mdla
07-07-2003, 04:16 AM
Hello,
I have had every treatment for TMJ, trigger point, splint, pills, arthrosintsis (sp?) drugs.....etc. I am wondering if anyone has had success with arthroscopy. My surgeon is not in favor of it. I want my life back and don't care if it's non-reversable because I certainly don't want to reverse to this.
I have had every treatment for TMJ, trigger point, splint, pills, arthrosintsis (sp?) drugs.....etc. I am wondering if anyone has had success with arthroscopy. My surgeon is not in favor of it. I want my life back and don't care if it's non-reversable because I certainly don't want to reverse to this.
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Cymy Sue
07-07-2003, 06:18 AM
Hi mdla & Welcome,
Many Surgeons (now) are a little more reserved in doing surgical procedures on the TMJ's due to damage that can be caused when the joint is invaded. Everyone responds differently to these procedures and it does not always correct the problem. Many times, it leads to more surgery. The "irreversible" they speak of, is possible nerve damage, worsening muscle problems, and many other unknowns. This surgery is still very controversial, even though it is advertised by some as almost "Non-invasive". It is still Major Surgery and carries all the same risks.
There are several Members on the Board who have had different "Scope Procedures" and will most likely respond to your question. There has also been a lot of discussion on this subject that you might want to search within the Board.
We've all had different experiences with this and remember, it we had gotten better, we probably wouldn't be here.
I'm sure there are successes with these procedures, but they usually don't come back and post. (The search feature is top right under the reply button) Just type in the procedure that you are interested in and you will get numerous threads.
Also, when we feel desperate, it seems like anything would be better that our current situation. It can be worse. Also, anyone considering this surgery should read the standard release. There's one on the board. If I can find it, I'll bump it up for you.
When I had these procedures, there was very little information available and I did not sign a release nor was I made aware of the possiblilty of all of the complications that can arise.
Sorry to not be able to give you something more positive, but this is a very serious and again, controversial subject.
Cymy Sue
Many Surgeons (now) are a little more reserved in doing surgical procedures on the TMJ's due to damage that can be caused when the joint is invaded. Everyone responds differently to these procedures and it does not always correct the problem. Many times, it leads to more surgery. The "irreversible" they speak of, is possible nerve damage, worsening muscle problems, and many other unknowns. This surgery is still very controversial, even though it is advertised by some as almost "Non-invasive". It is still Major Surgery and carries all the same risks.
There are several Members on the Board who have had different "Scope Procedures" and will most likely respond to your question. There has also been a lot of discussion on this subject that you might want to search within the Board.
We've all had different experiences with this and remember, it we had gotten better, we probably wouldn't be here.
I'm sure there are successes with these procedures, but they usually don't come back and post. (The search feature is top right under the reply button) Just type in the procedure that you are interested in and you will get numerous threads.
Also, when we feel desperate, it seems like anything would be better that our current situation. It can be worse. Also, anyone considering this surgery should read the standard release. There's one on the board. If I can find it, I'll bump it up for you.
When I had these procedures, there was very little information available and I did not sign a release nor was I made aware of the possiblilty of all of the complications that can arise.
Sorry to not be able to give you something more positive, but this is a very serious and again, controversial subject.
Cymy Sue
Isew4work
07-07-2003, 09:06 AM
HI,
I just wanted to tell you that I was exactly in your shoes a few months back, well actually I still am. I went round and round with weahter or not I should have arthoscopic surgery done. I had had splint therapy and it did not help me, then I had arhtrocentesis. It actually made me worse. In my case my Doctor did reccommend arthoscopic as the next step. I went back to the OS who did my arthrocentesis. I got as far as getting the OK from my insurance co. and then I backed out. I am SO glad that I did. It was because I had talked to enough people on here to convince me that stitching my disks into place was not going to give me long term help. I am still not convinced that I will be recovered from TMJ but I am trying a non surgical approach. I have a lower jaw splint that I wear as much as possible.
Be very happy that your Dr. recognizes that you are yet another candidate for the surgery cycle and wants to help you not make that mistake. If he is not sure of what to do for you, search for a Neuromuscular dentist who has studied tmj. Most folks on here who are finding relief are doing so through this newest types of treatment.
Good luck to you,
Mary
ps, didn't the arthrocentesis hurt enough? Did it make you worse?
