acupuncture, part two

I didn't realize that I had a mandatory district laptop training on Monday (my district is giving me a laptop to use though! Hurray!).... and the next appointment open is on Friday. So a week from today, I'll know about the acupuncture. While I'm scared out of my wits about it (I really don't like needles), it seems like a last resort - I mean, what else can I do? I don't see very many options.

The past few weeks I was wondering what was going on with my splints - it seemed as if they weren't working as well, and I was wondering if my jaw had perhaps adjusted somehow to them.

Well, I fell asleep during a movie last night and didn't put my splint in - and I would rate my jaw pain today at an 8. Edging higher and higher as the day progresses. Luckily it was an inservice day, not a teaching day - but I went out to lunch with my staff, ordered a bowl of tortilla soup and only was able to drink the broth. Thank God I didn't have to teach - I mean, I can't really talk.

Hey, but it's probably for the best - now I can't eat any of the yummy Halloween candy sitting in a bowl by my front door. Heh.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

acupuncture

I'm biting the bullet (not really, it would probably hurt my jaw too much). I've been complaining about this stupid jaw pain for weeks now. Despite massive amounts of tylenol and ibuprofen, massages from my talented husband, eating only soup and very soft foods, AND my amazing splint, nothing is changing for the good.

I was talking to two friends a few weeks back, and they discouraged me from getting surgery, saying that acupuncture fixed all of Mishka's TMJ problems. They even recommended a clinic here in Tacoma. I've been putting off making an appointment, though, mostly due to fear of the unknown.

But today I had another puking migraine at school today and am being forced to skip my band rehearsal tonight. I have shooting pains that are making my eyes water through my left jaw joints. Enough is enough.

My appointment is Monday at 4:30.

jaw pain

The pain from my jaw has been continuing to worsen over time. I'm keeping daily track of it in a notebook (hoping to build evidence for the appeal process). In the last 30 days, I have only had two days where the pain has been a 3 or less (on a scale of 1-10). I've had 18 days where the pain has been a 6 or more. We're talking, some days I can't chew food. I can't open my mouth (or close it once it's finally open). I've had 12 migraines.

At some point, if this continues, it won't bother me at all to be on a no-chew diet. I'm getting closer and closer every day.

This sucks.

Oh! But good news! In an update from my school district (insurance provider), they have decided to cut the UHC plan completely and to offer a less-expensive, more basic plan from the "good" insurance company that I have to go with to possibly cover my surgery/surgeon. I don't know how much it will cost yet (in fact, they're re-evaluating all costs before open enrollment starts next month), but it gives me a shimmer of hope. Hurray!