I reported for duty as an Emergency Physician roughly 10 months ago. Being a physician carries many responsibilities. I’ve always tried to perform as best I can.
Part of my job includes giving countless lectures, writing reports, inventing products, attending workshops,, attending meetings, and assisting post graduate students. These do not even include my core clinical responsibilities.
I’ve always thought there aren’t enough hours in a day. Quite often, I came back from work with “a few more things to finish up”. At home, I’ll frequently stay in front of the computer and try to finish things. I felt I was enjoying myself.
After some weeks, I started to feel a pain in my right jaw (temporal mandibular joint aka TMJ). Being a typical doctor, I treated myself. In a few days, the pain was so severe it woke me up in the middle of the night. I noted some cracking sound when I moved my jaw. Some people commented that my TMJ looked swollen and my jaw was starting to deviate on opening.
After 10 days I decided to see a respected maxillofacial surgeon (who is also a medical degree holder). I thought he was going to tell me that I had a tooth abscess or something related to my teeth. Within 3 minutes of history taking he said “you are in stress”. I initially laughed and denied his diagnosis. I personally couldn’t accept that I could suffer from stress. I was happy and enjoying my work. Sure I felt tired, had difficulty sleeping and woke up tired most of the time... but Hey !!! I was not stressed !!.
He advised me on how to relieve the pain (to take care of the stress) and I went back to work. I think deeply in his heart he knew I would ignored his advice and will come back to see him. Sure enough, 1 week later I came back with worsening pain. This time I almost had my jaw tied with a wire to prevent me from grinding my teeth. I admitted that I have done some literature review and it certainly all pointed to his diagnosis.... ”TMJ Disorder Secondary to Stress.”
I had to wear a silicon mouth guard, eat blended food for 2 weeks and pray that I won’t get my jaw tied. I stopped doing any paper work at home. Soon my pain resolved.
From that day onward I have tried my best not to do any office work at home. No more typing reports, doing lectures and other such chores. Except for clinical consultation, I basically open my computer for fun.
I read books and search the website on how to manage time at work. I don’t want to let go of some of the jobs that I love. Surprisingly, after a short period of time, I became more organized.
Now, not only am I able to do things that I did before, I have started writing a case report, Emergency Department clinical guidelines, and editing residents’ thesis and much more including giving numerous lectures.
Without my TMJ disorder, I would have continued doing what I thought were the right things to do. Indirectly my quality time with my family was affected.
I’m glad GOD gave me the disorder; It has made me search for a way to make the most of the things life offers. I’m still adjusting, still learning... but at least I know I’m moving toward better time management skills...
TMJ Disorder... a real Blessing in Disguise.
