Are you able to work with your TMJ? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Michelle W · 09-22-2003, 09:48 AM

Hi!

I hope you don't mind me posting another question. I guess I am finally getting up the nerve to post.

I am currently not working. I would love to go back to school or work part-time if I can get my symptoms under control. I am fortunate that my husband can support me financially at this time. Currently, I still have pain, and I am afraid any additional stress would just make everything worse. I have a lot of bad anxiety/depression. The medication I was on was just making my grinding worse, so I am not taking my old medication. I have tried several different medications with the same results of more grinding/clenching.

I was wondering if any of you are able to function in your job with your TMJ? Do you think the stess of a job makes your TMJ worse? I am finding myself isolated from life and wondering if I should continue to put my life on hold due to my TMJ.

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by Michelle W (edited 09-22-2003).]

PINKYPRISCILLA · 09-22-2003, 10:16 AM

Hello,

I don't know your history with tmj, but, are you going for treatment?

Based on my personal experience I would say that keeping busy and going to work will help you take your mind off of tmj however, based on my personal experience, you will get bad days, depends on your stress level at your job. If you have a stressful job, maybe switching to a less stress ful job might help. I
had a lot of problems with my supervisor understanding my tmj problems and he was very nasty about it. But I won't let that get me down !!!!

saaraah · 09-22-2003, 11:43 AM

i have had to alter my life to accomodate the pain. instead of going to "normal" university, i have been doing it by distance education [online] even tho i live in the city where the university is located. my pain limits me in how much i can read and how much work i can do in one sitting, so i really have to pace myself and hope i dont feel too badly.

also, im currently looking for a part-time job, but it's proving to be extremely difficult because i need something that doesnt include heavy lifting or talking.

im pretty scared of what type of career i'll end up having once im done university, since i cant deal with people.

- saaraah.

Michelle W · 09-22-2003, 02:26 PM

Hi Again,

Pinkypriscilla I had TMJ bilateral arthroplasty done in March 2003. My disc were displaced, so the surgeon put them back in place and pinned them with titanium screws. I could not eat on my right side at all most of 2002. I underwent many splint adjustments last year. Eventually, my TMJ dentist recommended a MRI and referred me to my surgeon. I wear my splint 24/7 since a couple of weeks after surgery. I did the whole PT, liquid diet, soft diet for a couple of months. Currently, I am having splint adjustments with my orthodontist, but my progress is going very slow. My surgeon tells me I am having muscle spasms. I did pretty good for a couple months after my surgery but then something obviously changed. I am trying to sort it all out. It is hard to know what to do with TMJ. You never know what will irritate it. I am glad to hear that you are currently able to work.

20carfan · 09-22-2003, 06:33 PM

Hi Michelle,

I have not been able to work for over 6 months as well. I could deal with the TMJ pain, but when the ear ringing and dizziness set in, with the severe clicking and migranes I just couldn't handle even talking to my family. I am at the point where I mostly only talk to people by phone, it hurts too much to use expresssion. And locking for sometimes 6 hours is scary. I go to doctors everyday almost (ear, head, TMJ...) and have been to the ER a few times. My work doesn't care, which I guess I can understand. Im not productive, I can't concentrate on anything, Im a space zombie. Anyway, I applied for the disability insurance though my work. The disability co seems to think TMJ is a joke you should hear the things their "doctors" say to me. I understand your position. I wish I could find a job that required little talking and no lifting.