what is going on with me

By Rhonda Friday, April 04, 2008

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I am 46 years old, I recently had to have knee surgery right before I moved, so I couldn't work and became depressed quite depressed and stressed. After 4 months of recovery and rehab as I was sitting on an interview my left side of my jaw popped really loud. Since then there have been some strange sensations, numbness, heaviness in my ear, my ear is ringing sometimes my throat muscles feel tight and I have waves of dizziness. And then sometimes everything is fine. Well after much internal debate I quit smoking a pack a day habit of 5 years. But I feel like I have a protrusion in my throat not a lump, like my tonsils are swollen and now everytime I eat I experience heartburn. I just quit smoking 4 days ago and am wondering if the dry throat and maybe the heartburn are related to that but I really don't think so. I have read a bit about TMJ but my jaw does not continue to pop just that one time. I really think I was stressed to the hilt and had my jaw muscles tightened. Does anybody have suggestions??? I'm wondering if I got out of alignment starting in my neck and it is working it's way down. I don't have insurance yet so going to the doctor is almost out of the question.

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Vicki M

4/ 6/08 12:08am

Hi Rhonda,

Online resources are not a replacement for the advice of a doctor. I can direct you to some links that might give you some information about things that might apply to you, but it is best to see a doctor. Perhaps you can go to one of those urgent care places. They do not cost as much as a doctor and you can get the care you need.

If you think you might be experiencing acid reflux, the first place to start is the overview about Acid Reflux. You can read what it is, what causes it and what the effects on your body are here. Then you can check your symptoms here in the symptoms database. Then, once you have seen a doctor, if he prescribes medication, you can read about the various medicines used here in the drugs database. Then once you've worked out a plan with your doctor on how to manage your care, you can read about the treatments available here.

You can also do a search on Health Central for some of the challenges you are having to find others who might be coping with the same issues. There is a user here named Micky who has some of the issues you talk about including TMJ. Her profile is here and you can email her directly.

I hope this helps you somehow. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

ronnie

4/ 9/08 9:22pm

You know I don't believe medicines and doctors are the only cure for our ills. We have a vast resource in our selves also. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that a person should not go to the doctor when needed. But not for every little thing, I say this about myself and myself only though. As far as my last post concerning my jaw popping, I went on line looked up all the information concerning TMJ I had none of the after effects, no lock jaw, no pain did have some strange sensations though, they are now gone, the heartburn has subsidded alot, I did research on that also, I had just quit smoking, thank you I have stayed quit now for 9 days, I quit coffee which also produces acid and I cut way back on acid producing foods which has helped alot also. You know what, STRESS can cause a number of symtoms of an already weak system that is under immense stress. Am still learning ways of coping with stress rather than locking up and being tense, try it you'll be amazed how much lighter you will feel. Not telling anyone one not to see a health care professional but there are alternatives to taking a pill!!!

Vicki M

4/11/08 4:32pm

Hi Ronnie,

I am not saying that doctors and pills are the only source of a cure for a medical condition, but seeing a doctor regularly is a good place to start. I am glad you are getting some relief and congrats on quitting smoking!! That is a HUGE thing to do and so very difficult. You are showing incredible strength.

If you want to find some natural ways to help with the acid reflux, try papaya and pineapple. Both are natural soothers for acid reflux. Papaya contains papain which aids in soothing the acid. Pineapple has enzymes that help digestion. You can read what Dr Eisner has to say about these fruits in this sharepost. He also suggests boiling chickory root and using it as a tea.

You are also correct in your assumption about stress. It can make your acid reflux worse. Tracy Davenport wrote an article here about stress and how to deal with the demands it makes on you.

I hope this helps. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!! If you are having a good day let us know! But if you are having a challenging day, let us know that as well. There might be someone here who is going through the very same thing you are going through. Never hurts to try.

Be well!

Vicki M

what is going on with me

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