RD called in steroid pack and told me to see dentist. Dentist said he is as definite as he can be that it is RA, not a TMD. Said there was too much inflammation to examine today. Take steroids and come back in 2 weeks. Wear splint if I can and it doesn't hurt (which I never wore anyway), eat soft foods, sleep on back, talk as little as possible, take NSAIDs as per normal and steroids. What else to do? Not much except treat RA. He was nice though and told me to call if anything comes up like it gets locked or something and said he may have to refer to oral surgeon to help me with symptoms while we work to get RA under control. He didn't understand my question about whether the crazy inflammation (which makes me look a bit like I've been punched) could do damage to my ear. He thought I was worried that this was an ear problem and I figured whatever I'm about to go on steroids and I'll ask RD or something. I just worry about my ear drum bursting under the pressure. Was in that much pain on Fri and Sat night, although last night was better.
My dentist referred me to an oral surg.eon. He did more detailed xrays and diagnosed it as RA damage. He has me take flexeril to help loosen the muscles. The splint doesn't work for me. I take it out in my sleep. Not much I can do about that. I don't even know that I am doing it. I also had a cortisone shot in there a few months ago. That helped a bit. He said that surgery will be a last resort. He does want to get in there to clean up around the joint but, as a teacher, I would lose a ton of money while my jaw was wired shut as it would heal. Not an option at this time. He did say that there was thickening in my lower jaw that was evident on xrays as well. He had me bring in an older picture of myself and I could see the change in the shape of my face. Not a bad change, just different.