Just can't figure this out! - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jill · 07-25-2003, 02:33 PM

I pushed to go out this past week like my Dr. suggested. They think on top of the pain and dizziness I am getting depressed. Going out helped to get me out of the house but I feel so bad anyway it isn't something that is fun. I had the off balance feeling all the time. If I talked to much to people my jaws started to hurt and got tight. There were times I felt like I was getting to warm and was going to pass out. It is hard to know how much of this now is stress and how much is the TMJ. I was suppose to go to the specialtist for the first time yesterday but he had a death in the family and we had to postpone until Monday. Now my Dr. and family think I also need to go to counceling because I am starting to get depressed.They have me on Zoloft to help me cope better but I don't think it is helping me much to this point.I just need to know what is wrong and how to get better and I think the depression will go away. Anyone else find counceling helpful when going through this? It takes a toll on your nerves that is for sure. Being in pain so much and having to think about everything you do is hard. Just need some encouragement. Feel like no one here really understands how hard this is to feel off balance all the time and have pain so much. Thank! Good luck everyone!
Jill

DianeTMJ · 07-25-2003, 03:49 PM

Hello Jill -
Oh Jill, depression is a part of TMJD because of the many symptoms that just seem to get us down, more and more. I would like to caution about taking drugs, someone on the board had indicated that these type of drugs can actually cause you to grind/clench even more.
I do not know what a councilor would do. You are very much in reality and "talking" is not the best thing when one as TMJD.
What type of TMJ person are you seeing? I have seen a nueromucsular dentist wiht wonderful, results.
I wish I could reach the internet and give you a hug. See if there is a TMJ support group in your area. Know that we all care out here in computerland. The Depression for me was almost gone immediatley when I started my treatment, it will get better for you Jill.
Do some research on the drug and see if clenching and grinding can be a side effect from it.
Take care
Diane

kami-girl · 07-25-2003, 04:04 PM

Hi Jill,

I certainly can understand how you feel about going out. I too push myself to get out of the house. Some days are better, some worse. Like you, I don't go out alone because of the balance thing. I don't drive so I rely on my husband and daughter to take me places.

I don't think too many people can understand what tmj is like unless they have been through it themselves. I think my husband finally has some idea of what I am going through after the dentist explained it all to him. I have tried counselling in the past but the only thing that was suggested for me was to learn how to relax and deal with stress. I personally think that the tmj condition causes the stress and not the other way around.

It is so nice to have this board to express our thoughts and feelings with one another. For me at least it is the only place I can talk about this illness.

Take care,

Grace

saaraah · 07-25-2003, 06:55 PM

jill - i went to a psychologist for a few times. she understood that i couldnt talk very much, so she did most of the talking and gave me hints about positive thinking and whatnot. someone with cognitive-behavioral training would be beneficial to teach you tools of how to cope w/ pain [without you having to talk a lot].

anyway, take care.

- saaraah.

Jill · 07-26-2003, 06:51 PM

Thanks to all of your for your encouragement. It helps on those really down days. I went shopping for the first time today and did pretty good. Didn't go anywhere to crowded and was able to feel ok. My jaw pain has been good today but my teeth really hurt today. I'm not sure what is up with that. I was able to go to a small fast food place tonight and eat with my family. It was good to get out of the house for a while. I know there are going to be more tough days ahead but felt good that I was able to do some today. I was able to eat a little bit better today and I think that helped me just to feel better as well (not as shakey). Thanks again for your encouragement. You all have been a God send for me. It helps to know someone really understands how hard this is!
Jill