyme are affected on one side.
If you want to confirm or rule out Lyme, it is important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor.
In the states, infectious disease doctors are usually the worst to see for Lyme unless they specialize in it.
I don't know the answer to your questions. Have you asked your doctors about this? Some people who have Lyme are affected on one side.
If you want to confirm or rule out Lyme, it is important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor.
Jerry1985
12-21-2008, 09:56 AM
Hi Jerry. Unfortunately, many doctors mistakenly believe Lyme does not exist in a particular area. I was told the same thing. This led to a delay in diagnosis and I became much sicker. I ended up traveling very far to get the help I needed. I have corresponded with people in Australia who have Lyme disease, so it is there.
In the states, infectious disease doctors are usually the worst to see for Lyme unless they specialize in it.
I don't know the answer to your questions. Have you asked your doctors about this? Some people who have Lyme are affected on one side.
If you want to confirm or rule out Lyme, it is important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor.
After 6 and a half years of chasing up my crackpot theories I'm extremely sick of this and just want to get better now as too many years have been consumed by this. As melodramatic as it sounds I have little quality of life because of this and I desperately want to know what is causing it. So if the infectious disease specialist said no then how else am I to approach that? What other authority would there be to see about it?
And regarding the questions I posted earlier today I'd really appreciate if someone could contribute their opinions and thoughts.
In the states, infectious disease doctors are usually the worst to see for Lyme unless they specialize in it.
I don't know the answer to your questions. Have you asked your doctors about this? Some people who have Lyme are affected on one side.
If you want to confirm or rule out Lyme, it is important to see a Lyme knowledgeable doctor.
After 6 and a half years of chasing up my crackpot theories I'm extremely sick of this and just want to get better now as too many years have been consumed by this. As melodramatic as it sounds I have little quality of life because of this and I desperately want to know what is causing it. So if the infectious disease specialist said no then how else am I to approach that? What other authority would there be to see about it?
And regarding the questions I posted earlier today I'd really appreciate if someone could contribute their opinions and thoughts.
wakkochic17
12-21-2008, 07:56 PM
Hey Jerry.. sorry you are still running into dead ends. I wouldn't get stuck on it being lyme disease (that list of symptoms have many that relate to Lupus and other diseases as well). Have you mentioned the problem with your left testicle to any of the doctors you have been seeing?
Jerry1985
12-22-2008, 01:16 AM
Hey Jerry.. sorry you are still running into dead ends. I wouldn't get stuck on it being lyme disease (that list of symptoms have many that relate to Lupus and other diseases as well). Have you mentioned the problem with your left testicle to any of the doctors you have been seeing?
I saw a urologist at a public hospital a few months ago who did an ultrasound of it and said that she thought I was too old to have it placed back in the scrotum and for that reason decided to leave it where it was (she apparently wants periodic scans to ensure that it doesn't become cancerous).
Though I was wondering whether it was worthwhile seeing a private urologist who would know whether or not the left testicle being located in the left side of my abdomen since I was about 14 (which is unusual for it to withdraw back into the abdomen) could be impinging on surrounding muscles or nerves which has caused the constant tightness along the left side of my body (I've tried looking at every cause from the upper part of the body, such as mris and ct scans and muscle relaxants, and they've never worked).
I mean, is it just a coincidence that I have these "tightness" symptoms along the left side of my body and it just so happens that the left testicle has been withdrawn since I've been about 14 (My health problem started soon after I turned 17)? Because, I can't possibly think of what else could be causing this (And because I'm more stubborn than a Mule combined with Hillary Clinton it's so frustrating constantly coming into dead ends and never resolving this).
I saw a urologist at a public hospital a few months ago who did an ultrasound of it and said that she thought I was too old to have it placed back in the scrotum and for that reason decided to leave it where it was (she apparently wants periodic scans to ensure that it doesn't become cancerous).
Though I was wondering whether it was worthwhile seeing a private urologist who would know whether or not the left testicle being located in the left side of my abdomen since I was about 14 (which is unusual for it to withdraw back into the abdomen) could be impinging on surrounding muscles or nerves which has caused the constant tightness along the left side of my body (I've tried looking at every cause from the upper part of the body, such as mris and ct scans and muscle relaxants, and they've never worked).
