Frustrated and confused - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

teach2think · 07-04-2003, 06:48 PM

This is the first time that I've ever posted to an online board, but I'm overwhelmed and frustrated. I've been having persistent symtpoms of pain in the inner ear, stuffiness feeling, jawline sore and sometimes swollen, some neck pain (as far as tightness while swallowing), crackling noises in my ear, and recently slight ear spasms. I've been seeing an ENT and he suggested that I had TMJ. I then went to an oral surgeon and he said that more than likely I grinded my teeth at night. I have an appointment with my ENT at the end of the month (it's so difficult to get in!) because I'm fed up, but I'm not quite sure what to do about it. At this point I can handle the tenderness on my jawline, but the ear pain is killing me. It's painful to sleep on that side and sometimes makes me feel nauseated. I'm making an appointment for the dentist after this next ENT visit if he *still* can't find anything wrong with me (they've examined my ears over and over again, and have also put a tube in my nose to see the inside of my nasal cavity, throat..nothing's wrong.). I'm looking into getting a mouth guard. Will this help? And also, is it normal for the symptoms to be only on one side of the face? For the past two years, this has only affected my right side...ear/swollen jawline/even headaches are on the right side...

Arleen · 07-04-2003, 07:09 PM

Hi:
Welcome to the board! I'm sorry you're having problems and a lot of the symptoms you describe could be TMJD symptoms. I can't really give you advice. I've been suffering for close to two years and only recently was diagnosed. What I would say, is don't consider any type of surgery (which is usually what surgeon like to suggest) until you have an accurate diagnosis and good idea of what the problem is. I don't know what type of dentist you're seeing, but I've been to over 15 and not one of them was able to diagnose me with TMJD. Some even told me I didn't have it! A lot of dentists don't know very much about TMJD, so I would check with them (or ask their receptionists/office staff) the percentage of TMJD patients they treat. For some dentists, that amount is very low. You'd do best to get one where the % is high, or that is the focus on their practice. Also, I'd suggest having a good read of the posts on this board, as there's a ton of useful information.

Good luck, and let us know how you do.
Arleen

Anastasia · 07-04-2003, 07:41 PM

hi and welcome

sorry you have to be here

i have most of the symptoms that you have but i also have pain in behind my eyeballs and a strange "Stoned" sensation. i think it's very likely that you have a TMJ problem. i was recently diognosed myself after seeing every doctor in existance including an ENT who found no reason for my ear ringing and pain. i'm amazed that your ENT mentioned TMJd to you. Most seem to believe that TMJd and ears have no connection! it's unreal! i've only been wearing my NTI mouth guard for almost 3 weeks and have noticed very slight differences. my pain has increased and i'm having ear spasms (i think) but my light sensitivity has gone down slightly and the Drugged feeling has also gone down by about 10%. i agree with Arleen about surgury. be very careful and don't let doctors try anything that is not reversable. the first step is to get a mouth guard. all dentist and TMj specialist will tell you the same. also when you book an appointment with your dentist ask if he is qualified to make that diognosis, just to be on the safe side.

good luck and good health

Anastasia

amateurdoc · 07-04-2003, 08:15 PM

My computer has really been horrible today. Since you are in Orlando, and not that far from Gainesville, the professors/doctors at the dental school have a relationship with the Parker/Mahan Facial Pain Clinic who can take you through the process of diagnosis. Getting an appointment is difficult, though. They do not prescribe drugs. (I can't believe I'm actually recommending someone go to anything associated with the University of Florida. When I'm driving down I-75, I speed up going past the exits for Gainesville). I am sorry you are having pain. My wife says the ear pain she has lately is unbearable, so she can certainly relate. I don't know that I'd wait for the ENT appointment, only because I think the earlier you catch this the better.

[Edited to remove cuss word - "horrible" is better. Thanks.]

[This message has been edited by Well-come (edited 07-04-2003).]