Suicidal

[all to gain]

I meant when I tell people in real life.

I can't be the only person here who has had that experience.

I don't think people can empathise with someone who has got tinnitus. Unless of course they have bad tinnitus themselves. I've been told numerous times that I am not trying hard enough to help myself and that I am wallowing in it. But, i'm not. I'm just finding it incredibly hard to accept what has been thrown at me.

I've tried explaining many times to people what it is like to have intrusive tinnitus, but non of them get it...!!

 

[Lane]

The whole point of life itself is to enjoy it, not suffer through it.

@Harley -- I agree with you wholeheartedly that we should do everything we can to enjoy life. But I wouldn't agree that it's the whole point of life. Perhaps more than anything else, life is about learning; and growing; and unfolding to greater understandings about life and love. As difficult as severe tinnitus is, it's become apparent to me that many on this forum have learned to have a greater appreciation for many things in their lives they formerly took for granted.

Some have grown closer to their families, others with nature, others with God, or become strengthened in their own unique spiritual orientation. It seems to be somewhat of an ironic fact that we sometimes learn more about the important things in life at times when we're suffering more. I try to look at this philosophically as it just being a part of life.

And learn to accept it as best I can. I do better one some days than others , but I take heart in the knowing that better days almost always invariably come around again. Life seems to go in cycles, and riding these cycles to the best of our abilities is about all we can do at times. I'm sure grateful to have a couple of loving kitties who help me on my journey!

Best to All...

 

[DaveFromChicago]

To Harley:
You articulated precisely the core of the dilemma I face now that I am approaching my 6 year anniversary of having this (!).
Recently on NPR Radio a neuroscientist said that within 10 years there would be a drug that cures Alzheimers.
I wanted to ask him, "Will Tinnitus be the very last brain malfunction that is seriously attended to?"
I must frankly notify myself that I do not have the capability to be one of those "lifers" with this condition (that is, an eight-ten-fifteen year veteran).
My capacity to habituate is nearly depleted.
My expectations for a truly effective drug/treatment at least within the middle distant future have been eroded.
My fears that this could steadily or suddenly worsen can no longer be reined in.
My capacity to believe that this will go away all by itself no longer exists.
My ability to withstand and compartmentalize this when I go to the gym, library, church, out to eat (or anywhere) continually shortens. Every year I am further invalidized by this.
I am still (to use a great phrase frequently used by Faulkner) in a state of "baffled outrage" over this.
I shudder with unbearable misgivings when I contemplate what my situation will be one or two years from now.

 

[OnceUponaTime]

Honestly, given your situation I would just get it pulled.

Getting it pulled doesn't mean there will be no drilling. I also opted for pulling one and when the dentist tried to pull it, it broke and he had to drill and make an incision to take it out. When that happened, I asked him to stop drilling a couple of minutes in between to give me a break. Thankfully, I was ok and no spike.

Some people here talk about fixing cavities with a laser??
Others pay the dentist for two visits so he can take breaks between drillings.
My dentist was kind and understood, but man he almost break my jaw! I had to keep raising my hand and taking breaks.... Dont be afraid to do this! They are supposed to know how to deal with people with anxiety/autism and all kinds of disabilities. Be your own advocate. Tell them what you need and prefer. Oh, and talk to him before you let him do anything.

There are many threads here that talk about this. Do a quick search and you'll find plenty of info.
Best to you.

 

[emmalee]

Thanks emmalee, you have been a big support, as have many others.

You are welcome, Star. This community has been a lifeline for me, you, and so many others.

 

[emmalee]

@Harley -- I agree with you wholeheartedly that we should do everything we can to enjoy life. But I wouldn't agree that it's the whole point of life. Perhaps more than anything else, life is about learning; and growing; and unfolding to greater understandings about life and love. As difficult as severe tinnitus is, it's become apparent to me that many on this forum have learned to have a greater appreciation for many things in their lives they formerly took for granted.

