TMJ?... just need a bit of a vent...

[seoj]

I already have bad knees (since high school), tendonitis in both shoulders, an old hip injury that didn't heal right (so that is usually painful)... and basically just overall aches.

So yeah- now that the right side of my jaw (which has popped for year- but not been painful) is now shooting pain on occasion while eating... I'm about to scream. I really do not need anymore issues?!

I mean seriously! I've done so much already to help manage all my current pains. Including Physical Therapy, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, naturopathic medicine... and thankfully, all that does help keep it in check (well, manageable) most days. But come on!!!!

I just feel too young to be dealing with all this all the time. I'm 41- and no spring chicken- but I'm not 80?! I swear there are probably 80 year olds in less pain! eesh...

Thanks for listening... I know I'm doing all I can. Just needed to get that out and be over my pity party moment! lol. so, I push on.

Shoot- if I can get in better shape at 41, than I was at 28 (even with all my pain)- then I'm doing pretty darn good I think!

 

[bluebell]

I feel your pain I'm 33, diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It can be really challenging living with constant pain, and flare ups are so frustrating. I manage to stay up beat most of the time and when I can be strict about pain management my pain levels are just about under some sort of control but there are times when I want to scream and shout, I'm 33 not 90 gahh

Anyway just wanted to let you know you're not alone Hope your neck / jaw pain settles soon!!

xx

 

[seoj]

Thanks hun! I'm sory anyone has to live with chronic pain. My best friend does too- even had her spine fused at 36!!! So crazy! Big hugs to you

Manage it is all we can do though- - too bad there isn't a magic pill (well- maybe there is? lol)- but not one that would just FIX all our pain. I was tested for fibromyalgia- in case, since I have so many issues. But obviously mine are just wear and tear..!

Keep it up huny! We got this!!!!

 

[bluebell]

^^ Magic pill sounds good, let me know if you find any

Do you mind me asking, were you pregnant with Chronic Pain?

xx

 

[seoj]

^^ Magic pill sounds good, let me know if you find any

Do you mind me asking, were you pregnant with Chronic Pain?

xx

Don't mind at all ... and Yes, I was. But- tbh- I'd gotten to a pretty good place prior to pregnancy. My hips hurt like heck towards the end- and my left shoulder was bad (I was actually doing physical therapy during the first trimester of my pregnancy)- but my right didn't get bad till after LO was born. Overall, I did really well during my pregnancy (I think) - now after... carrying LO around and all the bending and recovery... that was tough at times for sure! It was probably a year till I felt more normal- and well after before I got all my pains better managed. It's a process!

 

[seoj]

btw- not sure this would help you, but can't hurt to look into it. My naturopathic doc really got my inflammation under control (by proper diet and supplements). It's made a big difference for sure! And I no longer need Advil daily to help control my pain- so that's nice. I'm still IN pain- but it's well more manageable most days now. But my inflammation was causing my pain to be worse. Just my experience. But I had blood work done to test my food intolerance- and proper supplements... and, at first, it got much worse (as I stopped taking pain meds)- but within weeks it got better. and continues to get better. It's been 4mos now- so not sure it will get better from here? But I'm hopeful! Working out and taking care of myself helps too- again, hard at first, but in time- things improved. I've built more muscle and that strength helps my endurance and just helps me feel more fit overall. I really took control after LO was born- as caring for her can be hard on me physically (I'm sure you know).

 

[bluebell]

Thanks

My Chronic Pain developed 3 years ago when my LO was already 3, I found it very upsetting at the time getting my head around how much it affected my role with him, and I carried a lot of guilt. Obviously as he's got older, it has got easier to an extent, partly because he's more self sufficient and because we've all had to adapt to my limitations.

