keebler14

I have had TMJ for 18 years but it has flared up to the point I am in constant pain over the past three years. Yes, I am very tired most of the time. I believe chronic pain has that effect on one; it just wears you down. And the stress of dealing with the pain, trying to find a helpful and understanding provider, and taking various medications which all cause drowsiness certainly doesn't help. I am sick and tired of this condition as unlike others--cardiac, GI, neuro, etc.--all of the providers I've seen (from accupuncturists, massage therapists, neurologists and dentists, oral surgeons, and now pain management specialists) don't really seem to understand this condition at all and that, too, makes me tired. I also believe the fatigue comes from restless sleep due to the non-stop pain and dietary changes I've had to make (I can only eat soft foods and exist mainly on cottage cheese and fluids). So there are many, many reasons why one would experience fatigue when one has TMJ and I don't think it's uncommon. It is difficult though. I used to exercise 5x a week and now it's so hard to get motivated to do it although when I do, it does help somewhat---at least with the sleeping.