The TMJ Association - changing the face of TMJ

TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk

Julie

Hello. I have had TMJ now for 6 months. I had a wisdom tooth extracted and then 4 weeks later I was in the hospital with horrible pain in my head and neck. Doctors did every test imaginable and dismissed me with having just "nerves and migraine headache problems" which I never had in my 37 years. Well, Thank God for the internet. After just entering my symptoms in a search, I came across TMJ Syndrome, I had never heard of this in my life, but I knew immediately after reading about the symptoms it is what I had. I went back to the hospital three more times with pain, and each time the doctors dismissed me when I told them I had TMJ. I finally went to see my dentist who is a TMJ specialist and he diagnosed me with a TMJ problem. After getting my splint and wearing it now for 4 months I am doing so much better. I had to see a physical therapist for a month because my muscles were so bad I could not do anything including driving a car or simple household chores. I am still going to therapy and wear a tens unit on my back for neck and back pain. I am also on Xanax and Paxil for the pain and anxiety this has caused me. Now my dentist tells me I need $20,000 worth of crowns in my mouth to fix my bite. I am getting a second opinion of course and time will tell.

I cannot believe the pain this disorder causes. It nearly ruined my life and my marriage. I am so frustrated that insurance companies do not acknowledge this as a medical condition. I was also told before my diagnosis that I surely had Lupus, then I was told I more than likely had MS, because of the neurological problems I was having. Now I realize this is all TMJ related. I would not wish this on anyone, but I guarantee that if a prominte figure in the medical community came down with this something would be done. I want to do all I can to get this recognized no matter how long it takes. PLEASE let me know how I can do sometng, anything, to get legislation passed or whatever it takes, to make this a recognized and medically treated condition.