Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 HI Kathy, I think so! I just never thought of the jaw joining the achy joint parade. It's something you don't hear about, everyone complains about hands, etc....i keep opening my mouth today to unclench....i'm going to take a hot shower and take a muscle relaxer and hope i can uncoil and unclench. LOL, have a good one! Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible In a message dated 5/9/2008 1:37:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, rtking33@... writes: Isn't you jaw another joint? When I had my last flare both feet, knees, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and my jaw stiffened up. My jaw was the last joint to join in the attack. I then started having hoarseness it was really bad. I wondered about the clenching my jaw at night thing as well and then thought if ra attacks the joints I thought the Jaw was just another joint...right? Kathy Re: [ ] Jaw question I've had TMJ for several years before becoming ill. I can only chew on one side of my mouth and can barely open it most of the time. I wonder perhaps its worse during flares because we might clench our teeth more at night when we sleep from the pain. Of course I'm clenching mine right now at the moment even:) _sposy@..._ (mailto:sposy@...) <mailto:sposy%mailto:sp> wrote: Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible ************************<WBR>**Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new favorites at AOL Food. (_http://food.http://food.<WBhttp://food.http://food.<WBRhttp_ (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) <_http://food.http://food.<WBhttp://food.http://food.<WBRhttp_ (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) >) [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 I have had TJM for years, and I have not noticed if it gets worse with a flare but I know it is miserable. I definitely comes and goes...... usually comes when I have a nice juicy steak, LOL. My dentist wanted to do splints to it years ago but now it is beyond that they say.....of course insurance does not cover that, odd huh. amber **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 I've had TMJ for several years before becoming ill. I can only chew on one side of my mouth and can barely open it most of the time. I wonder perhaps its worse during flares because we might clench our teeth more at night when we sleep from the pain. Of course I'm clenching mine right now at the moment even:) sposy@... wrote: Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Isn't you jaw another joint? When I had my last flare both feet, knees, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and my jaw stiffened up. My jaw was the last joint to join in the attack. I then started having hoarseness it was really bad. I wondered about the clenching my jaw at night thing as well and then thought if ra attacks the joints I thought the Jaw was just another joint...right? Kathy Re: [ ] Jaw question I've had TMJ for several years before becoming ill. I can only chew on one side of my mouth and can barely open it most of the time. I wonder perhaps its worse during flares because we might clench our teeth more at night when we sleep from the pain. Of course I'm clenching mine right now at the moment even:) sposy@...<mailto:sposy%40aol.com> wrote: Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001<http://food.aol.co\ m/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001>) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 It is another joint and there is also a condition people get that is Tempomandibular joint syndrome. Where because of uneven chewing, always chewing on one side and clenching teeth, it pops out of place. The webcast I just listened to said that many with RA do get jaw inflammation. So for some its the RA and TMJ syndrome. To help counteract that, you can get a bite guard from your dentist (they also sell small, medium and large sized ones at the pharmacy). Also, people really clench their teeth more than they are mindful of. Especially when in pain. Something to try is to place your tongue on the top of your pallet behind your teeth and relax the face. The more we clench our teeth and jaws, the more pain we cause it. Another thing to do is to make sure that you are chewing on both sides of your mouth. I tend to chew on the right and have a difficulty with the left. My otolaryngologist suggested being mindful of chewing more on the left and alternating it. Kathy and Rick King <rtking33@...> wrote: Isn't you jaw another joint? When I had my last flare both feet, knees, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders and my jaw stiffened up. My jaw was the last joint to join in the attack. I then started having hoarseness it was really bad. I wondered about the clenching my jaw at night thing as well and then thought if ra attacks the joints I thought the Jaw was just another joint...right? Kathy Re: [ ] Jaw question I've had TMJ for several years before becoming ill. I can only chew on one side of my mouth and can barely open it most of the time. I wonder perhaps its worse during flares because we might clench our teeth more at night when we sleep from the pain. Of course I'm clenching mine right now at the moment even:) sposy@...