jaw involvement = Rose's question

[Guest guest]

Rose, our diagnosis is different, but we both had/have jaw problems.

Mine was diagnosed as Polymyalagia Rheumatica - started in my ear and

jaw. First it felt like I was developing an ear infection, then my jaw

and teeth started aching. But my Dr. said everything was all clear,

maybe it was TMJ (Jaw joint), but a physical therapist said no. My jaw

tired easily from talking, and I had difficulty getting my mouth open

while eating, difficulty chewing. this went on a couple months before I

had an " attack " where every joint in my body hurt, had throbbing head

ache, severe aching in jaws and teeth, felt like my throat was closing

up, and my temples were swollen and extremely sore. All I could do was

sit in the recliner and cry. My Dr. put me on 80 mg. Prednisone right

away and scheduled me for a temporal biopsy. the surgeon removed 2 "

pieces of the arteries in my temples to determine if I had Giant Cell

Arteritis, which could have caused permanent blindness. Biopsy was

negative, but I continued with the sore joints including jaws and

teeth. That was early this year.

that much Prednisone made a Zombie of me. when my Dr. decreased it, it

was too fast and I went through " withdrawal " , but am now down to 10

mg./da. and hope to start reducing that VERY gradually after the

holidays. However, my sed rate kept high 119 or 89. I walked like

enstein, and had great difficulty going up or down steps. My Dr's

recommendation was to increase Prednisone. I refused and went to a Dr.

my nephew with RA had used who treats connective tissue diseases (often

called auto-immune) like mine, RA, fibromylagia, lupus, scleroderma...as

bacterial infections left over from a previous infection - with

antibiotics. I received 900 mg. Clindamyacin 2 x day via IV for 5 days,

then Minocycline 100 mg. tablets 2 x day for the long haul. I no longer

have any stiffness or pain in or near joints, but still am lacking

energy and have some problems with balance (never have had GOOD balance,

but it's slightly worse now.) My jaws are extremely sensitive to the

cold, so I keep a scarf handy at all times to wrap around my neck and

jaws. It looks weird, but makes me more comfortable.

Good Luck to you.

Bev in Iowa

wrote:

> There are 2 messages in this issue.

>

> Topics in this digest:

>

> 1. Re: How fast does RA progress? Newbie questions....

> From: Sue

>

> 2. Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Jaw/ relief

> From: rmmcg

>

>

> Messages

> ________________________________________________________________________

>

> 1. Re: How fast does RA progress? Newbie questions....

> Posted by: " Sue " marysue@... splaster27239

> Date: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:55 pm ((PST))

>

> Penny,

>

> I don't think that waiting a few weeks is going to do your joints any

> harm. Jan. 2 will be here before you know it. In the area where I live,

> you'd have to wait a lot longer than you're having to, because of the

> scarcity of rheumatologists. Try to hang in there until then, and I

> wish you well.

>

> Sue

>

> On Wednesday, December 13, 2006, at 08:52 AM, pennygruetz wrote:

>

>> My questionb is: Am I doing my

>> body harm by waiting until the appointment, or should I force an

>> earlier appointment, which would mean driving for 2 hours or waiting

>> and driving for 20 minutes?

>>

>

>

>

> Messages in this topic (4)

> ________________________________________________________________________

> ________________________________________________________________________

>

> 2. Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Jaw/ relief

> Posted by: " rmmcg " rmmcg@... augar123

> Date: Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:44 pm ((PST))

>

> On my last trip to the dentist, I was informed by him that I now have RA in

> my jaw and to inform my Rhummy.

>

> I have no idea what that will involve in the future, except I really hope

> that I won't need any dental work that will need my mouth opened wide for

> any period of time.

>

> The jaw area has hurt for a long time, but I would always forget about it

> when it quite hurting. Not as bad as other body parts.

>

> Rose

> [ ] Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Jaw/ relief

>

>

>

>> Hi,

>>

>> I was wondering if anyone has jaw involvement with RA. I have

>> erosions in jaw joint, right worse

>> than the left. The lower jaw has receeded and mouth opening has reduced.

>> The problem is that

>> often times I have to limit my talking as it has affected my social life.

>> Their is tenderness and pain

>> in the joint adjacent to ears. Strange because the jaw is worse than my

>> hands, or upper body !!

>>

>> Anyway I would be interested in hearing about anyone who also has jaw

>> involvement and has

>> found ways to relieve the pain. I went for a surgery consult but the

>> surgeon wants me to exhaust

>> all not surgical pain relief options first. But my consult was lastyear

>> and the jaw is acting up again

>> like it has a mind of it's own.

>>

>> blessings

>> Dawn

>>

>> ________________________________________________________________________

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