Re: TMJ help/ me too. I get that sort of pain also.

June 20, 2005

when I mentioned that type of pain to the doctor, she asked me what

was I doing with my mouth??!! Weird. I didn't get an explanation

or any suggestions on what was going on and where was the pain

coming from. So I will tell you my experience so maybe if the same

thing is causing your pain, you can be aware of the behavior.

Through the years I have learned that I clinch my teeth when I need

to sit or stand or in a flare or anything that involves bracing for

the pain. It is my internal moan I guess. I still do it and still

have the pain in my jaw; by now I have learned to be aware of it

and practice stopping that behavior. So many years have gone by

since I asked my doctor about so there is probably damage now but I

still practice stopping the clinched teeth response to pain.

There are probably many of us experiencing it without realizing

where it is coming from.

love/peace,

Ebony

> IN the beginning I had horrible jaw pain.. and could not open my

mouth more than an inch and it was very painful...that has let up

since about 9 weeks after starting MTX .. thankfully

> Faith (Ca)

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> Hi everyone

>

> It's good to hear that others understand the TMJ experience. The

pain and

> headaches are often quite fierce. It was difficult to find a

doctor to deal with

> the problem as my rheumatologist felt he didn't have the

experience (my first

> doctor thought it was a separate condition). I suffered for over 6

months with

> constant pain until I discovered the UCLA myofacial pain clinic.

They finally

> acknowledged that the pain was due to my rheumatoid arthritis and

not stress

> or teeth grinding (which I new I didn't do). Anyway I guess my

message is that

> this diseases does take patience.

>

> Take Care

> Babs

>

June 20, 2005