My Story - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

c.oldroyd · 10-02-2002, 06:15 AM

Well first of all i want to say what a great find this board is, until a week ago i did not know that my problem existed. I have been suffering with Jaw pain for over 4 years now and in that time i have had most of my upper back teeth removed by a dentist that told me there was nothing wrong with them but thought we should take them out anyway to get rid of my pain.
Needless to say it did not.
I have extreme pain in my jaw, teeth, eyes, and forehead, ringing ears etc etc. I have just lost my job and this week the pain has gone on to another level. I started taking Ibuprofen and they seem to make it worse, the only thing that helps is a hot flannel held on by jaw joint.

My life is falling apart, i feel ill all the time, i am short tempered, bad concentration and my love life is virtually non existent as i can't be bothered at night after being in pain all day i am totally and utally exhausted.

I have an appointment on Friday with a TMJ specialist which is rare in the UK, no one else seems to know anything about it,even my doctor.

I will post the details of the appointment. In the mean time i feel like i have eventually found some people that know what i am going through, i thought i was going mad.

If anyone has any treatment advice on easing the pain it will be much appreciated.

Thank you all
Chris

Marlene · 10-02-2002, 07:02 AM

Hi Chris,

Welcome to the Board!! Good to have you here as part of our little "TMJ family" - but sorry you have to be here. You'll find lots of good people and information here.
You mentioned you get some relief using a hot flannel - is it moist heat you're using? Generally, moist heat is recommended. Most of us here don't like to take a lot of medications for TMJ, but some have found that low doses of an antidepressant can help with chronic pain, and can "take the edge off" tension/depression, which usually accompanies TMJ.
Do let us know how you make out with your TMJ appointment!

Welcome,
Marlene

Elaine · 10-02-2002, 10:38 AM

Chris,
Welcome to "our family". Terrible family ties we have, PAIN!!!

This disease is horrible but the main thing is try to keep a postive attitude and remember you are not in this alone. Somedays I wonder what did I do to deserve this, but...I have no answer. When I get to feeling down, I come to this board. It does help to be able to talk to others in the same mess.
Sometimes I use moist heat, other times, ice feels better. Have gotten to where I can't sleep with a pillow or end up with a migraine.
I hope you find a good specialist because you are right, "nobody seems to know much about TMJD". A lot of guess work going on and lots of times, patients end up worse off. Make your choices wisely and get more than one opinion if you don't like what you're hearing.
Take care and good luck with your appointment.
Elaine

antoni · 10-02-2002, 02:13 PM

Hi C.

My TMJD symptoms have been acting up lately -- ear popping blowing sounds, shooting pain in bottom back tooth(it's under root canal watch but the dentists don't know for sure if it's an infection causing the pain or not -- I bet TMJD), jaw pain, etc;. THe pain behind the eyes is really annoying. I work at a desk job with a computer all day and the pain is unbearable. I don't know how much longer I can go on with my job -- but then there are no jobs so I am stuck.

I've been suffering for a year and a half and my symptoms seem to be getting worse. I just would like to tell people to think twice before even entering a dentist's office because in my wildest nightmares I never would have imagine the allegedly "minor" dental procedure I had done on 9 teeth would turn my life into the misery it is now!!!

Talk about a love life forget about that ... When my jaw and teeth starts up I can't even think about kissing someone on the cheek even yuck -- the whole mouth/jaw doesn't feel right not to mention the pain. It's very depressing.

I was wondering -- how did you develop your TMJD -- accident, bad dental... Once it gets messed up it's something that can;t be fixed in my experience.

Hi Elaine,

I read one of your other posts about a friend that had trouble with a hospital procedure for her back and was "drooling like a dog" and ready to "cash out" -- it was frightening(you have a way with words). IS doing better now????

c.oldroyd · 10-02-2002, 02:47 PM

Well i had not been to the dentist for many years and when i eventually went i was told i needed 12 fillings. These were done over a few weeks and since then i have had these problems

Cheers
Chris