I'd LOVE a second child but am so aware of how much I struggle with daily life as it is and I take a lot of medications that I'd have to stop before getting pregnant. With my optimism and rose tinted glasses on I think 'Oh it'll be fine' but when I'm having a difficult day I think I'm crazy for even considering it

Do you have any tips for dealing with chronic pain being pregnant / looking after a newborn or did you just muddle through best you could? Gahh, wish life was more straight forward sometimes

xx

 

[seoj]

I hear ya girl! I still feel a twang of guilt sometimes when I think how HARD it was on me physically (that first year especially)- as I know there were moments my patients wasn't as good as it should of been- or I couldn't hold LO as long as I wanted (cause she wanted to be walked around- not sitting!). Etc... but- We are a sum of ALL our parts- not just a bad moment

For me- most of my pains can be managed if I'm diligent. I was going to the chiro weekly, getting massages, seeing a acupuncturist... working on my diet etc... I think though, I just took each day at a time. There were days it's was HARD. But, I'd take a breathe, and remind myself- this too shall pass. Maybe not fully- as you know- but there are good days too. And now, there are well more good than bad- least more manageable days. When LO was a newborn- if I held her too long in one position- my shoulder would be SO sore the next day it made it hard to do anything. So I also had to know my limits- and adhere to them... or, pay the price! But now- I can carry her for a good amount of time (prob still longer than I should) and be Ok enough.

It's just about knowing your body and what it can (or shouldn't) do. What you can do to manage it each day and not worrying too much about the future. It's hard not to. I do worry what I'll feel like in 5-10 or more years... but I can only be present today. Right? LOL.

 

[seoj]

You've prob researched it all already- but here is a good site I tend to find very helpful when I need good info (since google is not always my friend!)- LOL

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection

 

[Autumnflower]

I'm 26 and just recently told I have tmj. I thought I had tetanus because I couldn't open my mouth for a few days. It is so painful and then it just disappears! I think the worst part is never knowing when its going to flare up. Other than a nightgard and decreasing stress there isn't much you can do apparently, or so I'm told. I don't even grind my teeth overnight... Also I love eating so of course I'd get stuck with a jaw problem. My jaw also clicks here and there but for me my flare ups are always on my left side. Stupid jaw, I feel your pain and I'm sorry you have to go through it.

 

[bluebell]

btw- not sure this would help you, but can't hurt to look into it. My naturopathic doc really got my inflammation under control (by proper diet and supplements). It's made a big difference for sure! And I no longer need Advil daily to help control my pain- so that's nice. I'm still IN pain- but it's well more manageable most days now. But my inflammation was causing my pain to be worse. Just my experience. But I had blood work done to test my food intolerance- and proper supplements... and, at first, it got much worse (as I stopped taking pain meds)- but within weeks it got better. and continues to get better. It's been 4mos now- so not sure it will get better from here? But I'm hopeful! Working out and taking care of myself helps too- again, hard at first, but in time- things improved. I've built more muscle and that strength helps my endurance and just helps me feel more fit overall. I really took control after LO was born- as caring for her can be hard on me physically (I'm sure you know).

I've not heard of a naturopathic doctor, what sort of diet changes have you made? I'll have a look at that website link for info, thanks I see a physio mostly weekly sometimes fortnightly who's been an absolute godsend. He always manages to unlock my tight jacket (muscle spasms in my back), although the effects are shortlived, boo He's also developed an exercise programme to help me target my most painful areas and to build strength and stamina, which all help.

I'm waiting on a referral to an Obstetrician to look at reducing my meds though I'd like to reduce them whatever happens with a future pregnancy etc as I hate to think of the damage the drugs are doing and I still have a lot of pain every day so I'm not even sure they're that effective any more and won't know unless I compare how I am without them

I hear ya girl! I still feel a twang of guilt sometimes when I think how HARD it was on me physically (that first year especially)- as I know there were moments my patients wasn't as good as it should of been- or I couldn't hold LO as long as I wanted (cause she wanted to be walked around- not sitting!). Etc... but- We are a sum of ALL our parts- not just a bad moment

For me- most of my pains can be managed if I'm diligent. I was going to the chiro weekly, getting massages, seeing a acupuncturist... working on my diet etc... I think though, I just took each day at a time. There were days it's was HARD. But, I'd take a breathe, and remind myself- this too shall pass. Maybe not fully- as you know- but there are good days too. And now, there are well more good than bad- least more manageable days. When LO was a newborn- if I held her too long in one position- my shoulder would be SO sore the next day it made it hard to do anything. So I also had to know my limits- and adhere to them... or, pay the price! But now- I can carry her for a good amount of time (prob still longer than I should) and be Ok enough.

