TMD Sufferers May...Nap A Lot During a Bout

I realize, at this point, it sounds like I'm running some kind of scheme. "Oh, let the TMD sufferers in your life nap and eat candy and never do chores!"

Allow me to clarify.

First of all, what do I mean by a "bout"? This is a phrase I was using a lot back when I had migraines and didn't know what they were. What's interesting is that the nurses and doctors at my specialist's office refer to them as "bouts" often as well. It was interesting finding a place where I was so completely understood. It made me feel so validated.

Anyways, sidebar...geesh...

A "bout" refers to a difficult period where a TMJ, TMD, Bruxism or TMJD sufferer may feel more pain than usual. Especially if they have an acute diagnosis. This excessive pain could lead to a migraine headache or exacerbate other dormant symptoms.

It's appropriate language because it feels like a fight and sometimes it knocks you out. I've had bouts initiated by lack of sleep, excess muscle tension due to missed chiropractor appointments, my Botox injections wearing off, too much talking, etc. The worst thing about bouts is that they are so inconsistent. I seem to be suffering two a month minimum. Bleft. No fun.

So, here's an example of a recent bout. It started on Christmas Eve, when a dizzy spell hit me at church. I took it easy on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but on December 27th, I spent the entire day directing a video shoot. Which means I had to talk all day long to a roomful of actors and extras.

That's very difficult for me as talking is incredibly painful now that my Botox has worn off. I took plenty of ibuprofen, drank a lot of water and made sure to stick to my soft diet to lessen the impact. It was a fun day, since writing and directing are my passion, but it was also a very difficult day.

The next day felt like the day after a car accident. My neck was sore, my face was in sharp pain and I could feel a migraine trying to push through. Then I made the mistake of forgetting my Nortriptyline one night. Holy Moly.

I woke up at 4:00am in horrible pain. I felt like I was going to throw up. The migraine was already setting in. I immediately took a Fioricet. (Which treats migraines.) But the migraine was too strong and it felt like the meds didn't have much of an effect. I had to wrap a heat pack around my neck and an ice pack across my temples. What followed was a three day migraine that no medicine could touch.

Even the day after the migraine subsided, I felt like I had been put through the ringer. I was still dizzy. My body felt shaky. All I wanted to do was sleep. So I took it easy. I slept for about twelve hours both nights and napped frequently over the next couple of days. Even my blood sugar felt off and my heart seemed to be pounding more quickly than usual. I don't know all the medical logistics of what happens to someone when they suffer a bout. I just know it makes you feel like garbage.

As I've mentioned before, TMD is a rotten ailment for a busy person. I am currently juggling multiple projects. The very last thing I want to do with my time is take a nap. The same may be true of the person in your life suffering with TMD, TMJ, Bruxism or TMJD. But sometimes, the sick feeling is so overwhelming, you don't have a choice. If you try to pretend you're okay and go about life as usual, you could end up making things worse for yourself.

If you or someone you know suffers with migraines, remember the days before and after can be very difficult and complex. Encourage them to be gentle with themselves and take really good care.