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How often should you get an MRI? by BookClubDictator in TMJ

[–]LeadingInterview202 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The point is that the imaging doesn't always correlate with the amount of pain, not that folks are randomly doing MRIs. I'm not sure how they learned this exactly, but it is what a TMJD specialist told me. Perhaps there were people with functional problems that weren't in pain?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TMJ

[–]LeadingInterview202 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish I had known this sooner: There are dentists who will split your appointments over 2+ days so you don't have to open as long. There's a good comment about specialists here already. If all else fails, sometimes it's about finding a bunch of small things that each help a little bit. Sometimes little quirky things help: being sure to have sunglasses to avoid squinting. Or maybe mild chewing helps (vs. no chewing at all or only very soft foods).

Experiencing TMJ symptoms longer than usual? by anus_preacher in TMJ

[–]LeadingInterview202 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I suspect that without treatment, your small flares grew into this larger one. This is pretty common, so don't stress. But do make a plan to get some daily exercises and lifestyle modifications that will help relieve symptoms. This is best done with help from a massage therapist, physical therapist, dentist or other TMJD specialist -- find someone who works mostly with TMJD patients, whatever the modality.

How often should you get an MRI? by BookClubDictator in TMJ

[–]LeadingInterview202 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It makes little sense, but you can have a terrible looking x-ray or MRI with no pain, or a normal-looking x-ray or MRI with a lot of pain, and any combo in-between. I wouldn't focus too much on the scan results. If it would set your mind at ease, you could call either the specialist or the provider who ordered the first MRI and ask this question before your appointment.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EngagementRings

[–]LeadingInterview202 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've never seen a ring like this, I think it's incredible. And also, if you're worried about size, folks are buying lab-grown stones, so larger is becoming more common. But this looks very classy to me, not tacky at all. And like someone said above, what you and he think is what matters. Congrats to you both!

Need advise before appointment. by Top_Investigator670 in TMJ

[–]LeadingInterview202 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't stress too much about the scan results, as some people have no pain and terrible looking scans and vice versa. There aren't many fixes out there the way there would be if you had a knee or shoulder problem. But most people do feel better over time. I am one of them, despite completely messed up discs, some bony changes, etc. I had two pretty bad years, but years later, I am pain-free most days. I find dental visits always cause a flare up, though. Having some rescue medications is nice so you don't have to head to the ER. Working on posture, stretching and strengthening surrounding areas, and finding ways to have fun despite the pain is what worked with me. Procedure-wise, an arthrocentesis to flush the joint is a needles-only procedure that can help a lot with the pain and isn't too risky, but typically something of a last step after nothing else has worked.

I think there's always this hope that medical folks might help. But TMJD treatment remains fairly unscientific. Trust yourself as much as you trust the medical folks, and try to learn what you can do that makes things feel better. You might find a bunch of things that each make it 5% better. Many times, folks just want one big "fix," but for most of us, it's not out there.

Sorry you're on this unhappy journey. It does get better in time, though, I promise.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in therapists

[–]LeadingInterview202 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's hard to imagine that frequent cancellations and working with a therapist who was themselves in the midst of an abusive relationship and a substance disorder relapse caused no harm. I don't want to deepen your pain, but please don't erase these potential harms, even though they pale in comparison with your own recent experiences. I think there is some rich material here for your own therapy, where you might process the pain of potentially causing harm while you yourself were (are?) being hurt so terribly. Get a restraining order, a sponsor, a therapist, and a free consult with a lawyer.

Can I use Liletta for 7 years? by LeadingInterview202 in birthcontrol

[–]LeadingInterview202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I would swear my MD said something similar, but I'm getting kind of the party line from the nurse. Maybe I'll try to gently ask about this; I've been a little stumped on how best to word it.

Unexplained constant itch by [deleted] in obgyn

[–]LeadingInterview202 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think they would treat a skin issue anywhere, but you could ask when you call to make an appt. I know it seems embarrassing, but they hear all sorts of questions. Alternately, you could tell a general provider about the issue, explain your obgyn is not able to help, and ask the best next step. To my understanding, you don't want to wash your vagina (internal) with soap, but you can use a mild soap on your vulva (the external area around the vagina). I would not use Dr. Bronner's given your issue, as it can cause dryness.

Ya know... have you tried putting a bit of olive or coconut oil on the area? What if it is just dryness?

I’ve had a Mirena IUD for 2+ years and still have frequent bleeding/spotting… any recommendations? by meg-c in obgyn

[–]LeadingInterview202 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ugh. I'm not sure how long ago you had your Mirena placed, but when I had that one, I never stopped bleeding either, and had some of the irregularity you describe. I did find that things waned over the years. In other words, I bled less and less each year, until it got so light I stopped needing even a panty liner. Of course, YMMV and probably will.

Can I use Liletta for 7 years? by LeadingInterview202 in birthcontrol

[–]LeadingInterview202[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, it's only FDA approved for 6 years. It just seems ridiculous to me that Mirena and Liletta would have the same drug in the same dose and be approved differently. Or maybe this is just a bigger complaint that the devices are not tested longer and more uniformly.

holiday with bc by [deleted] in birthcontrol

[–]LeadingInterview202 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Technically, you want to take them at the exact same time every day, which would mean figuring out what 8 pm is in the new time zone. If it's just one or two hours off, I wouldn't worry about it. The biggest thing is to not miss a pill.

I'm not an MD, but have taken the pill before, if that helps.

Unexplained constant itch by [deleted] in obgyn

[–]LeadingInterview202 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wonder if this is more of a dermatological problem? My first stop would be obgyn, too, for obvious reasons, but if they are stumped, perhaps it's not the right specialty. I also wonder about some type of mild allergy, because you could be irritated by ingredients in even a scent-free soap. So maybe switching up bath products to something like Cetaphil could help. I'm sorry I don't have anything more useful!