It's just about knowing your body and what it can (or shouldn't) do. What you can do to manage it each day and not worrying too much about the future. It's hard not to. I do worry what I'll feel like in 5-10 or more years... but I can only be present today. Right? LOL.

It is so hard. I know we just have to tell ourselves we do the best that we can and on the whole I know that I'm a good mum, like you say, it's the bigger picture that really counts. There's just certain times negative emotions swing by and I'll feel such a sense of sadness that there's so many 'normal' activities that I can't do I guess this is all part of the worrying about becoming pregnant now, knowing that any future baby would have such a different experience to my son, and is it fair to them, to my lovely son and my already incredibly supportive DH?

Staying in the moment definitely helps me as well though, not only for staying in tune with my body but so to focus on all the good in our lives and try to make the best of the situation.

You've prob researched it all already- but here is a good site I tend to find very helpful when I need good info (since google is not always my friend!)- LOL

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection

Thanks love, I appreciate the suggestion, I'll take a look!!

Thanks for all your input and sorry for derailing your thread, it's nice to talk to someone who understands, although I obv wish I could magic it away for us both. You seem to have such a positive outlook on everything

xx

 

[seoj]

I'm 26 and just recently told I have tmj. I thought I had tetanus because I couldn't open my mouth for a few days. It is so painful and then it just disappears! I think the worst part is never knowing when its going to flare up. Other than a nightgard and decreasing stress there isn't much you can do apparently, or so I'm told. I don't even grind my teeth overnight... Also I love eating so of course I'd get stuck with a jaw problem. My jaw also clicks here and there but for me my flare ups are always on my left side. Stupid jaw, I feel your pain and I'm sorry you have to go through it.

Thanks hun- that just sucks! Hope it doesn't flare up often- recently has been my first flare up (if that is actually what it is)?- but I do have a dentist appt in a month, so I'll be asking questions and hopefully finding ways to keep it from happening. From what I've read, there isn't a lot that can be done- except what you've been doing. I'm trying to be aware of anything that might set it off? I don't grind either- that I know of?

Hugs

 

[seoj]

Bluebell- no worrries hun, you didn't derail anything. That is what this site is about-- asking questions, getting insight, support or help. We ALL need that at times.

A naturopathic doc is a doctor- but uses more natural approach- like supplements (instead of medication)- and suggests ways to manage pain or issues with a more natural approach overall- but the right Nato doc will still work with your regular doc to get you the best overall care. I personally had to cut out Gluten- it made a BIG difference in my pain level. It went from daily burning/achy pain ALL day- to now just pain, and a bit achy or painful at times- but well more manageable. I don't love living gluten free- but the pain is not worth it! lol. I've found loads of other ways to still eat the foods I love-- and lucky to live in a time there are lots of options (even at restaurants). That was the "key" to reducing my inflammation. But may not be the same for each person- there are blood tests they can do to check thyroid and inflammation and food intolerance to make sure the right course of action is taken for you personally. Hope some of that helped.

ANd yes- one day at a time. That is all we can do. I just relish and enjoy the days I'm mostly pain free- and the days I'm not, I try to focus on all I do have. A wonderful hubby and kids... and relish in that. And know, today is just 24hrs and tomorrow is a new day... and maybe a better one (pain wise).

big hugs!!!

 

[seoj]

I will add- my nato doc is not cheap. Which sucks. But I'm lucky my insurance helps cover a portion- it's still spendy-- but obviously it varies by area and coverage. There are a lot of them where I live-- but it's something you'd have to research and see? Hopefully you get the right meds that help and your pain is more manageable! Wishing you the best!

 

[bluebell]

That's really helpful, thanks for all the info Hope your pain settles soon

xx