Don't be sorry about "laying it all out there." No shock that your muscles are so tight!! My therapist treats a lot of TMJ also, and some of what you describe sounds like that-- he was telling me about all kinds of issues with the jaw! Maybe you should just back way off on trying to do much with the tongue depressors until your doctor gets you into PT. Be sure to ask for a referral to a PT with experience in dealing with jaw problems-- it is definitely a specialized area. I know anxiety and stress can aggravate pain, too, and vice versa-- it just turns into one vicious cycle! Hang in there-- the 17th will be here soon!