any chance Lyme disease? I had Epstein Baar about 20 years ago and I had many of the same symptoms - the aches and pains, extreme fatigue- down to the bone. Senisitivity to cold. I also would break out in terrible sweat if I tried to do anything.My thinking got all muddled up.

This continued for many years, if I pushed my physical body the least.

Wish I Could Help... yosya.. sounds like so much pain... sending good thoughts your way.

[Rhapsody]

Based on the symptoms below.... I would say that I do not think I have Avian Flu - for I have never gotten a fever during this time, nor have I had any infection of the sinus, eyes, respiratory area nor have I had pneumonia.

Plus my coughs are productive..... bringing up thick yellow and/ or white phlegm.

Back to the drawing board....... but I will keep this INFO In mind.

Thanks...
LoVe,
Rhapsody -

* * * * * * * * * * *

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Humans:

The reported symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to eye infections (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening complications.

Uncomplicated influenza illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of constitutional and respiratory signs and symptoms (e.g., fever, myalgia, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis).

Among children, otitis media, nausea, and vomiting also are commonly reported with influenza illness. Uncomplicated influenza illness typically resolves after 3--7 days for the majority of persons, although cough and malaise can persist for >2 weeks. However, among certain persons, influenza can exacerbate underlying medical conditions (e.g., pulmonary or cardiac disease), lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia

[Rhapsody]

Finally I think we are getting some where with all the PAIN & DISCOMFORT I have been having....... and the WINNER is TMJ.

I will be seeing a TMJ Specialist to see about a mouth guard...... it will cost around $900 - but at least my Dental Insurance will pay half of the bill.

Now I just wonder why all the doctors that I had to see over the last 3 months did not check for this or take any x-rays of my mouth/jaw area..... my dentist was baffled as well.

Thanks SKY & MONTY for suggesting that I look into the TMJ as a possible source.
Now let us PRAY that my LUPUS blood work comes back NEGATIVE.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Rhapsody]

Well, don't that beat all...... I finally get a correct Dx of TMJ for all the PAIN & Discomfort I have been suffering with the last eight months, and now I am told that neither my Medical or Dental Benefits will cover TMJ or the help a TMJ Specialist could offer Me.

Isn't LIFE and the good old USA just hunky dory? - NOT!!!

Sad & Angry,
Rhapsody -

[mrb020377]

that doesnt seem right... TMJ not only effects your jaw but it affects your neck and head as well... dont they know that??? i dont like insurance companies like that

[Rhapsody]

Yeah they know that (plus I told them again today - lol), but they said that I have no coverage for TMJ (like most insurance comp... it is not covered) - I can get my regular dentist to make me a smaller version of the night guard he recommended, but my insurance will not cover the guard I really need (made by a specialist) - PHOOIE SPIT SPIT!!

FYI - Most of TMJ is covered thru Medical (check w/ your comp) and only the Night Guard (a cheaper smaller version) is covered under Dental, if made by your regular dentist (must be on plan).

Guess I will cont' to get steroid shots in my neck by the Neurologist and stronger pain pills from my Rheumatologist...... and SLEEP - well I don't really need it.


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Rhapsody]

Attention Sky - TMJ Advice Needed!!!

I understand that you have had to deal with TMJ and the healing process that must follow any one that receives a Dx of TMJ / TMD..... with that and with ME just starting this path - Could YOU please be so kind as to instruct ME in where I should start (and) What doctors should I seek for relief?

Is there any particular medicines I should request from my doctors, like...... stronger PAIN pills, muscle relaxers, sleep medicine, ... etc?

Thank YOU,
LoVe,
Rhapsody -


Here are my particular TMD issues:

1.) TMJ PAIN

2.) Ear PAIN

3.) Face PAIN

4.) Face Numbness w/ Neck PAIN

5.) TMJ Popping & Clicking

6.) Limited ROM

7.) TMJ Locking

8.) Bruxism (awake & sleeping) - (grinding & clentching)

9.) MIGRAINES (beyond words)

[(JD)]

I'm sorry you are experiencing this.

The fastest temporary relief I received was from the TENS unit.. and back then they only had big white electrodes, which I wore on my face/jaw even though everyone stared at me...the relief was astounding. Now they have small beige electrodes that work well. (I still use TENS on my jaws) (TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. Don't get a MUSCLE thing STEM?)

