i hate tmd!

TMD (AKA TMJ) is when someone has problems with the jaw and the muscles of mastication (chewing). Sometimes TMD can be caused by misalignment of the jaw. Symptoms include clinching, grinding your teeth, tender / tight muscles around the jaw (including trapezius), headaches, pain, etc. Symptoms can be exacerbated by stress.

All of that being said, I am at the lowest stress level in my life, yet my symptoms are the worst they've ever been. Ibuprofen does not work. I have to take Excedrin. For those of you who may not know, I don't drink caffeine (just water), and Excedrin has caffeine in it. So you can imagine that I'm bouncing off the walls much of the time! Secondly, experts advise those with TMD not to ingest caffeine as that may exacerbate the symptoms. So, I have a dilemma: take Excedrin for TMD-related headaches, not sleep well, and exacerbate my clinching/grinding. OR have excruciating headaches with no relief ever. hmmmm....what would you do?

It's quite hilarious b/c it's gotten to the point now where my grinding is so loud (I have a custom-fitted night guard) that I wake myself up! I often wake up B when I grind, too! He wakes me or grabs my jaw or something and I apparently stop (for the moment).

B/c I'm so active in my sleep, I am needing more and more sleep to feel rested. Last night I slept 11 hours - almost 12. And B still had to make me get up.

I know what you're thinking: GO SEE A DOCTOR!

Here's the problem: my insurance does not cover any treatment related to TMD. Bummer. I have researched 2 different specialists in Memphis & my first visit would be $300!!! AUGH!

First, I plan to see a general prac doctor when I get back to Memphis (do you recommend any?). We'll see what he/she recommends, then go from there. A $20 copay is much easier to digest than a $300 out-of-pocket fee.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!!!

OK, I abs HATE complaining, so let me close with this: we are about to get out of bed and get ready for the beach. I am so happy to be here with my honey! While I'm blogging he's just navigating around Google Maps on his computer following the roads down to Key West and back up again. He's so entertained! I love him! He's so freakin' cute!

xoxo