Some have grown closer to their families, others with nature, others with God, or become strengthened in their own unique spiritual orientation. It seems to be somewhat of an ironic fact that we sometimes learn more about the important things in life at times when we're suffering more. I try to look at this philosophically as it just being a part of life.

And learn to accept it as best I can. I do better one some days than others , but I take heart in the knowing that better days almost always invariably come around again. Life seems to go in cycles, and riding these cycles to the best of our abilities is about all we can do at times. I'm sure grateful to have a couple of loving kitties who help me on my journey!

Best to All...

This is a lovely post to read, Lane, thank-you for your thoughts.

 

[all to gain]

To Harley:
You articulated precisely the core of the dilemma I face now that I am approaching my 6 year anniversary of having this (!).
Recently on NPR Radio a neuroscientist said that within 10 years there would be a drug that cures Alzheimers.
I wanted to ask him, "Will Tinnitus be the very last brain malfunction that is seriously attended to?"
I must frankly notify myself that I do not have the capability to be one of those "lifers" with this condition (that is, an eight-ten-fifteen year veteran).
My capacity to habituate is nearly depleted.
My expectations for a truly effective drug/treatment at least within the middle distant future have been eroded.
My fears that this could steadily or suddenly worsen can no longer be reined in.
My capacity to believe that this will go away all by itself no longer exists.
My ability to withstand and compartmentalize this when I go to the gym, library, church, out to eat (or anywhere) continually shortens. Every year I am further invalidized by this.
I am still (to use a great phrase frequently used by Faulkner) in a state of "baffled outrage" over this.
I shudder with unbearable misgivings when I contemplate what my situation will be one or two years from now.

This sums up a lot of what many feel on here (I think).

I'm angry, real angry. I can never forgive the person who brought this into my life, even if he didn't mean to.

 

[Harley]

@Harley -- I agree with you wholeheartedly that we should do everything we can to enjoy life. But I wouldn't agree that it's the whole point of life. Perhaps more than anything else, life is about learning; and growing; and unfolding to greater understandings about life and love. As difficult as severe tinnitus is, it's become apparent to me that many on this forum have learned to have a greater appreciation for many things in their lives they formerly took for granted.

Some have grown closer to their families, others with nature, others with God, or become strengthened in their own unique spiritual orientation. It seems to be somewhat of an ironic fact that we sometimes learn more about the important things in life at times when we're suffering more. I try to look at this philosophically as it just being a part of life.

And learn to accept it as best I can. I do better one some days than others , but I take heart in the knowing that better days almost always invariably come around again. Life seems to go in cycles, and riding these cycles to the best of our abilities is about all we can do at times. I'm sure grateful to have a couple of loving kitties who help me on my journey!

Best to All...

I kind of agree with your post Lane, but to a point.
If I could somehow come out of this alive, I would most likely be a very spiritual person since playing a game of chicken with death every day and every night will change you in the most profound way.
I now know what is truly important in life... and it is health, hands down.

When people around me bicker about their "big" problems, I realize that their problems are completelly insignificant and petty, compared to being tortured 24/7 by a hidden condition, that most people never even heard off.
At one point, I was one of those people.

The problem is, that when you are effectively transformed into a vegetable, you don't really have a chance to utilize any of this learned wisdom.
This goes far beyond anything you could call a life challange.

When you are unable to function beyond the most basic of levels (essentially just breathing, while barely able to even think), any life lesson is lost right there, as there is not much you can do with it as far as utilizing it.

 

[PeteJ]

Anybody who has ear pain here, can you comment a reply?:

A) How do you think you got it?

B) Is it possible to get ear pain from filling a car tire with air? That *whoosh* noise from taking on/off the nozzle to the plug?

I was going to use my muffs but stupidly didn't. I am not sure if that did it, though. I just can't figure out if something else did. Otherwise, it seems random.

