How many docs does it take to fix 1 jaw? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

chrisandylino · 04-29-2008, 04:03 PM

Well, Im up to 7 now. I've had TMJ for along time but it has been really bad for the past 3 months or so. I have been to dentists, ortho's, doctors, clinics, specialists, etc...I've been on everything so far! Muscle Relaxers, pain meds, valium, you name it, and I take Prozac. Nothing helps except the Vicodin and I take valium at night to sleep due to the wise people on this post that advised me not to take Ambien anymore! I have extruciating headaches everyday by noon. I dont wake up with them, they start around 10am and are terrible by the afternoon if I dont take anything.
Just last week I had a CT on my jaw, they saw nothing major. The "specialist" thought that I have nerve damage around my jaw and head so she "lasered" my nerves to stimulate cell growth? Anyone have this done? Anyway, it made it worse and I had headaches EVERYDAY since then. I saw a clinic today for some pain meds and the nurse asked me about fibromyalgia.
I have seen that it can go along with the TMJ, but what the heck?
Where do I go? How much more money do I spend. And now I look like an addict cuz I go from doctor to doctor, in hopes that I will be helped...and then nothing!! Any ideas? Looks like I need a PM huh?
this is my running joke...How many docs does it take to fix a stinking jaw?

Thelma-Louise · 04-29-2008, 06:11 PM

You said it better than I could have.

snh39 · 04-30-2008, 12:56 AM

Chris, first, what are all your symptoms? For instance does your jaw pop at all, get stiff, hurt after chewing, cause tightness in your head and neck.

Has any of the doctors you've seen given you any information other than saying they don't see anything, or can't help you? Have you been to a neurologist?

If it's absolutely not jaw related; in other words, if none of the doctors, after examining you haven't seen things like your bite being off by CT scan, Xray, examining your bite and teeth for wearing, looked at your filings or mentioned that any of your past dentist work like root canal, filings, or other stuff could cause nerve damage, then I'd think it would be time to see a Neurologist or perhaps even a Chiropractor (one that won't do adjustments and major manipulations if you ask not to, someone who might be a naturopathic who practices alternative stuff as well). A chiro could help point you in the right direction by what they conclude, and give you a recommendation for the right doctor.

snh39

nat 111 · 05-03-2008, 06:19 PM

I have already spent over 2000.00 and it gave me minimal relief for a short period. I am now thinking of surgery. Iknow that it can make it worst.. I read about it.. but being in pain every day and this is affecting my job & home life, I need to do something. 2 of my co-workers had their jaw broken and wired almost shut. there results were perfrct- no more headaches, ect.. and OHIP pays for this operation.However, I am petrafied because, well, when you;re wired shut, how do you yawn? how to brush my teeth? what if I have a cold and my nose is all stuffed up and can hardly breathe??

Very scary!
Anyone had the operation??

sunshine123 · 05-04-2008, 11:00 PM

There are people who've had the surgery who posted about it on this TMJ site. Some had successful surgeries, while others ended up in worse shape. I hope things work out for you. Sue