Got my Orthotic Today & UPDATE - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jamie · 09-15-2003, 09:18 PM

Hey all,

So, today I got my orthotic from Dr. Rawson. Then I was off to "Interface" to see somebody regarding my wisdom teeth. I was told by the doctor that I can get them out whenever I want to, but it's not a pressing issue. He said they need to come out within the next 2 years, but he suggests sometime in the new year.

Ok, so after a few re-adjustments I got my two orthotics. One I wear all day, and one I wear at night. The day one is on the bottom of my jaw and provides the movement. The night time one is on the top of my mouth and is in at night time to hold the movement into place until I wake up and put the day-time one in.

After the first 2 hours with it in, I was dizzy but it went away. I can feel the pressure in my mouth as it holds the jaw into it's new "home".

Unfortuntaly, I can't report any changes in symptoms. I still have the ear clicks, noise sensitivity and now a constant bout of mild ear pain.

Yes, I know.. it's been less then 12 hours. I am sure I have to give it time. However, if the orthotic (he says it's not a splint, but similar) is holding my jaw to the place it will be forced to stay in, shouldn't the ear symptoms disappear because it's already moved? I am sure that isn't the case, but it's wishful thinking.

I keep my orthotic in to eat, and then clean it after. It SUCKS for eating, but it will MAKE me lose some of that extra winter weight I wanna get rid of, as it will force me to eat soft foods and not eat for enjoyment. For dinner, I had oatmeal (Rasins and SPice - YUM) but it was NOT enjoyable, and that was OATMEAL!!! hehe... there goes eating for enjoyment!

Anyways, that's my update. Let's hope that I can report some changes some time soon.

What do you all think?

Jamie · 09-16-2003, 06:18 AM

ANY feedback/comments/questions?

I need attention

saaraah · 09-16-2003, 06:23 AM

imo, i think it's way too early to expect improvements.. just think about it this way - your symptoms have been around for a long time [im guessing], so it's going to take awhile to get things under control. it cant be fixed over night.

but dont worry - things *will* get under control and you *will* notice improvement.

i can understand how anxious you are; i imagine when/if i get my splint, i'll be the exact same way!

take care,

- saaraah.

totallyconfused · 09-16-2003, 06:53 AM

Jamie,

I think it is much too soon to see an improvement in your ear symptoms. I have heard those sometimes take the longest. However, I would let your dentist know about the dizziness and mild ear pain. It could just be an adjustment period, but I don't like new symptoms.

Good luck learning to eat with it.

Take care,
TC

Marlene · 09-16-2003, 06:58 AM

Hi Jamie,

Don't be discouraged if you don't notice any significant change in your symptoms for a time. The effect is so gradual for some symptoms. Personally, the only immediate relief I got when first wearing my splint was a decrease in the intensity and frequency of my killer headaches. The jaw pain and dizziness actually increased periodically within the first couple of weeks of wearing it (but I was told that this could occur) because my jaw was literally "fighting" to return to the old/incorrect position. As I've posted several times before, the TMJ condition developed over time, and therefore it's going to take time to correct it. Patience is the key.

Marlene