Three hours after filling the tire with air, my right ear was in so much pain and it continues still. The pain is not normal. The ear cartridge hurts, the boney part and part of the cheek bone closest to the ear is in severe pain. The ear canal area has discomfort and is sore but the other areas mentioned are in even more pain. The ear has a tightness feeling, too. Also, both ears are clicking from time to time, also.

I am asking because I am in agony with this and wondering/hoping this will subside or better, go away.

I don't feel like going anywhere or doing anything with this pain. If it's not gone by the time I get my money, I am buying a rope. I swear.

Edit: is there anything that I can take that will help? I doubt OTC stuff will help. This pain is too extreme.

 

[Star64]

I meant when I tell people in real life.

I can't be the only person here who has had that experience.

Sorry Pete if I misunderstood you, my brain is going haywire again big time, and all because I tried to eliminate my tinnitus...

Nobody understands us like another person suffering from this condition, that I know I have correct.

If we had broken limbs or wounds they could see, people are usually more empathetic, anything people do not see just like tinnitus or mental illness is harder for them to comprehend.

I know how difficult this whole experience has been for you, seems like nothing has changed over the last 18 years, people are still suffering.

It is so disheartening, I am glad Tinnitus Talk Is around to help people though, so I hope that brings you some comfort, you are not alone

 

[PeteJ]

The pain is also in the part of the cheek bone and muscle that is that joint area within the ear and neck/jaw joint. Why, though? When is it going to stop hurting???!?

 

[Greg Sacramento]

Three hours after filling the tire with air, my right ear was in so much pain and it continues still. The pain is not normal. The ear cartridge hurts, the boney part and part of the cheek bone closest to the ear is in severe pain. The ear canal area has discomfort and is sore but the other areas mentioned are in even more pain. The ear has a tightness feeling, too. Also, both ears are clicking from time to time, also.

I would expect that and I explained "all the reasons why" before. A need is to focus on treatment due to swelling. Cool compresses placed over the jaw and around the ear and face. Warm compresses all over the neck. This will take some time and patience. Need to sit straight. Do this for at least fifteen minutes (each) for neck, jaw and around the ear three times a day. Most likely you also have forward head, jaw and neck extension issues as well. All the nerves, bones - joints and muscles interact together. This could include (neck) C1 - C2 to TMJ - jaw joint. C2 - C3 and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Focus on swelling for now. Treatment over this would include (later) a mouth guard and light therapy to jaw, neck and all structures of facial. You can use a mail in lab for a mouth guard for $150 dollars. Other light therapy can be done by yourself - we can talk more about that later. Even with hearing loss all this should make a difference. You should focus on using compresses now. Try to keep jaw relaxed while awake, use some magnesium or NAC before going to sleep and don't do extreme forward head bending as this can affect everything from the shoulders up.

 

[Mister Muso]

you aren't. Nobody in my family is sympathetic. They think I need to just pull it together.

My wife finds it hard to know what to say when I tell her what I'm going through. And she's a psychiatrist who deals with suicidal people all the time.

It's a peculiarly hidden condition which nobody can understand unless they experience it.

 

[Harley]

My wife finds it hard to know what to say when I tell her what I'm going through. And she's a psychiatrist who deals with suicidal people all the time.

It's a peculiarly hidden condition which nobody can understand unless they experience it.

Tinnitus shows it's true face only to it's victims and it is the face of pure evil.

For the rest of the world, it maintains a slightly annoying but harmless, casual appearance.

This is almost like some kind of a horror movie, in which unsuspecting people get randomly sucked into some kind of an alternate universe, in which they are held for hostage and brutally tortured around the clock with no way to escape, except for one.

 

[Star64]

The pain is also in the part of the cheek bone and muscle that is that joint area within the ear and neck/jaw joint. Why, though? When is it going to stop hurting???!?

Listen to Greg Pete, he is spot on with what should help you. I have bad ear pain, jaw pain as I have TMJ, I have yawned and dislocated my jaw previously.

I take NAC at night, plus alternate between hot and cold compresses, it does help...