I mean, is it just a coincidence that I have these "tightness" symptoms along the left side of my body and it just so happens that the left testicle has been withdrawn since I've been about 14 (My health problem started soon after I turned 17)? Because, I can't possibly think of what else could be causing this (And because I'm more stubborn than a Mule combined with Hillary Clinton it's so frustrating constantly coming into dead ends and never resolving this).
wakkochic17
12-22-2008, 10:52 AM
I agree it sounds like more than a coincidence. Although I would think maybe instead of the scrotum being the cause it's actually a symptom as well, or whatever caused it to recede is now causing your other problems. It certainly wouldn't hurt to see a private urologist to ask!!
Jerry1985
12-22-2008, 08:47 PM
I agree it sounds like more than a coincidence. Although I would think maybe instead of the scrotum being the cause it's actually a symptom as well, or whatever caused it to recede is now causing your other problems. It certainly wouldn't hurt to see a private urologist to ask!!
It will probably just hurt my bank balance... ;)
All my other, seemingly more likely, theories have been dead ends so maybe this could be something. Because, it is very unlikely for a testicle to withdraw beyond the age of 10 so maybe it has been acting as a "foreign body sensation" upsetting the left side of the body (I would still love it if "House" was a real person so I could see him)?
Thanks.
It will probably just hurt my bank balance... ;)
All my other, seemingly more likely, theories have been dead ends so maybe this could be something. Because, it is very unlikely for a testicle to withdraw beyond the age of 10 so maybe it has been acting as a "foreign body sensation" upsetting the left side of the body (I would still love it if "House" was a real person so I could see him)?
Thanks.
Jerry1985
12-26-2008, 11:10 PM
I went to see my GP yesterday and after discussing everything I've tried over the years he now believes that the most likely source of my problem/symptoms is trigeminal neuralgia. He referred me to see a private neurologist and I will ring up monday to make an appointment as soon as possible (I have had an MRI before which was clear and saw a neurologist in late 2007 who tapped me on the knees and touched me on the face and simply gave me muscle relaxants but now theres I have some specific and plausible to go after, trigeminal neuralgia, that a neurologist should be able to confirm this diagnosis and prescribe the correct medication.
Apparently oral medication is prescribed to treat this problem? Does anyone know what sort of medication, how long I'll have to be on it and, also, what would have caused trigeminal neuralgia to occur in the first place?
Thanks.
Apparently oral medication is prescribed to treat this problem? Does anyone know what sort of medication, how long I'll have to be on it and, also, what would have caused trigeminal neuralgia to occur in the first place?
Thanks.
Benit
12-27-2008, 03:35 AM
I went to see my GP yesterday and after discussing everything I've tried over the years he now believes that the most likely source of my problem/symptoms is trigeminal neuralgia. He referred me to see a private neurologist and I will ring up monday to make an appointment as soon as possible (I have had an MRI before which was clear and saw a neurologist in late 2007 who tapped me on the knees and touched me on the face and simply gave me muscle relaxants but now theres I have some specific and plausible to go after, trigeminal neuralgia, that a neurologist should be able to confirm this diagnosis and prescribe the correct medication.
Apparently oral medication is prescribed to treat this problem? Does anyone know what sort of medication, how long I'll have to be on it and, also, what would have caused trigeminal neuralgia to occur in the first place?
Thanks.
I did a quick reading on this syndrome and while it does include "pressing sensations" as one of the symptoms, it seems to be more about actual facial/cranial pain which is often triggered by touching/pressing certain areas on one's face/head. I don't experience pain or even migraine that much, for me it's mostly about pressure in my head.
I'm not sure this syndrome could apply to my case, although it might work for you... my pressure/tightness is constant, and seems to be affected by activity in my lower body, especially the process of digestion, seems to change/alter my head pressure.
Although thanks for pointing this out to me, because I've not often heard about it.
Apparently oral medication is prescribed to treat this problem? Does anyone know what sort of medication, how long I'll have to be on it and, also, what would have caused trigeminal neuralgia to occur in the first place?
