Saaraah, how are you doing these days? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Arleen · 11-20-2003, 03:39 PM

Hi Saaraah:

I wondered how you're coming along these days. Hope you're feeling better by the day. How's the new splint working out.

I hope all is well with you.

Take care,
Arleen

saaraah · 11-20-2003, 08:06 PM

thanks for asking, arleen. im progressing slowly but surely, i think. some of my symptoms have reduced, but im definitely not 'normal' [yet]. my facial pain is reduced, migraines are less, my opening's increased from 42-50mm, and frontal headaches are occurring semi-regularly. my ear problems [pain and stuffiness] have been slowly getting worse.

to be honest, im feeling very guilty - even tho ive had a reduction in symptoms, ive been feeling extremely depressed and sad. feeling that way makes me feel guily, since im improving. ugh. i dont know. it's strange. i think that the problem is that i dont think that this is permenent; im waiting to relapse.

anyway, im hoping to continue getting better.

thanks again.. take care.. btw, how're you doing?

- saaraah.

Arleen · 11-20-2003, 09:40 PM

Hi Saaraah:

It sounds like good news and bad news. I'm glad a lot of your symptoms have lessened. From what I've seen posted on the board, ear problems seem to be the last to get better. Have you spoken to the dentist about why they'd be getting worse? If not, you might want to check. Maybe it means you're due for an adjustment? Do you follow a regular adjustment schedule, like weekly, or just whenever you start feeling uncomfortable? Your opening has changed a lot which is terrific.

Not need to feel guilty. TMJD is hard to take. It's gets us all down. I certainly know this from personal experience. I can feel semi-normal one day, the next day I walk around close to tears. It's like a rollercoaster ride, except without the fun and candy floss

I know what you mean about not wanting to get too hopeful. I'm STILL looking for someone good to treat me. Still considering doctors in your area as I've been unable to find someone here I feel comfortable with. Unlike many TMJD sufferers, I have most of my pain in my teeth and gums. Because my bite is so off, it causes a lot of pressure on my teeth, so over the last two years my gums have been receding and been sore more of the time. Add to that some very poorly done nightguards which cause additional pain. Until I find a dentist I trust, I thought I'd take a different approach and see if I can build my body up from the inside - so I've been seeing a homeopath. It's only been a few weeks, and I'm afraid of getting too hopeful either, because I don't want my hopes shattered, but it seems like my gums are at least looking a healthier pink. I can actually put a toothbrush up to them now without cringing, at least in many spots. But I'm afraid to think this will last because TMJD seems unpredicable, at least until things have stabilized for a while. It sounds like you're on your way there. When do you go back for your next checkup?

I'd also seen a neuromuscular dentist out of province. Before I went to see him, I asked several times about adjustments and was told once he got the splints just right, they wouldn't need adjustments. They never felt entirely comfortable, with a lot of pressure on one side. I didn't have an opportunity to wear them for a long time before I had to come home, but once home felt they just weren't right, and obviously do need adjustments. So, I'm kind of right back where I started, but much poorer for it, which adds to stress level. That's why I'm being so careful now.

It sounds like you're on track, now it just takes time and patience. I hope things keep improving for you.

Take care,
Arleen
Ta

saaraah · 11-21-2003, 12:31 PM

thanks again for your support. :)

i get adjustments once a month, so im going to bring up my ear problems at my next appointment [december 9th]. after my last adjustment, my symptoms got worse, so i'll have to also talk about that.

janie [my dentist's co-worker/assistant] said that one of the reasons that my symptoms arent going away completely could be because at nighttime, my jaw goes back, and loses the new bite. at my next appointment, im getting a nightguard, which will stop my lower jaw from moving back at night.. we'll see if that helps.

im very happy to hear that you're seeing some results in your gums from the homeopath. im wishing that you'll continue to improve. :)

take care.. i hope you have a wonderfully happy day. :)

- saaraah.

Arleen · 11-22-2003, 12:11 AM

Hi Saaraah:

So, you've only got one splint, that you wear 24/7. Okay, does the splint have deep anatomy (indents) on it? It doesn't sound like it, if Janie thinks you aren't holding your bite at night. I wonder why they wouldn't give you day AND night splints to begin with.

Is it possible you can get in before the 9th? That's a long way off when you're having symptoms. Maybe the nightguard will work some magic on you. I hope so

I'll let you know if I end up seeing your dentist. It's a 2-1/2 -3 hour drive for me. Do you live in the area?

Thanks for your kind wishes. The same right back at you.

Take care,
Arleen