This condition also impacts on tinnitus in a bad way, so treating this may help you more than you think.

You should also consciously do relaxation exercises for your jaw, you will be surprised how much we tense this muscle without even being aware of it...

I hope you get relief soon.

 

[Star64]

This sums up a lot of what many feel on here (I think).

I'm angry, real angry. I can never forgive the person who brought this into my life, even if he didn't mean to.

I understand why you are angry, it is a normal part of grief, and we are all grieving for our past life, I know I do...

I was angry with my Dr too, he said the drug I took was safe, I was so angry at myself, I continued to beat myself up...

I am still bewildered with the medical care I received when I was begging for help.

I have written a letter to the CEO of the hospital expressing this, not that it can help me, but I feel it was important that they are aware withdrawal and tolerance are real issues and so is tinnitus. They told me it is just a noise go home and put a fan on and try to relax, your anxious.

IF nobody speaks up nothing changes, it probably still won't change things but at least I have tried.

Meditation has helped me channel my energy though in a different way, it has helped me to some degree, it is not a cure, but I will continue to practice it.

I am going to a 2 hour meditation run by Buddhist monks tonight, it is called finding inner peace, I am going with an open mind, benzo withdrawal and tinnitus are rocking my world, I have nothing to lose...

 

[Star64]

I didnt know Clonazepam made your tinnitus worst, Star. How long were you on it?

I was on it intermittently for about 2 years, then I started using it 2 to 3 days a week for around 4 months and then ceased for three months

Looking back I had withdrawals but I didn't know it at the time I thought I had MS.

I then took it nearly nightly for a period of 8 to ten weeks maybe, only .5 the lowest dose.
I hit tolerance very quick, was placed into CT, I did not know I was dependent on it, doctors kept saying it was not possible...

Found my way to BenzoBuddies, it's possible, 5 weeks use of this drug has had some suffering for years.

We are all different Once, I understand why people turn to benzos, but they are dangerous drugs.

I just wish there was a drug out there that was safe to take that worked like a benzo, but I don't think one exists.

 

[emmalee]

I am going to a 2 hour meditation run by Buddhist monks tonight, it is called finding inner peace, I am going with an open mind, benzo withdrawal and tinnitus are rocking my world, I have nothing to lose...

I wish I could go with you, Star. Regardless of popular opinion, we must do whatever it takes to help ourselves when dealing with tinnitus. Our tinnitus, our choice. You are also dealing with benzodiazepine withdrawal on top of the tinnitus, which only adds to your distress.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We all deserve inner peace, any way we can find it.

 

[Ivkopivko]

I'm in a dark forest right now. Its dark outside. My damn tinnitus sounds like never before. I'm looking at trees, planning which one I could choose. How or when could I do it. If I would be able to make it work... It can not be that hard. It can't be so hard to escape from this sound, this nightmare-life.

I CHOOSE WHEN I'M DONE. THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT OPTION AWAY FROM US. IS OUR LIVES. OUR CHOICES. OUR DECISION WHEN AND HOW WE END IT.

Just hang in there! ... I'm at 8th month mark and I'm now in a much better place compared to the first 2-4 months. Things could get better in time - that's true for sure. Yesterday I didn't notice my tinnitus for all day... I have those days from time to time and looking into my tinnitus diary, last month has been very pleasant compared to the first months.

I'll be in Ireland on Friday, 8th at Neuromod and will try to ask as much as possible. Once/if approved for treatment, I'll postpone it let's say for the next 6-12 months once they will refine the treatment, or they will find the key and apply that to individual approach.

I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in this shit.