I just wanted to tell you that I was exactly in your shoes a few months back, well actually I still am. I went round and round with weahter or not I should have arthoscopic surgery done. I had had splint therapy and it did not help me, then I had arhtrocentesis. It actually made me worse. In my case my Doctor did reccommend arthoscopic as the next step. I went back to the OS who did my arthrocentesis. I got as far as getting the OK from my insurance co. and then I backed out. I am SO glad that I did. It was because I had talked to enough people on here to convince me that stitching my disks into place was not going to give me long term help. I am still not convinced that I will be recovered from TMJ but I am trying a non surgical approach. I have a lower jaw splint that I wear as much as possible.
Be very happy that your Dr. recognizes that you are yet another candidate for the surgery cycle and wants to help you not make that mistake. If he is not sure of what to do for you, search for a Neuromuscular dentist who has studied tmj. Most folks on here who are finding relief are doing so through this newest types of treatment.
Good luck to you,
Mary
ps, didn't the arthrocentesis hurt enough? Did it make you worse?
OHJELJ
07-07-2003, 12:34 PM
Hey,
I've had arthroscopy on both sides of my jaw twice now in the last 13 years. Both surgeries were a resounding success and I have my life back. I still am very careful about what I eat, no gum, ice chewing, bagels etc...but I live without pain and only have a bite plate to stop the teeth grinding at night. I have a 42mm opening now, which they are considering to be a normal opening for me. I've been in PT since two weeks following my surgery and will continue as a backup to some dental work I'm having done over the next few weeks.
My only lingering problem is some muscle tightness that the PT is taking care of. I live on salads now...can't imagine life without them again. I've lost 11 lbs of the 30 I gained on the soft diet I was on for so long and I'm feeling better than I have in years.
There are success stories out there and people who are feeling well ARE on this site...they just aren't as vocal nor are they as high in numbers as others. I won't say that surgery has been an easy road, it hasn't. It was the only option for me though and I'm glad I found a great surgeon who could help...you need to check out all options before you jump at surgery. It does have to be redone throughout your life...just like a knee surgery does...but to me, it's worth it for the 10 years in between procedures of a pain free life!
Hope this helps.
Jennifer
I've had arthroscopy on both sides of my jaw twice now in the last 13 years. Both surgeries were a resounding success and I have my life back. I still am very careful about what I eat, no gum, ice chewing, bagels etc...but I live without pain and only have a bite plate to stop the teeth grinding at night. I have a 42mm opening now, which they are considering to be a normal opening for me. I've been in PT since two weeks following my surgery and will continue as a backup to some dental work I'm having done over the next few weeks.
My only lingering problem is some muscle tightness that the PT is taking care of. I live on salads now...can't imagine life without them again. I've lost 11 lbs of the 30 I gained on the soft diet I was on for so long and I'm feeling better than I have in years.
There are success stories out there and people who are feeling well ARE on this site...they just aren't as vocal nor are they as high in numbers as others. I won't say that surgery has been an easy road, it hasn't. It was the only option for me though and I'm glad I found a great surgeon who could help...you need to check out all options before you jump at surgery. It does have to be redone throughout your life...just like a knee surgery does...but to me, it's worth it for the 10 years in between procedures of a pain free life!
Hope this helps.
Jennifer
christa79
05-03-2005, 04:45 PM
I am glad to hear you had success with the procedures Jennifer.. I am getting it done May 16th and I am scared. :( I hope I have the same outcome as you. How long did it take to eat regular foods? I think it is really important for people to continue PT in order to make the surgery work. Also, I am 25 and have had TMJ for a few years now. I have a displaced disc and my right joint is locked all the time. I am able to open my mouth pretty good but it hurts to do so.
pwc
05-04-2005, 12:40 PM
hi christa79,
i posted a reply to another query you posted regarding arthroscopy. i do though, strongly agree with the statements cymy sue makes (and has made) regarding surgery. please read her posts and replies. she is well informed. please read within her posts on what she has to say about splints. as for regular foods: i am 7 months out of surgery and still exist on soup and liquid nutrition. i could chew before surgery and cannot chew now. i also have been seeing a pt 3x per week since the surgery and do my own pt at home. this has been 7 months of pt. i still wear a splint 24/7. if you have this surgery i sincerely wish your outcome is the complete opposite of mine. all the best.
