I'm New - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

JMM · 04-25-2003, 10:26 AM

I have always had a post nasal drip problem but last May 2002 I started to have a constant pressure in my eyes which gave me a tired feeling. I figured it was just an allergy but it never went away. Prior to that I had 6 consecutive yeast infections. In March 2003 I started with the neck pain (left side only) and feeling like I couldn't think straight. I'm tired most of the time. Needless to say I went to my regular doctor, a neurologist, a rhumotologist and a ENT. All of my tests (Cat scan of head, MRI w/ contrast, blood tests for Lupus, Epstein Barr...) have come back fine. I had a cold when the MRI was done so that showed Acute Sinusitus. The ENT thinks I have a TMJ problem and put me on a muscle relaxer to take before bedtime, Vioxx for the neck/head pain and Zyrtec & Flonase for my sinuses. This doesn't seem to be helping me at all and I've been using these MEDs for about 3 wks. Last week I was nauseous every day in the morning only but that has gone away this week. My main symptoms now are Pressure in my eyes (like i've had a very stressful day reading), pain in my neck and an overall weird feeling in my head. I get a tightness in the throat and shortness of breath sometimes. And most importantly - I feel like I can't think straight (a little dizzy) but not all the time. The only thing I can compare it to is how you feel when you have a bad cold and you can't think that well. My temples and teeth have a slight pain sometimes and the top of my head sometimes feels like my hair is standing on end. My eyes have a slight burning feeling sometimes also.
So where i'm at now is I'm going to see a Physical Therapist for TMJ. I can't believe this can be the cause of all my symptoms.
I also ordered a book "The Yeast Connection" and the cookbook that goes with it. I am going to change my diet and see if it helps at all.
Anyone have any advice for me?

HRevero · 04-25-2003, 10:19 PM

Hey JMM,

Welcome to the board!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It seems like you are taking the right steps for tmj. Some of the other board members feel that massage therapy, accupuncture, and accupressure helps. I personally see a difference in my body when I do accupressure. Let us know the things your pt does for you.
Heather

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JMM · 04-26-2003, 07:46 AM

Heather,
I thought I had a terminal disease when I first started getting these symptoms. I am going to get the joints x-rayed to make sure the ENT is correct about thinking I have TMJD. I don't have clicking in my jaw or anything - just symptoms of TMJD. Thanks for responding. I'm so glad I found this board.

autumn83175 · 04-26-2003, 08:03 AM

JMM,

Welcome to the board

I would have an MRI of the TM Joints done by my doctor to see if there is any actually joint damage. I am not sure how they determine if TMJD is more muscular related as I didn't have that type. Hopefully someone here can offer help on how that is diagnosed.

I would look into it a bit more before going into and paying for physical therapy. You may need other treatment first or in conjuction with the Physical therapy. Don't rush into anything as the wrong treatment can cause more damage. Seek some more answers first.

About the yeast infections some people get them from taking certain antibiotics. Check that out and see if there is a connection there. Your gyno may have some more or better advice for you on that. I would see them.

Good luck! I hope you find the answers you need to get proper treatment.

Autumn

justpancho · 04-27-2003, 03:24 AM

heya JMM! Sorry to hear about your troubles, but welcome to the board!

TMJ symptoms can vary widely in the body. The pain can affect many areas that almost seem too weird to be related. It does sound as if you are taking the proper steps for treatment.

I would suggest that you notice how the flonase affects you seperately from the other meds you are taking. I had a really hard time with that medicine (naseau.. dizziness). This is a typical side affect and my doctor proclaims that flonase often causes many side effects. There are other drugs that do the same thing so if you think that flonase might be the problem, then you might look into switching it. Now having said all of that.. one of the typical symptoms of tmj is naseau and dizzy feelings so it might just be the tmj.

Anyways.. welcome to the forum and I hope you find relief soon!

panch