As I walked into my therapist office I shouted out I have something to tell you……I can kiss again……now that might sound funny to most but when my therapist asked me what activities I want to get back in my life KISSING was high on the list…..for if I could kiss I felt like my world would expand and I was right!
I had thought my pain journey started 7 years ago in that dental chair when a routine filling turned into a cap and I left in the excruciating pain I have ever felt but now I believe my pain source started a few years before. I was under a tremendous about of stress in my life, went through a divorce, have a special needs child, work at a company who kept it's computer screen on the surface in my desk instead of eye level, I was talking on the phone holding it with my ear and shoulder and I was taking care of a large house/shoveling snow, lawn work, doing repair. My body was giving me signs something was wrong but I did not listen.
Then I decided it was spring and I would take care of my cracked filling but this procedure turned into a cap and I sat in that chair for over 5 hours. I kept telling the dentist something was wrong, my mouth felt funny but I was assured it was because they had done so much work and I would feel better in a few hours. The pain becomes so bad I though about going to the emergency room but made it back to the office after a very long weekend and received a pack of steroids which stopped the pain. Next 3 root canals and more pain. Then 2 teeth pulled and more pain. The pain was getting worse and my life more stressful.
Finally, I was sent to a neurologist and given the diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia and MS. That day I was put on disability and started my healing journey.
I saw many different neurologist and took many medication which only gave me side effects. The neurologist's offered me game knife, neuro stimulators and injections none of which I chose to utilize. My diagnosis was changed to Atypical Facial pain and the MS diagnosis was dropped.
I found out that my triggers included using the computer, talking especially on the phone, lifting, poor posture, turning my head to name just a few.
I would often wrap my head in ice to try to stop the throbbing, burning and stabbing pain in my teeth and head. Sometimes I would be surprised with an ice pick in my ear….now that was fun…..I was told I was crazy, the pain was in my imagination…..I just laughed and walked out the door…..
It seemed the only thing that stopped my pain was steroids, once I started a z pack with in several hours my pain would be knocked down to a more manageable level and by 24 hours I would be so very happy that most of the pain would stop…..
I also tried acupuncture, atlas orthogonal, vitamins, meds and changed my diet but noting seemed to help.
I was then referred to a new neurologist who actually sent me to a new pain doctor who suggested that I had a rare disease called Eagle Syndrome. After a CT scan I was surprised to find out I had Eagle Syndrome on both sides of my neck. As explained to me a ligament turns into a bone and the result could possible be the source of my trigeminal nerve pain. After a visit to a neck specialist and then referred to a back specialist I was cleared for surgery. The surgery was preformed and a few weeks later still no sever pain. My pain went from what I called a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10 ….it was really really painful like the height of child birth to a more manageable 10…..Now I know to some it is crazy to say your pain is a 15 but as many as you know that is what it feels like and since most don't know what a 15 would feel like they have no idea what it is like to live with constant throbbing stabbing nerve pain…...
I now knew I could live….which was a big change from the past several years…..I was still at home not using a computer, not driving, not really living but I could manage my pain…I could walk to the grocery store and I could still be there by phone for my 2 children.....sterriods still worked but I developed ostioprosis so I was very limited in their use…..
I then went to a new pain doctor who sent me to a new tmj/facial pain expert who diagnosed me with TMJ and fit me with a new bit plate. New exercises in hand, brace for my shoulders to keep good posture and I went on a gluten free diet….I worked hard on every aspect of my health…..started physical therapy, had some injections in to my contracted muscles because that is what TMJ is contracted and damaged muscles in the jaw and started chair massage…..I was doing better….still had my pain attacks but some were not as sever…..the TMJ doctor was pushing expensive therapy and I just did not have the money….
On a chance meeting someone suggest a myokinesthetic advance massage clinic in Jupiter, Fl. I decided to give them a call. They explained they do an postural evaluation followed by a treatment. If they find contracted muscles they could help. I made my appointment and on the intake form they asked me what I want to resume in my life….I wrote….talking, smiling, laughing, driving, doing things with my children and KISSING…..they of course laughed, I was serious……
I was scared when they touched my face, more scared when I went home but the next day I did not have an attack…..I went 3 times a week they worked on my face, neck and back….then they started on my lower body as well….
I googled Dr. Mike and learned about how he designed the my kinesthetic program and took a good look at my overall life. I worked each and everyday to destress my life, eat as well as I could and exercise as much as I could.
After 8 weeks I came to the clinic with a smile on my face and told them the good news…..I can kiss!
I have continued with my myokinesthetic sessions weekly….I try to avoid my triggers but sometimes the pain starts again….will I ever be normal? I guess not…..I probably was not normal to start with but I have discovered along this journey to be a witness to my pain and a witness to my healing and to know that I have found a solution for me….
I now have learned I can feel my muscles contracting and getting tighter and know that I need to use heat, take a shower, not overly stretch and get to a treatment ASAP.
I hope in sharing my story, a story of healing I can help other learn about this advanced myo kinesthetic advanced massage, and especially the therapists that work on me Stephanie and Angie at the MYOMASSAGE Clinic in Jupiter Florida. I can not thank them enough for their help, love, kindness and understanding. With out them I believe I would be living a life of fear instead of living fearlessly…..
I also have kept with a gluten free diet and you can find out more info from the PBS special Brain Change by Dr. Pearlmutter. His book is called Wheat Belly and is on the New York Times best seller list. I do not eat processed foods including gluten free products and eat mostly veggies, fruits, good fats and some grains. Getting our inflammation down help our bodies heal…..I truly believe that…..
To learn more about this advanced massage treatment you can go to the website myomassageclinic.com or google Dr. Mike Myokinesthetic. Or you can ask me any questions. I wish everyone well on their healing journey….healing is possible…..a life with atypical facial pain is possible…..you just have to believe
Ann