i posted a reply to another query you posted regarding arthroscopy. i do though, strongly agree with the statements cymy sue makes (and has made) regarding surgery. please read her posts and replies. she is well informed. please read within her posts on what she has to say about splints. as for regular foods: i am 7 months out of surgery and still exist on soup and liquid nutrition. i could chew before surgery and cannot chew now. i also have been seeing a pt 3x per week since the surgery and do my own pt at home. this has been 7 months of pt. i still wear a splint 24/7. if you have this surgery i sincerely wish your outcome is the complete opposite of mine. all the best.
marbelmo
05-04-2005, 02:04 PM
I saw an oral surgeon that wants to do arthroscopic surgery to "clean out" my left TMJ. He won't order an MRI because he says it won't show him anything he can't already tell from examination. He seems really keen on doing the procedure and says it will help. I did splint therapy for over 6 months and had my wisdom teeth removed to no avail. I've spent an incredible amount of $$$$$$ and had no relief. I'm leary of him now and am in a holding pattern. I'm 37 years old with my 1st kid on the way and not sure I want to spend any more $$ on a procedure that might not provide any relief.
I've heard horror stories about this surgery and don't want to become another statistic, but I'm also to the point of putting a gun in my mouth to end this constant popping, radiating Jaw, Neck and Shoulder Pain.
No DR. will offer any RX for pain relief and I'm at my wits end.
Any suggestions?
I've heard horror stories about this surgery and don't want to become another statistic, but I'm also to the point of putting a gun in my mouth to end this constant popping, radiating Jaw, Neck and Shoulder Pain.
No DR. will offer any RX for pain relief and I'm at my wits end.
Any suggestions?
pwc
05-04-2005, 07:57 PM
hi marbelmo,
i know what you mean about these dr.'s that refuse to order tests because they feel they know all they need to know about your anatomy just from a hands on exam. that may well be the case - for them. i (and maybe you too) want to be as knowledgeable as possible about the condition and need to SEE what is going on. i needed to read the mri's myself, to look at my panoramics myself and to look at my tomogram myself. i found that one person read my mri incorrectly when i was first diagnosed and i kept saying, "hey, i don't think THAT is going on in my joint." another dr. read the same mri and said, "you are right." marbelmo, i would try to get an mri done before you let anyone touch you. i would also try to have a tomogram done and a panoramic so you can see (and the professionals too) how your joint looks. you say you have been on splint therapy for over 6 months. did you try other types of splints? some have different functions according to what your chief jaw complaint is. i would give that another go-round (i know, i know) since you are expecting your 1st baby which dictates you should proceed conservatively at this time. that is probably why dr.'s are reluctant to prescribe anything for the pain. also, there are theories that since this tmjd strikes women vs. men in an 80:20 ratio, hormones may play a role. some women find their symptoms relieved during pregancy. you may want to try acupuncture while you are pregnant. marbelmo, i know how you feel when you wrote what you feel like doing in order to end this pain. i really do. this type of pain and dysfuction makes one want to do something just as aggressive to "fix it or stop it." again, since you are pregnant, this is the time to keep proceeding conservatively: please look into another course of splint therapy (maybe with a dr. who practices fjo..a neuromuscular dentist..craniofacial dentist) please don't give up. after you have your baby and your hormones readjust and you have tried another course of splint therapy and you have had the tests done that YOU feel are necessary, you may find you can better re-evaluate your level of dysfunction. i wish you the best...hang in there.
i know what you mean about these dr.'s that refuse to order tests because they feel they know all they need to know about your anatomy just from a hands on exam. that may well be the case - for them. i (and maybe you too) want to be as knowledgeable as possible about the condition and need to SEE what is going on. i needed to read the mri's myself, to look at my panoramics myself and to look at my tomogram myself. i found that one person read my mri incorrectly when i was first diagnosed and i kept saying, "hey, i don't think THAT is going on in my joint." another dr. read the same mri and said, "you are right." marbelmo, i would try to get an mri done before you let anyone touch you. i would also try to have a tomogram done and a panoramic so you can see (and the professionals too) how your joint looks. you say you have been on splint therapy for over 6 months. did you try other types of splints? some have different functions according to what your chief jaw complaint is. i would give that another go-round (i know, i know) since you are expecting your 1st baby which dictates you should proceed conservatively at this time. that is probably why dr.'s are reluctant to prescribe anything for the pain. also, there are theories that since this tmjd strikes women vs. men in an 80:20 ratio, hormones may play a role. some women find their symptoms relieved during pregancy. you may want to try acupuncture while you are pregnant. marbelmo, i know how you feel when you wrote what you feel like doing in order to end this pain. i really do. this type of pain and dysfuction makes one want to do something just as aggressive to "fix it or stop it." again, since you are pregnant, this is the time to keep proceeding conservatively: please look into another course of splint therapy (maybe with a dr. who practices fjo..a neuromuscular dentist..craniofacial dentist) please don't give up. after you have your baby and your hormones readjust and you have tried another course of splint therapy and you have had the tests done that YOU feel are necessary, you may find you can better re-evaluate your level of dysfunction. i wish you the best...hang in there.
