helena Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Do you have TMJ, or someone close to you? Can you share any tips on how to cope/reduce pain and overall misery? I don't know for sure that TMJ is what's going on. But it seem like the most likely at this point. I'll see my dentist after the holiday weekend. I've been wearing a cheap-y mouth night guard. That was an instant help! It all started on Father's Day when my face suddenly swelled up at my... saliva gland area, I think it's called?? Went to a walk in and got put on antibiotics. The swelling went down quickly, in fact it had gone down quite a bit before the Dr even saw me. Since then it's been an unbearable couple weeks. Jaw pain and sizzling sensation, sore neck and throat, teeth grinding day and night, exhaustion, etc, etc. I have a bad habit of ignoring things because I have Lupus and I'm always dealing with some issue or discomfort. By the time I finally make it into the Dr, it seems to always be Lupus and goes away the next day. Grrr. Well, now that I've been reading up on TMJ, it really seems like this is a separate issue. And in fact, as I read the symptoms, I'm realizing that this has been going on (much more mild) for some time. It stinks because I'm also in the middle of a flare (typical for me at the beginning of the summer season.) Anyhoo... I'd love to hear what works for you. Little tips, big changes, anything you've learned that makes a difference. I need to start treating myself now, because I might lose my mind if I wait until the dentist office can fit me in. If it's not TMJ, at least I felt proactive for a few days. Sorry so long. Please excuse my typing. My mind is mush and I've been reading too much medical internet! :scared: I'm going to go take an epsom bath right now because joe blow on the TMJ forms mentioned it in 2010. Haha!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share Posted July 3, 2016 Ringing in the ears is driving me nuts! Does anything help with that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GirlTwinBoys Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Don't chew gum or eat things like pretzels and apples. It will make it much worse or bring on flare ups. Edited July 3, 2016 by 1GirlTwinBoys 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 I clench my jaw when I'm stressed and get very sore. Wearing my retainer at night really helps, so I can see that a mouth guard would help. chewing gum helps me keep from clenching, but I don know if that's appropriate for TMJ - my jaw isn't involved in my issue. I hope your flare settles soon. My sister has lupus and is going through a flare right now. It's such a difficult thing to manage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnE-girl Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Mine usually flares with stress, so anything that helps with relaxation is good. The last time it was really bad and my dentist was talking about possibly needing surgery, she said to stay away from crunchy and chewy foods and get a massage. It's calmed down since then, but my jaw pops in and out every time I yawn. I do have a night guard, but I sleep better without it unless my tmj is really acting up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalsummer Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 quit caffeine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share Posted July 3, 2016 I clench my jaw when I'm stressed and get very sore. Wearing my retainer at night really helps, so I can see that a mouth guard would help. chewing gum helps me keep from clenching, but I don know if that's appropriate for TMJ - my jaw isn't involved in my issue. I hope your flare settles soon. My sister has lupus and is going through a flare right now. It's such a difficult thing to manage. Sorry to hear about your sister. It seems like I have my worst flares at the beginning of summer and then during the holidays. This possible (?) TMJ has sent my Lupus lungs into a frenzy. When it rains it pours, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share Posted July 3, 2016 quit caffeine Boo! I've quit caffeine a few times for months at a time to see if it was complicating other health issues. Each time I was soooo glad to find out it wasn't making any difference. I'd do it again if I had to. But I wouldn't like it. :) Right now I'm at a cup of coffee in the morning and a small tea in the afternoon. No sugar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 I rarely chew gum. I wear a custom fitted night guard. That helps a lot with the pain. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan in SC Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 Any chance you have Sjiogren's with the lupus? The salivary gland infection/blockage is very common. Do you have really dry eyes? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted July 3, 2016 Author Share Posted July 3, 2016 Any chance you have Sjiogren's with the lupus? The salivary gland infection/blockage is very common. Do you have really dry eyes? No, I was worried about this too in the beginning. My mouth and eyes are fine. I just saw my optometrist and my eyes are fine. She's a specialist and does a thorough exam since my meds can damage the eyes. For the first week though I kept asking myself "Are you sure your mouth isn't dry??" I'm my own worst enemy sometimes. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted July 3, 2016 Share Posted July 3, 2016 For me, a muslce relaxer helps, and if I can't get my hands on one I have a few alcoholic drinks before bed which seems to have the same effect. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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