Soft Food Diet

Unfortunately I am on a soft food diet for two weeks.  I know it's only two weeks (or at least I hope so), but if you know me well, then you know I have issues with soft food.  I don't like to eat anything mooshy or overly soft.  It's a struggle for me, but I have to do it for a bit so this girl is going to buck up and eat soft food.

I have dealt with my TMJ for 17 years; however, now the pain in my jaw is pretty bad, the headaches are daily and I have been able to notice the jaw swelling in photos.  It was time to deal with it.  I have heard about this TMJ specialist in the valley so I decided to look into him.  He has all sorts of options for treating TMJ so I liked that about him.  I liked that it wasn't a "one solution fits all" approach.  After reviewing all the options on his website I knew the only thing I would refuse to do is to get braces.  Been there done that when I was 13 and I have no plans to go back to that time in my life.  I was glad to hear he did not recommend that option for me because I was in no mood to have an argument with a dentist about why I am refusing the braces.  Instead I am on a three month plan that includes the following things:

1. Soft food diet for the first two weeks to give my jaw a break.
2. Splint for the night when I sleep so I won't clench my teeth.
3. Splint for the day time.
4. Four different prescriptions for one month to controll my stress and decrease the inflamation in the jaw joints so my jaw can start to heal.

Last night was the first time I ever ordered soup for a meal.  This girl does not like soup as everything is combined together and pretty much mush.  If you know me really well you know I think the best invention ever is the plates with the dividers, so soup is not up my alley.  I was shocked though at how good it tasted. 

The night splint looks pretty HOT!  Good thing I snagged a husband before I got this splint to wear to bed.  I am sure Andy is looking forward to it.  I have always worn a nightguard to bed to protect my teeth from grinding, but this is a whole other ball of wax.  This contraption is pretty gigantic and I get mine in two weeks.  I am sure Andy is thrilled!

The day splint is supposed to be for three months and then I should only have to wear it as needed if my TMJ flares up.  It's clear and not noticeable, but apparently I could have a hard time talking until I get used to it.  That will be AWESOME during the week at work.  He did say I could take it out for meetings and other work activities that I have to talk a lot, but it's a must to wear when I am driving, working out or at my desk.  Apparently those three activities put a lot of stress on TMJ.

Lastly, the prescriptions.  Not a big fan of prescriptions.  I hate prescriptions and tend to opt out of any and all precriptions I get from the doctor.  This time I decided to cooperate and get all four prescriptions filled and take as instructed.  I figured I am paying a butt load for this treatment so I need to follow all orders for it to work properly.  Also, for those that know me, it's pretty hard to follow any orders. 

Ugh...it's going to be a long three months!