 

[valeri]

I would expect that and I explained "all the reasons why" before. A need is to focus on treatment due to swelling. Cool compresses placed over the jaw and around the ear and face. Warm compresses all over the neck. This will take some time and patience. Need to sit straight. Do this for at least fifteen minutes (each) for neck, jaw and around the ear three times a day. Most likely you also have forward head, jaw and neck extension issues as well. All the nerves, bones - joints and muscles interact together. This could include (neck) C1 - C2 to TMJ - jaw joint. C2 - C3 and sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Focus on swelling for now. Treatment over this would include (later) a mouth guard and light therapy to jaw, neck and all structures of facial. You can use a mail in lab for a mouth guard for $150 dollars. Other light therapy can be done by yourself - we can talk more about that later. Even with hearing loss all this should make a difference. You should focus on using compresses now. Try to keep jaw relaxed while awake, use some magnesium or NAC before going to sleep and don't do extreme forward head bending as this can affect everything from the shoulders up.

Greg can you please recommend any TMJ exercises?

 

[PeteJ]

Listen to Greg Pete, he is spot on with what should help you. I have bad ear pain, jaw pain as I have TMJ, I have yawned and dislocated my jaw previously.

I take NAC at night, plus alternate between hot and cold compresses, it does help...

This condition also impacts on tinnitus in a bad way, so treating this may help you more than you think.

You should also consciously do relaxation exercises for your jaw, you will be surprised how much we tense this muscle without even being aware of it...

I hope you get relief soon.

I want to but I have no money. The only idea I have is to write letters explaining my suicide.

My left ear is hurting again. I have so much pain. It's particularly the left ear again. What is going to stop this pain? I can't get a mouth guard snapping a finger. I have to visit a dentist and they will want to do fillings. Then they will want $400. Then I have to wait around two weeks after that.

Will the pain even stop after using a guard? I will kill myself because of ear pain. I am not going living with both ear pain and tinnitus. I won't. I only need a rope and hope that the knot is good enough.

I am out of magnesium and NAC.

I want to rip my ears off. No one has explained to me what this pain is and why. It's related to the jaw joint and tmj or? It is torture since nothing helps and the pain and loud tinnitus tones are continuous. No one listens to me when I say I will commit suicide. In real life I mean. It's not a cry for help because no one can help. I just want people to know it was because of tinnitus and ear pain and no other reason. I can't make that clear enough.

 

[Rio80]

I'm glad this thread exists. A place where we can post about a taboo topic without having anything to worry about.

Personally I've been at the end of my rope for many many years. Severe tinnitus + moderate/ severe hearing loss + other health issues. I was very close to offing myself but have put it off for the time being. I've gotten hearing aids which have helped a lot (not only with hearing people but with masking the tinnitus to a degree). It's given me a lifeline. I still suffer but I'm not isolating as much now which is helping with the depression and feelings of hopelessness.


Just a few thoughts after reading the last several pages of this thread...
*Benzos absolutely wrecked me. Years after my withdrawal I still have left over symptoms. Granted I'm in the minority and for every horror story you'll find another to counterbalance of someone saying how it saved them. All I can say is my experience and it wasn't a pleasant one. It's exacerbated my tinnitus in the long run and made my health worse as well. All I can say for those who want to try benzos is research it as much as you can along with all the potential pitfalls and calculate if the risks are worth the benefits.

*Careful with TMJ exercises. The wrong ones can make tinnitus worse. I speak from experience.

*Regarding suicide, it's silly that in today's day and age that it's 10x easier to peacefully euthanize a dog then it is ourselves. We've suffered enough in life that and a the least our death should be peaceful. To that end, anyone looking for a peaceful way to go out look up the Exit Bag Method. If done properly it's quick, painless and clean. Just know that it's not for the 'I don't want to live but I really don't want to die either cry for help suicidal gestures.' With this method you are unconscious in 2 minutes, brain dead in 5. So you must be damn sure you're ready to go out since after a few breaths you're passing out.

*I empathize with everyone posting here to some degree or another. I hope all our suffering can one day be alleviated to a significant degree. There were many, many times (countless really) that I thought I had nothing left in the tank yet somehow I got through the bullshit. Not to say that I'm in the clear. Far from it. I have to constantly distract my mind. Just hang in there as best you can. You never down the line...

