Posted by ClearSkies on December 7, 2005, at 7:28:11
In reply to Re: Sleep is elusive » ClearSkies, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 19:43:48
I went to see my dentist because my TMJ has been really bad, in addition with the problems getting to sleep. By the end of the day, my jaw is tender to touch and my eyebrows hurt!
He has referred me to an accupuncturist - yes, my dentist did! as he acknowledged that there is a more involved problem going on than just my teeth, or jaw. He gave me a temporary splint that's used for whiplash patients and I had *immediate* relief from the ear-blood pounding. My cheeks became flushed as the circulation to my jaw suddenly improved. He's referred 29 patients to this man and he's had 100% success. He told me to think positive thoughts as I'm trying to sleep, about how I am going to heal and be OK. He thinks that having my muscles clenched for the entire day due to anxiety, these other problems are being created. He wants me to try the least invasive approach to getting this resolved instead of jumping with a new nightguard, or bite adjustment, or oral surgery. He wants me to call him on his cell phone tomorrow and tell him how I'm feeling.
When I left the office I was just about weeping with relief. OK, so I have a dentist that I love and trust. This is totally bizarre as I've had my best panic attacks in the dentist's chair. This is a completely different experience.
I slept last night without the xanax. With the temporary splint in, and 10mg Ambien, it was an uninterrupted night. It was sweet and restful.
I'm calling the accupuncturist today,
ClearSkies
poster:ClearSkies
thread:585587
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20050929/msgs/586408.html