Short history: I am 56, quit smoking in 1980 but drank (and drink) a good quantity of scotch wiskey every night for most of my adult life.

Last 6-9 months my upper left gums have "bothered me" (hard to explain). Last month or two my upper left gums (esp. back) have started hurting and are VERY BOTHERSOME but not sensitive to touch. My left ear has started hurting, my left throat (right in same area i.e. base of jaw) hurts also but not related to swallowing. I also have had some coughing.

Just went to doctor and he referred me to ear-nose-throat specialist but this will take a good while to occur (btw he said I do not have any neck swelling).

question: I am more or less miserable...... Should I pay for my own MRI to speed things up? If (It will cost either in the $600 range or the $1200 range depending on whether they think I need the contrast injection, I can afford it)

Hi Metalsculptor

If your gums have bothered you,and you have a jaw ache, you should at least see a dentist before spending your money on an MRI, I think.
Let us know how it turns out.

Best wishes
Vinod