Thanks.
I did a quick reading on this syndrome and while it does include "pressing sensations" as one of the symptoms, it seems to be more about actual facial/cranial pain which is often triggered by touching/pressing certain areas on one's face/head. I don't experience pain or even migraine that much, for me it's mostly about pressure in my head.
I'm not sure this syndrome could apply to my case, although it might work for you... my pressure/tightness is constant, and seems to be affected by activity in my lower body, especially the process of digestion, seems to change/alter my head pressure.
Although thanks for pointing this out to me, because I've not often heard about it.
Jerry1985
12-27-2008, 08:16 AM
But in my case, do you all think trigeminal neuralgia seems most likely and that the oral medication usually prescribed for it should do the trick?
Benit
12-28-2008, 03:31 AM
But in my case, do you all think trigeminal neuralgia seems most likely and that the oral medication usually prescribed for it should do the trick?
I'm afraid I'm no expert on these matters, as much as I'd like to be..
The only advice I have is to try and get this trigeminal neuralgia idea followed up, see if you can "confirm" the DX, because the right DX goes a long way for the right treatment.
In the meantime, try exploring the complex subject of B12 deficiency, see if you have some things in common with it. That's what I'm doing at the moment and I just might be onto something.
I'm afraid I'm no expert on these matters, as much as I'd like to be..
The only advice I have is to try and get this trigeminal neuralgia idea followed up, see if you can "confirm" the DX, because the right DX goes a long way for the right treatment.
In the meantime, try exploring the complex subject of B12 deficiency, see if you have some things in common with it. That's what I'm doing at the moment and I just might be onto something.
Jerry1985
12-28-2008, 06:05 AM
[
I've had blood tests and I'm sure that if it was B12 deficiency that those various tests would have picked it up.
At this stage, after having tried and ruled out so many things, trigeminal neuralgia (or something similar or related) seems like the most likely cause of my problem.
I've had blood tests and I'm sure that if it was B12 deficiency that those various tests would have picked it up.
At this stage, after having tried and ruled out so many things, trigeminal neuralgia (or something similar or related) seems like the most likely cause of my problem.
Jerry1985
02-16-2009, 02:38 AM
Well it's not trigeminal neuralgia.
I went back to my dentist because I felt that the jaw must be responsible and that the jaw specialist I saw in 2008 just didn't know what he was doing so my dentist referred me to a different oral specialist who said that I need to wear a splint because my unusually strong bite is causing the constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead and to an extent along left side of upper back.
So I'm now wearing a very expensive splint every night the this specialist seems to think it will take somewhere between 3 - 6 months for the "tightness" symptoms and associated problems (such as perception distortion, impaired concentration and disorientation all caused by the constant tightness along the left side of my head) to be resolved.
What do you all think (I really really hope this works)? The specialist said the "tightness" is apparent on only the left side because we often tend to favour one side of the body over the other.
How long do you think it will be until the splint enables the tightness along the left side of my head to be reduced at least to the extent where I don't have those frustration side effects (especially the distorted perception caused by the constant tightness of the head near my left eye).
Thanks.
P.S. I should probably mention that so far I've been wearing the splint for the past 5 nights.
I went back to my dentist because I felt that the jaw must be responsible and that the jaw specialist I saw in 2008 just didn't know what he was doing so my dentist referred me to a different oral specialist who said that I need to wear a splint because my unusually strong bite is causing the constant tightness along the left side of my head/forehead and to an extent along left side of upper back.
So I'm now wearing a very expensive splint every night the this specialist seems to think it will take somewhere between 3 - 6 months for the "tightness" symptoms and associated problems (such as perception distortion, impaired concentration and disorientation all caused by the constant tightness along the left side of my head) to be resolved.
What do you all think (I really really hope this works)? The specialist said the "tightness" is apparent on only the left side because we often tend to favour one side of the body over the other.
How long do you think it will be until the splint enables the tightness along the left side of my head to be reduced at least to the extent where I don't have those frustration side effects (especially the distorted perception caused by the constant tightness of the head near my left eye).
Thanks.
