jaw problems (TMJ)

[Guest guest]

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