You need to find a DMD who specializes in TMD... not a dentist who might have taken a course or two. If you can find an oral surgeon with a good result rate, then ask him/her for a recommendation for the dentist. Oral surgeons don't make the splints and keep track like the dentist can, usually I think... they are too busy being surgeons. IF you can get a TOMO scan for the DMD to use to make the jaw splint, that would be best. It's painful in that they have to bend your neck way back to get a clear scan of the complete jaw...but it's so worth it. That will give the dentist the exact measurements for how far off the jaw is on each side, and allow the splint to be made perfectly. For me, even a slight thickness more than I need creates more pain. The tomo will also show if the tmd needs surgery.

Wear the splint 24/7 even if the dentist says only at night. Trust me... my team encouraged this and I did and got results much faster. It's just that most patients won't even wear it at night, much less slobber during the day while trying to function. It does increase saliva production. Depends upon how much pain you're in I guess. It decreases pain because it allows your muscles to rest, and decreases the bruxism...

If your dentist or oral surgeon can also suggest a physical therapist that they use and is skilled in tmd, then all the better. Stretching of the muscles and such and working out the knots has to be done. Learning how to do many of the exercises yourself is a must. Stretching and relaxing, and learning the "right" place for you to rest your jaw is a must also. Learning how to hold your jaw, your tongue, your posture with the neck and back...all important to easing the pain. This increases ROM and lowers pain, and decreases the bruxism.

DON'T EAT ANYTHING that hurts. The obvious foods like nuts, biting into whole apples, steak, candy, peanut butter stuff... etc I think you can know. I also have trouble with foods that "chew back" like bread crust. Anything that bounces back rather than breaks off for chewing is easier imo. I went on a soft diet for 2 years solid... ice cream, soups etc... stuff I could swallow... which I swallowed my food for years anyway because I couldn't chew...and of course got no nutritive value and gained weight that way.

There are many patients who even have the surgery to clean out the TMJs themselves but fail to do the exercises (they hurt) or limit what they eat...and then they need another surgery. Sometimes a few more surgeries until they get with the program. I adhered to everything my DMDs told me...and I've only had to have the one surgery. (Though I wonder sometimes now, after all these years, if a tune up might be needed? )

ICE packs or heat packs... for your tmjs and neck...

Stress management help from a T. Most ppl just don't realize how much stress they carry in their bodies... and now you just HAVE to become aware!

[Rhapsody]

Thank you SKY for all your help here, for I am new at this problem and without my insurance covering any thing to do with TMJ / TMD - I am to say the least very skeptical at putting my own $$$ out there if the solution I pay for will not work.

My Primary Dentist has already given me a referral to see a TMJ Specialist / Pain Management (same person), but I had to cancel the appointment for today due to a lack in funds.... I had to pay $180 up front for my first consultation with the Specialist.... I told them that I would reschedule as my funds allowed, maybe in the 2nd or 3rd week of February.

I was told that the mouth guard from the TMJ Specialist would cost me around $900 - is this the same as the splint you talked about? - - - if YES, I guess I should set aside some $$$ from income tax return for this expense.

I have not seen any other doctor for this issue since I got a Dx from my dentist a week ago, but I will look into the physical therapy / massage part of treatment with my Rheumatologist when I see him next Friday.... for he had suggested this for my RA, so I might as well have him included the TMJ in with it since they think my RA is one of the causes for my TMJ, therefore, my insurance will cover the cost for this treatment if it falls under my RA problems. KEWL!! - but sad that we must kind of trick the Insurance Company into covering the cost thru my RA in order to receive the care I so desperately need.
PLUS...... I will be seeing the Neurologist my GP first referred me to when I started to have severe migraines, face pain & numbness, along with swelling of the eyes..... and NOW I know the cause of all this: TMJ & Rosacea (my newest two Dx this month).

Do you think I should see an ENT as well...... for some ppl have suggested this since my insurance will not cover any expense to do with TMJ - but they will cover the cost from other doctors to deal with each individual symptom.

And, YES.... I agree that Stress Management is indeed needed, for I have noticed lately that I tend to clench my teeth real hard when I get stressed or emotionally upset, and then it carries over into my sleep.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[(JD)]

Yes the "mouth guard" is a splint. I prefer the ones that go on the lower teeth, as I have trouble breathing at night with the upper splints. You can go to a sports store and get one like the football players use, heat it up and mold it to your teeth... and wear it at night. If nothing else it will protect your teeth from the grinding...but it might also help with the muscles giving them room to relax... it won't be as good, but for the expensive one, make sure they make good measurements to put your joints exactly where they need to be for relief.

I don't know about insurance companies covering or not, as my TMD was caused by the accident and therefore all of it is covered...including my veneers I had to get less than 2 years ago....because of the bruxism over the years wore my teeth away.

IDK about the ENT..you can ask them on the phone if they can help with TMD.

Good wishes.