May. 26th, 2013 10:29 pm
Tetanus shot
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falastaLast week's tetanus booster was incredibly painless at the time (after spending most of my childhood worrying about getting my tetanus booster at age 15). I seem to remember last time I got it my entire arm got sore and stiff for quite awhile. This time I had localized inflammation at the injection site with all the classic symptoms -- rubor, tumor, dolor, calor. I was mildly interested in how hot the injection site was compared to the rest of my arm, though the pain was nasty enough to interrupt my sleep for a few nights.
Just when the arm pain went away I began to experience my first bout with true TMJ dysfunction. I've counseled patients many times about what to do if they experience "discomfort" in their jaw, but holy cow this is painful! Severe pain on the right side of my jaw on opening, closing, and any chewing. Friday I had severe pain in my neck as well. I hoped very much it would resolve in a few days but no luck.
Dr recommends a muscle relaxant, nightguard, and physical therapy if the symptoms don't resolve in one week. Sadly Monday is Memorial Day, so I have to suffer through an extra day ;)
I suppose I can add this to my "patient empathy" column. I think all I have left to do is get braces and add an implant!
EDIT: Managed to fracture #18 through clenching. I am now wearing a nightguard (which I love), and have a shiny new crown and fancy root canal!
Just when the arm pain went away I began to experience my first bout with true TMJ dysfunction. I've counseled patients many times about what to do if they experience "discomfort" in their jaw, but holy cow this is painful! Severe pain on the right side of my jaw on opening, closing, and any chewing. Friday I had severe pain in my neck as well. I hoped very much it would resolve in a few days but no luck.
Dr recommends a muscle relaxant, nightguard, and physical therapy if the symptoms don't resolve in one week. Sadly Monday is Memorial Day, so I have to suffer through an extra day ;)
I suppose I can add this to my "patient empathy" column. I think all I have left to do is get braces and add an implant!
EDIT: Managed to fracture #18 through clenching. I am now wearing a nightguard (which I love), and have a shiny new crown and fancy root canal!
