I probably shouldn’t be writing anything right now, for all I know a real miracle will occur in the next day or two and everything will be right as rain again.
But the truth of the matter is, this TMJ I’m wrestling with keeps going in the wrong direction. Every few days it will lighten up enough for me to believe it’s getting better, and I’ll start to do normal things again (like preparing those mini-chicken pizzas in my last post).
I’ll tell a couple friends I’m on the mend, and then the next day it comes roaring back with a vengeance. Right now my temples and the top of my skull are enflamed, my face aches and my mouth is very, very sore. Eating is difficult but not impossible (yet). For some reason, hot creamy coffee soothes things. Not tea, not broth, hot creamy coffee.
I know I wrote about this a week or so ago, how I was convinced my TMJ was “reactivated” one week after testing positive for covid. What I didn’t mention is that the TMJ only lasted 2 weeks, then faded completely. But exactly 2 weeks after that, I got a severe case of food poisoning of all things, and it REALLY woke up the TMJ. That was in January, but seems longer ago.
Sometimes blogging can be a real pain in the ass. I’ve gotten angry emails from people in the past about something political I’d written, or called out for getting my facts wrong, all sorts of things. But last night I did a search on TMJ in my blog, and was reminded (by many awful posts) how much I struggled with TMJ from December 2018 to December 2020.
Those two years (TWO YEARS!) I remained holed up in my apartment, watching nothing but MSNBC and slurping coffee, Ensure & Metamucil. I often went to bed at 5:30-6pm, only because the fewer hours I remained awake, the better.
That is the rabbit hole I’m fearful of going down again.
Last March I went down to my sister’s house and stayed a week while my apartment was getting its furnace repaired and the place ozoned. I told Shawn I’d been a hermit for far too long, and when I got back to the city I was going to change my life around. I knew she didn’t believe me but I meant it.
I wasted no time joining my local library, signing up with a local senior center, reconnecting with an old classmate. I spent a few weekends in the spring & summer with my sister Shawn and brother-in-law Jim, toured points of interest (like Falling Waters) with my friend Diana, went to museums, restaurants and even a gateway clipper ride with the folks at my center. I made a lot of friends there too.
I can’t imagine having to go back to the person I was before. (Trust me, you can only “grin thru the pain” for so long, with so many people. It’s not sustainable.)
Anyway, I know this wasn’t an entertaining read and I apologize for that. One good thing about having a blog, you can share & share and there will always be someone out there listening, and it really helps. Thanks for listening and I hope my next post is a brighter one.
I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. In case misery loves company, I will tell you that I had food poisoning recently, too (from a food recall). I wasn't aware of the recall so kept eating the food despite the upseet stomach. So for a couple of months, I wasn't eating much. Then I had some dental surgery in early Feb. which requires that I eat a soft diet until my follow up appointment 3/1. Not as much pain as you are in, I don't think. But like you I live alone and like it, but in a period like this when I don't have the enrergy to do much, the alone-ness does get to me. I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteNina
Nina I'm very sorry you went thru all that... at the same time, I really appreciate you sharing. Thank you & I very much hope you're back to your old self soon.
DeleteTotally sympathize with your dilemma and hope you can work your way through it soon. Long-term chronic pain of any kind is decidedly NOT fun!
ReplyDeleteYour blogging public needs you so I hope you can find something to help you find relief. Thankfully, I only have some passing experience with TMJ, but I have another issue that I'm considering medical marijuana for, would that be an option for you?
Bobi, I hope you know how much your feedback means to me. Thank you for what you said here, you're dear. And if the folks at the center are reading this, one of them just asked me yesterday if I was interested in learning more about medical marijuana (in pill form) and I said yes.
DeleteI can imagine how painful it must be to have TMJ. Awful not being able to chew normally. Just be grateful you don't have something worse than that. Above all, count your blessings. I am sure there are many blessings in your life.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gigi, I am doing my best to stay positive. I was hoping to hear about David this morning, hope he's doing good.
