Monday, March 12, 2012


Looks like I might be getting a couple of these- Occlusal mouth guards for my newly acquired TMJ. My co-worker laughed at me- laughed I said- because I did this by almost knocking myself out. I fell trying to avoid the gunk that drips from the bottom of the car when it snows after you park in the garage.

I did not actually hit the floor, although I should have just gone ahead and done that. I caught myself but when I did, my shoulder stayed still while my chin kept coming down and hit it. I have never heard teeth hit together so hard. So now the right side of my jaw is out of alignment.

I waited and waited to see if it would go back in for good but no, it pops out all the time now. Fortunately it never keeps me from talking. Fortunately depending on who you are, I guess. I haven't found anything yet that will shut me up. I like to talk.

I have a problem with food though, which is good in a way; however, soft stuff is getting old. I can eat some things that are not soft if they are extremely crispy or things like wraps if I shred them up like a salad and take teeny tiny bites without grinding my teeth.

This got to be a pain so I took the chance and called my dental insurance company, Delta Dental, and this is covered at 80% after my $50 deductible. This is a good thing because I always throw some money on my FSA card for these out of pocket expenses. It covers deductibles, medication co-payments and other non covered but medically required expenses. I can swipe and never know I spent a dime.

When it pops out, and it does this several times a day, I have to wiggle my jaw from side to side while pressing on my temples. It is stuck open and to get it aligned again hurts. This device may- MAY - make it better. I hope so, I can't bite down with any pressure on anything.

I really miss Subway!











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12 comments:

Manny said...

Reminds me of when I was a teen and had braces. When the braces came off I had to wear a retainer.

Feel better Kathy. Sounds like a bit of a struggle for you. Here's a prayer for you.

Yahoobuckaroo's Blog said...

I've had TMJ since I was a kid, although I've never been officially diagnosed with it. Anyhow, I can move my jaw around and make that clunking sound all day if I want to. It's never bothered me though. You're probably the only person I know with dental insurance. Must be nice.

Farmgirl Heidi said...

I am so sorry to hear about the TMJ Kathy. I remember reading your post after the fall and I had hoped that it all went okay. I know TMJ is painful, but on the bright side- as you alluded to, a soft food diet isn't all bad. Smoothies, ice creams, and pies are soft. I hope the occlusal mouth guards help. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care Kathy. I look forward to your blog posts.

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry you hurt. Hope this thing relieves your pain. I had a cousin that had this and terrible pain. May God bless and heal you quickly.
Dolly

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

Thanks, everyone! Fortunately it does not hurt to talk but it might if it gets worse so I am following through with the plan. The company I work for has great benefits and as an incentive to take a less expensive plan as I have (we have three to choose from), they provide an HRA with varying amounts of money depending on if you have single coverage, parent and child or also include the spouse. Dental insurance has come in handy for us! I'm the queen of root canals, they don't bother me at all and I go right back to work. (The secret is asking for the 5 hour pain shot in the back corner of your mouth- no pain but a numb tongue for a bit), I contribute to an FSA account that covers other medically needed things. It used to cover over the counter but the govt stopped that, unless you have a prescription. So at the end of the year- use it or lose it- I have my dr. prescribe nose spray, aspirin, etc. Crazy, isn't it.

LindaG said...

I hope something can help you soon.

We have Delta Dental too, for which I am very grateful.
Have a blessed day. ♥

Candy C. said...

Wow, I sure hope the mouth guard will help you! That must drive you crazy besides hurting! {{HUGS}}

Pat said...

Sure hope that works for you...wearing one of those broke me of grinding my teeth at night when I was under more than normal stress awhile back. Thought it would be hard to get use to but never had any issues with it...should say "them" as I went through a couple of the guards. Actually cracked them because of clenching my teeth so hard while asleep. Headaches - oh my! I know TMJ is different but isn't it wonderful that the medical field comes up with these solutions. Have major worries about my aging parents these days and notice a tightening in the jaw every morning so may have to return to a new guard.

Michelle said...

I also have TMJ due to an extended jaw line. I definitely know the pain. Mine will pop out and I have to move it back and forth to put it back in. But it also hurts really bad to chew some times. Hope they can fix your for you. No body deserves that kind of pain. They wanted to break my jaw. But I can't do it.Yes I am a chicken.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

No, you're not a chicken. My theory is as long as you can tolerate it and it doesn't have a super negative effect on your life, don't get surgery. I have known people that were far worse off after the surgery to fix them! Maybe Gooseberry will put out a new cookbook for TMJers!

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

I know I also grind my teeth. I have the dentist picked out now I just need the appointment!

Unknown said...

How miserable! sure hope the mouth guard works.