Physio

I started going to therapy yesterday for my jaw. I was given some exercises to do and laser therapy. It's already feeling better.

This is for you Missy:

Wedding

Went to a wedding on Aug. 12... I know took me long enough to post, but as you can see from the below entry I'm not feeling all that great. It was Fernanda's and Sergio's (the landlords/co-worker). A huge, traditional, Portugese wedding. Thought I'd post some pics.

The back of the beautiful 'princess' dress.

The happy couple.

Isn't she beautiful?

Enter the bridesmaids.

Me and my "date", Jen.

The midnight "snack" (buffet). Yup that's lobster, crab, shrimp, chicken, cake, fruit, tarts, etc. And this was only two hours after we'd finished our five course dinner.

TMJ Disorder

ACK!!!!

As some of you know I've had TMD for the past 20 years. Usually it is not so bad, just some clicking, sometimes some locking, lots of shoulder pain, neck pain, headaches, etc.... basically I have all the symptoms of it, but, I've learned to deal. Once it flared up so bad I couldn't eat anything that wouldn't go through a straw and I lost 10 lbs in four days! Gained it all back again once I started eating again though. I've been to about four different specialists (including the Jaw Clinic in Toronto), gone through splints, night guards to prevent grinding, so many x-rays I've lost count, so many times on anti-inflammatories I'm surprised I still have a stomach lining.... on a normal day I take at least four extra strength Advil. It's one of those diseases that no one understands. I'm on anti-depressants for that symptom, can't eat apples, corn on the cob, or steak unless its cut into tiny pieces... oh and forget even thinking about chewing gum.

K, so that's all over the place and doesn't make sense. The reason being I can't think right now. I am having such a bad flare up. This has been going on since about June. My teeth hurt, my jaw hurts, and I'm so bloody tired I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm on an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants... again. But, that is causing stomach cramps.... lesser of two evils I guess. The anti-inflammatories are not helping. I can only open my mouth about an inch, if. I can't sleep on my left side (usually it's my right side that's worse). And eating... oh man what a pain... literally, drinking cold liquid is not too comfortable either.

So, here's my plan. I have an appointment with physio on Monday, I will see what they can do. I have my physical with my doctor (yay...not) on Sept 8, I will see what she suggests. Perhaps a chiropractor is the next step (apparently they can help the problem), or cortisone injections, or perhaps I've reached the surgical stage. I called an oral surgeon today. I found out some good news, the surgery is covered by OHIP if done in the hospital, and this guy does it in the hospital, so I don't have to fork out $3000 or more. But, the consultation, x-rays, etc is not covered, and the cost is $330! I'm at the last straw though... I'm so tired of being uncomfortable. I've been told by so many people only to do the surgery as the very last option. I think I may have reached that option. It would be a long road to recovery, but haven't I spent enough time on this road?

************************************************************************************

On another note, Mohab applied for, and is getting on Sunday, the "friendship card". So, when I go in November we won't run into the troubles we did last time.

Dakota

We got some sad news today. Willow's brother, Dakota, was killed in an accident. He was 'herding' a dumptruck, and, well, you can use your own imagination as to what happened. *sigh* poor Dakota, only 21 months old, and definitely not a good way to go (it was instant at least).


Dogs and vehicles, my biggest fear.