marbelmo
05-04-2005, 08:39 PM
Thanks PWC,
I appreciate your feedback.
I should have clarified that it is my wife who is pregnant and I'm one of those unfortunate 20% of men with this disorder.
The kid on the way thing was meant to clarify that it's now necessary for me to conserve our financial resources.
I have tried multiple splint therapy believe me.
The only maxiofascial specialist in our area basically told me to have the arthroscopic procedure $$$$ or just deal with it . . . "the pain, the popping & the muscle tension."
So that's what I'm doing. Dealing with it.
I appreciate your feedback.
I should have clarified that it is my wife who is pregnant and I'm one of those unfortunate 20% of men with this disorder.
The kid on the way thing was meant to clarify that it's now necessary for me to conserve our financial resources.
I have tried multiple splint therapy believe me.
The only maxiofascial specialist in our area basically told me to have the arthroscopic procedure $$$$ or just deal with it . . . "the pain, the popping & the muscle tension."
So that's what I'm doing. Dealing with it.
pwc
05-04-2005, 10:34 PM
hi marbelmo,
that makes a difference - for sure! have you tried trigger point injections or, before you consider surgery, a cortisone injection into the jaw joint? this is invasive too, but it is a step below the arthocentesis and a further step away from the arthroscopy. "dealing with it" is easier said than done, right? i know you are concerned with the $$$ aspect as your new baby adds new concerns to your life. "dealing with it" usually involves medication. are you taking any anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants? i wound up getting a TENS unit and a portable ultrasound unit that i use at home. did you try any of these? at the very least, when you self-treat you can cut down on some costs - some not all. still, good luck with your new baby, dad. pwc.
that makes a difference - for sure! have you tried trigger point injections or, before you consider surgery, a cortisone injection into the jaw joint? this is invasive too, but it is a step below the arthocentesis and a further step away from the arthroscopy. "dealing with it" is easier said than done, right? i know you are concerned with the $$$ aspect as your new baby adds new concerns to your life. "dealing with it" usually involves medication. are you taking any anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants? i wound up getting a TENS unit and a portable ultrasound unit that i use at home. did you try any of these? at the very least, when you self-treat you can cut down on some costs - some not all. still, good luck with your new baby, dad. pwc.
marbelmo
05-05-2005, 06:34 PM
Hi PWC,
I have tried long term prescription anti-inflamatories, yes, and they do nothing for the pain. I take about 6-8 tylenol per day at this point. I'm sure my liver's happy. I've had the injections which are great but last only a short while. Where were you able to get a portable ultrasound unit? Ultrasound is wonderful relief but I was told they had to be operated by a "licenced" therapist because if done too long or improperly they can actually burn the bone.
I have tried long term prescription anti-inflamatories, yes, and they do nothing for the pain. I take about 6-8 tylenol per day at this point. I'm sure my liver's happy. I've had the injections which are great but last only a short while. Where were you able to get a portable ultrasound unit? Ultrasound is wonderful relief but I was told they had to be operated by a "licenced" therapist because if done too long or improperly they can actually burn the bone.
pwc
05-05-2005, 08:43 PM
i actually got all my equip. approved through my insurance. all i did was call the suppliers who carried the equip., send them my prescription, and they took care of the approval w/the insurance co. as you well know, this stuff is not cheap and the suppliers try to get the patient the machinery because they get paid alot of money from the insurance company. i think what you are referring to is (for lack of a better word) "industrial" equipment. i know some of those ultrasounds in the pt offices have high megahertz (i think thats the term) and i would probably not be able to either get one of those or afford one of those. believe it or not, you can get TENS units (a lower level tens unit) without a prescription too - right off the net. if you compare, you'll find a high level unit calls for a prescription and a lower level does not - or at least the companies selling them like this do not require one. sorry to hear no meds offer you any substantial relief. if you do a thorough search on the web you'll find the info on the tens and the ultrasounds and what requirements the companies selling them ask for. i hope you can find something that can provide relief. good luck.
