I think I may have TMD - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

dulce75 · 05-23-2003, 10:17 AM

Well, I'm new here. Yet I'm afraid I may be a fellow TMD sufferer, and I think I may have been since 1996. At the tender age of 20) I am so angry with all the ENT specialists, doctors,, allergists and neurologists I have visited over the years to find out what my problem is. NOT ONE of them paid any serious attention to me. They declared me well and fine, allergy free, sinuses clear, hearing perfect...and made me feel like I was insane.

I'm FINALLY going to a TMJ specialist in 2 weeks. I really hope she's good and she can help me (she's the only one within my HMO so she better be good). For the past 7 years I have had considerable hearing problems. My ears are always clogged up, or so they feel like they are. Popping them doesn't help. My lymph nodes swell a lot, my muscles ache, my jaw pops, my neck hurts me all the time, I wake up at least 10 times a night because of this weird clicking sound in my head (I thought it was sinuses...it sounds like fluid moving around), I'm tired all the time, and just singing or talking a lot makes my jaw ache.

Do you all agree this could possibly be TMD? I'm becoming more and more convinced. What I wouldn't give to be able to hear normally again! To breathe normally! I could even live with the jaw popping if I could just not feel so clogged all the time--if I could relieve the pressure behind my ears. Does anyone know of any self-induced relief I might find in exercises or anything? I just don't know what a TMD specialist will be able to do to help me, since no one else has in 7 years.

Thanks everyone...I look forward to learning more about this disorder from all of you fellow sufferers.

Michelle

sandra1 · 05-23-2003, 06:21 PM

Hello Michelle,

Welcome to the board!

It's good that you are finally going to a tmjd specialist for your problems. You seem to have some of the classic signs of tmjd, but only a specialist can confirm that. There is really not much you can do wait now in the meantime to relieve some of the pain...except maybe try a hot pack on your joints, or take a over the counter medicine. Just keep reading our posts...you will learn so much and pick up some helpful tips along the way.

Have a good evening.

Sandi

HRevero · 05-23-2003, 07:23 PM

Hi Michelle, Welcome to the board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandi is right it does sound like classic symptoms but really only a specialist or a dentist can confirm that. I have had tmj about the same length of time as you have and it is not fun. I was told by many doctors that there was nothing wrong with my except mentally. But when I went to the "mental" doctors they said I was fine, go figure. Has your family been supprotive or understanding about your pain even though you don't technically have a name for your pain yet? Sometimes families do not know what we go through and tend to be unsupportive. I want you to know that no matter what people may say to you you have a bunch of people (the board) that is on your side. The tmj process is very aggravating and can leave you totally frustrated, but that is okay. the biggest releif I get from this board is knowing that I am finally not alone with this pain. Don't get me wrong I hate the fact they are in pain, but we are not alone.
Welcome to the board again, I think you will find it very helpful, and find really great people in the process.
Heather