I posted this in response on another thread and then decided to start a new topic:
...... I have been having left jaw pain the past few days and now pain has spread to my neck and my right jaw. It all just feels so tight and hurts to turn my head. The jaw pain hurts when opening and closing my mouth and when eating............ I can't really tell if any swelling has occurred.
Also, when I eat my neck just feels so tired or weak...I am not sure how to describe it.
Luckily, I have an appointment at my rheumy on Monday. It will be my first time seeing this one (I have had two move) so there will be a lot to discuss.
I'm glad you are gOing to the doc Monday Such pain should nt be endured IMHO Of course I say this to you while lying awake in pain, listening to my husband snore and trying not to be jealous :)
Thank you for your reply and I hope you get some sleep.
Hi Belsey,
I'm sorry you're in pain. I've had something similar to your symptoms, and turned out I had an infection in my parotid gland. Of course, I can't say for sure that's what this is for you, but I can imagine it is painful since I know mine sure was.
I'm glad you're able to see the rheumy on Monday, Hope they can help you get this under control and you feeling better soon. ;)
Take care and keep us posted.
Melinda
Sorry you're in pain. I hope your doc gives you quick relief.
I find that when I am flaring and/or under stress, I tend to clench my teeth really hard at night when I am sleeping - and often it makes me have pain at the bottom of my skull/top of my neck and through my jaw (more on one side than the other). I didn't know I did it until my husband noticed (he often stays up in bed reading long after I have conked out), but it coordinates perfectly with when I have the jaw/neck pain. I think it has to do with my mouth being dryer than usual.
Also, have you or anybody around you been ill lately? You might want to check...a sore neck can be a sign of viral meningitis. I don't know if you're on any immune-suppressing drugs, but if you are you might be susceptible to it even when others aren't. It's a long shot, but you can't be too careful if you are immune-suppressed. If you spike a fever or feel ill in the next couple of days, get to an urgent-care facility or an ER.
There are so many things that can cause one symptom or another...such a puzzle! :o
Heck, it could be something totally benign, too...I had a weird pain in my shoulder for several days and got all worried - then I switched pillows and it went away.... ::) - go figure! :P
I am glad you've got a doc appointment soon - let us know how things turn out!
Thanks to all of you for your messages. I, too, am glad to be going to the doc on Monday. I had thought of parotid glands infected and even possibility of clenching teeth, but had not thought of meningitis. I will definitely keep that in mind. That is one thing I have trouble with...remembering how susceptible SJS folks are to infections, etc. I just still have not wrapped my mind completely around this whole thing.
Wishing each of you a restful rest of the weekend.