Need some virtual hugs please - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Dizzywinkle · 08-04-2008, 04:52 AM

Hi guys I'm pretty new on this forum been lurking reading the posts and contributed once or twice. I was diagnosed with TMJ disfunction after what I believe was extensive hours in the dentist chair getting a root canal. I actually believe it started five years previously due to an emotional trauma. Ended up in A and E a year ago today actually only to be released from hospital two weeks later after countless horrible exams and tests to be told it was all in my head! I found a doctor privately who told me I had a partialy dislocated jaw, had the op to fix but I'm still left with the awful muscle being in spasm. I've paid hundreds of pounds on physio, and a year to the date I'm having a really really bad attack. The pain is everywhere. I can't take anti inflammatories and can only take paracetemol. Away to get anaesethic injections on Wendesday as I can't stand the pain. It's literally driving me insane and I am so frightened I'm going to end up in some mental ward. My surgeon is recommeding botox, but I'm truly frightened of this and what the side effects could involve (I had lupus previously due to a bad reaction to anti-biotics). Think I may have also be a bit fibromyalgic. I'm newly married and in danger of my marraige falling apart. I'm so bad tempered and unable to do anything with my life, this is impacting so much. Please help if you can, I know you are all suffering your own problems but any advice is appreciated. thank you

luvtocamp · 08-04-2008, 10:30 AM

I just want to say I feel for you, I understand what you mean when you say this is impacting your marriage, like any chronic condition would. I wish I had answers but I've been trying to find them for 3 years. It has changed my life completely.

I"m not sure about botox but I would think it would be more of a band-aid solution.
I know others have tried it. Do you have some muscle relaxants, I use valium, it helps some.
Hope others can help you more than me.

trisha322 · 08-04-2008, 10:46 AM

I have been married for 10 years. I was diagnosed with TMJ in 1994. I underwent 3 surgeries, 1 during my current marriage. My moods are bad as well. Pain is a difficult thing to deal with. I have found ways to help me relax. I went to a counselor to resolve some past issues. I have had to change jobs to remove stress from my life. I have educated my husband on my disease which helps him understand what I am going thru. I've even shared with my children about the disease. My only advise is to find ways to relax and don't take life too seriously. Remove any unnecessary stress from your life, even if it means changing jobs, friends, homes...It's all worth it in the end. I am definately not pain free by any means but I have learned to cope over the years. And, due to the education I have shared with my family it has made it easier at home.

trudypippin · 08-04-2008, 04:55 PM

Virtual hugs

sorry there's no hug smiley. Hope that things turn around sooner rather than later. We're considering Botox - not a permanent fix but anything that's going to give some longtime relief is worth thinking about. Don't be afraid of looking for a therapist - my therapist has experience with chronic pain from both sides as a doctor and a patient. There are lots of good sites to find a therapist with the right kind of specialty. Good luck!