So I had my first appointment today with this supposed specialist who treats TMJ and headaches.
I was in tears before the exam was over.
When he first came into the room, he did not even introduce himself! I left without ever knowing who it was that saw me, although I assume it was the doctor who runs the clinic.
As far as the exam, I felt his bedside manner to be…lacking. There seemed to be no empathy or understanding for my situation. During the exam, his focus seemed to be on my headaches with hardly any regard to the jaw pain. He did not ask any questions regarding the history of my jaw, other than glancing at the paperwork I filled out prior to my appointment and how often I am getting headaches. There are other issues I feel are important which that paperwork did not address. The jaw pain is the primary issue – headaches are secondary. No matter how many years of school a doctor must endure, he will never know my body as good as I do, and I don’t appreciate my main concern being tossed aside as though I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Since I was under the impression that part of what he specializes in is TMJ, I find it troubling that his website is practically dedicated to headaches only and hardly makes any mention of TMJ anywhere, other than the fact that he treats it. I am confident this is the problem I am having and yet this was not even addressed during the exam. Again, it was all about the headaches.
I was told by his receptionist that he would spend at least an hour with me. I saw him a total of maybe 20 minutes; part of that time he was called out to speak to another patient on the phone, which I find to be completely inappropriate. The brochure that was sent to me speaks of ‘comprehensive’ exams. Fifteen minutes does not equate to comprehensive in my dictionary.
Quite frankly, I walked out of his office feeling as though I was not a person with pain, not a patient, but an object. I could not even leave the premises for 15 minutes due to the tears of frustration and anger regarding the way I was treated. Other than having me keep a journal of the pain, I left with no further advice until the next time I saw him, other than to take the painkillers I already take for my back pain.
Is this normal? Is the first appointment supposed to be like this? I was so upset I called my PCP and of course was told that he felt I should continue to see this other doctor.
You're not the only one who has been tossed aside! I've gone to atleast 2 really bad TMJ doctors before finding a good one. Most people on here will tell you, the hardest part to all of this is finding a good, caring doctor. Most people categorize TMJ patients, I know an oral surgeon I saw did! He basically told me its just something women get. I'd recommend you not go back to this guy. I had 3 bad experiences with doctors not addressing the real issue of my TMJ. What I find so funny is that they have you feel out these forms just to glance at them and size you up. Those forms cant tell you everything, they need to listen to what the patient says. Thats what I like about teh doctor I'm seeing now, hes very specialized in TMJ and is a sufferer himself, and he listens and takes you through a very thorough exam. This is the kind of doctor we need. You are not alone, lots of "tmj doctors" are just there for the money try to find someone else who really cares. It will make a world of difference. Let us know what happens!
Trixxie, I see that you're in San Diego. So am I. I went through hell with several so-called TMJ specialists who didn't help me. I then found a DDS in Scripps Ranch who I still see. So, I went through splint treatment with him for 6 months and then was put in braces b/c I had an anterior open bite. My bite is now so much better and my braces are off. He has to adjust my bite a little more on the left side, but he's the only Orthodontist I saw who would try to help me. I'm not saying that every TMJ patient he sees needs braces, but I did. Is Dr. Olmos the "specialist" you saw who treated you so badly? Let me know if you want to see my DDS and I'll give you the info. If I were you, I wouldn't see that DDS again who treated you so shabbily. You deserve better and don't listen to what your PCP says. Try to find someone else to help you. Sue
Thanks a lot for your response ladies...it's reassuring to know I'm not just overreacting and that I have a valid complaint. I'm so sick of doctors who do this it makes my skin crawl.
To top it off when I called my PCP (still very upset of course...the waterworks still flowing) the PA asked me..."Well are you depressed?" God I'm so terribly sick of everytime I get upset or concerned about something it's automatically assumed I'm depressed. *&^*&$&^%#$*^%(&*^()*&)(*!
Laskalady, it's funny you mentioned that about "Tmj doctors just there for the money'. That's EXACTLY how I felt: This guy is gonna try to milk me AND my insurance company to treat me for headaches so he can get paid more....and maybe THEN get around to treating me for TMJ once he feels he's gotten paid enough.
Sue, it was not that doctor you mentioned, it was another one located in Encinitas...a headache and facial pain clinic (dont wanna say his name for fear of getting in trouble here). But I would LOVE the name and info of your DDS (this other guy is a DMD, and I'm not sure the difference?)
I did write a letter to him/his office, basically repeating what I said in my post above and faxed it to him as well as my PCP. That was about 9:30 this morning and it's now 1:00. Again I am back to feeling like maybe I am expecting too much by expecting a response or call back by now....or does the lack of response speak volumes? Who knows....
I just hate how I start to question myself and my feelings, wondering if I am blowing things out of proportion.
Another question I have, and not sure if anyone would know....
My medical insurance is an HMO, while my dental insurance is a PPO. Now I've read different things on this board where TMJ could be considered a medical problem but treated by a dentist. My PCP said this is the only doctor which my insurance will cover, but personally I think that's a load of garbage and they just dont want to spend the time to help me. Soooo...if I tried picking someone I wanted under my dental PPO...would it still be covered?
Thanks again for hearing me out and validating my feelings!!! It means so much....
[Please do not use cuss/slang words. Saying words like terrible, garbage, or horrible etc. are preferred. Thanks - Well-come Moderator.]
Hi Trixxie: I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I can relate b/c of the problems I've had with dentists and TMJ. Insurance is a tricky thing, so I don't know what to tell you about insurance paying for it. My medical and dental insurance are both PPO and they paid for part of my treatment. Maybe my DDS office can help you sort that out. The DDS is Greg Friedman. I got his name from the American Academy of Functional Orthodontists, or AAFO. They have a website that lists dentists names and locations. BTW, I'm getting ready to compose a letter to a different type of Dr. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do and how it works out. Sue
1st TMJ appointment...frustrated 
Re: 1st TMJ appointment...frustrated 
Linear Mode