<mailto:sposy%40aol.com> wrote: Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no explanation is possible **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001<http://food.aol.co\ m/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001>) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 Yes the splints they want to customize make are pretty pricey. My doctor had suggested if that wasn't an option to buy the Night Guard that I've seen at Walmart. They are about $20 and come in small, medium and large. My jaw is really small. I had TMJ long before the FMS and RA and there were two days when something was so out of place that I couldn't open the mouth at all. I have a list of tips that U of M otolaryngologist gave me that I'll have to post. I thought that chewing a small piece of gum would help stretch it, but he told me gum chewing is a no no! ambermich@... wrote: I have had TJM for years, and I have not noticed if it gets worse with a flare but I know it is miserable. I definitely comes and goes...... usually comes when I have a nice juicy steak, LOL. My dentist wanted to do splints to it years ago but now it is beyond that they say.....of course insurance does not cover that, odd huh. amber **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 I had what I thought must be TMJ several years ago. I thought that it must be from the RA; therefore, the medication I was on should help it. Eventually, it did, thank goodness. It wasn't any fun at all, LOL. Sue On Friday, May 9, 2008, at 02:02 PM, sposy@... wrote: > > I think so! I just never thought of the jaw joining the achy joint > parade. > It's something you don't hear about, everyone complains about hands, > etc....i > keep opening my mouth today to unclench....i'm going to take a hot > shower > and take a muscle relaxer and hope i can uncoil and unclench. LOL, > have a good > one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 hi everyone i have been out of the loop for a lil while but im BACK & ready to read the posts. in response to this i too have problems due to my ra with my jaws. it HURTS to open my mouth sometimes.. god bless,melynda gamez 5/9/08 9:50p.m.central time Re: [ ] Jaw question I had what I thought must be TMJ several years ago. I thought that it must be from the RA; therefore, the medication I was on should help it. Eventually, it did, thank goodness. It wasn't any fun at all, LOL. Sue On Friday, May 9, 2008, at 02:02 PM, sposy@... wrote: > > I think so! I just never thought of the jaw joining the achy joint > parade. > It's something you don't hear about, everyone complains about hands, > etc....i > keep opening my mouth today to unclench....i'm going to take a hot > shower > and take a muscle relaxer and hope i can uncoil and unclench. LOL, > have a good > one! ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 hi stephanie long time no chat. i can relate to you so well about the mouth.. i just did not know the name of it, my drs.never told me.. thank you!! god bless,melynda gamez 5/9 /8 10:05p.m.central time Re: [ ] Jaw question I've had TMJ for several years before becoming ill. I can only chew on one side of my mouth and can barely open it most of the time. I wonder perhaps its worse during flares because we might clench our teeth more at night when we sleep from the pain. Of course I'm clenching mine right now at the moment even:) sposy@...<mailto:sposy%40aol.com> wrote: Hi List, Happy Friday! I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like  during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night  and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it.  But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that  job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? Heidi To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no  explanation is possible **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family  favorites at AOL Food.  (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001<http://food.aol.co\ m/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001>) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2008 Report Share Posted May 9, 2008 When I start to flare, they are extremely painful, in one or two joints at a time, are short lived, and when gone, leave no indication of any damage. My rheumatologist says I am not the norm when it comes to RA patients. For the first ten years that I had this problem, she diagnosed it as palindromic rheumatism. In the last 15 years, I've only had one blood test come back with a positive RA factor and that was five years ago. Fortunately or unfortunately, the only thing that gets me out of the flares recently is prednisone. This last six weeks, I've been up to 80 mg of prednisone a day on two occasions. I'm now on 15 mg a day and working my way down. I started methotrexate three weeks ago as I've been thru pretty much every else except the biologics. I have had many flares in my jaw. When it happens, the top and bottom teeth on the inflamed side don't align properly. It's very painful, but they usually don't last for more than a day or two. After describing the flares to my dentist, who also specializes in TMJ disease, she said it sounds like I get an 'open lock.' Unfortunately, she didn't see it in action, so she advised I get in to see her when it happens next. Although she did not give me the specifics, she made it sound like there were things she could try to help alleviate the pain. She did do a full baseline TMJ exam (I was not flaring at the time) and found no indication I had a problem with the TMJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 2008 Report Share Posted May 10, 2008 Years ago I had a flare in my jaw joint. I could only open my mouth less than half an inch. It made eating and speaking clearly difficult. I had to eat soft food since biting down was painful. At one point I was eating a small grape and realized that it hurt too much to bite down on the grape. I had to pop the grape out between my teeth with my finger. Joyce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2008 Report Share Posted May 11, 2008 I've had TMJ for about 25 years. Now it seems to " flare " just like my other joints. Or else I'm perceiving it differently...hmm...interesting thought. > > Hi List, Happy Friday! > > I have a question. Do any of you find that your TMJ is worse at times? Like > during a flare? I've had that stiffness and pressure now mostly at night > and every am for about 4 weeks now. I'm sure the job loss isn't helping it. > But I have to say, I'm feeling less stressed than when I had to go into that > job! Did anyone listen to the RA webcast last night? > > Heidi > > To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no > explanation is possible > > > > **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family > favorites at AOL Food. > (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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