Question about TMJ/sinus connection

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Juliaann
Juliaann Member Posts: 4
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Has anyone who has been diagnosed with TMJ had sinus problems that resemble post nasal drip that starts when I rise in the morning and goes on 24/7 with the most horrible putrid foul sweet taste? Oncologist said TMJ result of radiation to head/neck for tonsil cancer 11/07 - saw an oral surgeon to explain if that could be cause of the drainage somehow. He referred me to ENT, who acted insulted that I would ask him about a sinus connection although oral surgeon said there was a connection. Anyone? Thanks for any information others might have and God Bless you all.
Juliaann

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  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
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    think of the anatomy
    sinuses drain, and drainage can be malodorous. TMJ is a problem of a joint. Joints dont drain, so there can be absolutely no relationship between the two. Sounds like you need a new ENT. Because the one you have seen isnt exactly tracking on what is really basic stuff.

    best


    Pat
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #3
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    TMJ/nasal drainage
    Hello Juliann,
    I had terrible issues with TMJ until the tumor was removed. Clicking all the time and painful. I also had sinus issues and they have not resolved. I do have seasonal allergies...but have seemed to increase through this trip. I agree, find a different ENT, or make yours hear you ! (wondering foul smell issue..could be a nasty sinus infection ?) Good luck, and keep us posted ! Warmest regards, Katie
  • tmpage1273
    tmpage1273 Member Posts: 92 Member
    #4
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    katenorwood said:

    TMJ/nasal drainage
    Hello Juliann,
    I had terrible issues with TMJ until the tumor was removed. Clicking all the time and painful. I also had sinus issues and they have not resolved. I do have seasonal allergies...but have seemed to increase through this trip. I agree, find a different ENT, or make yours hear you ! (wondering foul smell issue..could be a nasty sinus infection ?) Good luck, and keep us posted ! Warmest regards, Katie

    also
    I do that with reflux. It has all the same symptoms.
  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660
    #5
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    katenorwood said:

    TMJ/nasal drainage
    Hello Juliann,
    I had terrible issues with TMJ until the tumor was removed. Clicking all the time and painful. I also had sinus issues and they have not resolved. I do have seasonal allergies...but have seemed to increase through this trip. I agree, find a different ENT, or make yours hear you ! (wondering foul smell issue..could be a nasty sinus infection ?) Good luck, and keep us posted ! Warmest regards, Katie

    TMJ
    I originally went to be my MD over an earach left side, he quickly dx as TMJ, so for the next 4 months I was reseaching TMJ, but noticed earache also poped up on Google quite a bit was thoart cancer. So not sure if TMJ dx delayed getting the cancer dx or not have to assume it did. But I to notice less issue with my ear next to the tumor since it shrunk and since it is a joint not sure but the ONC believes as does the RAD doc that once the tumor by the ear was reduced in size that it was like the tumor not TMJ, guess I will never know at least for a while. But I also remember once and a while a little drip of sinus would hit my thoart in the last year or two and it would just shut down my ability to speak for 5 to 6 minutes and I would have to drink lots of water. Again was this a hint of things to come. Do not know for sure.

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