Splints, Splints, and More Splints - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

meditation · 07-01-2004, 02:09 PM

Hi, everyone.

I can say that some good is going on, being that I haven't had much solutions over a month.

I went to the ortho yesterday and by the Grace of God, I was able to get impressions made. At this point, it doesn't matter that I am in extreme pain and nauseated up the ying yang....I can just say that at least the ball is rolling.

My doctor has prescribed something strong for the pain, which at least can help me on the weekends.....It just is frustrating. My doctor feels I should see a psychologist...And, if I was truly depressed, I would consider it. But, I find those not going through this non understanding. Our pain becomes so bad that....Well, for me, it gets to the point that I can not stop crying....

I am hoping to get my splint in the next couple of weeks and I am really hoping that it works....I am not wanting surgery; by no means. But, I am willing to consider it if this pain continues to worsen and my opening continues to decline. I just can't see myself going through this, again, for years....and years. I have had physical therapy....cranio work, iontopherisis, tens unit, acu--something, moist heat, ice. Coming from someone who has had 3 bilateral arthoscopies, 2 open joints (one mesectomy sp??), and an arthocentisis...to name a few...I never want to go through surgery again. But, I also don't want to lose the person I have become. Since my last surgery, when I was 18, I have found such a wonderful person, whom I am afraid will disappear if this continues.

I know there are worse things to go through in life....But, we all know how bad this pain can be....

So, I read your threads...and I still say, We can only live in the now....to all of you in bad pain, today....It will be ok

MSUGuy02 · 07-01-2004, 03:44 PM

Don't worry about your significant one leaving you -- I've found the most strength through mine. I know this situation sucks, and I try not to let it consume me or my daily attitudes (but sometimes it just does). I think that this should be the least of your worries because if it's meant to be, they will remain by your side.

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time with all of this - I truly understand. I'm 20, on my 4th splint, had orthognathic surgery and braces to help my TMJ, but instead has left me with a severly limited opening, no feeling on half of my face and all of my lower jaw/chin region, along with severe nerve damage (when I smile, I really have to work hard to make it even).

By all means this situation sucks, but I really hope that you find some relief with this new splint. I wish you the best of luck!!

Take Care,
Andy

sunflower22 · 07-01-2004, 05:31 PM

Even through I have TMJ I have somedays that are really bad and other days are better. But I do think having other things alot worse then TMJ so I can deal with TMJ the rest of my life. My moods are always changing everyday like one day might be happy, then sad, then angry or crying even sometimes I snap at people and other times I shut down and of couse my co-workers get worried if I am to quiet but sometimes I don't feel like talking.

BLACKdragon78 · 07-01-2004, 11:09 PM

meditation,
I get that sad all the time because it seems like it never ends; one thing will work for awhile but then the pain comes back. I keep having to constantly change treatments etc., and the specialist who I've had from the beginning is now thinking that I may be purposely causing the pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone around me just doesn't understand how painful and debilitating TMJ really is.

Anyhow, hang in there.

sunflower22 · 07-02-2004, 10:35 AM

I can agree with you that some people don't understand how pain us people are in with TMJ. Some of my reltives understand.