christa79
05-24-2005, 12:23 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone, Well I got the arthroscopy one week ago. The surgery went well, the pain I had when ever I opened my mouth is not present at this time. It seems wonderful for now! I go to PT 3 times per week and my Therapist says I am healing really well!! I do have some tenderness at times, but I think its due to PT. My doctor said I can eat what ever I want, he says its good to chew and use my jaw. I have had no problem chewing at all. I am staying away from hard stuff though. I had a lot of swelling in the jaw joint, that is what was causing the pain. For the first 48 hours after the surgery I kept my 'Jaw Bra' on and kept ice on it. I really didnt have any swelling on my face, I was scared I would have a fat face for a while. lol
For now I feel great, who knows what the future will hold but I believe this procedure was a great success for me.
Hello everyone, Well I got the arthroscopy one week ago. The surgery went well, the pain I had when ever I opened my mouth is not present at this time. It seems wonderful for now! I go to PT 3 times per week and my Therapist says I am healing really well!! I do have some tenderness at times, but I think its due to PT. My doctor said I can eat what ever I want, he says its good to chew and use my jaw. I have had no problem chewing at all. I am staying away from hard stuff though. I had a lot of swelling in the jaw joint, that is what was causing the pain. For the first 48 hours after the surgery I kept my 'Jaw Bra' on and kept ice on it. I really didnt have any swelling on my face, I was scared I would have a fat face for a while. lol
For now I feel great, who knows what the future will hold but I believe this procedure was a great success for me.
juulie
05-24-2005, 01:50 PM
Christa, what exactly did your surgeon do during arthoscopy? It seems that different surgeons have different definitions of arthroscopy from what I can tell. I have already had arthrocentisis which did not work and the surgeon says arthroscopy next. In the hospital, he will go in with a scopy and an instrument called a trocar and break up adhesions to free the disc to move around. He will not be suturing it back in place.
Can you tell me what your surgeon did?
Also, did you have any temporal muscle headaches? If so, did the arthrocopy help the headaches?
Julie
Can you tell me what your surgeon did?
Also, did you have any temporal muscle headaches? If so, did the arthrocopy help the headaches?
Julie
christa79
07-13-2005, 11:24 AM
Hi Julie,
Well you get put under and they take a needle type thing and push it into your jaw joint area. They also use a little camera so they can see what is going on inside. They take pictures of the joint and you get to look at them during your post-op. They use the needle to break up the scar tissue that is inside and then they use anti-inflammatory medicine to make the swelling settle down. They just keep flushing it out so the joint is able to move freely. Before I had this done my joint was locked due the swelling, then afterwards I was able to move my jaw very well. It has been almost two months since I had the procedure done and I feel like the swelling is coming back. I have been having some pain in my joint again. This really upsets me because of all I had to get through just to get the surgery. I am able to open my mouth very well though and I do not have a locked joint. So, hopefully the swelling will settle down someday. Oh, and no I didnt have any muscle headachs, my pain was strickly isolated to my joint.
Well you get put under and they take a needle type thing and push it into your jaw joint area. They also use a little camera so they can see what is going on inside. They take pictures of the joint and you get to look at them during your post-op. They use the needle to break up the scar tissue that is inside and then they use anti-inflammatory medicine to make the swelling settle down. They just keep flushing it out so the joint is able to move freely. Before I had this done my joint was locked due the swelling, then afterwards I was able to move my jaw very well. It has been almost two months since I had the procedure done and I feel like the swelling is coming back. I have been having some pain in my joint again. This really upsets me because of all I had to get through just to get the surgery. I am able to open my mouth very well though and I do not have a locked joint. So, hopefully the swelling will settle down someday. Oh, and no I didnt have any muscle headachs, my pain was strickly isolated to my joint.
