[AfterMyNap]

Hi everyone, I don't come by anymore but this is a serious matter that may save you a bunch of long-term agony & serious money and I am feeling compelled to notify you. As some of you know, I deal with extreme spasticity that originates in my lower back. Ultimately, these spasms have become atypically powerful and render me completely stiff & utterly helpless until they pass (as long as 5-7 full minutes per spasm). Meds no longer control them and it is necessary to "ride them out".

During those massive spasms that started as small ones, I have unconsciously developed the bad habit/reaction of clenching my teeth as some sort of defense/coping mechanism, or something. Well, that little habit increased in frequency & intensity right along with the spasms. As a result, my clenching has gradually caused vertical fractures in literally all of my teeth. This problem has negatively effected my ability to eat, my digestion, and my wallet.

PLEASE HEED THIS WARNING: If you experience spasticity, make it your highest priority to see your dentist and have a bite guard made for you. It's not lovely or convenient but it is tolerable during sleep. Please discipline yourself early to avoid any clenching of your teeth before you end up mortgaging your children's future incomes.

For the newbies, I'm in my 30th year of this lovely disease and I want to encourage you to live with all you have, keep moving, laugh often, and don't eat like an idiot. Those who have known me here will attest to the fact that I have made it my mission to "do it anyway" in spite of my fatigue, pain and limitations. I'm still busy doing just that, it just takes a lot longer these days.

I hope everyone is doing as well as possible and that you are all attacking life right back.

—AMN

[kicker]

AMN! Can you at least eat peeps?

[Kitty]

You know, I've noticed I clench my teeth when I get off balance......like while I'm walking.

Or when I'm busy doing something like changing sheets or emptying the dishwasher. These tasks take my full attention and lots of energy and focus.

I need to be aware of when I clench my teeth and stop! Thanks, Cindy, for the warning and for bringing it to everyone's attention.

[SallyC]

I have a complete upper denture and a partial lower denture, to attest to what Cindy says is true. That and the meds that weaken our teeth and gums, lead us to, having to take special preventative measures to save our wittle teefies.

Thanks Cindyhuhu and keep taking care of yourself. Just because you're not here (grrrrr) doesn't mean I don't think about you and still pray for you. Ya old bat,,

[hollym]

I often find myself clinching my teeth and that is usually a warning sign that the spasticity is ramping up so I massage my jaws and try to relax them and take some more baclofen.

I'm just wondering if you are a candidate for the baclofen pump to help with that????

[KittyLady]

Same thing happend to me. I had a really bad episode in November and clenched my teeth so bad I broke a tooth. I have no insurance so I have to live with this and just be very careful when I eat.