Today is my last day... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jamie · 10-15-2003, 08:05 AM

Hey all,

Today I see Dr. Rawson for a follow-up on my splint. The good news is, I will remain with the night time splint as it has basically eliminated my waking up at night. I also don't snore anymore supposedly, so that's a good think.

Unfortunatly, my ear problems are getting worse. I am now convinced that my problem is not TMJ. My hyperacusis is worse, my "clicking" noise is worse and the distortion in my ears is worse. I am not blaming the splint, but I had a fear that playing with nerves in that area would make the problem worse.. and it has.

I know Dr. Rawson will be happy with solving the sleeping problems, and i am thankful for that -- I AM. However, I really could care less about that. I just want my ears back.

So, I am going to thank him today and stop my treatment. Wearing this splint is doing nothing for me in regards to my ears, and it has been a month and the only thing I have noticed is the fact that it's worse. Also, 95% of my problems are in my right ear, but I still have problems in my left ear. It clicks like CRAZY when it hears sounds! TMJ problems are usually related to ONE ear only.

Now I am going to have to fight for another diagnosis.

sham32 · 10-15-2003, 08:25 AM

I WOULDN'T GIVE UP SO SOON. I KNOW IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER BUT WHAT I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE PAST 10 MONTHS IS I NEED TO BE PATIENT. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD I KNOW. I HAVE BEEN WEARING A SPLINT 24/7 SINCE MARCH OF THIS YEAR. MY EAR STILL KILLS ALL THE TIME BUT THE MUSCLES AROUND THE JAW ARE RELAXING MORE. EVENTUALLY THEY SHOULD BE RELAXED ENOUGH TO STOP THE EAR PAIN. YOU KNOW THE EXPRESSION "I HAVE BEEN TO HELL AND BACK" WELL I AM NOT BACK YET AND IT HAS BEEN 10 MONTHS. HANG IN THERE!!!!!

totallyconfused · 10-15-2003, 11:03 AM

Jamie,

I am so sorry you haven't been helped yet by the splint. I understand your concern. A month isn't all that long in a splint, but it IS possible to still have TMJD and NOT be helped by a particular splint. I used a splint for 4 months and that particular splint did not help me. That doesn't mean I don't have TMJD, I do. I just haven't found the right treatment for it yet.

I hope you find something that will help you Jamie. I wish you the best of luck in whatever treatment plan you decide to pursue. You might want to talk to your dentist to see his thoughts on this.

Take care,
TC

saaraah · 10-15-2003, 11:43 AM

jamie - im sad to hear that your ear symptoms havent been helped by the splint. like you said, tho, it's great that you're sleeping better.

i wish you luck with whatever treatment you continue.

would you try another splint? do you know what you're going to do now?

take care,

- saaraah.

[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 10-15-2003).]

GenDen · 10-15-2003, 11:59 AM

Jamie,

From my personal experience, one month is too soon to give up. It takes much longer than that for the muscles to settle down. Also, it might be necessary to be referred to a physical therapist who specializes in head and neck to "release" the tension in the muscles. It is not unusual for the tinnitus to get worse for a while--been there, done that. The muscles are readjusting and when things are stirred up the nerves react. Give it more time.