WeAreFibro.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Fibromyalgia

Adventures in Orthodontics

      Yesterday was my usual orthodontist appointment. I absolutely dread going to see my orthodontisit because I know the next days are going to be torture. The visit alone is pretty awful with the pulling and tugging. My neck and shoulders are always screaming at the end of the appointment. The days that follow always come with a headache that nevr ends and intense pain that starts in my neck - to the shoulders - and eventually into my arms. This ALWAYS is the case. I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth it??? This visit was a special one; not only was there pulling and tugging but they started me on rubberbands. My niece also just started hers as well. She woke up the next day crying, and she is perfectly healthy. I woke up this morning and could barely brush my teeth the pain was so excruciating. I did eventually get them bgrushed and put my rubberbands back in even though everything was telling me not to. I have decided to talk only when absolutely necessary and can barely function at work due to an intense headache.

      Now here is the icing on the cake, not only do I make an appointment with the orthodontist - I make one with my doctor as well. We discussed my headaches and he has given me Topamax to see if it helps me any or not. This was perfectly fine with me. The problem came when I got my flu shot. Nothing happened immediately; I simply went on to my orthodontist and proceeded with my usual routine. Today the arm pain is much more severe than it ever has been that I can remember in the six years I have been coping with my fibro. I am definately ready for all of this to run its course and leave me. I can't wait for lunch I get to take these rubber bands off for a little while.

        ...and I still have about eighteen months left with braces...