DeleteSo sorry about your jaw pain, Doug. 😢 I wonder how the hot creamy coffee works. I suppose you've tried both hot and cold compresses held against the aching jaw. I don't remember you mentioning the food poisoning. How awful!! Had that before. I hope never again!! About the negative comments -- your blog, your business, free speech. I'm sure your fans outnumber any nay sayers a million to one. 👍
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Florence, and yes I am an expert when it comes to hot and cold compresses! And I do think the food poisoning (2 weeks after covid) was too much for my face to bear. Just some bad series of events. And believe me, I am very grateful for blog-friends on here, like yourself. :^)
DeleteI hate that you have to suffer through this especially now that you are out and about, wanting to continue your social life, grrrr. The creamy coffee sounds good to me, but I also wonder what's in it that soothes the pain. Hmmm. Is it the creaminess? Anyway, hope the TMJ dissipates soon so you don't have to keep dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Margaret, yes it's something about the hot coffee that just soothes the jaw like nothing else. Not too sweet, not too thin in texture. All I know, this tmj stuff is a waiting game.
DeleteI'm so sorry you are dealing with this situation. Is there nothing a doctor can do for you to help with the pain and reduce the swelling.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this is the worst of it, and you'll soon be on the mend.
Thank you Maebeme, you're a sweet friend. I've been down this road twice before, in July 2016 (for 6-7 months) and again in 2018 (for a lot longer). There's no one that can do anything, you just have to use a lot of hot and cold treatments, eat soft foods. Hopefully this won't last long.
DeleteOh, Dug... it sounds like you're having an awful time with that TMJ. And you probably already know all the things people are telling you to try. Cold packs and mouth guards seem like a good idea, but what do I know? And I wonder if the "creamy" coffee helps because its warm and soothing and the cream (like butter coffee) cuts the caffeine? (Just a thought) If so, tea with added cream (I use evaporated milk/Carnation) might also do the trick.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rian, I always like what you have to say. Believe me, mouthguards and me are old friends I have several in my medicine cabinet from past episodes. It really is just a waiting game, and trying your best to be comfortable until it's gone. I will try the creamy tea though.
DeleteI am so sorry and know how debilitating the pain can be. I agree it’s time to explore medical marijuana or acupuncture or whatever might work. If you can handle it, continue to go to the senior center even if it’s just for a short time. Being around other people helps us all in so many ways. Hang in there! Joyce
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Joyce, I am more than open to explore other options at this point. I agree about the center too, but I think my time there will be limited for a while. Anyway, thanks again and I sure hope you're doing okay.
DeleteI totally hear you on going to bed by 6 pm if you're in pain. The day has been long enough and only bed will feel good. I suffered with migraines for many years and know how excruciating head and face pain can be, as well as exhausting. Is there any medical help you can get? I once heard that accupuncture can help TMJ.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading about your success with the Idahoan mashed potatoes, today I bought a box of their scalloped potatoes mix. I don't need instant mashed potatoes, because as I wrote, my husband makes really good mashed potatoes. However, I like scalloped potatoes but have no desire to make the dish, and I'm the only one who really likes potatoes that way. I'll let you know how they come out.
Thanks dkzody, I actually have a good friend that suffers with chronic migraines and I sure am sorry if yours are anything like hers. As for the acupuncture, I did go that route a couple years ago but there just isn't any real treatment. It just has to heal on its own. I do want to tell you, I love the idahoan scalloped potatoes! To make them homemade, I use close to a full cup of milk not 2/3; I also add in half a chopped onion during the boil. I sure hope yours comes out as good!
DeleteThis stinks, and that's the best description I can stick on it. I am sorry and hope you chase it to the background soon. Have you consulted a dentist? Years ago I worked for the head of oral surgery at CWRU School of Dentistry, and TMJ was one of his specialties.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne, "this stinks"--you said it! As for consulting a dentist, I did do that (several of them--an oral surgeon and endodontist included) the first time I experienced this in 2016, but never got real help. This isn't so much in the jaw as it is in the head and center of face. It just needs time to calm down, I'm guessing.
Delete"in the head and centre of face", could the problem be related to inflammation of facial nerves? wild idea, but throwing it out there can't hurt.
DeleteRiver that's pretty much what it is, but I don't know how to stop the inflammation.
DeleteIf you think it is a nerve problem, see a neurologist. I have two cranial nerve problems being treated by a neurologist. Just a thought. Joyce
DeleteThank you Joyce, more & more I'm starting to wonder. Are you on any medication like gabapentin? I'm sorry you're dealing with nerve problems too.