 

[Dizzyhead888]

When i told my GP that I was suicidal because of tinnitus he said, "What's stopping you?". I said, "My children".
END OF CONVERSATION. No talk of counselling or other support even though I told him I was disabled by it.
It seems my GP was more scared about his own reputation and being blamed for causing a person a disability than about me the patient.

What a heartless asshole.

I want to but I have no money. The only idea I have is to write letters explaining my suicide.

My left ear is hurting again. I have so much pain. It's particularly the left ear again. What is going to stop this pain? I can't get a mouth guard snapping a finger. I have to visit a dentist and they will want to do fillings. Then they will want $400. Then I have to wait around two weeks after that.

Will the pain even stop after using a guard? I will kill myself because of ear pain. I am not going living with both ear pain and tinnitus. I won't. I only need a rope and hope that the knot is good enough.

I am out of magnesium and NAC.

I want to rip my ears off. No one has explained to me what this pain is and why. It's related to the jaw joint and tmj or? It is torture since nothing helps and the pain and loud tinnitus tones are continuous. No one listens to me when I say I will commit suicide. In real life I mean. It's not a cry for help because no one can help. I just want people to know it was because of tinnitus and ear pain and no other reason. I can't make that clear enough.

I don't get it. Why you won't participate in all clinical trials happening before you decide to commit suicide?

I have 8/10 tinnitus which is constantly annoying all day. If it spikes to 9 and 10 I am suicidal
if it goes down to 7 or 6, I actually can be in a good mood.
One day I never forget, it was for some reason 4/10. This was once in 2 years. I suddenly was back to living and happy life.

Point is that even 20-30% reduction can be a difference between being suicidal and happy. There is so much chance you will get this amount of reduction at least from the 3-4 hearing loss companies now.

 

[Star64]

Just a few thoughts after reading the last several pages of this thread...
*Benzos absolutely wrecked me. Years after my withdrawal I still have left over symptoms. Granted I'm in the minority and for every horror story you'll find another to counterbalance of someone saying how it saved them. All I can say is my experience and it wasn't a pleasant one. It's exacerbated my tinnitus in the long run and made my health worse as well. All I can say for those who want to try benzos is research it as much as you can along with all the potential pitfalls and calculate if the risks are worth the benefits.

Totally agree, Benzos may have some benefits, and yes some people experience good results that can last years but anybody starting these drugs, needs to be aware they can have a nasty side to them.

Benzos are known to cause tinnitus, and also hyperacusis, more people are arriving at Tinnitus Talk because of this, they have never suffered from these conditions previously. Anybody starting these drugs should research first and then decide if it is worth the risk.

Sorry to hear Rio80 that you have been harmed by them, I was too.

 

[PeteJ]

What a heartless asshole.

I don't get it. Why you won't participate in all clinical trials happening before you decide to commit suicide?

I have 8/10 tinnitus which is constantly annoying all day. If it spikes to 9 and 10 I am suicidal
if it goes down to 7 or 6, I actually can be in a good mood.
One day I never forget, it was for some reason 4/10. This was once in 2 years. I suddenly was back to living and happy life.

Point is that even 20-30% reduction can be a difference between being suicidal and happy. There is so much chance you will get this amount of reduction at least from the 3-4 hearing loss companies now.

There's no trials here. I could only participate if it's here. Participants are Guinea pigs. Is there any news if any of these treatments are successful? No. Anything other than rumors?

What is your reasoning and evidence that it will be effective and lower tinnitus that much? You are right though as lowering it to 6 or less would be a significant improvement. The lower the better. But, I also have read that many of the treatments are years away. So, there is nothing definite. Just hoping while you suffer.

I would like to know if restoring significant hearing has an affect on tinnitus. That alone should tell us all something???

I usually don't comment on posters who agree on other posts but I wonder what they were agreeing with. :-(

 

[Star64]

I want to but I have no money. The only idea I have is to write letters explaining my suicide.

