I have a TMJ problem where my jaw is slowly falling and put of alignment. The joints on my jaw are painful. I can't yawn in a normal way where I'll need to open my mouth wide. I can't eat too hard foods and I needed to be mindful on how I practice my jaw.
My initial diagnosis was from an ENT where the doctor told me that it was in born and in need of immediate remedy since the ticking of my jaw is way too painful and there is a possibility that my jaw will lock and I'll need to go to the hospital to unlock it.
I had an x-ray on the left, right and front side of my face. I was also given a muscle relaxant and pain reliever for a week then I was given a request letter to be transferred to a dentist which specializes in TMJ.
I'm blessed to have an HMO provided by our company which shoulders my doctor's appointment and laboratory tests as well as x-ray, but the bill for my medicine is pricy. Honestly, it seemed as though I've spent at least or almost half of my salary for my medicine.
I had a hard time looking for a TMJ specialist as well as dental clinics which has my HMO in it. Upon further looking and checking my dental appointments are not covered by the HMO so I had to pay for it by myself.
I was referred to another TMJ dentist who checked my teeth last March but because of the Covid-19 surge, I was unable to go to her clinic. I had another session with my dentist just this June and I had to pay a good amount money.
1,200 for cleaning my teeth and 5,000 initial down payment for my braces. I was also given the deprogrammer which I used for about 1 month and three weeks. When July came, I was finally given the chance to go back to her and be checked. Before I can have braces, I needed to have a panoramic x-ray which is another 1,200 and 5,000 for another initial down payment.
My mother and I went to another clinic to have a panoramic x-ray. Since the clinic is at the mall we also took time to buy donuts and brownies to take home since my nieces were staying in our house for the time being.
The classes has ended so they opted to stay with us for a week to have a vacation. The funny thing is that my mom and I got lost in the mall. We have to walk all the way back and finally have our way home. My mom just came from her job but I asked her to come with me since I'm not good in places. Even if you give me a map not unless I was able to go there at least once, I'll definitely get lost.
I had another appointment with the doctor yesterday and finally have my braces. I gave my mom money so she can be massaged while I was with the dentist. I paid another 5,000 for it. My lower teeth has braces while my upper teeth has splint which I'm not using at the moment because I woke up with painful and bloody mouth.
Why I opted to have braces?
I wouldn't have braces if I don't have a jaw problem. I'm afraid to yawn or eat hard food since it will definitely affect my jaw.
My teeth are slowly getting far away from each other. I had two of my 'bagang' on the right side removed when I was 18 because it was both broken and it had the half of my face swollen. I had to take a higher dose of pain reliever just so I can sleep. I wasn't eating that much as well.
It's what I needed. Honestly, I would have braces, only if it doesn't cause me any problem. My right ear is ringing, I've had migraine and I feel as though all my teeth will come out anytime soon. Upon checking the x-ray, it's as though my lower teeth are slowly moving in the left side and I've also had strain on my shoulders up to my lower back.
What are the cons of having braces?
It was too painful. I wanted to just sleep all day so I wouldn't feel the pain.
It was pricy. I had to ride grab in order to reach the doctor's clinic which costs almost 1,000. Of course, I also need to eat since my appointment is at 11 a.m. the total cost of my braces is 70,000 which doesn't include the cleaning, repair and such.
I can't eat. I like to eat but I can't. I don't know if my pain tolerance is way too low because it's as though pain shots through my body. I even bought the largest bottle of bactidol so I can gurgle it twice a day. The only food I can take is porridge and I don't think I can last a week eating just porridge.
Brushing my teeth is filled with agony. I had to be very careful but no matter how careful I am, it's still painful.
We're not rich and I badly need to keep my job if I want to sustain my medical needs.
Love_16
July 18, 2021
Sunday
