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Urgent 2Ww

Emc
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Hi just wondering if anyone had a similar experience.

 

i have been experiencing left side jaw pain , associated headaches and a sore throat since September 2019. I didn't really think much of it .  I just googled my symptoms and assumed that I had TMJ and was clenching my jaw in my sleep or something . It was bothering me everyday but just assumed it was stress related so just dismissed it and learned to live wirh it . Honestly didn't think it was an issue. Then around December 2019 I started to notice marks on my tongue . I googled it and they call it a scalloped tongue. Again thought it was stress related . Didn't think much of it . However in the last few weeks the pain in my jaw and throat is getting increasing worse . I am unable to open my mouth properly as my jaw doesn't seem to be able to extend and unable to eat properly unless  It's small bits of food. I am also finding it difficult now to brush my teeth as unable to fully open and keeping my mouth open long enough to brush my teeth hurts . I am unable to poke my tongue out due to pain. I  have pain my my throat that I would consider the base of my tongue . When I yawn or laugh it really hurts . I get pains in my throat  when I talk . I am also now starting to have stabbling pains in my neck , throat and under my chin. 
 

anyway I went to the doctor 2 days ago as suddenly realised I have been having these symptoms for 10 months and he only has me sat in his chair for 2 minutes before he immediately said to me that he is referring me for a 2 week wait to be seen by an ent consultant as he wants me to have a camera down my throat to check for cancer . I walked out the doctors in a complete daze of shock. I never expected him to say anything of the sort . I thought he would just say to try relaxation techniques or not even pay any attention . Now I don't know what to think. 
 

The idea of cancer never even crossed my mind , however the more I google the more my symptoms relate . Also to note for the last 6 months I have just been permanently freezing cold . Not sure if thats related . However the pain seems to be at what I would call the base of my tongue not where the marks are . 

 

Thanks 

  • Welcome to the forum Emc although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

    No doubt this is an anxious time for you at the moment but I just wanted to let you know you're not alone as many of our members have been in this position so will know what you're going through and hopefully some of them will offer you their support and advice.

    In the meantime I just wanted to wish you all the best with your appointment and share some information we have about urgent referrals that I hope will help put your mind at ease slightly whilst you wait.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Emc 

    Just wondering how you are getting on? Did u get to the bottom of your symptoms? I'm having similar issues.

    Best wishes

    X

  • Offline in reply to Lindsey40

    Hi Lindsay . Yes I did get to the bottom of it. I had my appointment with the consultant and had an camera down my throat and thank god it was clear . The consultant said it is classic Tmj and all the pain I am having in my throat is muscular . I am still unable to open my mouth properly . She told me to use a mouth gaurd for sleep to see how I get on. I got a mouth gaurd fitted by a dentist . It hasn't made much improvement . I have a follow up with the consultant on tueday so see if I need surgery on my jaw and it's very painful. Hopefully your symptoms are the same and nothing to sinister . If your really worries and having to wait a while for an appointment with the consultant , go and see a dentist in the mean time . Do you have marks on your tongue ? 

  • Offline in reply to Emc

    Hi Emc 

    Thank you for your reply and brilliant news that it was nothing serious for you. My tongue has a constant coating on it. Trying to drink more which seems to help. Having constant pain in jaw, ears - both sides, pain down front of neck and pain in back of throat which sometimes feels like its stinging. Had tonsils removed when I was three but pain sometimes directed in that area. Not struggling to swallow but seems to be sometimes painful.  Dont know if thats just my anxiety. Been to dentist. He didn't seem too concerned but referred me to ENT.  Got appointment tomorrow so will hopefully get some answers. I have had problems with Tmj in the past so could be related to that. Pleased to hear you are ok

    X

  • Offline in reply to Lindsey40

    Yes I always have a coating on my tongue too so I always brush it with toothpaste morning and evening . Your pain sounds similar to mine . I have pain in my ears . Hopefully it's tmj . My problems started when I started taking anti depressants so I don't know if the teeth grinding is a side effect but I do it in my sleep so I have no control over it . I hope you get it sorted soon and it's nothing to serious 

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