Guest guest Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 Hi Joyce, Like you I am in the Lupus/RA diagnosis puzzle right now. They are leaning more towards RA. I have not had the TMJ for years, lucky there. It came on suddenly with the other multiple joints last month. The problem is I am down to liquids only on most days. I am not thinking of anykind of surgery at this point as I think it is mostly swelling that is locking my jaw joint at this point. It is too early for any kind of damage that needs repair. Like everyone here, I am hoping to find a treatment that works for me. have a great day, Faith -------------- Original message -------------- Hi Faith and Everyone, I can't remember if I've posted yet. I'm on this list and the LUPIES. My symptoms presented as RA and lupus for a couple years, and only recently has the scale been tipped more toward lupus - mostly because of blood work results. Faith, I have had jaw problems for years. Also known as TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) disorder. I have found out that lately the thought is it in NOT the joint itself but the muscles (that could be inflamed) that support the joint that give us trouble. My doctor (bless his soul) knows most insurances will not cover treatment for TMJ because it falls under " dental " problems. So, he went after the symptoms it caused which is headaches - especially in a " fan " pattern by your ears. If you look at an anatomy picture, you'll see that there is a muscle there in your head exactly the shape of a fan! Anyway, he sent me for physical therapy for headaches and I've been doing very well for over 8 years. When I have a " flare " (bad achy day), it does act up a bit, and I do have the clicking joint noise that I've learned to ignore. I was told to not have surgery under any circumstance because the joint is too close to the brain, and many, many nerves. Since I have only one brain cell left, which is in a continual fog, I have to protect it! hahaha... If you have any other questions, please ask. I was first diagnosed with jaw problems when my family doc was on vacation and his substitute was a jerk and said, Well, you have TMJ, and you'll be on valium and pain killers the rest of your life! " I said, no, I'll wait until Dr. Dave (Luginbill) gets back from vacation. He went into a mild panic, why? why put it off? etc. I said I trust my family doc, I will wait. That guy was NEVER a sub again as he abused other patients as well. jerk Sorry this is so long. Take care everyone and have a restful day! Joyce in MI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 Hi Joyce, Like you I am in the Lupus/RA diagnosis puzzle right now. They are leaning more towards RA. I have not had the TMJ for years, lucky there. It came on suddenly with the other multiple joints last month. The problem is I am down to liquids only on most days. I am not thinking of anykind of surgery at this point as I think it is mostly swelling that is locking my jaw joint at this point. It is too early for any kind of damage that needs repair. Like everyone here, I am hoping to find a treatment that works for me. have a great day, Faith -------------- Original message -------------- Hi Faith and Everyone, I can't remember if I've posted yet. I'm on this list and the LUPIES. My symptoms presented as RA and lupus for a couple years, and only recently has the scale been tipped more toward lupus - mostly because of blood work results. Faith, I have had jaw problems for years. Also known as TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) disorder. I have found out that lately the thought is it in NOT the joint itself but the muscles (that could be inflamed) that support the joint that give us trouble. My doctor (bless his soul) knows most insurances will not cover treatment for TMJ because it falls under " dental " problems. So, he went after the symptoms it caused which is headaches - especially in a " fan " pattern by your ears. If you look at an anatomy picture, you'll see that there is a muscle there in your head exactly the shape of a fan! Anyway, he sent me for physical therapy for headaches and I've been doing very well for over 8 years. When I have a " flare " (bad achy day), it does act up a bit, and I do have the clicking joint noise that I've learned to ignore. I was told to not have surgery under any circumstance because the joint is too close to the brain, and many, many nerves. Since I have only one brain cell left, which is in a continual fog, I have to protect it! hahaha... If you have any other questions, please ask. I was first diagnosed with jaw problems when my family doc was on vacation and his substitute was a jerk and said, Well, you have TMJ, and you'll be on valium and pain killers the rest of your life! " I said, no, I'll wait until Dr. Dave (Luginbill) gets back from vacation. He went into a mild panic, why? why put it off? etc. I said I trust my family doc, I will wait. That guy was NEVER a sub again as he abused other patients as well. jerk Sorry this is so long. Take care everyone and have a restful day! Joyce in MI Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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