The TMJ Association - changing the face of TMJ

TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk

Ali

Hello,

I visited your website in search of information. I would be more than willing to volunteer as a media contact or even a patient representative. I may be more limited as a patient representative to events in my area only. However, I would be willing to talk to anyone.

I was diagnosed with TMJ in my teens (am now 35). I went through years of filing of my teeth and splints for "repositioning". The first dentist said he cured me but I felt worse. I then saw and orthodontist who wanted to fit me for braces for "repositioning". I then saw a medical doctor who referred me to another dentist who in turn referred me to a "TMJ specialist". He performed more splints and filing of my teeth for "repositioning" and sent me to physical therapy. After a few years of this not working he referred me to a Rehabilitative Medical Specialist who diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and muscular atrophy. More treatments and drugs followed to no avail. Now, at 35 I cannot fully close my jaw without it sliding forward and over to the left. I have sharp pains not only in my jaw but down the sides of my neck, arms, shoulders, back etc. I recently saw another dentist to be fitted for another splint (am a night grinder). He now wants to do more filing and to send me to another "TMJ specialist" for day splints and more "repositioning". It has even been told to my parents when I was in my teens that it was "all in my mind". This current dentist thinks it is all stress related. I've been told my disc was out of place. I've been told my bite is wrong. I was even told by the Rehabilitative specialist that due to the Fibromyalgia I would be cripple and in a wheel chair by the time I was 28 or 29. This made me cry so he said I was depressed and put me on anti-depressants. I think any normal person would be upset by this - not necessarily requiring medication. But, at 35 I am not even close to needing a wheel chair. Basically, I've been told every thing you can think of.

I have no idea what to do at this point. But, would love to help someone else not go through half of what I've gone through. Or, to help the medical/dental community in general become aware that sometimes they are not right and I don't care how much school they have been to. My main complaint with all of the doctors was that not one of them actually listened to ME. I was even specifically told by the Rehabilitative Specialist to NEVER question what he was doing because HE was the doctor.

If there is any way at all that I can help anyone, please contact me.