Was I misdiagnosed? Is it really TMJ that I have? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

wavin · 12-16-2004, 06:58 PM

I've been suffering with blocked ears for about two months now. At least 3 days a week I wake up with a headache. I also have a small lump next to my left ear, which is also the ear that is more clogged. I went to the doctor a couple of times so far.

The first time he said I have a sinus infection and gave me antibiotics and a strong decongestant. I didn't feel like I had my usual sinus infections - I felt fine except for the ear pressure problem. He said I had eustachian tube dysfunction as a result of the sinus infection. I thought what he said made sense, so I left happy thinking I would be better in a few days. I wasn't.

The second time I went back and told him I was still having the problems with my ears being blocked. He asked if I wanted more decongestant because it's due to fluid buildup. I said it wasn't working and I didn't want to keep taking something that wasn't helping. So he gave me some Nasonex. It's now 2 weeks later and I still have ear problems in both ears.

I'm going back to the doctor again (probably after the holidays) but want to do some research before walking in and not "fighting" for myself. So was I mis-diagnosed? I'm starting to think I was because for the past 5 days my Jaw has been sore. I'm not sure if I should say "sore", it's more like it's tired, I can't seem to get it to relax. So, here is what I'm dealing with:

1. Jaw discomfort
2. Ear blockage (ETD)
3. Headaches
4. Lump next to ear (swollen gland?)
5. Occassionally I feel like I'm coming on with a sore throat that never materializes
6. I do grind my teeth - I catch myself unconsciously doing it during the day and at night. I'm trying to stop.

Other than these symptoms, I feel fine. I could run a marathon! I am 27 years old and have no other medical conditions.

So, based on your personal experiences, do you think I was misdiagnosed and really have TMJ? I'm going to talk to my doctor about this possibility but wanted to see what you all thought. Thanks!

wavin · 12-16-2004, 08:34 PM

Yes, it was my GP. I believed what he was telling me and is usually right when I go to him and what he prescribes always fixes me up - until now! This is why I didn't question him more about this. I also had no clue and never considered TMJ until I started searching online for possibilities and based on other posts here, it seems like a strong possibility that this is my problem.

I do have an appointment with my dentist mid-January for a normal checkup, so I'll talk to him then to see what he has to say if things aren't better by that time.

Thanks!

littlegreek25 · 12-17-2004, 09:06 AM

I agree. I sounds like you are having TMJ symptoms to me. My first symptom of TMJ was unexplained shoulder pain, then clogged ears, then my jaw started hurting. When I asked my doctor about my ears she said I had some fluid in them and gave me an allergy shot. I had already tried over the counter and prescription allergy meds with no results. The next time I went in she said there wasn't any fluid in my ears anymore, so then when I asked her why they still felt clogged, she really didn't have an answer for me. I was later diagnosed with TMJ, but even then she never told me that these symptoms were all related. It could be that she just didn't know. Like Amy said, most GP's don't know that much about TMJ. I still have clogged ears to this day, and nothing I've tried has helped them at all. It's just something I've learned to live with and I don't even notice it that much anymore. It's become normal for me. They always feel clogged and they pop evertime I swallow. There is a symptom thread near the beginning of this board that has a lot of symptoms on it. Good luck to you.

Amy

mommy2Jade · 12-18-2004, 11:35 AM

This is very interesting to hear because I have found a huge lump right underneath my jawbone (I'm guessing it is a swollen gland). It has been this way for about two months (from the time I actually noticed the lump). So this is another symptom that goes along with TMJ?? ~Jill~

daydreamer504 · 12-18-2004, 07:06 PM

I think you do clench and grind your teeth and that is contributing to your ear problems because it has aggravated muscles that are related to the eustacian tubes. I do the same thing...clench all of the time, have a clogged ear that has strange pitched noises sometimes, sometimes closes up, sometimes aches with no infection. I also have "sinus infections and sore throats" when there is no infection. The lumps...yep, gottem. I hope you get some relief soon!