bigecase this is for you.

Hey, its been awhile since we have had an update on your shoulder. Did you get all of the PT done that was needed?

Also, what about your friend that was diagnosed with cancer?

Let us hear from you please.

So glad to read that your shoulder is better. Lets hope the nerve block kicks in as a delayed reaction, that would be awesome. Hopefully the ENT can shed some light on your situation. Sometimes it always seems like it is something going on.

Your friend sounds like a fighter and I am sure you are in there fighting with her. Radiation can cause fatigue along with the chemo. My mom went through the fatigue when she had radiation. Keeping her & you in my prayers.

Pop in when you have time & keep us updated. Take care.

Big case:
Be very cautious about supposed "TMJ" physicians. There is a lot of quackery and just plain-and-honest poor care associated with temperomandubular malalignment.

Rocckyd provided me with some outstanding advice and links to a TMD advocacy group. The information through the TMD advocacy group was exceptionally helpful in helping me navigate appropriate treatment. I will wait to let Rocckyd respond before adding more. She has a lot of TMD wisdoms.

The abbreviation TMJ been replaced by TMD.

Bottom Line: Do your full due diligence of any physician or dentist. Be careful of any dentist who wants you to agree to $10,000 for a series of mouth guards. Do not agree to TMD surgery.

A custom molded mouth guard has proved immensely helpful for me. It cost about $800 and was not covered by dental insurance. You will find that TMD is in a sort of treatment black hole. It is neither xiveeed by dental nor medical insurance. Lack of coverage is mainly due to a treatment options that have shown little to no credibility. Insurance is reluctant to pay for treatments that have had poor outcomes.

The mouth guard has been a God send and worth every penny that I had to pay for its fabrication. I just have to be careful not to place it in a Kleenex when I take it out to eat - throwing away the Kleenex by mistake.
- Karen -

I would like all the info I can get at this point. I have moved to mainly soft foods. Cut out chewing gum. Probably need to search out a new pillow. I am very picky here though. Neck is big problem so a good comfy pillow with right next support is a must.

Thank you. I will be looking into these sites.

Hi bigecase, well it sounds like you are onto something good with this therapist. I am so glad to read you are having a positive response on the first visit. Hopefully you can do as much PT as possible even if it is only once a week.

Good luck with your 5k. Keep up the good work.

I had second visit with the specialized TMD treatment. I actually was turned over to the owner and he was great. He has been doing this for over 18 years. Very thorough in explaining every muscle and how it affects everything. He says if it feels like razor blades cutting in your mouth then the muscles are full of inflammation. It does while he is working on it. He says I have fever in my jaw from so much. I had no idea. Hopefully this will get all straightened out. It is not curable but manageable.

Big case:
Celebrate the small wins. A succession of small wins can make for a more substantial refinding of health.

I have also been plagued by TMD joint dysfunction owing to long-standing corticosteroid use. I have found fair relief in working with a TMD specialist who is a periodontal dentist. He fabricated a series of bite plates that have been a fair source of relief by aligning my jaw in a more relaxed state.

It can be difficult to find a qualified clinician. There is a lot of snake oil offered to those suffering with TMD joint problems.

I am glad that you have a great clinician on your side and that you are finding success with his care.
-K -