P.S. I should probably mention that so far I've been wearing the splint for the past 5 nights.
Jerry1985
02-17-2009, 02:38 AM
Any opinions would be appreciated.
Benit
02-17-2009, 04:08 AM
Dear Jerry,
Can you refresh me on what all your symptoms are again, with as much detail as time permits? I think it would help others on here get a better picture of what's going on, as well.
Did any of the drugs they gave you for Trigeminal Neuralgia help, by the way? I have also heard that beta-blockers can help reduce "nerve pain".. have you ever tried these and did they help?
Can you refresh me on what all your symptoms are again, with as much detail as time permits? I think it would help others on here get a better picture of what's going on, as well.
Did any of the drugs they gave you for Trigeminal Neuralgia help, by the way? I have also heard that beta-blockers can help reduce "nerve pain".. have you ever tried these and did they help?
wakkochic17
02-17-2009, 03:00 PM
Jerry, I hope this works for you! That's so frustrating that it went full circle back to the jaw. I still think that's the best likelihood. I'm glad the new doctor saw what it could possibly be. I really hope it helps you!!
bethsheba
02-17-2009, 05:59 PM
I doubt that it will help at all...you and your doctor are putting a band aid on the symptom, and not addressing the cause.
If this were caused by somethings your doctors knew about, it would have responded to treatment by now. In my opinion, what you and your doctors are trying will be futile.
If this were caused by somethings your doctors knew about, it would have responded to treatment by now. In my opinion, what you and your doctors are trying will be futile.
Jerry1985
02-18-2009, 02:20 AM
I doubt that it will help at all...you and your doctor are putting a band aid on the symptom, and not addressing the cause.
If this were caused by somethings your doctors knew about, it would have responded to treatment by now. In my opinion, what you and your doctors are trying will be futile.
I've only been using the splint for almost a week and its meant to be used for somewhere between 3 - 6 months for the treatment to properly work.
What would you suggest the specialist be doing instead? They did a x-ray of my jaw and thats fine so he says whats causing the constant "tightness" is a unusually strong clinching which is causing the tightness symptoms along the left side of my head (apparently the left side of the clinching is having more of a pronounced impact, which I can feel when I put my hand under both sides of my jaw when I shut it.... meaning I feel more pressure exerted by the left side of the jaw shutting).
A splint is meant to be used for a situation like this to prevent the jaw from constantly reinforcing such 'tightness' so I don't understand why you believe it to be "futile".
If this were caused by somethings your doctors knew about, it would have responded to treatment by now. In my opinion, what you and your doctors are trying will be futile.
I've only been using the splint for almost a week and its meant to be used for somewhere between 3 - 6 months for the treatment to properly work.
What would you suggest the specialist be doing instead? They did a x-ray of my jaw and thats fine so he says whats causing the constant "tightness" is a unusually strong clinching which is causing the tightness symptoms along the left side of my head (apparently the left side of the clinching is having more of a pronounced impact, which I can feel when I put my hand under both sides of my jaw when I shut it.... meaning I feel more pressure exerted by the left side of the jaw shutting).
A splint is meant to be used for a situation like this to prevent the jaw from constantly reinforcing such 'tightness' so I don't understand why you believe it to be "futile".
bethsheba
02-18-2009, 02:11 PM
...Many years ago (I was in high school when I noticed this so could have been around the time this health problem started) I noticed a small red mark on the middle of my right hand and there was a pale white circle around it....
This is the only definitive symptom of Lyme that I am aware of...despite this, some think that less than 30 percent of those with Lyme remember seeing/getting it. You're one of the lucky ones!! You remember seeing it.
Although ticks were originally thought to be the carriers of this disease, some now think that flies, fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects may transmit the infection as well.
Based on what you've told us in the past, your health decline around the same time you saw this mark.
All of your other symptoms are symptoms of Lyme disease.
Your infectious disease specialist was wrong when he told you that Lyme doesn't exist in Australia. I have provided links in the past that support what I am saying.
If you are infected by lyme and/or its coinfections, only killing the infection will relieve your symtoms and that is IF you kill the infection before permenant damage has been done.
