britishgirl2

Hi everyone,

I am relatively new to this board and to TMJ - and I would like to say how much I sympathize with those of you who have been dealing with this pain for an extended period of time. I am still unsure as to what is happening to me physically and just wanted to share my symptoms and story and gain feedback from those of you who have more knowledge than I on this matter.

Back in June of this year I developed a sinus infection (which is common for me). After two rounds of antibiotics I still had this feeling in my throat/neck area below my ear lobs of a tightness/full feeling that wouldn't go away. I was put on decongestants, steroids, and acid reducer with no relief. I also suffered panic attacks because of it as I felt like my throat was closing in though I had no sore throat! AFter a few months I went to an ENT who diagnosed me with LPR Reflux and continued me on Aciphex and Nasacort - little reflief at times but still there. I went back a couple of months later and he said that it was myofascial pain/TMJD - he has put me on Nexium and Bextra, he also suggested I get facial massages which I now do once a week. My symptoms are varied and confusing to me and at times I still experience panic attacks because I don't know what's going on. I have pain in the sinus area of my face most of the time, when I bend over I get pain in my forehead - I have a consistent tightness/pulling feeling in the right side of my head behind the ear that at times feels like it extends from the neck, behind my ear over to my face. I also have shoulder pain (infrequently) and am tired most of the time. I did have a CT Scan and MRI done earlier in the year and everything came back ok. I have had the pulling feeling in the right side of my head for quite some time (couple of years). I also have a great deal of clicking, popping etc. in my jaw and pain in that area consistently.

Any words of wisdom and advice would be welcomed.