pwc
07-14-2005, 03:00 PM
hi mdla,
i am 9 mos. post op. from a bilateral arthroscopy. i have been in physical therapy for these 9 months too. i do not consider my operation a success. the limited opening after surgery was not enough to warrant the surgery, the pain from the surgery exceeded the pain i was having prior to surgery. in addition, the surgery so traumatized my joints that my body did not know what the h*** was done to it - it could not heal itself and my brain could not process this type of pain and added dysfunction. i am slowly, and i mean slowly, getting better (and by that i mean recovering from the surgery) from the use of a splint. i will be happy if i can get back to the level of pain and dysfunction i had before the surgery. at the very least, i was able to manipulate my jaw myself. no, this is not normal and i thought i was causing more damage to already damaged joints but now my jaw "functions" according to where my surgeon repositioned, sutured and cut my discs and this too, is far from normal. yes, i agree there may be success stories who do not post but i would like to tell you to not make a decision regarding your jaw based on fear as i did. do not be as aggressive regarding treatment with your jaw as i was with mine. i am paying a high price for being so hasty. please allow yourself another round of splint therapy. there are many splints which will address various levels of dysfunction you may have regarding your jaw. this therapy takes time and patience and i know you are at the end of your rope but do not make a mistake which will tame you. i am having success with the splint therapy and would have had much better results had i not rushed it and ran into the operating room. i can see the results but they come in small increments. please follow the conservative path and give yourself a second and third chance. once you opt for the aggressive approach there is no turning back - trust me. oh, how i wish i could go back in time.
i am 9 mos. post op. from a bilateral arthroscopy. i have been in physical therapy for these 9 months too. i do not consider my operation a success. the limited opening after surgery was not enough to warrant the surgery, the pain from the surgery exceeded the pain i was having prior to surgery. in addition, the surgery so traumatized my joints that my body did not know what the h*** was done to it - it could not heal itself and my brain could not process this type of pain and added dysfunction. i am slowly, and i mean slowly, getting better (and by that i mean recovering from the surgery) from the use of a splint. i will be happy if i can get back to the level of pain and dysfunction i had before the surgery. at the very least, i was able to manipulate my jaw myself. no, this is not normal and i thought i was causing more damage to already damaged joints but now my jaw "functions" according to where my surgeon repositioned, sutured and cut my discs and this too, is far from normal. yes, i agree there may be success stories who do not post but i would like to tell you to not make a decision regarding your jaw based on fear as i did. do not be as aggressive regarding treatment with your jaw as i was with mine. i am paying a high price for being so hasty. please allow yourself another round of splint therapy. there are many splints which will address various levels of dysfunction you may have regarding your jaw. this therapy takes time and patience and i know you are at the end of your rope but do not make a mistake which will tame you. i am having success with the splint therapy and would have had much better results had i not rushed it and ran into the operating room. i can see the results but they come in small increments. please follow the conservative path and give yourself a second and third chance. once you opt for the aggressive approach there is no turning back - trust me. oh, how i wish i could go back in time.
road8
07-14-2005, 10:26 PM
I had an arthroscopy back in April & I must say it was a success...so far. First, I had a diagnostic one in March, but he couldn't fix it without the help of a laser, so I went to the hospital & he zapped the ligament which made it tighten up & slip the disk back into place. He also got rid of a lot of scar tissue. For the first couple of months I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it, but slowly I am starting to come around. I actually still wear my splint a good bit in the day because I am a habitual clencher. I still don't eat really hard or chewy foods. I am hoping it continues to improve. I am opening really good, but it still hurts to do so, but not as bad as before the surgery. I have a slight deviation still and my teeth do not hit together just right. He said it is caused by spasms. I have had physical therapy to try to correct the devation, but it hasn't cured it 100%. The massive headaches have disappeared, which is great. Only you can make the decision to have surgery or not. Everyone is different, so one person's success might be another one's failure. One thing to warn you about: I thought it was gonna be a quick fix, & that I would come out of surgery feeling pretty much no pain. However, that was not the case, so if you do decide to have the surgery, be patient and things will come around. To me, the worse thing about the whole procedure was the week of liquids & then a real soft diet for about 4 weeks. I didn't think I was going to make it. Overall, I would say my surgery was a success. I had a great surgeon and I finally feel better than when I went in. To me it was worth it. Good luck with whatever you decide.
papergoods
07-16-2005, 05:57 AM
Wow this is the first good outcome I have heard of I am so happy. Who was your surgeon in what state?