OMG, how do you cope with this??

[PGB]

I am a big baby...I don't do pain very well at all.  This is driving me insane!!  I feel like I have a toothache 24/7.  I feel like I have sinus pressure in my face.  I feel like one of those migraines that I haven't had in several months is coming.  NOTHING eases the pain.  I sleep with my mouth guard at night, but I wake up the next morning and it might not even be in my mouth any more.  Sometimes it's in the floor, sometimes it's still there.  I don't know what to do.  I hurt so much, I can't think.  It is like it is consuming me.  There are little to no options here for treatment.  I live in a VERY small town.  So, what does someone in my position do?

[Killerpain]

Havae you looked up Trigeminal Neuralgia?  It is confused with TMJ.  You may want to try Tegretol or Lyrica.

[YankeeRose]

Hi...
  I have been having pain when I chew ...almost anything now.  I came across your post and saw that you have done exercises...Can you give me an idea of what kind of exercises you do?  thanx

[stellkas]

Physical Therapy is a god send I am not even kidding.  The small things the teach you (the exercises) are terrific ways to make a bad day better.  They are painless, but truely make a difference..  I would recommend talking to your PCP about it or seeing another dentist because if you are suffering and it can help it is well worth the shot?!?!?!?  Keep me posted.

[PGB]

I haven't tried PT either.  I did however try the Cymbalta.  I think the muscle relaxer helped more??  I'm just not wanting to have to take something everyday.  I would love to find something I could take when I need it, not all the time.  And the withdrawals of coming off of the Cymbalta were horrible for me.  When you do come off it, only do it with your doctor's help.  I'm glad it's helping you, though.

[avisg]

I have not I did however bring it up with the dentist who said ohhhh his splint would work much better then PT.....that would be the splint they have not started until my med ins agrees to cover it ...he siad it will cost 1000.00 dollors.....I am thinking about going to yet another new doctor to see if they will suggest PT

[stellkas]

Have you tried physical therapy I did and mine which I have been dealing with for 2.5 years is a lot more manageable.  I am also on Cymbalta, which helps with the pain.

[avisg]

Yes it really is much worse then most people think .. Some that I know thought all TMJ was when your jaws clicks when you eat.I was like i wish.

[PGB]

I am currently on the same muscle relaxer as you...zanaflax.  It used to help SOME, not a lot.  Now it doesn't help at all.  Makes me think that I've become immune to it after taking it for a year.  But, it didn't help much anyway.  People who have never experienced this before just don't understand.  Doctors included.  They all look at me like I'm crazy.  Or like I'm a dopehead trying to get drugs.

[avisg]

You not a big baby ,this sucks ,I know I have all of the same issues as you , along with neck arm and shoulder pain. TMJ is no fun at all. I live in a pretty big city and still there is very little care here.
What meds have you tried ? I get some relief from a muscle relaxer called zanaflax... I have heard
of people using some antidepressants to help with the pain.