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TMJ FROM A FALL, WHAT CAN I EAT?

Posted by SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael @SusanEllen66, 2 days ago

Over the past 4 months I have fallen and hit the RIGHT side of my head. Now I have bad TMJ on the LEFT side. A dentist who specializes in TMJ has treated me with lidocaine shots. I also have retainers.

I have Functional Neurological Disorder FND. I gives me movement issues. I’m a Fall Risk. I use a rollator walker, or a cane.

I’m not sure how to eat. Soft foods, protein drinks…what else do you suggest?
I don’t cook much as my disorder has the potential for my danger in the kitchen.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 1 day ago

Hi Susan @SusanEllen66 - Sorry to hear that you fell and now have bad TMJ. I'm getting closer each day to a rollator. I have a cane but don't use it as much as I should. The kitchen is a danger zone for me also and where I took my first really hard fall earlier this year that caused six stitches above my right eye...darn metal rim glasses 🙂.

Not sure if have seen the TMJ Association (https://tmj.org/) but thought I would share a nutrition guide they put out that might be helpful - https://tmj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TMJ_nutrition_Guide.pdf.

I have a retainer also and can't chomp down on those tasty steak sandwiches anymore. I do like having Greek Yogurt with live culture for the gut topped with fresh blueberries. I haven't had them in awhile but used to really like the Premier Protein drinks I could get at Costco and my local grocery store for awhile because they were lower in carbs which I try to watch.

Hoping we both can be fall free in our daily ventures!

REPLY
1 reply
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wisco50 | @wisco50 | 10 hours ago

Hi,
So sorry to hear about your fall problem.
I had severe problems with TMJ pain for years, my story may be here if someone is interested.
Here are some tips I learned over the years I dealt with it and esp the 10 year period before my final surgery.
-NO chew diet!
- Using a straw can aggravate jaw muscles!
-Not sure where you live but if you can avail yourself of
-lick peanut butter off a spoon
-same with soft cheese spreads, skip the crackers
-yogurt
-kefir to drink
-cottage cheese
-I pureed ripe fruits like strawberries etc and ate with ice cream 😊
-baby jar fruits were quick and tasty
-the obvious milkshakes/malts
-I did experiment and use protein or other liquid drinks with protein and vitamins. Some I liked so kept buying those.
-eggs esp scrambled
-cream soups OR I pureed vegetable soups
-canned baked style beans - I found our tongues can be pretty strong muscles so I would smoosh the beans against the roof of my bath and you can use that method with other SOFT foods like potatoes
-rice
-overcooked egg noodles

I am sure I may remember more, it’s been 16 years since I was “fixed” so am sure I am forgetting stuff.
BE CAREFUL - for soft foods just don’t put big portions in your mouth at once, you want room to move them around in your mouth and swallow
Be Nice to yourself - I love chocolate so decided that was my luxury to let good chocolate melt in my mouth! 🤗
The bright spot for me in all this was by the end of my second more severe year I had lost a good 15+ pounds and on my 5’1” frame that was a lot so I looked great for my son’s wedding. LOL! 😂

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael
SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael | @SusanEllen66 | 8 hours ago
In reply to @wisco50 "Hi, So sorry to hear about your fall problem. I had severe problems with TMJ pain..." + (show)
Profile picture for wisco50 @wisco50

Hi,
So sorry to hear about your fall problem.
I had severe problems with TMJ pain for years, my story may be here if someone is interested.
Here are some tips I learned over the years I dealt with it and esp the 10 year period before my final surgery.
-NO chew diet!
- Using a straw can aggravate jaw muscles!
-Not sure where you live but if you can avail yourself of
-lick peanut butter off a spoon
-same with soft cheese spreads, skip the crackers
-yogurt
-kefir to drink
-cottage cheese
-I pureed ripe fruits like strawberries etc and ate with ice cream 😊
-baby jar fruits were quick and tasty
-the obvious milkshakes/malts
-I did experiment and use protein or other liquid drinks with protein and vitamins. Some I liked so kept buying those.
-eggs esp scrambled
-cream soups OR I pureed vegetable soups
-canned baked style beans - I found our tongues can be pretty strong muscles so I would smoosh the beans against the roof of my bath and you can use that method with other SOFT foods like potatoes
-rice
-overcooked egg noodles

I am sure I may remember more, it’s been 16 years since I was “fixed” so am sure I am forgetting stuff.
BE CAREFUL - for soft foods just don’t put big portions in your mouth at once, you want room to move them around in your mouth and swallow
Be Nice to yourself - I love chocolate so decided that was my luxury to let good chocolate melt in my mouth! 🤗
The bright spot for me in all this was by the end of my second more severe year I had lost a good 15+ pounds and on my 5’1” frame that was a lot so I looked great for my son’s wedding. LOL! 😂

Jump to this post

@wisco50 thank you!
I’m afraid that I am doing everything wrong right now.

Sometimes I just feel the need to crunch on something! I’m a tactile person and chewing is important. Obviously I’m not going to get better while eating bagels!

Thanks for your help.

REPLY
Profile picture for SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael
SusanEllen66 Susan McMichael | @SusanEllen66 | 8 hours ago
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi Susan @SusanEllen66 - Sorry to hear that you fell and now have bad TMJ. I'm..." + (show)
Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop

Hi Susan @SusanEllen66 - Sorry to hear that you fell and now have bad TMJ. I'm getting closer each day to a rollator. I have a cane but don't use it as much as I should. The kitchen is a danger zone for me also and where I took my first really hard fall earlier this year that caused six stitches above my right eye...darn metal rim glasses 🙂.

Not sure if have seen the TMJ Association (https://tmj.org/) but thought I would share a nutrition guide they put out that might be helpful - https://tmj.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TMJ_nutrition_Guide.pdf.

I have a retainer also and can't chomp down on those tasty steak sandwiches anymore. I do like having Greek Yogurt with live culture for the gut topped with fresh blueberries. I haven't had them in awhile but used to really like the Premier Protein drinks I could get at Costco and my local grocery store for awhile because they were lower in carbs which I try to watch.

Hoping we both can be fall free in our daily ventures!

Jump to this post

@johnbishop John Not you too!
I’m sorry to hear about your fall.

I guess a food processor is in my future.
Thanks for the suggestion.

REPLY
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