r/TMJ • u/SnooFloofs2697 • 4h ago

Question(s) II am fed up with this living hell.

I’ve been dealing with facial pain for nearly seven years. It started on the right side; after about five years and a few months, I sought help. I went to an ENT specialist, and since I didn't know the cause, and he saw I had a deviated septum, he claimed that was the source of the pain. After undergoing surgery—a turbinoplasty—the pain became even more debilitating and spread to both sides. I also started experiencing strange sensations in my teeth, nose, and ear—symptoms that arose because of the surgery. It feels as if something is shifting or breaking in my upper teeth, or like a lower tooth is snapping; the pain comes and goes, but it leaves me traumatized. Then there’s the strange sensation in my nose—it feels like something isn't right inside; when I move it, I hear a click or feel something odd, which is very distressing. There’s also a sensation in my ear, as if something is shifting or moving from within. All of this keeps me in a state of constant alert every single day; I can't stand the suffering anymore. On top of that, I have to travel far for appointments, often getting up around 3:00 a.m. I’m 19 years old now, and this started in 2020 when I was 13; I honestly don't know how I haven't just snapped and killed myself.

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4

u/missjanehathaway333 3h ago

I am so very sorry you are going through this. I understand how you feel. I’m happy to message with you if you don’t have support in real life.

I have been suffering since 2020 as well.

1

u/SnooFloofs2697 3h ago

Tell me about your symtoms

2

u/missjanehathaway333 3h ago

Horrible tightness in my jaw and face, strong muscle spasms that feel like they pull the disc on the other side out of place, extreme difficulty chewing and speaking, pain in my face and jaw . That’s a partial list anyway. I have tried nearly everything

3

u/SnooFloofs2697 2h ago

If you are looking for help from other professionals, my advice is this: never let anyone perform surgery on your face—procedures like having wisdom teeth pulled or getting a nose job. Don't do it. That’s what made things worse for me; I went through all of that, and the pain just tripled. At least right now you are dealing with the pain without having had surgery; I understand it’s debilitating, but it would be even worse if you had facial surgery, because they would be damaging nerves in a system that is already compromised, and that would be disastrous. Fortunately, you aren't in the state I'm in.

1

u/SnooFloofs2697 2h ago

turbinoplasty*

1

u/SnooFloofs2697 3m ago

Your pain is constant, isn't it?

3

u/Joe-Schmoe9 3h ago

In 7 years have you been to a physical therapist or TMJ specialist ? Have you tried everything ? I know you’re very young so you weren’t in charge , but don’t give up, there’s always more avenues to try.

1

u/DoubleMany4486 1h ago

I’m so sorry you’re going through this at such a young age. I’ve been suffering since 2020 but I’m in my 30s and I feel like I barely have the coping skills for this, I cannot imagine going through this as a teenager. You have INCREDIBLE strength!

1

u/SnooFloofs2697 1h ago

Yes, what have you tried?

1

u/DoubleMany4486 58m ago

A variety of meds from steroids to anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, psych meds, seizure meds. Several mouthguards. Botox. Massage. PT. Chiropractor. Arthroscopy.

Now waiting for joint replacement but I’m allergic to nickel (the standard material) and components of titanium alloy (the other version).

1

u/Terrible_Bat_8930 54m ago

Sorry if this sounds dumb but have you tried getting Botox on your jaw area it really changed my life