TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk
I have been in horrific pain for two months now. This began after I started seeing a new dentist and on the second consult his assistant was taking x-rays and with my limited opening was having some trouble. The next day I began to experience the pain. I was seeing a new dentist because my old dentist pulled my wisdom teeth and everything went wrong. On the right side he messed up everything, I was ill informed before and even worse after the surgery. Everything went wrong and I was sedated so I have no idea what all went wrong but the pain was excruciating on the right side.
After the pain set in two months ago my wonderful dentist referred me to what he thought was a qualified specialist who claimed I had neuritis on the right side. After my wallet suffered the initial exam cost and two more injections I gave up and went to another specialist much better qualified. This doctor diagnosed me with internal derangement and recommended I get an MRI. I cannot afford the expense since I do not have health or dental insurance and went to the doctor I have with my state health care program. They were going to refer me to a neurologist however after patiently waiting like they said for two weeks I went back to them today, it has now been three weeks. Nothing had been done, the referral was denied. Now they are trying to get me into see a Ear Nose Throat Specialist.
I am a college student and work almost full time at the college as well with two jobs. I also do jobs odds as well, but cannot afford insurance or the cost of all this. It has affected my studies and work. The pain gets really bad in the afternoon and nighttime. I am unable to sleep many nights due to the pain and take ibuprofen and Tylenol PM and it doesn't do much. Several nights I have not slept at all.
I do not know if it is the pain or the lack of sleep or both but I am having many other issues. I seem confused sometimes; I am forgetting simple things like passwords and security codes at work. I make simple but stupid mistakes like mixing up my keys with inner office keys and calling building management to replace the lock. I am more agitated at people and keyed up. My house is a wreck, my bills are scattered and I sometimes to forget to do everyday things like mail a letter. Even my sleep is getting worse. Several times I have waked up screaming with either no memory or almost no memory of a dream if there was one.
I cannot continue to live like this but my resources are limited. I cannot afford the money I have already spent on this issue. DOES ANYONE, HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? I just want my God given right to live a normal life, is that asking too much?
Your friend in pain