Ticker gave you some excellent advice...if you're serious about treating your condition, you'll utilize the resources she was so kind to share with you.
This is the only definitive symptom of Lyme that I am aware of...despite this, some think that less than 30 percent of those with Lyme remember seeing/getting it. You're one of the lucky ones!! You remember seeing it.
Although ticks were originally thought to be the carriers of this disease, some now think that flies, fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects may transmit the infection as well.
Based on what you've told us in the past, your health decline around the same time you saw this mark.
All of your other symptoms are symptoms of Lyme disease.
Your infectious disease specialist was wrong when he told you that Lyme doesn't exist in Australia. I have provided links in the past that support what I am saying.
If you are infected by lyme and/or its coinfections, only killing the infection will relieve your symtoms and that is IF you kill the infection before permenant damage has been done.
Ticker gave you some excellent advice...if you're serious about treating your condition, you'll utilize the resources she was so kind to share with you.
bethsheba
02-20-2009, 09:05 AM
Am including the following US government link for any readers who have jaw problems or who have been diagnosed with TMJ, and who don't respond to traditional treatment for the condition:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2812630
Another thread that may be of interest:
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=626040
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2812630
Another thread that may be of interest:
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=626040
Jerry1985
03-31-2009, 02:29 AM
Yesterday I saw my physio and she believes that a nerve(s) running along the left side of my head/back and leg is underpinning my left head tightness, the feeling of tightness I usually feel running along the left side of my back and to an extent along my left leg.
She has told me to do an exercise where I get a towel and hold it around my left foot and lean my head down while pulling on the towel with my hands to stretch the nerve along my left leg (I can feel that underneath my leg it feels tight when I do this).
Is there anything else I could do to help resolve this hyperactive/inflammed nerve along my left side? Any medical or oral treatment I could seek from my GP other than just doing the physio stretches?
Thanks.
She has told me to do an exercise where I get a towel and hold it around my left foot and lean my head down while pulling on the towel with my hands to stretch the nerve along my left leg (I can feel that underneath my leg it feels tight when I do this).
Is there anything else I could do to help resolve this hyperactive/inflammed nerve along my left side? Any medical or oral treatment I could seek from my GP other than just doing the physio stretches?
Thanks.
luvtocamp
03-31-2009, 06:06 PM
Jerry1985
I have the same as you only opposite side, Right head neck arm, back, pelvis area, leg to the foot tightness. The right head has pressure and a humming.
I wonder is this is due tmj, neck or brain.
PS: look at your cheekbones, are they balanced or is one higher and further back?
Put you fingers in your ears, are they even?
I in my gut of gut feel this is my main problem, my right cheekbone is up and further back and my right ear is further back, my last osteo appoint. I asked why is my neck and head so tight, she said your chewing on your neck- she has yet to balance my headbones, I may have to have a chiro do it.
Your temporal bones with are attached to your cheekbones houses the tmj joint, so the joint is going to sit in its house, thus your jaw is not going to function right.
Now this is what I have researched and by my symptoms and face I have come to the conclusion that until my cranial bones are balanced (no ones are perfect- but mine use to be more even) I will always have these symptoms. If one temporal is noticably different, then the atlas (occiput) will be off also, as all the bones in the head.
I have the same as you only opposite side, Right head neck arm, back, pelvis area, leg to the foot tightness. The right head has pressure and a humming.
I wonder is this is due tmj, neck or brain.
PS: look at your cheekbones, are they balanced or is one higher and further back?
Put you fingers in your ears, are they even?
I in my gut of gut feel this is my main problem, my right cheekbone is up and further back and my right ear is further back, my last osteo appoint. I asked why is my neck and head so tight, she said your chewing on your neck- she has yet to balance my headbones, I may have to have a chiro do it.
Your temporal bones with are attached to your cheekbones houses the tmj joint, so the joint is going to sit in its house, thus your jaw is not going to function right.
Now this is what I have researched and by my symptoms and face I have come to the conclusion that until my cranial bones are balanced (no ones are perfect- but mine use to be more even) I will always have these symptoms. If one temporal is noticably different, then the atlas (occiput) will be off also, as all the bones in the head.