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Sun, January 27, 2008

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Well my last doctors visit did not go as well as I hoped it would in regards to my TMJ. The oral surgeon looked at all the xrays and determined that due to the extent of my limited jaw movement that I would first need to have seven teeth removed before they could even consider to make a bite guard for me. He stated once this was done that then they could begin the job of realigning my jaw and try to free the one side that is locked. The pain is to the point that at times I can not sleep at all and one eye begins to close from the pain. They will not perscribe any pain killers for me but insist that Ibprofin will do just as good and is not addictive. Draw back to that is I have stomach ulcers as well as ulcers in my throat so this is not an option for my pain.

I have been told about injections in the joint that is locked does anyone have any input on this as I just want to get this thing fixed and have a normal night sleep without pain.

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helene

1/27/08 1:38am

I don't know where you live or if your doctors are provided by the VA or some HMO that greatly limits your choice of doc, but given the type and level of pain you describe, I think that you should be seeking other doctor's opinions. I don't think that anyone should suffer so much when there are so many pain medications available. If you live in a rural area with few doctors, you might want to consider traveling to get better medical care. You may have already considered all of the above, but if not maybe it can help. Hope so and good luck.

tabt

Chuck Murray

1/27/08 6:26am

Good Morning nv,

I don't have tmj but, I'm curious to ask. They're only giving you

ibuprofen for the pain?? There are a bunch of pain killers that'll do

better than ibuprofen that are "not-addictve" and there a difference in

being dependent and addicted. I use tramadol 3xday and voltaren 2xday as and soma

at bedtime for my base pain meds. I think you should at least try for

the tramadol, there's an extended relief version too.

I don't know much about tmj but, I know there are other meds you

could try without going to narcotics, is it there choice or yours and

is it a va doc telling you that?? Not try to be nosey but, as vet myself

I'm curious.

Chuck

cyberchar

1/27/08 10:51am

After fighting with doctors for years who said I was overweight and needed to take an aerobics class to finally find out I had rheumatoid arthritis and get pain relief was wonderful. From then on though, I always put that I was not allergic to all those anti-inflammatories but that I just couldn't take them. If any doctor asked further, I'd mention nausea, diarrhea, all those things they don't want to hear. Eventually I found out I had Hepatitis C from a tatoo back in 1974, so it is a very good thing I didn't take all those Motrin they tried to give me.

I think you definately have every reason to find a new doctor, put on the initial form that you can't take ibuprofin due to your ulcers and get a decent 2nd opinion.

I wish you the very best of luck. Oh, by the way, Ultram (tramadol) is a narcotic although it doesn't have the side effects that other narcotics do.Char

sssluvscats

1/27/08 2:15pm

Re: TMJ, I worked for an Oral Surgeon, back in 1972, I know 30 yrs. ago , but he was very good and when a patient and myself as well would come in with "jaw pain" he would tell them it was TMJ and the best thing they could do was use heat on their jaws, like a heating pad being careful not to burn yourself, but there are so many new things nowdays you can use, on both sides of your face, wrap your face with a "bedbuddy" and put pillows on both sides of your head to prop and hold it close to your face and this is laying down, or warm moist towels, and do it a lot it looks funny but feels good. Also I don't know what caused the ulcers in your mouth and throat but you can go to a health food store and buy some Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar mix 50-50 with spring water & swish & swallow twice a day and you will be surprised, it works, & if you don't like the taste add some honey.

Jeana

2/ 5/08 11:45am

Hello, I understand your level of frustration and dissapointment. Just when you think there might be light at the end of the tunnel...BAM! You're back to square one. I wanted to offer some words of encouragement to you and I am also on 800mg Ibuprofen which does not touch the pain, I also have muscle relaxers & Vicodin from my regular Doctor. The first Oral Surgeon I went to must have thought I was a drug addict (he prescribed the Ibuprofen) because I asked for pain meds, but I need it to be able to work & function due to the pain. You are in my thoughts & prayers, it's nice to talk to others who I know understand & empathize. Keep moving forward!

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