TMJ

The Trigeminal Nerve that affects people with TMJ

In my many attempts to find out what could possibly help reduce my headache pain my doctor sent me to a TMJ specialist.  I went for the first time earlier this year and trust me, it was not cheap!  I was very frustrated because I had been thinking that it hadn't helped me much.  All I had to show for thousands of dollars spent were two retainers, one to wear during the day and one at night.  Initially I wore them all day and the worst part was eating, it was very difficult because it felt like I was chewing with high heels on my teeth...ewwww!  Well, the other day I broke my night retainer and I'm lucky I didn't choke on the huge piece of plastic that fell off!  Ever since then I have realized just how much of a blessing that investment has made in my life.  My jaw and headache have been compounded by the pain of clenched and grinding teeth.  Eating is not only painful but at times I just can't bear it because the pain is so bad I'm nauseous.  When I can eat, I've survived on applesauce, club soda and gluten free pretzels.  On other days when I'm not nauseated I drink a lot of smoothies and I put hempseeds in them since they have protein.  I always have hard boiled eggs on hand or scrambled eggs too.  I also make my "yogurt" out of coconut milk, avocado and fruit, so in other words, lots of soft foods.  That's how it is living with a chronic migraine.  If I go to reach for something I literally think about the "chewing or crunch" factor and what it will do to my head and jaw in the long run.  This is not just this weekend I'm talking about ALWAYS.   In the kitchen my mom has jars of almonds and cashews and I'm always tempted but I know that if I reach for those dang almonds I will regret it.  Not to be a whiner but this even goes for meat, vegetables, oh, don't even get me started on carrots. It hurts my temples and jaw just thinking about it.  Ouch!

I hate to say I'm glad that my retainer broke but I am.  This has verified to me that the retainers are doing their jobs and I did in fact make the right decision in getting them.  Now I just need to get it fixed!  Then, we can shut down the grinding!!  ;)