My left ear is hurting again. I have so much pain. It's particularly the left ear again. What is going to stop this pain? I can't get a mouth guard snapping a finger. I have to visit a dentist and they will want to do fillings. Then they will want $400. Then I have to wait around two weeks after that.

Will the pain even stop after using a guard? I will kill myself because of ear pain. I am not going living with both ear pain and tinnitus. I won't. I only need a rope and hope that the knot is good enough.

I am out of magnesium and NAC.

I want to rip my ears off. No one has explained to me what this pain is and why. It's related to the jaw joint and tmj or? It is torture since nothing helps and the pain and loud tinnitus tones are continuous. No one listens to me when I say I will commit suicide. In real life I mean. It's not a cry for help because no one can help. I just want people to know it was because of tinnitus and ear pain and no other reason. I can't make that clear enough.

I will be honest, I very rarely use my guard as I cannot get a good sleep when I do. I do take NAC and I relax my jaw as much as possible throughout the day, making sure I let it flop, take the tension off it. I also use hot and cold compresses. Acupuncture has also helped me I feel, but this can be quite costly.

I am sorry that in real life no one is listening to you, suicide should never be taken lightly, the healthcare system lets so many of us down, especially when they cannot see the problem.

Pete, unfortunately people will always associate tinnitus distress as a mental health issue, sure we all know it causes depression and anxiety but it is about time the medical profession started treating tinnitus for what it is a debilitating condition of its own right, rather than the knock on affects of the condition.

Only then will a cure be found, otherwise we will always be left with them handing us out dangerous psyche drugs that may cause us more harm than good.

 

[PeteJ]

Getting it pulled doesn't mean there will be no drilling. I also opted for pulling one and when the dentist tried to pull it, it broke and he had to drill and make an incision to take it out. When that happened, I asked him to stop drilling a couple of minutes in between to give me a break. Thankfully, I was ok and no spike.

Some people here talk about fixing cavities with a laser??
Others pay the dentist for two visits so he can take breaks between drillings.
My dentist was kind and understood, but man he almost break my jaw! I had to keep raising my hand and taking breaks.... Dont be afraid to do this! They are supposed to know how to deal with people with anxiety/autism and all kinds of disabilities. Be your own advocate. Tell them what you need and prefer. Oh, and talk to him before you let him do anything.

There are many threads here that talk about this. Do a quick search and you'll find plenty of info.
Best to you.

I think most dentists will agree but then ultimately chose not to abide so keep drilling and you have to keep putting up your hand.

Having that many breaks really makes it a longer process. :-(

I will never agree with anyone who thinks there's a condition worse than this. Even going to the dentist is torture. Forced to endure your tinnitus tones and drilling in your mouth plus the pain they inflict with their instruments and the freezing if you get it. I had an itch I couldn't do anything about it because my chin was so numb. That was the least of the subsequent problems.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

Greg can you please recommend any TMJ exercises?

To a very sweet person, I wish that I could recommend TMJ exercises. Structural must be noted by a radiologist first - MRI.
Without radiological notes, it's just a shot in the dark and more damage can be done. If warmth and cool therapy helps, then there's a few light exercises that can be tried with out having had radiological examination.

Things not to do:
No lower jaw forward extension. Control extreme forward head bending.
Keep jaw relaxed and lips closed when possible.
Relax and close mouth during dental when possible. Keep neck on the headrest and don't turn head to the left side.

 

[Racehorse]

Stay strong my friend. Good things come to those who wait.

 

[dan]

No one has explained to me what this pain is and why. It's related to the jaw joint and tmj or? It is torture since nothing helps and the pain and loud tinnitus tones are continuous.

It is most likely not TMJ.
I also suffered from bad ear pain during the first year of onset.
This pain is actually related to phantom limb pain. Essentially it is nerve pain, it should subside, but it takes a long time.

How long have you had this pain and when did it start?
Does massaging your ears give you a moment of relief?