DeleteYes, gabapentin three times a day. It completely relieves the pain. If I miss a dose I get little electric shocks. I thought my trigeminal neuralgia was a dental issue and went to several dentists, but it was a tmj specialist that finally diagnosed me. Joyce
DeleteI'm very sorry you are dealing with this again. I wish there was a magic wand that could make you feel better. Hoping that it decides it has hung out long enough and leaves soon. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Merry, I appreciate your kind wishes. I hope you're doing okay. :^)
DeleteHi, This is my first time commenting, but I have been reading your blog for some time. I am so sorry you are dealing with TMJ again. I had it 5 years ago for about 8-9 months. What finally helped the most, was going to a chiropractor who did deep tissue massage of the muscle in my jaw. Ouch. It hurt a lot, but it did greatly relieve the pain overall. I also massaged the muscle at home. Take good care, and hope you start to feel relief very soon. Lin
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Lin, I appreciate you taking the time to comment and your input. Well as a matter of fact I did visit a chiropractor the last time I dealt with TMJ, probably a dozen visits minimum but it just did nothing for me. (Though he did say it was pretty severe.) I may have to try again, I'm up for anything. Thank you :^)
DeleteApart from what I learn here I know nothing about TMJ. I really hope some kind of cure can be found or even something that will help yours settle down and stay settled.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much River. Before 2016, I never heard of it either. Wish it could've stayed that way.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear how much you suffered then and what's happening now. You are such a good positive person, and your posts are always interesting, even if you're having a hard time, like now. I wish there was something I could say or do that would help. The only thing I can think of is offering a prayer for healing.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much DJan, I appreciate your kind wishes. (I appreciate all your thoughtful comments.) I'm sure I'll beat this eventually, I just wish I had an idea when.
DeleteFingers crossed for a speedy end to your torment! Things with no apparent cause are the worst - if only the cause were known one could stop doing whatever, or start preventative action, but with no apparent cause it's just a waiting game. Terrible!
ReplyDeleteWarmest regards and maybe condensed milk in your coffee for a treat, south east Asia style?
Ceci
Thank you Ceci, you are very sweet and every word of your comment was right on. And the next time I go to the store--condensed milk! I love it :^)
Delete1) You have every right to your opinions. I don't let someone (anyone!) give me hell for my opinions. I ignore their thoughts. In many cases, their assertions can very easily be disproven. Conspiracists gonna conspire. It doesn't matter to me.
ReplyDelete2) I think that your TMJ and suspected 'triggers' are very interesting. I don't know a lot about it. I am headed off down another rabbit hole this morning to read a bit on it.
Thank you Debby, to be very honest I wish I didn't know a lot about TMJ either. For all I know it isn't that, but some kind of nerve issue from having covid. There's been a big uptick in orofacial issues this year from people who had covid-19.
DeleteHi Doug, goodness, you definitely have had a rough go of it these last couple months. I can’t even imagine what it is like to live with that constant pain. Ceci’s comment is interesting. Condensed milk coffee (or tea)may be south east Asia style but it is Newfoundland style too. Chuck’s parents only drank it that way. Have you ever tried acupuncture? I know you have tried so many things Doug. We all hate to hear you are in such pain. Always glad to read your posts whatever they are about.
ReplyDeleteTake care.❤️
Robin
Hi Robin, I'm very glad to hear from you. Oh shoot, I just got home from the store and forgot condensed milk, that really does sound right up my alley. Anyway, I did try acupuncture a long while back but it didn't do a thing. I believe Aleve helps a litle, but it scares me a little too. Just taking things day by day, but I have a PCP appt in 2 weeks and if it's not better by then...
DeleteHopefully you are better by then Doug. If not fingers crossed your PCP can help you .❤️
DeleteRobin
I am sorry TMJ is causing so much discomfort. Have you tried taking Tumeric? Tumeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. Try googling Tumeric and TMJ to see if there are any stats on this. Also PUBMED, (National Library of Medicine) online might have some articles worth reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan--I did read something about tumeric once before, I need to look into that further. Natural anti-inflammatory is the ticket here.
Delete