TMJ and potential fibro/CFS?

[clareyh]

Hi,

For about a year now I have been aware I have bruxism (my partner pointed out to me that i grind my teeth in my sleep). Over the last 9 months, I have had sinus problems, tender jaw, facial pain, earache and sorethroat (no infection) (mainly cheekbone/behind eyes/temple) it tends to be a dull constant pain. I actually can feel the kind of tension knots you would get in your back in and around my head. Earlier in the year my ears felt very blocked, i had to keep popping my ears to hear properly and had a bit of vertigo which has no subsided. My dentist said I had TMJ and fitted me with a mouth gaurd. Whilst this is protecting my teeth I am still clenching my teeth and so still tensing my muscles.

I have been dealing with this with mainly relaxation techniques and massage therapy, however over the last 6-8 months I have had gradually increasing muscle weakness, which started in my joints- was really bad, It pained my knee joints to walk even a single step. It has spread to pain and weakness in my wrists, ankle, elbow etc. My upper arm feels weak when i attempt to dry my hair with a hair dryer i find it very hard. Very slight muscle twitches as well although i notice this more when i'm tired. My hand tremors, but not very noticable only if i am to hold something very very still infront of me- its not like an intention tremor- it feels like the its being caused by the generalised weakness. feel tired a lot, could go to sleep anytime no matter how much sleep I have had. My left leg feels very mildly numb. I have also had increased bowel and bladder movements.

GP did the following blood tests-

-B12/Folate, Fasting Glucose, Ferritin, GP Profile (whatever that means), Thyroid function, Vitamin D Metabolites, Plasma Viscosity and a FBC.

All came back fine.

I am already a very very highly anxious person which has been worse over last year since a personal problem increased my anxiety. I am panicking that I have MS but it has been suggested that as my symptoms coexist with TMJ pain that it could be CFS or fibromyalgia- which although wouldn't be nice, at least i could stop worrying i have MS :'( I just want to know whats wrong with me :(

any help would be appreciated.

Clare :-)

[clareyh]

i should add- what made me post on here (in a desperate attempt to seek reassurance that it may be fibro and not MS) is that i read that 90% of fibromyalgia suffers, suffer from TMJ.

[mareed]

Hiya, your symptoms sound very much like mine....however i dont have numbness, weakness or tremmors but i have cold sensations on my body, but i have just noticed i have been getting sore joints and stuff too and general body aches and pains all the time (im only 28 so shouldnt be feeling like this!!).  I also have bad TMJ just like you.  Im going to a neurologist next week, i am freaking out about MS too however i do feel like its more like anxiety (im very very anxious person) and possibly Fibro too.