2nd Opinion

[RachelW1]

Thank you so much to everyone who replied to my rather frantic post yesterday. I have health anxiety after some health related trauma so my poor brain goes immediately to the worst case.

Anyway, thank you for the advice. I went back to the GP for a second opinion. I saw a doctor I know and trust. As suspected I got a different outcome.

I have a blood test Monday just to put my mind at ease on the lump. She examined me and believes it to be harmless but has ordered the bloods to try to reassure me

Regarding the limited range and pain in my jaw - she would not be thinking along the lines of GCA at all as I’ve had restricted movement for as long as I can remember. If it had got suddenly bad and I was feeling really ill it would have been a possibility but still unlikely. The GP today confirmed it would be an immediate intervention if GCA was suspected.

The GP thinks it’s just how I am built and the fact I grind my teeth and clench my jaw will be the reason why some times the movement is more painful or more restrictive particularly in the morning. There’s not really much can be done but the referral to the specialist will check for issues in the joint and test for arthritis etc.

So there we are. I won’t take up anymore of your time. I will leave my account open in case this helps anyone at all. I’ll post a quick update after the specialist appointment in case whatever is wrong with me resonates with someone else.

I have learned about PMR and GCA in the last 24 hours, I am glad you have this community to talk to. I wish you all the best with your treatment and thank you again for helping me.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Thanks for update, and gid to hear GCA not suspected... hope you don't need us again, but you know where we are if you do!

[SnazzyD]

That’s a relief! Make sure you do have your jaw looked at as there could be interventions that might stop deterioration.

healthline.com/health/tmj-d...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Thankyou for telling us - but absolutely no apology needed, it is why we are here. Because of what we told you, you saw a different doctor who could be put on our "approved" list - and I hope there is some feedback to her colleague wouldn't qualify!! No 2 got it right and is doing the more appropriate investigations.

In the nicest possible way - we hope we don't see you again except please tell us if they do come to any conclusions. Knowing alternative diagnoses for such problems always comes in handy.

All the best.

[tiredbutoptimistic]

My only other thought would be to suggest you get a mouthguard if you do not have one already. I used to grind my teeth in my sleep and very nearly had to lose a tooth due to the pressure I was un-knowingly putting on it. A mouthguard also helped with a stiff jaw and sometimes morning headaches. Suggest if you go for one you get one from a dentist as the cheap ones rarely fit and dont last. My NHS dentist one was about £200 but is still going strong after over 4 years and I it fits so well I dont even realise I am wearing it.

[Sillydogsmum]

As per tiredbutoptimistic above

nhs.uk/conditions/temporoma...

nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd