Michelle W
09-22-2003, 12:48 PM
Hi!
I hope you don't mind me posting another question. I guess I am finally getting up the nerve to post.
I am currently not working. I would love to go back to school or work part-time if I can get my symptoms under control. I am fortunate that my husband can support me financially at this time. Currently, I still have pain, and I am afraid any additional stress would just make everything worse. I have a lot of bad anxiety/depression. The medication I was on was just making my grinding worse, so I am not taking my old medication. I have tried several different medications with the same results of more grinding/clenching.
I was wondering if any of you are able to function in your job with your TMJ? Do you think the stess of a job makes your TMJ worse? I am finding myself isolated from life and wondering if I should continue to put my life on hold due to my TMJ.
Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Michelle W (edited 09-22-2003).]
I hope you don't mind me posting another question. I guess I am finally getting up the nerve to post.
I am currently not working. I would love to go back to school or work part-time if I can get my symptoms under control. I am fortunate that my husband can support me financially at this time. Currently, I still have pain, and I am afraid any additional stress would just make everything worse. I have a lot of bad anxiety/depression. The medication I was on was just making my grinding worse, so I am not taking my old medication. I have tried several different medications with the same results of more grinding/clenching.
I was wondering if any of you are able to function in your job with your TMJ? Do you think the stess of a job makes your TMJ worse? I am finding myself isolated from life and wondering if I should continue to put my life on hold due to my TMJ.
Thanks.
[This message has been edited by Michelle W (edited 09-22-2003).]
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PINKYPRISCILLA
09-22-2003, 01:16 PM
Hello,
I don't know your history with tmj, but, are you going for treatment?
Based on my personal experience I would say that keeping busy and going to work will help you take your mind off of tmj however, based on my personal experience, you will get bad days, depends on your stress level at your job. If you have a stressful job, maybe switching to a less stress ful job might help. I
had a lot of problems with my supervisor understanding my tmj problems and he was very nasty about it. But I won't let that get me down !!!!
I don't know your history with tmj, but, are you going for treatment?
Based on my personal experience I would say that keeping busy and going to work will help you take your mind off of tmj however, based on my personal experience, you will get bad days, depends on your stress level at your job. If you have a stressful job, maybe switching to a less stress ful job might help. I
had a lot of problems with my supervisor understanding my tmj problems and he was very nasty about it. But I won't let that get me down !!!!
saaraah
09-22-2003, 02:43 PM
i have had to alter my life to accomodate the pain. instead of going to "normal" university, i have been doing it by distance education [online] even tho i live in the city where the university is located. my pain limits me in how much i can read and how much work i can do in one sitting, so i really have to pace myself and hope i dont feel too badly.
also, im currently looking for a part-time job, but it's proving to be extremely difficult because i need something that doesnt include heavy lifting or talking.
im pretty scared of what type of career i'll end up having once im done university, since i cant deal with people.
- saaraah.
also, im currently looking for a part-time job, but it's proving to be extremely difficult because i need something that doesnt include heavy lifting or talking.
im pretty scared of what type of career i'll end up having once im done university, since i cant deal with people.
- saaraah.
Michelle W
09-22-2003, 05:26 PM
Hi Again,
Pinkypriscilla I had TMJ bilateral arthroplasty done in March 2003. My disc were displaced, so the surgeon put them back in place and pinned them with titanium screws. I could not eat on my right side at all most of 2002. I underwent many splint adjustments last year. Eventually, my TMJ dentist recommended a MRI and referred me to my surgeon. I wear my splint 24/7 since a couple of weeks after surgery. I did the whole PT, liquid diet, soft diet for a couple of months. Currently, I am having splint adjustments with my orthodontist, but my progress is going very slow. My surgeon tells me I am having muscle spasms. I did pretty good for a couple months after my surgery but then something obviously changed. I am trying to sort it all out. It is hard to know what to do with TMJ. You never know what will irritate it. I am glad to hear that you are currently able to work.
Pinkypriscilla I had TMJ bilateral arthroplasty done in March 2003. My disc were displaced, so the surgeon put them back in place and pinned them with titanium screws. I could not eat on my right side at all most of 2002. I underwent many splint adjustments last year. Eventually, my TMJ dentist recommended a MRI and referred me to my surgeon. I wear my splint 24/7 since a couple of weeks after surgery. I did the whole PT, liquid diet, soft diet for a couple of months. Currently, I am having splint adjustments with my orthodontist, but my progress is going very slow. My surgeon tells me I am having muscle spasms. I did pretty good for a couple months after my surgery but then something obviously changed. I am trying to sort it all out. It is hard to know what to do with TMJ. You never know what will irritate it. I am glad to hear that you are currently able to work.
20carfan
09-22-2003, 09:33 PM
Hi Michelle,
I have not been able to work for over 6 months as well. I could deal with the TMJ pain, but when the ear ringing and dizziness set in, with the severe clicking and migranes I just couldn't handle even talking to my family. I am at the point where I mostly only talk to people by phone, it hurts too much to use expresssion. And locking for sometimes 6 hours is scary. I go to doctors everyday almost (ear, head, TMJ...) and have been to the ER a few times. My work doesn't care, which I guess I can understand. Im not productive, I can't concentrate on anything, Im a space zombie. Anyway, I applied for the disability insurance though my work. The disability co seems to think TMJ is a joke you should hear the things their "doctors" say to me. I understand your position. I wish I could find a job that required little talking and no lifting.
I have not been able to work for over 6 months as well. I could deal with the TMJ pain, but when the ear ringing and dizziness set in, with the severe clicking and migranes I just couldn't handle even talking to my family. I am at the point where I mostly only talk to people by phone, it hurts too much to use expresssion. And locking for sometimes 6 hours is scary. I go to doctors everyday almost (ear, head, TMJ...) and have been to the ER a few times. My work doesn't care, which I guess I can understand. Im not productive, I can't concentrate on anything, Im a space zombie. Anyway, I applied for the disability insurance though my work. The disability co seems to think TMJ is a joke you should hear the things their "doctors" say to me. I understand your position. I wish I could find a job that required little talking and no lifting.
Michelle W
09-22-2003, 11:19 PM
Hi to Saaraah and 20carfan,
I am glad to have your responses.
carfan-I think it is awful that the doctors are giving you such a hard time with your disability insurance. I don't understand why there is such discrimination when it comes to TMJD. I don't think the medical profession really understand the problem, so they behave in a negative way.
I am hoping everything will change in the future, but maybe I am dreaming.
I am glad to have your responses.
carfan-I think it is awful that the doctors are giving you such a hard time with your disability insurance. I don't understand why there is such discrimination when it comes to TMJD. I don't think the medical profession really understand the problem, so they behave in a negative way.
I am hoping everything will change in the future, but maybe I am dreaming.
TiffanyAnn
09-23-2003, 12:00 AM
Hi Michelle:
I saw that you live in Joplin Mo. I live right near there too. I saw that you had surgery. Did Dr. Scott Bolding do your surgery? Also, you said you are being treated by your orthodontist, I am also being treated by an orthodontist in Joplin for my TMJ so I was wondering who your orthodontist is?
Thanks,
Tiffany
I saw that you live in Joplin Mo. I live right near there too. I saw that you had surgery. Did Dr. Scott Bolding do your surgery? Also, you said you are being treated by your orthodontist, I am also being treated by an orthodontist in Joplin for my TMJ so I was wondering who your orthodontist is?
Thanks,
Tiffany
20carfan
09-23-2003, 12:39 AM
Hi Michelle,
Yes it is outrageous that doctors don't care to learn about this disorder. Even my own doctors tell me, "I think your ear & jaw problems may be coming from depression." Don't I wish! At least then someone might take me seriously and have a solution. Today I had to call my neruo to see if there was a good gen. practice doctor that understood TMJd, she said to be honest, she doesn't know of one because she gave up on trying to convince them of the severaity of TMJd symptoms years ago.
It boggles my mind what health and disability insurance companies will and won't cover. Sadly it seems like its all about 'working the system' and codes right.
Yes it is outrageous that doctors don't care to learn about this disorder. Even my own doctors tell me, "I think your ear & jaw problems may be coming from depression." Don't I wish! At least then someone might take me seriously and have a solution. Today I had to call my neruo to see if there was a good gen. practice doctor that understood TMJd, she said to be honest, she doesn't know of one because she gave up on trying to convince them of the severaity of TMJd symptoms years ago.
It boggles my mind what health and disability insurance companies will and won't cover. Sadly it seems like its all about 'working the system' and codes right.
20carfan
09-23-2003, 12:43 AM
Oops Michelle, forgot to mention I saw your post about your insurance co saying TMJd is dental, I am not sure but I think there have been some court cases decided in favor of the TMJ patients that TMJ is infact medical, you may want to check with your state, Im not sure where, maybe the local Bar can point you in the right direction.
Michelle W
09-23-2003, 12:46 AM
Tiffany,
This is unbelievable. Yes, Dr. Bolding did my surgery in March of 2003. I am sure we are going to the same orthodontist, because he only recommended one to me in Joplin. I am seeing Dr. LaFerla. I have heard he is good. I have yet to start braces at this time. I would love to hear how you are progressing and anything else you would care to share.
This is unbelievable. Yes, Dr. Bolding did my surgery in March of 2003. I am sure we are going to the same orthodontist, because he only recommended one to me in Joplin. I am seeing Dr. LaFerla. I have heard he is good. I have yet to start braces at this time. I would love to hear how you are progressing and anything else you would care to share.
Michelle W
09-23-2003, 12:49 AM
Thanks for the information 20carfan
TiffanyAnn
09-23-2003, 01:22 AM
Hi Michelle:
OMG, isn't this a small world. I have refused to have surgery but Dr. Bolding's name keeps coming up as surgeon. That man has made millions off TMJ surgeries in this area. I have a friend who had both TMJ done a year or so ago. It cost her like $14,000. She had to take a loan out to pay it. And what's even more amazing is that I also see Dr. LaFerla. He is the best. He has done wonders for me. He is an excellent orthodontist and a really good human being. This is just too cool. Do you have an upper or lower splint. Mine is a lower. I'm in an occlusal orthotic device. What splint are you in? Dr. LaFerla told me that I have to be stable and without symptoms for at least 6 months before he will do braces. Is this what he told you also?
Tiffany
OMG, isn't this a small world. I have refused to have surgery but Dr. Bolding's name keeps coming up as surgeon. That man has made millions off TMJ surgeries in this area. I have a friend who had both TMJ done a year or so ago. It cost her like $14,000. She had to take a loan out to pay it. And what's even more amazing is that I also see Dr. LaFerla. He is the best. He has done wonders for me. He is an excellent orthodontist and a really good human being. This is just too cool. Do you have an upper or lower splint. Mine is a lower. I'm in an occlusal orthotic device. What splint are you in? Dr. LaFerla told me that I have to be stable and without symptoms for at least 6 months before he will do braces. Is this what he told you also?
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-23-2003, 11:00 AM
Yes, I am really surprised we go to the same orthodontist. Huh, I can hardly believe it. I guess you never know who you will run into online. You know I am not exactly sure what kind of splint I am wearing. I will ask Dr. LaFerla today. It is an upper splint, and it is hard plastic. I didn't realize there are different kinds of splints until I came to this board. I wore one similar to this for a couple of years only at night. I had to have a new one made after surgery. My old broke off in the back probably due to so many splint adjustments.
Yes, the surgery was very expensive. My surgery was as expensive as your friend's surgery. I also had to take out a loan. My hubby and I took out a home equity loan to pay for it. It really bites to be honest. I had such a hard time trying to decide last year whether or not to have the surgery. I was so scared, and I didn't find this web site until after surgery.
My braces are also going to be expensive, but I am going to pay them out.
You mentioned your friend had surgery last year. How is she doing? Does she feel she is any better off? I would love to know how she is progressing as I have no one to compare my situation with at this time.
I mentioned earlier that I had the bilateral arthroplasty. The surgeon put my disc back in place and pinned them with the titanium rod/screw device. I did have splint adjustments most of last year, so I feel like my dentist worked with me.
Have you actually seen Dr. Bolding? If so how did you feel your consult went?
You mentioned the braces with Dr. LaFerla. I am six months post op. My bite is still changing some. He feels it is due to my muscles continuing to relax. Basically, he wants me to be symptom free or minimal symptoms for a couple of months prior to starting the braces, but I haven't gotten that far. I also read in a book by an expert that you should not start moving the teeth around until you are almost symptoms free.
I think I have been seeing doctor LaFerla for about four months. I am not due for a splint adjustment for two to three more weeks, but I am going in today. I have a worn spot on the right side with a little hole. I want him to check it out. Plus I am having some spasm on the left side while eating. TMJD is such a complicated syndrome.
Did I answer all your questions? I would love to hear more about your situation and your friend's experience since surgery.
I will check back several times today to see if you are able to post. I am currently not working outside of my home.
Yes, the surgery was very expensive. My surgery was as expensive as your friend's surgery. I also had to take out a loan. My hubby and I took out a home equity loan to pay for it. It really bites to be honest. I had such a hard time trying to decide last year whether or not to have the surgery. I was so scared, and I didn't find this web site until after surgery.
My braces are also going to be expensive, but I am going to pay them out.
You mentioned your friend had surgery last year. How is she doing? Does she feel she is any better off? I would love to know how she is progressing as I have no one to compare my situation with at this time.
I mentioned earlier that I had the bilateral arthroplasty. The surgeon put my disc back in place and pinned them with the titanium rod/screw device. I did have splint adjustments most of last year, so I feel like my dentist worked with me.
Have you actually seen Dr. Bolding? If so how did you feel your consult went?
You mentioned the braces with Dr. LaFerla. I am six months post op. My bite is still changing some. He feels it is due to my muscles continuing to relax. Basically, he wants me to be symptom free or minimal symptoms for a couple of months prior to starting the braces, but I haven't gotten that far. I also read in a book by an expert that you should not start moving the teeth around until you are almost symptoms free.
I think I have been seeing doctor LaFerla for about four months. I am not due for a splint adjustment for two to three more weeks, but I am going in today. I have a worn spot on the right side with a little hole. I want him to check it out. Plus I am having some spasm on the left side while eating. TMJD is such a complicated syndrome.
Did I answer all your questions? I would love to hear more about your situation and your friend's experience since surgery.
I will check back several times today to see if you are able to post. I am currently not working outside of my home.
TiffanyAnn
09-23-2003, 10:35 PM
Hi Michelle:
I was thinking the same thing about being online and never knowing who you might meet. I mean, Joplin isn't all that big of a community. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool to have run into at least one other who lives in my area. You could be in the same splint I am in. Before he made my splint I asked him if it was possible to make a lower splint rather than an upper splint because I've had both over time but I've learned that the lower splint is so much easier to speak with. He said either one was fine so he made me a lower splint. Mine is also hard plastic and it has two little pieces of wire in it with like little balls on the end. He said these help hold the splint in place and he has found these work better with adults. I'm not sure if he does that only on the lower splints though. Does your also have these in it? I guess it's a good thing that I am so hard headed. Several dentists have suggested surgery to me but I have always been very determined not to allow surgery on my jaws. I've had other surgeries in my lifetime and what I learned from those is this, once surgery is done on any joint or any part of the body that joint is never the same again. I was just too afraid to allow surgery to be done on my jaws. The surgery you had is what has been suggested to me. My left side is the only side that is bad. I had an MRI done and the left disc is displaced.
My friend who has surgery done by Dr. Bolden is doing pretty well now. She doesn't live close by anymore so I don't talk to her as often as I used to but I did run into her mom in the store last week and she said she's doing well. She is supposed to be down this coming weekend. If I see her, which I sure hope I will, I'll ask her about her surgery and progress and let you know what she says ok.
I have not seen Dr. Bolding myself. The reason I didn't see him is this, when I was searching for someone to treat my TMJ I kept hearing Dr. Bolding's name. When I called the office in Joplin I discovered that Dr. Bolding does not work out of that office daily. He comes down here once a week or every two weeks. I was interested in ONLY splint therapy. I had no interest in surgery at all. The receptionist told me that Dr. Bolding sees you and then refers you to a local dentist to do the splint surgery and charges you $125.00 for that referral. I felt like that was ripping me off because I have the ability to call around to local dentists to treat me with splints. Dr. Bolding would not be doing the actual splint therapy, he would only get involved when the high dollars came into play, $urgery$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. That upset me alot so I started making calls to the dentists locally and several mentioned Dr. LaFerla. In fact his name was one of the names Dr. Bolding's office mentioned. The one name they kept mentioning was Dr. Detar but he had treated me a few years before and I felt his care lacked a great deal and he is very expensive so I was not interested in investing more money with him. So, no I never met with Dr. Bolding.
What Dr. LaFerla said about braces to me was that he wants his TMJ patients to be six months symptom free before he will put them in braces. I got my splint about 2 months ago. I have done extremely well with it until last week I had a slight setback. My muscles got very tight and I was in alot of pain. I went in to see Dr. LaFerla and he did an adjustment and told me he will see me this coming Thursday. I am doing much better already. I am back to about the same place I was before the setback. I think what caused the setback for me was I had been under extreme stress for a week or two and I think I just tightened up all over. So, I think I will be starting all over on the 6 months countdown but that's ok with me. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Boy, you said it, TMJ is extremely complicated and frusrtating too. What I think is most frustrating is that there are no guidelines for treatment so it seems each are treating the way they think is best.
Here is my story. I've had TMJ for about 23 years. It began right after having my braces removed. I put up with it for many years and had been through several different types of splints with no success. About 3 years ago I began having much more pain and began looking for treatment once again. I had not had much success in finding anyone to treat me until finding Dr. LaFerla. I have been in an upper splint, an NTI, a lower night guard type splint and now this occlusal orthotic device. I have had great success with this splint. Since beginning with this splint I have gotten rid of the killer headaches I used to have every single day. These headaches were so bad I felt like if I ran as fast as I could and rammed my head into a brick wall it couldn't hurt worse. My jaw has not locked up since beginning with this splint. Only those few days last week did I have much popping in the joint. I've had very little pain since starting with this splint. I feel that this splint treatment is a success. Sorry this is so long. Anything else I didn't cover please ask and I will write about it.
Tiffany
I was thinking the same thing about being online and never knowing who you might meet. I mean, Joplin isn't all that big of a community. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool to have run into at least one other who lives in my area. You could be in the same splint I am in. Before he made my splint I asked him if it was possible to make a lower splint rather than an upper splint because I've had both over time but I've learned that the lower splint is so much easier to speak with. He said either one was fine so he made me a lower splint. Mine is also hard plastic and it has two little pieces of wire in it with like little balls on the end. He said these help hold the splint in place and he has found these work better with adults. I'm not sure if he does that only on the lower splints though. Does your also have these in it? I guess it's a good thing that I am so hard headed. Several dentists have suggested surgery to me but I have always been very determined not to allow surgery on my jaws. I've had other surgeries in my lifetime and what I learned from those is this, once surgery is done on any joint or any part of the body that joint is never the same again. I was just too afraid to allow surgery to be done on my jaws. The surgery you had is what has been suggested to me. My left side is the only side that is bad. I had an MRI done and the left disc is displaced.
My friend who has surgery done by Dr. Bolden is doing pretty well now. She doesn't live close by anymore so I don't talk to her as often as I used to but I did run into her mom in the store last week and she said she's doing well. She is supposed to be down this coming weekend. If I see her, which I sure hope I will, I'll ask her about her surgery and progress and let you know what she says ok.
I have not seen Dr. Bolding myself. The reason I didn't see him is this, when I was searching for someone to treat my TMJ I kept hearing Dr. Bolding's name. When I called the office in Joplin I discovered that Dr. Bolding does not work out of that office daily. He comes down here once a week or every two weeks. I was interested in ONLY splint therapy. I had no interest in surgery at all. The receptionist told me that Dr. Bolding sees you and then refers you to a local dentist to do the splint surgery and charges you $125.00 for that referral. I felt like that was ripping me off because I have the ability to call around to local dentists to treat me with splints. Dr. Bolding would not be doing the actual splint therapy, he would only get involved when the high dollars came into play, $urgery$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. That upset me alot so I started making calls to the dentists locally and several mentioned Dr. LaFerla. In fact his name was one of the names Dr. Bolding's office mentioned. The one name they kept mentioning was Dr. Detar but he had treated me a few years before and I felt his care lacked a great deal and he is very expensive so I was not interested in investing more money with him. So, no I never met with Dr. Bolding.
What Dr. LaFerla said about braces to me was that he wants his TMJ patients to be six months symptom free before he will put them in braces. I got my splint about 2 months ago. I have done extremely well with it until last week I had a slight setback. My muscles got very tight and I was in alot of pain. I went in to see Dr. LaFerla and he did an adjustment and told me he will see me this coming Thursday. I am doing much better already. I am back to about the same place I was before the setback. I think what caused the setback for me was I had been under extreme stress for a week or two and I think I just tightened up all over. So, I think I will be starting all over on the 6 months countdown but that's ok with me. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Boy, you said it, TMJ is extremely complicated and frusrtating too. What I think is most frustrating is that there are no guidelines for treatment so it seems each are treating the way they think is best.
Here is my story. I've had TMJ for about 23 years. It began right after having my braces removed. I put up with it for many years and had been through several different types of splints with no success. About 3 years ago I began having much more pain and began looking for treatment once again. I had not had much success in finding anyone to treat me until finding Dr. LaFerla. I have been in an upper splint, an NTI, a lower night guard type splint and now this occlusal orthotic device. I have had great success with this splint. Since beginning with this splint I have gotten rid of the killer headaches I used to have every single day. These headaches were so bad I felt like if I ran as fast as I could and rammed my head into a brick wall it couldn't hurt worse. My jaw has not locked up since beginning with this splint. Only those few days last week did I have much popping in the joint. I've had very little pain since starting with this splint. I feel that this splint treatment is a success. Sorry this is so long. Anything else I didn't cover please ask and I will write about it.
Tiffany
TiffanyAnn
09-23-2003, 10:37 PM
Hi Michelle:
I was thinking the same thing about being online and never knowing who you might meet. I mean, Joplin isn't all that big of a community. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool to have run into at least one other who lives in my area. You could be in the same splint I am in. Before he made my splint I asked him if it was possible to make a lower splint rather than an upper splint because I've had both over time but I've learned that the lower splint is so much easier to speak with. He said either one was fine so he made me a lower splint. Mine is also hard plastic and it has two little pieces of wire in it with like little balls on the end. He said these help hold the splint in place and he has found these work better with adults. I'm not sure if he does that only on the lower splints though. Does your also have these in it? I guess it's a good thing that I am so hard headed. Several dentists have suggested surgery to me but I have always been very determined not to allow surgery on my jaws. I've had other surgeries in my lifetime and what I learned from those is this, once surgery is done on any joint or any part of the body that joint is never the same again. I was just too afraid to allow surgery to be done on my jaws. The surgery you had is what has been suggested to me. My left side is the only side that is bad. I had an MRI done and the left disc is displaced.
My friend who has surgery done by Dr. Bolden is doing pretty well now. She doesn't live close by anymore so I don't talk to her as often as I used to but I did run into her mom in the store last week and she said she's doing well. She is supposed to be down this coming weekend. If I see her, which I sure hope I will, I'll ask her about her surgery and progress and let you know what she says ok.
I have not seen Dr. Bolding myself. The reason I didn't see him is this, when I was searching for someone to treat my TMJ I kept hearing Dr. Bolding's name. When I called the office in Joplin I discovered that Dr. Bolding does not work out of that office daily. He comes down here once a week or every two weeks. I was interested in ONLY splint therapy. I had no interest in surgery at all. The receptionist told me that Dr. Bolding sees you and then refers you to a local dentist to do the splint surgery and charges you $125.00 for that referral. I felt like that was ripping me off because I have the ability to call around to local dentists to treat me with splints. Dr. Bolding would not be doing the actual splint therapy, he would only get involved when the high dollars came into play, $urgery$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. That upset me alot so I started making calls to the dentists locally and several mentioned Dr. LaFerla. In fact his name was one of the names Dr. Bolding's office mentioned. The one name they kept mentioning was Dr. Detar but he had treated me a few years before and I felt his care lacked a great deal and he is very expensive so I was not interested in investing more money with him. So, no I never met with Dr. Bolding.
What Dr. LaFerla said about braces to me was that he wants his TMJ patients to be six months symptom free before he will put them in braces. I got my splint about 2 months ago. I have done extremely well with it until last week I had a slight setback. My muscles got very tight and I was in alot of pain. I went in to see Dr. LaFerla and he did an adjustment and told me he will see me this coming Thursday. I am doing much better already. I am back to about the same place I was before the setback. I think what caused the setback for me was I had been under extreme stress for a week or two and I think I just tightened up all over. So, I think I will be starting all over on the 6 months countdown but that's ok with me. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Boy, you said it, TMJ is extremely complicated and frusrtating too. What I think is most frustrating is that there are no guidelines for treatment so it seems each are treating the way they think is best.
Here is my story. I've had TMJ for about 23 years. It began right after having my braces removed. I put up with it for many years and had been through several different types of splints with no success. About 3 years ago I began having much more pain and began looking for treatment once again. I had not had much success in finding anyone to treat me until finding Dr. LaFerla. I have been in an upper splint, an NTI, a lower night guard type splint and now this occlusal orthotic device. I have had great success with this splint. Since beginning with this splint I have gotten rid of the killer headaches I used to have every single day. These headaches were so bad I felt like if I ran as fast as I could and rammed my head into a brick wall it couldn't hurt worse. My jaw has not locked up since beginning with this splint. Only those few days last week did I have much popping in the joint. I've had very little pain since starting with this splint. I feel that this splint treatment is a success. Sorry this is so long. Anything else I didn't cover please ask and I will write about it.
Tiffany
I was thinking the same thing about being online and never knowing who you might meet. I mean, Joplin isn't all that big of a community. Anyway, I think it's pretty cool to have run into at least one other who lives in my area. You could be in the same splint I am in. Before he made my splint I asked him if it was possible to make a lower splint rather than an upper splint because I've had both over time but I've learned that the lower splint is so much easier to speak with. He said either one was fine so he made me a lower splint. Mine is also hard plastic and it has two little pieces of wire in it with like little balls on the end. He said these help hold the splint in place and he has found these work better with adults. I'm not sure if he does that only on the lower splints though. Does your also have these in it? I guess it's a good thing that I am so hard headed. Several dentists have suggested surgery to me but I have always been very determined not to allow surgery on my jaws. I've had other surgeries in my lifetime and what I learned from those is this, once surgery is done on any joint or any part of the body that joint is never the same again. I was just too afraid to allow surgery to be done on my jaws. The surgery you had is what has been suggested to me. My left side is the only side that is bad. I had an MRI done and the left disc is displaced.
My friend who has surgery done by Dr. Bolden is doing pretty well now. She doesn't live close by anymore so I don't talk to her as often as I used to but I did run into her mom in the store last week and she said she's doing well. She is supposed to be down this coming weekend. If I see her, which I sure hope I will, I'll ask her about her surgery and progress and let you know what she says ok.
I have not seen Dr. Bolding myself. The reason I didn't see him is this, when I was searching for someone to treat my TMJ I kept hearing Dr. Bolding's name. When I called the office in Joplin I discovered that Dr. Bolding does not work out of that office daily. He comes down here once a week or every two weeks. I was interested in ONLY splint therapy. I had no interest in surgery at all. The receptionist told me that Dr. Bolding sees you and then refers you to a local dentist to do the splint surgery and charges you $125.00 for that referral. I felt like that was ripping me off because I have the ability to call around to local dentists to treat me with splints. Dr. Bolding would not be doing the actual splint therapy, he would only get involved when the high dollars came into play, $urgery$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. That upset me alot so I started making calls to the dentists locally and several mentioned Dr. LaFerla. In fact his name was one of the names Dr. Bolding's office mentioned. The one name they kept mentioning was Dr. Detar but he had treated me a few years before and I felt his care lacked a great deal and he is very expensive so I was not interested in investing more money with him. So, no I never met with Dr. Bolding.
What Dr. LaFerla said about braces to me was that he wants his TMJ patients to be six months symptom free before he will put them in braces. I got my splint about 2 months ago. I have done extremely well with it until last week I had a slight setback. My muscles got very tight and I was in alot of pain. I went in to see Dr. LaFerla and he did an adjustment and told me he will see me this coming Thursday. I am doing much better already. I am back to about the same place I was before the setback. I think what caused the setback for me was I had been under extreme stress for a week or two and I think I just tightened up all over. So, I think I will be starting all over on the 6 months countdown but that's ok with me. I'd rather be safe than sorry. Boy, you said it, TMJ is extremely complicated and frusrtating too. What I think is most frustrating is that there are no guidelines for treatment so it seems each are treating the way they think is best.
Here is my story. I've had TMJ for about 23 years. It began right after having my braces removed. I put up with it for many years and had been through several different types of splints with no success. About 3 years ago I began having much more pain and began looking for treatment once again. I had not had much success in finding anyone to treat me until finding Dr. LaFerla. I have been in an upper splint, an NTI, a lower night guard type splint and now this occlusal orthotic device. I have had great success with this splint. Since beginning with this splint I have gotten rid of the killer headaches I used to have every single day. These headaches were so bad I felt like if I ran as fast as I could and rammed my head into a brick wall it couldn't hurt worse. My jaw has not locked up since beginning with this splint. Only those few days last week did I have much popping in the joint. I've had very little pain since starting with this splint. I feel that this splint treatment is a success. Sorry this is so long. Anything else I didn't cover please ask and I will write about it.
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-24-2003, 09:37 PM
Hi Tiffany,
I was glad to see another post from you. Yes, Joplin is not very big at all, and I think it is pretty neat we ran into each other. I live right outside of Joplin in a subdivision, but I am in Carl Juction School District. The internet gets a bad rap much of the time, but I have found it to be a godsend.
It is really good to hear you are doing so well with the splint therapy. I agree it is a much more conservative approach. I find it very disturbing that anyone would mention surgery to you before trying splint therapy. A large percentage of the population has displaced disc and are symptom free. I read that fact in several different places such as books and the internet. I believe that one should only have surgery if they are in major pain and all conservative treamtent has been tried. I think you are wise.
I think if anyone can help you with your TMJ, it will indeed be Dr. LaFerla. Dr. Bolding recommended only him to me for orthodontic work. He listed off all La Ferla's credentials, and told me that he had trained with this person and that. I can't remember the individual's names, but they obviously are someone in the world of denistry.
You mentioned Dr. DeTar. I met one of his dental hygienist at an event. I was needing a root canal and waiting to get into see Dr. Patterson. He was really booked up for about two to three months. At the time Dr. Patterson, who was an endodontist, was still alive. He was such a nice person. You might of heard of him. He had performed one of my previous root canals with great success. Dr.DeTar's hygienist told me that he performed root canals with much success. I couldn't get into see Dr. Patterson, so I went on her recommendation. He broke a file off in my tooth during the procedure. The tooth abcessed. He ended up pulling the tooth. I found out later I might of been able to save the tooth if he had sent me to a specilist, who could try to remove the file. It was an option other than pulling the tooth. I understand that complications arise during procedures, and they are no guarantees. My complaint is that he should of given me the option of referring me to someone who could of removed the file. I was not given any options. Plus, he charged me for the root canal and to pull the tooth. Now, I am wiser.
Well, I started having major problems after he pulled the tooth, which is not uncommon according to Dr. Bolding. I started grinding my teeth and having neck and shoulder pain. I got a splint from Dr. Lais and had been wearing it for a few years. I replaced the tooth with an implant at a price, which failed due to the grinding. I fractured the implant below the gum line. I became very dislocated on the right side where the tooth was pulled. I think this is bascially due to losing that right premolar. I did well with the splint for a couple of years. It controlled my symptoms, but the damage was already done. I ended up most of last year not being able to chew on my right side. My general dentist trying adjusting the splint every couple of weeks most of last year. I just kept having more and more pain with facial muscle spasms on that right side despite splint adjustments.
By the time I saw Dr. Bolding he told me I was actually chewing on the ligament. It was so stretched out. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would never eat on my right side ever again without surgery. I did not want to live that way. I knew it was not going to get better, and I had been in splint therapy for three years prior to major pain. I couldn't figure out why I got worse despite wearing the splint. Dr. Bolding told me that I was already dislocated before I started wearing the splint. I guess it just got worse.
Anyway, I had the surgery in March 2003. It was rough, but I am sure your friend told you all about the physical therapy, two weeks of liquid diet, more than a month of soft diet. I went ahead and had both sides done since I was dislocated on the left side. I was having minor symptoms on that side. I figured I would end up having to have it done sooner or later. My husband and Dr. Bolding encouraged me to go ahead and have both sides done. I am now able to eat on my left side.
I wear a splint just like yours but mine is on the top. It has the wires with the little balls just like yours. This splint fits much better than the one my general dentist made, who is Dr. Lais. I really like him. I am happy with the new splint LaFerla made. You are correct; it is much harder to talk with an upper splint. I have some trouble articulating, and I can see it in other people's face when they do not understand me. They get a certain facial expression. It is embarrassing for me. I try not to let it bother me too much.
You mentioned one office kept mentioning Dr. DeTar. Did I understand you correctly that Bolding's office was recommending DeTar to you? I think that is what you were telling me. I find that odd for many reasons.
You are correct that Dr. Bolding only comes here once a month. The majority of the time I have went to Fayette***** to see him. I have only seen him once in Joplin, but I plan to see him there in October. The trip to his office in Fayette***** is not bad at all with the new highway. It is still not as convenient as the Joplin office but much better than a trip to KC, Tulsa or St. Louis.
I still have to replace the tooth that is missing. Dr. LaFerla, Lais and Bolding are encouraging me to replace it with a much larger implant. The tooth (premolar) will not be larger, but the metal body holding it beneath the gumline will be much larger than the original implant I had intially. The hold back is that I will have to have a bone graft done to build up the bone. I am dreading it, and I need to read up on possible complications of bone grafting. I think maybe Cymy Sue has had one? I need to ask her.
I am very glad to hear your friend is doing so well. Yes, I would love to hear how far post op she is and how she is progressing.
You thought your reply was long. I think mine is longer. I would really like to hear how you are also doing with your splint therapy, and how you progress with your treatment with Dr. LaFerla. I was kidding him the other day. I told him he must love a challenge since he sees TMJ patients. The dental assistant told me their office does see a lot of TMJ patients. She said, "They are a challenge." LOL I hope to hear from you again. Thanks for the reply.
I was glad to see another post from you. Yes, Joplin is not very big at all, and I think it is pretty neat we ran into each other. I live right outside of Joplin in a subdivision, but I am in Carl Juction School District. The internet gets a bad rap much of the time, but I have found it to be a godsend.
It is really good to hear you are doing so well with the splint therapy. I agree it is a much more conservative approach. I find it very disturbing that anyone would mention surgery to you before trying splint therapy. A large percentage of the population has displaced disc and are symptom free. I read that fact in several different places such as books and the internet. I believe that one should only have surgery if they are in major pain and all conservative treamtent has been tried. I think you are wise.
I think if anyone can help you with your TMJ, it will indeed be Dr. LaFerla. Dr. Bolding recommended only him to me for orthodontic work. He listed off all La Ferla's credentials, and told me that he had trained with this person and that. I can't remember the individual's names, but they obviously are someone in the world of denistry.
You mentioned Dr. DeTar. I met one of his dental hygienist at an event. I was needing a root canal and waiting to get into see Dr. Patterson. He was really booked up for about two to three months. At the time Dr. Patterson, who was an endodontist, was still alive. He was such a nice person. You might of heard of him. He had performed one of my previous root canals with great success. Dr.DeTar's hygienist told me that he performed root canals with much success. I couldn't get into see Dr. Patterson, so I went on her recommendation. He broke a file off in my tooth during the procedure. The tooth abcessed. He ended up pulling the tooth. I found out later I might of been able to save the tooth if he had sent me to a specilist, who could try to remove the file. It was an option other than pulling the tooth. I understand that complications arise during procedures, and they are no guarantees. My complaint is that he should of given me the option of referring me to someone who could of removed the file. I was not given any options. Plus, he charged me for the root canal and to pull the tooth. Now, I am wiser.
Well, I started having major problems after he pulled the tooth, which is not uncommon according to Dr. Bolding. I started grinding my teeth and having neck and shoulder pain. I got a splint from Dr. Lais and had been wearing it for a few years. I replaced the tooth with an implant at a price, which failed due to the grinding. I fractured the implant below the gum line. I became very dislocated on the right side where the tooth was pulled. I think this is bascially due to losing that right premolar. I did well with the splint for a couple of years. It controlled my symptoms, but the damage was already done. I ended up most of last year not being able to chew on my right side. My general dentist trying adjusting the splint every couple of weeks most of last year. I just kept having more and more pain with facial muscle spasms on that right side despite splint adjustments.
By the time I saw Dr. Bolding he told me I was actually chewing on the ligament. It was so stretched out. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would never eat on my right side ever again without surgery. I did not want to live that way. I knew it was not going to get better, and I had been in splint therapy for three years prior to major pain. I couldn't figure out why I got worse despite wearing the splint. Dr. Bolding told me that I was already dislocated before I started wearing the splint. I guess it just got worse.
Anyway, I had the surgery in March 2003. It was rough, but I am sure your friend told you all about the physical therapy, two weeks of liquid diet, more than a month of soft diet. I went ahead and had both sides done since I was dislocated on the left side. I was having minor symptoms on that side. I figured I would end up having to have it done sooner or later. My husband and Dr. Bolding encouraged me to go ahead and have both sides done. I am now able to eat on my left side.
I wear a splint just like yours but mine is on the top. It has the wires with the little balls just like yours. This splint fits much better than the one my general dentist made, who is Dr. Lais. I really like him. I am happy with the new splint LaFerla made. You are correct; it is much harder to talk with an upper splint. I have some trouble articulating, and I can see it in other people's face when they do not understand me. They get a certain facial expression. It is embarrassing for me. I try not to let it bother me too much.
You mentioned one office kept mentioning Dr. DeTar. Did I understand you correctly that Bolding's office was recommending DeTar to you? I think that is what you were telling me. I find that odd for many reasons.
You are correct that Dr. Bolding only comes here once a month. The majority of the time I have went to Fayette***** to see him. I have only seen him once in Joplin, but I plan to see him there in October. The trip to his office in Fayette***** is not bad at all with the new highway. It is still not as convenient as the Joplin office but much better than a trip to KC, Tulsa or St. Louis.
I still have to replace the tooth that is missing. Dr. LaFerla, Lais and Bolding are encouraging me to replace it with a much larger implant. The tooth (premolar) will not be larger, but the metal body holding it beneath the gumline will be much larger than the original implant I had intially. The hold back is that I will have to have a bone graft done to build up the bone. I am dreading it, and I need to read up on possible complications of bone grafting. I think maybe Cymy Sue has had one? I need to ask her.
I am very glad to hear your friend is doing so well. Yes, I would love to hear how far post op she is and how she is progressing.
You thought your reply was long. I think mine is longer. I would really like to hear how you are also doing with your splint therapy, and how you progress with your treatment with Dr. LaFerla. I was kidding him the other day. I told him he must love a challenge since he sees TMJ patients. The dental assistant told me their office does see a lot of TMJ patients. She said, "They are a challenge." LOL I hope to hear from you again. Thanks for the reply.
TiffanyAnn
09-24-2003, 10:28 PM
Hi Michelle:
I'm so glad you wrote again.I agree about the internet getting a bad wrap. It has also been a Godsend to me. There were times I would not survived had it not been for the people on this list and their encouragement. And it just seems so cool to have run into someone on this list who lives right nearby and who has seen and does see the same dentists I have seen or do see. You know, I did alot of research on TMJ myself and found what you said that there is alot of people who have TMJ but never have any symptoms and live with it all their lives. I wish I had been one of those people :)
My friend who had surgery done by Dr. Bolding also had her surgery done in Fayette*****. She called me not long after she had her surgery and she was in such awful agony. She couldn't eat and it hurt her to put a spoon in her mouth. She was crying and in so much pain. I gave her some suggestions on how she might be able to get a little something in her system. I suggested trying a baby spoon because they are so small and they are covered with that plastic and trying so jello or yogurt which helped her.
I've heard good things about Dr. Patterson from others in the area. It always seems the good ones are the ones to go. I'm sorry to hear about your negative experience with Dr. DeTar. Dr. DeTar was my dentist for about 9 years or so. One of my crowns fell off and I went in for him to re-cement it on. When he put it back on I told him it didn't feel right but he said it was fine. The same crown fell off about a month or so later and it was during the Christmas holiday time. Well Dr. DeTar was out of the office for 2 weeks and he does not have an answering service who answers if he is out and he did not leave the name of any of his collegues who were taking his patients while he was gone. They expected you to just leave a message on the answering machine and live with whatever problem you had until he got back. That really hacked me off so I started calling my friends and asking them what dentist they see. One of my friends said she sees Dr. Short and that he is very good and very gentle so I called his office. They were in the office and got me right in. When he saw the crown he said that the crown had alot of cement on it. I told him the story about DeTar and how I told him the crown didn't feel right when he put it back on. Well it turns out that when DeTar put the crown back on he did not scrape the cement out before re applying it and he put it in backwards. All this plus the fact that DeTar charges about double to triple what other dentists in the area charge. So, when Dr. Short told me that I asked him if he would take me as a patient. He said yes and I told him to send for my records. Dr. Short made me a night guard which I used for about 3 years. It wasn't a very good splint but at least it protected my teeth from being ground down by all the grinding I do at night. Dr. Bolding's office first gave me the name of DeTar as one they refer people to for splint therapy. I told them forget it, I can't stand the man. Then they mentioned Dr. LaFerla as someone they work with "after" surgery for splints and braces. I spoke with my dentists office and they also gave me Dr. LaFerla's name so I called and made an appointment with him. I have never been sorry I did. He's a great orthodnotist plus he's a caring person who is not in it for every buck he can squeeze you out of. I'm so sorry that you went through so much and ended up losing your tooth. If that had happened to me I would have been irate and would have given him more of my mind than I can spare. :D You definately should have been given choices. He's a real egotistical jerk!!
When I first began seeing Dr. LaFerla I was in so much pain I could hardly function. I had such awful headaches EVERY DAY that I just wanted to die. My jaw locked up all the time. I had blurry vision, dizziness so bad I often couldn't even drive safely, my jaw clicked and popped EVERY time I opened my mouth. Bottom line, I was on the verge of suicide. When I phoned Dr. LaFerla's office I was so upset and crying and his staff was so kind and helpful with me. I told them all that I had done looking for help and that I was ready to kill myself and they told me he could help me and that the first appointment was free so don't do anything until my appointment because they knew he could help me. Since beginning treatment I have not had the killer headaches, I have not had such bad dizzy spells, my vision is not so blurry and my jaw does not click and pop every time I open my mouth. I now have hope that I can get my life back and get out of pain.
Sorry, this post has gotten long too. But it's so exciting to be able to discuss with somone who actually knows these people. It's just so cool.
Tiffany
I'm so glad you wrote again.I agree about the internet getting a bad wrap. It has also been a Godsend to me. There were times I would not survived had it not been for the people on this list and their encouragement. And it just seems so cool to have run into someone on this list who lives right nearby and who has seen and does see the same dentists I have seen or do see. You know, I did alot of research on TMJ myself and found what you said that there is alot of people who have TMJ but never have any symptoms and live with it all their lives. I wish I had been one of those people :)
My friend who had surgery done by Dr. Bolding also had her surgery done in Fayette*****. She called me not long after she had her surgery and she was in such awful agony. She couldn't eat and it hurt her to put a spoon in her mouth. She was crying and in so much pain. I gave her some suggestions on how she might be able to get a little something in her system. I suggested trying a baby spoon because they are so small and they are covered with that plastic and trying so jello or yogurt which helped her.
I've heard good things about Dr. Patterson from others in the area. It always seems the good ones are the ones to go. I'm sorry to hear about your negative experience with Dr. DeTar. Dr. DeTar was my dentist for about 9 years or so. One of my crowns fell off and I went in for him to re-cement it on. When he put it back on I told him it didn't feel right but he said it was fine. The same crown fell off about a month or so later and it was during the Christmas holiday time. Well Dr. DeTar was out of the office for 2 weeks and he does not have an answering service who answers if he is out and he did not leave the name of any of his collegues who were taking his patients while he was gone. They expected you to just leave a message on the answering machine and live with whatever problem you had until he got back. That really hacked me off so I started calling my friends and asking them what dentist they see. One of my friends said she sees Dr. Short and that he is very good and very gentle so I called his office. They were in the office and got me right in. When he saw the crown he said that the crown had alot of cement on it. I told him the story about DeTar and how I told him the crown didn't feel right when he put it back on. Well it turns out that when DeTar put the crown back on he did not scrape the cement out before re applying it and he put it in backwards. All this plus the fact that DeTar charges about double to triple what other dentists in the area charge. So, when Dr. Short told me that I asked him if he would take me as a patient. He said yes and I told him to send for my records. Dr. Short made me a night guard which I used for about 3 years. It wasn't a very good splint but at least it protected my teeth from being ground down by all the grinding I do at night. Dr. Bolding's office first gave me the name of DeTar as one they refer people to for splint therapy. I told them forget it, I can't stand the man. Then they mentioned Dr. LaFerla as someone they work with "after" surgery for splints and braces. I spoke with my dentists office and they also gave me Dr. LaFerla's name so I called and made an appointment with him. I have never been sorry I did. He's a great orthodnotist plus he's a caring person who is not in it for every buck he can squeeze you out of. I'm so sorry that you went through so much and ended up losing your tooth. If that had happened to me I would have been irate and would have given him more of my mind than I can spare. :D You definately should have been given choices. He's a real egotistical jerk!!
When I first began seeing Dr. LaFerla I was in so much pain I could hardly function. I had such awful headaches EVERY DAY that I just wanted to die. My jaw locked up all the time. I had blurry vision, dizziness so bad I often couldn't even drive safely, my jaw clicked and popped EVERY time I opened my mouth. Bottom line, I was on the verge of suicide. When I phoned Dr. LaFerla's office I was so upset and crying and his staff was so kind and helpful with me. I told them all that I had done looking for help and that I was ready to kill myself and they told me he could help me and that the first appointment was free so don't do anything until my appointment because they knew he could help me. Since beginning treatment I have not had the killer headaches, I have not had such bad dizzy spells, my vision is not so blurry and my jaw does not click and pop every time I open my mouth. I now have hope that I can get my life back and get out of pain.
Sorry, this post has gotten long too. But it's so exciting to be able to discuss with somone who actually knows these people. It's just so cool.
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-25-2003, 02:33 AM
Hi Again Tiffany,
You mentioned in an earlier post that you have already had braces. I was curious if your previous treatment was not correct. Did the first orthodontist not move your teeth correctly or have your teeth moved too much over the years? Who did your first set of braces? I guess I am curious to hear if it is anyone I know, and if it was the cause of your TMJ. I have heard braces can cause TMJ.
My husband's hairdresser says her headgear caused her to have TMJ. Her mouth is very small, and her mouth deviates to the side when she talks. She gets massage therapy on a regular basis, which helps her. She also has not heard anything good about surgery. Did you have to wear head gear? I don't know if people have to wear it anymore or not. My daughter did not. She wears her retainers every night. She is excellent about it.
My symptoms have been minimal the past couple of days. I am so thankful. It has been wonderful. I hope it continues.
Do you grind your teeth at night or clench them? I didn't know if this was aggravating your TMJ. I know that I definitely clench my teeth, and I think I must also grind them. I just think my husband cannot hear me since I wear the splint now. I sure wish they made a medication, which would alleviate this problem. I have read that Elavil and Deseyrl decrease this problem in some people. I am currently trying the Elavil.
Do you still see Dr. Short? I do not think I know anything about him. I still see Dr. Lais. He will probably do my next implant. Dr. Bolding will most likely do my bone graft. I plan on seeing LaFerla indefinitely for future splints and adjustments even after I am done with braces. I will let him handle that issue of my treatement since I have such a complicated case.
What do you do for fun in Joplin? I like the area, because I was born and raised in this area. I wish there was more to do in the area, but I manage to keep busy. I wish there were more stores out at the NorthPark Mall and more concerts.
Well, it is getting late. I better get some sleep. I will talk with you soon.
You mentioned in an earlier post that you have already had braces. I was curious if your previous treatment was not correct. Did the first orthodontist not move your teeth correctly or have your teeth moved too much over the years? Who did your first set of braces? I guess I am curious to hear if it is anyone I know, and if it was the cause of your TMJ. I have heard braces can cause TMJ.
My husband's hairdresser says her headgear caused her to have TMJ. Her mouth is very small, and her mouth deviates to the side when she talks. She gets massage therapy on a regular basis, which helps her. She also has not heard anything good about surgery. Did you have to wear head gear? I don't know if people have to wear it anymore or not. My daughter did not. She wears her retainers every night. She is excellent about it.
My symptoms have been minimal the past couple of days. I am so thankful. It has been wonderful. I hope it continues.
Do you grind your teeth at night or clench them? I didn't know if this was aggravating your TMJ. I know that I definitely clench my teeth, and I think I must also grind them. I just think my husband cannot hear me since I wear the splint now. I sure wish they made a medication, which would alleviate this problem. I have read that Elavil and Deseyrl decrease this problem in some people. I am currently trying the Elavil.
Do you still see Dr. Short? I do not think I know anything about him. I still see Dr. Lais. He will probably do my next implant. Dr. Bolding will most likely do my bone graft. I plan on seeing LaFerla indefinitely for future splints and adjustments even after I am done with braces. I will let him handle that issue of my treatement since I have such a complicated case.
What do you do for fun in Joplin? I like the area, because I was born and raised in this area. I wish there was more to do in the area, but I manage to keep busy. I wish there were more stores out at the NorthPark Mall and more concerts.
Well, it is getting late. I better get some sleep. I will talk with you soon.
TiffanyAnn
09-25-2003, 09:54 PM
Hi Michelle:
I had braces as a teenager and I believe the problem was the manner in which they did braces at that time. Back then they pulled four teeth and shoved the rest of the teeth back to close those left by the pulled teeth. I was told that this manner of doing braces has cause ALOT of cases of TMJ. I also have a very small mouth inside and I think that contributes to the problem. Yes, I did wear headgear when I had braces. My first braces were done in California where I grew up. I would love to get massage therapy too but I can't afford it. I have a friend who lives in Florida who is a massage therapist, whenever I go visit her she always gives me messages. It's great.
I don't think that I'm a clencher but I am definately a grinder. I also wish there was some type of medication to help us with this and because it's done when we are sleeping we really have no way to have control over it.
I do still see Dr. Short. He's a good dentist and he is very gentle when he works on you which I can definately appreciate. I've heard great things about Dr. Lais as well though. Several of my friends see him and they all like him alot.
Fun in Joplin, well there isn't a great deal to do here really but I am kind of a home body. I enjoy my home and doing stuff at home. I am big into crafts and stuff like that which fills alot of time. I also have several pets which take up alot of my time and I enjoy them immensely. I enjoy going to Northpark Mall sometimes too. I always take my niece to the mall when she comes to visit and that is an all day event. And I do mean ALL DAY. :)
I was at Dr. LaFerla's today and was telling the tech about meeting you on this list. She asked what your name is and I told her we are not allowed to exchange names and such on this list but I told her how excited I was to find another person who lives around here. I'm doing much better. I don't have to see him until Nov. I'm thankful for that.
Tiffany
I had braces as a teenager and I believe the problem was the manner in which they did braces at that time. Back then they pulled four teeth and shoved the rest of the teeth back to close those left by the pulled teeth. I was told that this manner of doing braces has cause ALOT of cases of TMJ. I also have a very small mouth inside and I think that contributes to the problem. Yes, I did wear headgear when I had braces. My first braces were done in California where I grew up. I would love to get massage therapy too but I can't afford it. I have a friend who lives in Florida who is a massage therapist, whenever I go visit her she always gives me messages. It's great.
I don't think that I'm a clencher but I am definately a grinder. I also wish there was some type of medication to help us with this and because it's done when we are sleeping we really have no way to have control over it.
I do still see Dr. Short. He's a good dentist and he is very gentle when he works on you which I can definately appreciate. I've heard great things about Dr. Lais as well though. Several of my friends see him and they all like him alot.
Fun in Joplin, well there isn't a great deal to do here really but I am kind of a home body. I enjoy my home and doing stuff at home. I am big into crafts and stuff like that which fills alot of time. I also have several pets which take up alot of my time and I enjoy them immensely. I enjoy going to Northpark Mall sometimes too. I always take my niece to the mall when she comes to visit and that is an all day event. And I do mean ALL DAY. :)
I was at Dr. LaFerla's today and was telling the tech about meeting you on this list. She asked what your name is and I told her we are not allowed to exchange names and such on this list but I told her how excited I was to find another person who lives around here. I'm doing much better. I don't have to see him until Nov. I'm thankful for that.
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-26-2003, 02:04 AM
Wow, you don't have to see Dr. LaFerla until November. That is neat. I see him October 10, which is just a couple of weeks away. He wanted me to kept my next appointment instead of cancelling it.
I don't know any of the techs names at Dr. Laferla's office. I just know Erma and Tiffany at the front desk. I have only been going there for three months.
I am excited that you are doing so well. That is wonderful. Did your bite change much? My bite did not change too much since my last visit. I had a molar that was sensitive, and he told me that I was hiting a too hard on that area. I am amazed how a tooth can be so sensitive just because your bite is hitting too hard on that area.
I am glad you are able to do crafts and keep your mind off your TMJ. I use to sew a little, but I haven't done much here lately since my surgery. I also stay home a lot. I haven't worked for the past few years. My daugther keeps me busy, but she is in high school and is needing me less and less. I will soon be out of a job.
Have you found any other bulletin boards or newsgroups that talk about TMJ? My husband was telling me he thought maybe there was a newsgroup. I have not checked into it yet.
You mentioned you have had other splints made such as the NTI. What do you think is so different about this splint? I wondered if you think maybe this one was made more correctly, which would mean Dr. LaFerla knows what he is doing. I was just thinking about how well you have done and what might be different about this splint.
Thanks for responding.
Michelle W.
I don't know any of the techs names at Dr. Laferla's office. I just know Erma and Tiffany at the front desk. I have only been going there for three months.
I am excited that you are doing so well. That is wonderful. Did your bite change much? My bite did not change too much since my last visit. I had a molar that was sensitive, and he told me that I was hiting a too hard on that area. I am amazed how a tooth can be so sensitive just because your bite is hitting too hard on that area.
I am glad you are able to do crafts and keep your mind off your TMJ. I use to sew a little, but I haven't done much here lately since my surgery. I also stay home a lot. I haven't worked for the past few years. My daugther keeps me busy, but she is in high school and is needing me less and less. I will soon be out of a job.
Have you found any other bulletin boards or newsgroups that talk about TMJ? My husband was telling me he thought maybe there was a newsgroup. I have not checked into it yet.
You mentioned you have had other splints made such as the NTI. What do you think is so different about this splint? I wondered if you think maybe this one was made more correctly, which would mean Dr. LaFerla knows what he is doing. I was just thinking about how well you have done and what might be different about this splint.
Thanks for responding.
Michelle W.
TiffanyAnn
09-26-2003, 08:45 PM
Hi Michelle:
I really don't know many of the techs either except for Lesa, Cheryl and Tiffany at the front desk. I guess I just don't pay attention to their names. I've been going to Dr. LaFerla's office since about June of this year. I think it's so weird how much a piece of plastic can do to help. And it's strange how sore a tooth can get if the splint is hitting too hard in one spot. For me this splint has been a miracle. It's helped me so much more than I ever dreamed it could.
I really love doing crafts. They keep my hands and my mind busy and at the end I have something to show for my time.
It has to be so hard when your children get to the place where they no longer need mom as much. We as women are designed to be care takers, that's what we do best is nurture. I nurture my many pets since I have no children. It fills my nurturing needs.
Somone on this board mentioned that on the Oprah website there is a TMJ board where you can discuss TMJ with others. Many here post on that board as well and seem to think it's a good board. I have not checked it out personally though.
You asked me why I felt this splint is working so much better than any of the others I have had. I believe this one is working for several reasons. First is that this splint is made correctly because Dr. LaFerla is a perfectinist on the work he does. That works well for us, his patients. The second reason is that he does regular adjustments so that we are meeting evenly on all teeth. The third reason I think this splint is working is truly a miracle, a gift from Jesus. Before getting my splint I prayed and I believe that he was listening and showed me a miracle. I hope you don't think that sounds stupid or hokey. I just don't know any other way to say it. But had Dr. LaFerla not made my splint correctly and if he didn't know what he was doing, if he didn't adjust the splint on a regular basis then my prayers would not be answered. So, I definately think the big difference with this splint is that Dr. LaFerla knows what he's doing.
Did you find out what kind of splint you are in?
Tiffany
I really don't know many of the techs either except for Lesa, Cheryl and Tiffany at the front desk. I guess I just don't pay attention to their names. I've been going to Dr. LaFerla's office since about June of this year. I think it's so weird how much a piece of plastic can do to help. And it's strange how sore a tooth can get if the splint is hitting too hard in one spot. For me this splint has been a miracle. It's helped me so much more than I ever dreamed it could.
I really love doing crafts. They keep my hands and my mind busy and at the end I have something to show for my time.
It has to be so hard when your children get to the place where they no longer need mom as much. We as women are designed to be care takers, that's what we do best is nurture. I nurture my many pets since I have no children. It fills my nurturing needs.
Somone on this board mentioned that on the Oprah website there is a TMJ board where you can discuss TMJ with others. Many here post on that board as well and seem to think it's a good board. I have not checked it out personally though.
You asked me why I felt this splint is working so much better than any of the others I have had. I believe this one is working for several reasons. First is that this splint is made correctly because Dr. LaFerla is a perfectinist on the work he does. That works well for us, his patients. The second reason is that he does regular adjustments so that we are meeting evenly on all teeth. The third reason I think this splint is working is truly a miracle, a gift from Jesus. Before getting my splint I prayed and I believe that he was listening and showed me a miracle. I hope you don't think that sounds stupid or hokey. I just don't know any other way to say it. But had Dr. LaFerla not made my splint correctly and if he didn't know what he was doing, if he didn't adjust the splint on a regular basis then my prayers would not be answered. So, I definately think the big difference with this splint is that Dr. LaFerla knows what he's doing.
Did you find out what kind of splint you are in?
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-27-2003, 07:48 PM
Hi Tiffany,
You know I actually forgot to ask Dr. Laferla which kind of splint I have. It totally slipped my mind. I will have to ask them on the 10th.
Will your braces be done one arch at a time? I know mine will be done that way. I am concerned that I will ever get to the point where I will be able to have them done. This is a serious disorder. It really frightens me.
I don't think it is weird that you think God helped in your healing process. I pray for relief all the time. I have been praying for everyone on this board. I often question why there is such suffering in this world. I have not been able to make sense out of it. I am happy that God answered your prayer.
Have you read any statistics on what percentage of the population suffer with TMJ? I have not read anything that provided this information.
I also have pets. We have two small house dogs. I have had them for several years. They are a handful. I think pets do wonders for the spirit. They are alot of company. My poodle can tell when I am upset and having a bad day with TMJ. It amazes me.
I hope you hear from your friend who recently had TMJ surgery. I am interested in her progress. I had my surgery six months ago, and I thought I would be painfree by now. It is discouraging not to be there, and the stories I hear on this website make me less than optimistic about it ever being a reality. I started hurting last night. I don't know if it is due to my splint being adjusted or what. I know last time it was adjusted I had a few rough days. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will go away. Is there anything specific that you do for relief when your TMJ is bothering you?
I am going out tonight to celebrate my birthday. Yesterday I turned 40. I got a postcard from Dr. LaFerla's office. I am going to look next time I am in there and see if they wear name tags. I haven't even noticed.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Michelle
You know I actually forgot to ask Dr. Laferla which kind of splint I have. It totally slipped my mind. I will have to ask them on the 10th.
Will your braces be done one arch at a time? I know mine will be done that way. I am concerned that I will ever get to the point where I will be able to have them done. This is a serious disorder. It really frightens me.
I don't think it is weird that you think God helped in your healing process. I pray for relief all the time. I have been praying for everyone on this board. I often question why there is such suffering in this world. I have not been able to make sense out of it. I am happy that God answered your prayer.
Have you read any statistics on what percentage of the population suffer with TMJ? I have not read anything that provided this information.
I also have pets. We have two small house dogs. I have had them for several years. They are a handful. I think pets do wonders for the spirit. They are alot of company. My poodle can tell when I am upset and having a bad day with TMJ. It amazes me.
I hope you hear from your friend who recently had TMJ surgery. I am interested in her progress. I had my surgery six months ago, and I thought I would be painfree by now. It is discouraging not to be there, and the stories I hear on this website make me less than optimistic about it ever being a reality. I started hurting last night. I don't know if it is due to my splint being adjusted or what. I know last time it was adjusted I had a few rough days. I will keep my fingers crossed that it will go away. Is there anything specific that you do for relief when your TMJ is bothering you?
I am going out tonight to celebrate my birthday. Yesterday I turned 40. I got a postcard from Dr. LaFerla's office. I am going to look next time I am in there and see if they wear name tags. I haven't even noticed.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Michelle
TiffanyAnn
09-27-2003, 09:21 PM
Hi Michelle:
I believe that I only need to have the lower teeth moved by braces. Dr. LaFerla says that the uppers are in the best place for them but the lower teeth slam hard into back side of my upper front teeth. That makes the teeth sore plus it keeps the bite off by the teeth slamming and moving that way. I'm hopeful that I can get by with just the lowers being done.
I'm so glad you don't think I am weird for feeling like Jesus has helped me with my TMJ. Some people just think a person is insane if they say they believe Jesus helped them. I pray for you as well that you will find relief from your pain. You have certainly been through your share of pain and suffering as well. I think I have read the statistics on what the percentage of the population who have TMJ but I can't remember where I read it now. If I locate it again I will let you know what it says.
It's a good thing I got online and read this. I am going to call my friends parents house and see if she made it down this weekend. If she is here and has time to get together with me I will ask her all about her recovery and where she is with pain and such. I do know that she no longers has all the popping, clicking and locking that she had prior to surgery but I'm not sure where her pain is at. Did the surgery take care of your popping, clicking and locking? I think she has a rather high tolerance to pain. I on the other hand have a very low tolerance to pain. But I will get ahold of her parents and see if she is in town this weekend. You know the one thing that really bothers me about the TMJ surgery other than the cost of course :) The fact that the surgeon leads the patient to believe they will be pain free after the surgery and I'm telling you very few are pain free. That's alot to put a patient through, to tell them that this surgery will get them out of pain when it won't. To allow people to go out and get a loan and go way into debt with the promise of pain free days is in my opinion a sin and it makes me irate beyond words. I guess this is why I have come to the place in my life where I don't trust doctors and surgeons. Because I have been lied to before and then they just drop you like a hot potatoe after they have their money and tell you that you have to live with it. If you had discovered this website prior to your surgery would you have went ahead and had surgery or would you have opted for more conservative therapy instead? I'm just curious is all. I know you did what you felt was the right thing at the time. I've tried many different splint therapy before because I didn't have all the information. Thank God for the internet. I had a bad spell about two weeks ago where I was having alot of pain and clicking and popping badly. What I do is I take ibuprofen every four hours and I use at first heat, usually I use the heating pad. I put the heat on for about 25 or 30 mins. Then take it off for awhile and usually I repeat the heat every couple of hours. If that isn't helping enough I use ice and alternate with heat. For me the heat works much better than the ice does. For others on the board it seems that ice works pretty well. I guess it's like so many other things what works well for one does not work that well for another. All of our bodies react differently to the same stimuli. But I find the ibuprofen and heat alleviate my pain and loosen up my muscles. Give it a try, if it doesn't seem to help maybe try the ice and alternate it with heat. You have to kind of experiment and see what works best for you.
You said you have a couple of little dogs. I was wondering what vet you use. I use Parkview Animal Hospital. I've been using a vet there for about 9 years now. I totally trust him. I was just curious who you use.
Oh, if I remember right they do wear name tags at Dr. LaFerla's office, some do anyway but I never have bothered to read them. LOL When you read them make sure to tell them their names ok. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/birthday.gif
I hope you have a very enjoyable evening.
Tiffany
I believe that I only need to have the lower teeth moved by braces. Dr. LaFerla says that the uppers are in the best place for them but the lower teeth slam hard into back side of my upper front teeth. That makes the teeth sore plus it keeps the bite off by the teeth slamming and moving that way. I'm hopeful that I can get by with just the lowers being done.
I'm so glad you don't think I am weird for feeling like Jesus has helped me with my TMJ. Some people just think a person is insane if they say they believe Jesus helped them. I pray for you as well that you will find relief from your pain. You have certainly been through your share of pain and suffering as well. I think I have read the statistics on what the percentage of the population who have TMJ but I can't remember where I read it now. If I locate it again I will let you know what it says.
It's a good thing I got online and read this. I am going to call my friends parents house and see if she made it down this weekend. If she is here and has time to get together with me I will ask her all about her recovery and where she is with pain and such. I do know that she no longers has all the popping, clicking and locking that she had prior to surgery but I'm not sure where her pain is at. Did the surgery take care of your popping, clicking and locking? I think she has a rather high tolerance to pain. I on the other hand have a very low tolerance to pain. But I will get ahold of her parents and see if she is in town this weekend. You know the one thing that really bothers me about the TMJ surgery other than the cost of course :) The fact that the surgeon leads the patient to believe they will be pain free after the surgery and I'm telling you very few are pain free. That's alot to put a patient through, to tell them that this surgery will get them out of pain when it won't. To allow people to go out and get a loan and go way into debt with the promise of pain free days is in my opinion a sin and it makes me irate beyond words. I guess this is why I have come to the place in my life where I don't trust doctors and surgeons. Because I have been lied to before and then they just drop you like a hot potatoe after they have their money and tell you that you have to live with it. If you had discovered this website prior to your surgery would you have went ahead and had surgery or would you have opted for more conservative therapy instead? I'm just curious is all. I know you did what you felt was the right thing at the time. I've tried many different splint therapy before because I didn't have all the information. Thank God for the internet. I had a bad spell about two weeks ago where I was having alot of pain and clicking and popping badly. What I do is I take ibuprofen every four hours and I use at first heat, usually I use the heating pad. I put the heat on for about 25 or 30 mins. Then take it off for awhile and usually I repeat the heat every couple of hours. If that isn't helping enough I use ice and alternate with heat. For me the heat works much better than the ice does. For others on the board it seems that ice works pretty well. I guess it's like so many other things what works well for one does not work that well for another. All of our bodies react differently to the same stimuli. But I find the ibuprofen and heat alleviate my pain and loosen up my muscles. Give it a try, if it doesn't seem to help maybe try the ice and alternate it with heat. You have to kind of experiment and see what works best for you.
You said you have a couple of little dogs. I was wondering what vet you use. I use Parkview Animal Hospital. I've been using a vet there for about 9 years now. I totally trust him. I was just curious who you use.
Oh, if I remember right they do wear name tags at Dr. LaFerla's office, some do anyway but I never have bothered to read them. LOL When you read them make sure to tell them their names ok. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/birthday.gif
I hope you have a very enjoyable evening.
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-28-2003, 10:23 PM
Hi Tiffany,
I have not posted a lot on this board yet, but I have noticed that when people post it gets read a lot, but there are very few responses. I find this maybe a little peculiar. I don't know what to make of it. I was hoping to hear from several people about the orthodontic work and ability to work or not work.
I have been taking my dogs to Dr. Story at Bradlin Board and Groom/Acadmy Animal for at least eight years. I have my dogs groomed there by Sheila. Michelle is the receptionist. I like her and Sheila a lot. We have boarded the animals several times with good results. I usually book early for boarding because they get full fast and the same with the grooming. I have a standing appointment every eight weeks for my poodle. My dogs get their teeth cleaned when needed. I don't do that anymore than I have to because it gets very expensive, but this last time Romeo had to have a few small teeth pulled and Dr. Story did not charge me extra. The first time I boarded Romeo he had diarrhea a couple days later, which I hear is not unusual with pets. I took him back in and the doctor did not charge me anything extra. I feel he isn't in it for every dime he can squeeze out of me. I admire that in any type of doctor.
I also liked the vet in the office down by the Capri Hotel on like 34th Street. I think the name is Champanion Animal. I changed because the office help gave me a very hard time, because I didn't bring my poodle in every six to eight weeks for grooming. I couldn't afford it. They made me feel like I was a bad pet owner, so I couldn't handle it. My dog had it's shots and was well taken care of except for the grooming issue of his hair being clipped every few months. I think I took him like four times a year. I changed to Bradlin. I didn't need the grief. I take him in more often now that money isn't as tight. Bradlin never did make me feel bad.
I am glad to hear you may only have to do the lower braces. That will be good. I think you are going through enough at this time, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Nope I don't think you are freaky thinking Jesus helped you out with your healing. I would like to think that I am pretty open minded.
I agree with you on physician's that tend to mislead people on surgery. I know on the consent I signed with Dr. Bolding's office it did state on the consent form that "this is a complicated surgery and there are no guarantees." This was not discussed with me face-to-face by the doctor. I did not realize it was a possibility until I signed the consent form the night before. I had to sign a lot of forms, and I asked his nurse a lot of questions. I almost chickened out. I had to go down the night before and stay all night. I was so scared the day of the surgery I went in crying. I bet they thought I was crazy, but I couldn't help it.
I have had several surgeries and none of them have been so expensive. I am not sure why this one is so expensive. I don't know if malpractice insurance makes this particular surgery so expensive. I have wondered.
You asked me if I would of had surgery if I had found this site first, which I think is a very good question. I have had relief from surgery such as back surgery disc removal (lamenectomy), appendectomy (appendix removal)and gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy? spelling). I guess I expected the same in this area, but I would of probably asked many more questions. I would say I was maybe too optimistic about the surgery. I probably would of done much more investigating in this area prior to going for the surgery if I had found this site. It is hard to say whether or not I would of had the surgery. I think it would of depended on what additional information I had found out in this area.
You asked about clicking and poping. My right side is functional. It made a loud clunking noise, major muscle spasms, and I was totally unable to chew any type of food on that side. I most likely would of had surgery on that side. Now I can eat anything on that side. It does at times click, but I have no major pain. I never have had any experience with locking, and I pray I never do.
My left side had some pain in the ear a few times a day, but it didn't last long. I could eat on that side. Now I have to say it seems worse than before surgery. All my new symptoms started a couple of months after surgery. I don't know if maybe neurologically the nerves rerouted to a new pathway after surgery causing a malfunction in the pathway. I am trying to read up on these concepts.
If I had it to do over would I? I don't know. The jury is still out. It may be five years before I know the answer to that question. I would of asked more questions. I would of asked more people. I don't know if all the succes stories are off enjoying their life and not posting here. I wonder if this is the case. I would of gotten other opinions from other doctors in the surgery line and not in that line. I did call Mayo. I was given the run around about being on waiting list and when appointments opended they would call me. I didn't want to wait six months. I did come in with a list several times prior to surgery and after surgery. I would of asked if I could be still in pain after the surgery and what would they do for me if this is the case. I did ask about having to have the surgery done again. I was assured that if I corrected my bite, wore my splint, did the physical therapy, followed all the rules-I wouldn't have to have any further sugery. I guess I am still optimistic about the future. I keep hoping that my left side will quit hurting me. It doesn't hurt everyday. It comes and goes. I am beginning to think I have some nerve irritation, because it will start hurting become numb like when a novacaine injection is wearing off and burn somewhat.
Oh my, I am rambling a bit, but I am trying to answer you question. If I didn't answer everything you wanted let me know. I will be glad to answer anything I can to try and help you. Thanks for the advice on the pain relief. Did you ever try a tens unit? I am curious about them. Thanks for the birthday wish I appreciate it.
I have not posted a lot on this board yet, but I have noticed that when people post it gets read a lot, but there are very few responses. I find this maybe a little peculiar. I don't know what to make of it. I was hoping to hear from several people about the orthodontic work and ability to work or not work.
I have been taking my dogs to Dr. Story at Bradlin Board and Groom/Acadmy Animal for at least eight years. I have my dogs groomed there by Sheila. Michelle is the receptionist. I like her and Sheila a lot. We have boarded the animals several times with good results. I usually book early for boarding because they get full fast and the same with the grooming. I have a standing appointment every eight weeks for my poodle. My dogs get their teeth cleaned when needed. I don't do that anymore than I have to because it gets very expensive, but this last time Romeo had to have a few small teeth pulled and Dr. Story did not charge me extra. The first time I boarded Romeo he had diarrhea a couple days later, which I hear is not unusual with pets. I took him back in and the doctor did not charge me anything extra. I feel he isn't in it for every dime he can squeeze out of me. I admire that in any type of doctor.
I also liked the vet in the office down by the Capri Hotel on like 34th Street. I think the name is Champanion Animal. I changed because the office help gave me a very hard time, because I didn't bring my poodle in every six to eight weeks for grooming. I couldn't afford it. They made me feel like I was a bad pet owner, so I couldn't handle it. My dog had it's shots and was well taken care of except for the grooming issue of his hair being clipped every few months. I think I took him like four times a year. I changed to Bradlin. I didn't need the grief. I take him in more often now that money isn't as tight. Bradlin never did make me feel bad.
I am glad to hear you may only have to do the lower braces. That will be good. I think you are going through enough at this time, so that is one less thing to worry about.
Nope I don't think you are freaky thinking Jesus helped you out with your healing. I would like to think that I am pretty open minded.
I agree with you on physician's that tend to mislead people on surgery. I know on the consent I signed with Dr. Bolding's office it did state on the consent form that "this is a complicated surgery and there are no guarantees." This was not discussed with me face-to-face by the doctor. I did not realize it was a possibility until I signed the consent form the night before. I had to sign a lot of forms, and I asked his nurse a lot of questions. I almost chickened out. I had to go down the night before and stay all night. I was so scared the day of the surgery I went in crying. I bet they thought I was crazy, but I couldn't help it.
I have had several surgeries and none of them have been so expensive. I am not sure why this one is so expensive. I don't know if malpractice insurance makes this particular surgery so expensive. I have wondered.
You asked me if I would of had surgery if I had found this site first, which I think is a very good question. I have had relief from surgery such as back surgery disc removal (lamenectomy), appendectomy (appendix removal)and gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy? spelling). I guess I expected the same in this area, but I would of probably asked many more questions. I would say I was maybe too optimistic about the surgery. I probably would of done much more investigating in this area prior to going for the surgery if I had found this site. It is hard to say whether or not I would of had the surgery. I think it would of depended on what additional information I had found out in this area.
You asked about clicking and poping. My right side is functional. It made a loud clunking noise, major muscle spasms, and I was totally unable to chew any type of food on that side. I most likely would of had surgery on that side. Now I can eat anything on that side. It does at times click, but I have no major pain. I never have had any experience with locking, and I pray I never do.
My left side had some pain in the ear a few times a day, but it didn't last long. I could eat on that side. Now I have to say it seems worse than before surgery. All my new symptoms started a couple of months after surgery. I don't know if maybe neurologically the nerves rerouted to a new pathway after surgery causing a malfunction in the pathway. I am trying to read up on these concepts.
If I had it to do over would I? I don't know. The jury is still out. It may be five years before I know the answer to that question. I would of asked more questions. I would of asked more people. I don't know if all the succes stories are off enjoying their life and not posting here. I wonder if this is the case. I would of gotten other opinions from other doctors in the surgery line and not in that line. I did call Mayo. I was given the run around about being on waiting list and when appointments opended they would call me. I didn't want to wait six months. I did come in with a list several times prior to surgery and after surgery. I would of asked if I could be still in pain after the surgery and what would they do for me if this is the case. I did ask about having to have the surgery done again. I was assured that if I corrected my bite, wore my splint, did the physical therapy, followed all the rules-I wouldn't have to have any further sugery. I guess I am still optimistic about the future. I keep hoping that my left side will quit hurting me. It doesn't hurt everyday. It comes and goes. I am beginning to think I have some nerve irritation, because it will start hurting become numb like when a novacaine injection is wearing off and burn somewhat.
Oh my, I am rambling a bit, but I am trying to answer you question. If I didn't answer everything you wanted let me know. I will be glad to answer anything I can to try and help you. Thanks for the advice on the pain relief. Did you ever try a tens unit? I am curious about them. Thanks for the birthday wish I appreciate it.
TiffanyAnn
09-28-2003, 11:22 PM
Hi Michelle:
It's so funny that you take your dogs to Dr. Storey at Academy. I used to work for him several years ago when his wife was still alive and his partner there. It just seems so strange. We could have passed each other many times and not have known it. Joplin is indeed a small community. Dr. Storey is a very good vet by the way. Their grooming service is a good service too. When I first started working for them I worked in the boarding part on weekends only. Then I became full time and was a vet tech which is what I had been trained for and had worked in for years. Nobody should ever try to make anyone feel bad for not bringing their dog in for grooming. The community here is well I describe it as economically depressed. You sound like a very good pet owner who loves her pet alot. You are right that if you want to board you need to book early especially if you are wanting to board over a holiday. They do fill up very quickly. Teeth cleaning is expensive. I agree with you on that. Heck, being on such a tight income I'm lucky if I can afford to get my teeth cleaned.
I think that Dr. Bolding should have discussed with you the facts about the surgery instead of relying on some consent form. I always get the feeling they don't discuss the details with you because they know if they do that many people will opt to skip surgery. And we both know that surgery is a high $$$$$$$$$$$$ thing and those doing TMJ surgery have a corner on it since not so many do it. To me they are like vultures feeding off of others. I just really dislike surgeons/doctors. And they want to be guaranteed they get their $15,000 dollars but they don't want to give you any guarantees for your money. I don't think his staff thought you were crazy. I'm guessing that alot of people are so stressed out that they come in crying from fear. I probably would too. It's not unusual at all really.
I sure hope that things get better for you too and that you are soon out of pain. Hang in there ok.
Tiffany
It's so funny that you take your dogs to Dr. Storey at Academy. I used to work for him several years ago when his wife was still alive and his partner there. It just seems so strange. We could have passed each other many times and not have known it. Joplin is indeed a small community. Dr. Storey is a very good vet by the way. Their grooming service is a good service too. When I first started working for them I worked in the boarding part on weekends only. Then I became full time and was a vet tech which is what I had been trained for and had worked in for years. Nobody should ever try to make anyone feel bad for not bringing their dog in for grooming. The community here is well I describe it as economically depressed. You sound like a very good pet owner who loves her pet alot. You are right that if you want to board you need to book early especially if you are wanting to board over a holiday. They do fill up very quickly. Teeth cleaning is expensive. I agree with you on that. Heck, being on such a tight income I'm lucky if I can afford to get my teeth cleaned.
I think that Dr. Bolding should have discussed with you the facts about the surgery instead of relying on some consent form. I always get the feeling they don't discuss the details with you because they know if they do that many people will opt to skip surgery. And we both know that surgery is a high $$$$$$$$$$$$ thing and those doing TMJ surgery have a corner on it since not so many do it. To me they are like vultures feeding off of others. I just really dislike surgeons/doctors. And they want to be guaranteed they get their $15,000 dollars but they don't want to give you any guarantees for your money. I don't think his staff thought you were crazy. I'm guessing that alot of people are so stressed out that they come in crying from fear. I probably would too. It's not unusual at all really.
I sure hope that things get better for you too and that you are soon out of pain. Hang in there ok.
Tiffany
Michelle W
09-29-2003, 05:06 PM
Our paths are crossing several different places here in town. I do now wonder if we didn't see each other earlier at Bradlin. My dogs names our Romeo and Pappy. Pappy is a tri-colored Papillion. Romeo is a red poodle. Pappy is much more open to people and friendly. Romeo prefers Steve and I to other people. I always board them together.
You know it seems like maybe Dr. Storey's wife was already gone when I started taking my dogs there. It is so hard to remember. I want to stay I started there in 1992. I was living in Joplin when his wife passed away. I remember seeing it in the paper and thinking how tragic. She looked young in the paper, but I don't think I was taking the dogs there yet or maybe just started. I am beginning to sound like my mom. I remember she used to tell me she couldn't remember certain details, and I use to think how crazy that sounded. I now see what she is talking about.
I am curious. Did you work with Michelle at Bradlin? I noticed she was wearing braces for some time. I talked to her in August when I picked the dogs up. We went out of town for a few days. She also goes to Dr. Lais. She told me Dr. Cook did her braces. I guess I asked her because she is maybe close to my age and wearing braces. It isn't something you see everyday.
I think it is neat you have worked as a vet tech. My daughter loves animals. I tend to be afraid of bigger dogs. I worry about getting bitten. It is just a fear of mine. What is the vet's name at Parkview Animal Hospital? I will keep him/her in mind if Dr. Storey retires or moves. Is it located on 26th and Maidenlane?
You are still doing okay with the TMJD? You haven't had anymore trouble since you last episode? I sure hope you continue to do fine with your treatment. I am hoping I will start feeling better soon. I am definitely not where I thought I would be six months post op. I wonder what Dr. Bolding will tell me this month when I see him. I see him October 9. The last time I saw him he wanted me to read Body For Life. Have you heard of it? I bought the book, but I haven't read all of it. His thinking is if I lower my stress by exercising/losing weight I won't have so much anxiety. I guess no anxiety less grinding? He told me he would see me in two months weighing 20 pounds less. I didn't lose 20 pounds. It is hard to change your life when you are battling TMJD. I hope maybe you can understand. I am dreading my next visit, because basically I haven't completed the book or lost weight.
You talk about being on a tight budget. I understand that concept. I would like to have more pets in the future, but I doubt if I will have more than one at a time due to the cost. It adds up. I didn't really understand the high cost of pet care such as flea products, dental cleaning, shots and etc. It can be really expensive just like having a child. I want to take care of my pets just like I would my daughter. Plus, I don't trust my family to keep my dogs when I am gone, so I have to board them. I didn't really think of that either when I got my dogs. I don't think my family would take as good of care of them as I do. I am afraid they would let them get loose. They do not have pets, so I don't think they get it. I am very happy I have my dogs. I wouldn't trade them for anything, but I also realize I didn't completely understand how much responsibility they would be.
Well, I best go start supper. I hope I run into you at the orthodontist office some day. It would be so cool.
[This message has been edited by Michelle W (edited 09-29-2003).]
You know it seems like maybe Dr. Storey's wife was already gone when I started taking my dogs there. It is so hard to remember. I want to stay I started there in 1992. I was living in Joplin when his wife passed away. I remember seeing it in the paper and thinking how tragic. She looked young in the paper, but I don't think I was taking the dogs there yet or maybe just started. I am beginning to sound like my mom. I remember she used to tell me she couldn't remember certain details, and I use to think how crazy that sounded. I now see what she is talking about.
I am curious. Did you work with Michelle at Bradlin? I noticed she was wearing braces for some time. I talked to her in August when I picked the dogs up. We went out of town for a few days. She also goes to Dr. Lais. She told me Dr. Cook did her braces. I guess I asked her because she is maybe close to my age and wearing braces. It isn't something you see everyday.
I think it is neat you have worked as a vet tech. My daughter loves animals. I tend to be afraid of bigger dogs. I worry about getting bitten. It is just a fear of mine. What is the vet's name at Parkview Animal Hospital? I will keep him/her in mind if Dr. Storey retires or moves. Is it located on 26th and Maidenlane?
You are still doing okay with the TMJD? You haven't had anymore trouble since you last episode? I sure hope you continue to do fine with your treatment. I am hoping I will start feeling better soon. I am definitely not where I thought I would be six months post op. I wonder what Dr. Bolding will tell me this month when I see him. I see him October 9. The last time I saw him he wanted me to read Body For Life. Have you heard of it? I bought the book, but I haven't read all of it. His thinking is if I lower my stress by exercising/losing weight I won't have so much anxiety. I guess no anxiety less grinding? He told me he would see me in two months weighing 20 pounds less. I didn't lose 20 pounds. It is hard to change your life when you are battling TMJD. I hope maybe you can understand. I am dreading my next visit, because basically I haven't completed the book or lost weight.
You talk about being on a tight budget. I understand that concept. I would like to have more pets in the future, but I doubt if I will have more than one at a time due to the cost. It adds up. I didn't really understand the high cost of pet care such as flea products, dental cleaning, shots and etc. It can be really expensive just like having a child. I want to take care of my pets just like I would my daughter. Plus, I don't trust my family to keep my dogs when I am gone, so I have to board them. I didn't really think of that either when I got my dogs. I don't think my family would take as good of care of them as I do. I am afraid they would let them get loose. They do not have pets, so I don't think they get it. I am very happy I have my dogs. I wouldn't trade them for anything, but I also realize I didn't completely understand how much responsibility they would be.
Well, I best go start supper. I hope I run into you at the orthodontist office some day. It would be so cool.
[This message has been edited by Michelle W (edited 09-29-2003).]
Amber123
10-01-2003, 04:47 PM
Hi, i would just like to say that i've had tmj for the past 6 months and it hasn't been easy.
It started out of the blue when me left side of the face went weird (tightness) and i ran to every doctor known to mankind until one recommended a tmj specialist. He was a g-d send. I now where a splint on my lower teeth and its been a great help.
My symptoms were tightness on the left side, face pain, jaw pain, ringing in the ears, earaches, chest pain, back pain, neck pain, clicking and clenching while i sleep. At the beginning it was hard to work with all of this and my boss was very understanding. But if you work in a very stressful environmen i would say to get out now. I don't know what i would do without this splint and this doctor. Sure i have bad days too, but overall its much better that what it was. By the way i'm on my second splint after wearing the first one for almost 3 months it wasnt that effective and had to get another one. I hope everyone feels better soon.
It started out of the blue when me left side of the face went weird (tightness) and i ran to every doctor known to mankind until one recommended a tmj specialist. He was a g-d send. I now where a splint on my lower teeth and its been a great help.
My symptoms were tightness on the left side, face pain, jaw pain, ringing in the ears, earaches, chest pain, back pain, neck pain, clicking and clenching while i sleep. At the beginning it was hard to work with all of this and my boss was very understanding. But if you work in a very stressful environmen i would say to get out now. I don't know what i would do without this splint and this doctor. Sure i have bad days too, but overall its much better that what it was. By the way i'm on my second splint after wearing the first one for almost 3 months it wasnt that effective and had to get another one. I hope everyone feels better soon.
TiffanyAnn
10-01-2003, 11:40 PM
Hi Michelle:
I wouldn't be surprised if you and I didn't frequent the same places. I don't remember your dogs specifically but that doesn't meam I didn't work with them. There are so many dogs that go through that office. It's so odd the ones that a person does remember though. Dr. Storey's wife (Molly) died in I'd say about 1994ish. It was several months or maybe as long as a year after I quit working there when I heard that Molly was sick. I saw her and Dr. Storey on the Jerry Lewis telethon two or three years and then she died. It took her fairly quickly it seems. It was an awful thing though. At the time when she got sick their two children were still pretty young. She couldn't have been older than 54 or so when she died. It really was quite tragic. No I don't remember a Michelle working there at the same time I did. From what I've heard Dr. Cook is a pretty good orthodontist too. I knew one girl who saw him and she was quite impressed with him. Lots of people are afraid of larger dogs. Sometimes it's the little guys who are the most treacherous. LOL I take my dogs to Dr. Christman at Parkview Animal Hospital. He is a very good vet too and he won't try to make you feel guilty to spend money on stuff for your dogs that they don't really need.
I am still doing quite well since I had that setback a few weeks ago. I haven't had any more attacks, my pain is very low, no locking, very little clicking or popping, and very few headaches. I am feeling very optimistic about my treatment. I keep you in my prayers Michelle, that you will find the success I have found with my splint therapy. I know our circumstances are a bit different but I really believe that miracles can happen. I consider the progress I've made a miracle and I continue to pray for the same for you. You know Michelle, if Dr. Bolding thought that reading some book could help you with stress why didn't he suggest that BEFORE you had surgery rather than after? The reason I ask this is because to me what he is saying sounds like a cop out. To me it's like saying that he knows his surgery can't really help so he is trying to say the reason you are still having pain is because you are anxious so just exercise and lose some weight and your stress will be lower. Michelle, don't be afraid to go see Dr. Bolding and whatever you do, don't allow him to make you feel bad about yourself. Remember this, YOU PAID HIM, HE DID NOT PAY YOU! You don't owe him a single thing, least of all weight loss. Don't let him add that stress to your already overloaded load of stress. That isn't right of him. When my friend went to see him before surgery and she told me some of the things he said to her like she had to sign papers that she would follow ALL his instructions like go for PT, do braces, do ANYTHING he said needed done. To me that was just so demanding. I always get to CHOOSE what is done to me and no doctor on a "God" trip is going to get me to say in advance that I will do everything he says I must do. I can't decide if a therapy is right for me before I know what it is. You're right, it is hard to change your life when you are living on a daily basis with TMJ and dealing with the pain. And please make sure to tell him that too. He has no right to make you feel bad about yourself. Hang in there Michelle, things can get better.
Tiffany
I wouldn't be surprised if you and I didn't frequent the same places. I don't remember your dogs specifically but that doesn't meam I didn't work with them. There are so many dogs that go through that office. It's so odd the ones that a person does remember though. Dr. Storey's wife (Molly) died in I'd say about 1994ish. It was several months or maybe as long as a year after I quit working there when I heard that Molly was sick. I saw her and Dr. Storey on the Jerry Lewis telethon two or three years and then she died. It took her fairly quickly it seems. It was an awful thing though. At the time when she got sick their two children were still pretty young. She couldn't have been older than 54 or so when she died. It really was quite tragic. No I don't remember a Michelle working there at the same time I did. From what I've heard Dr. Cook is a pretty good orthodontist too. I knew one girl who saw him and she was quite impressed with him. Lots of people are afraid of larger dogs. Sometimes it's the little guys who are the most treacherous. LOL I take my dogs to Dr. Christman at Parkview Animal Hospital. He is a very good vet too and he won't try to make you feel guilty to spend money on stuff for your dogs that they don't really need.
I am still doing quite well since I had that setback a few weeks ago. I haven't had any more attacks, my pain is very low, no locking, very little clicking or popping, and very few headaches. I am feeling very optimistic about my treatment. I keep you in my prayers Michelle, that you will find the success I have found with my splint therapy. I know our circumstances are a bit different but I really believe that miracles can happen. I consider the progress I've made a miracle and I continue to pray for the same for you. You know Michelle, if Dr. Bolding thought that reading some book could help you with stress why didn't he suggest that BEFORE you had surgery rather than after? The reason I ask this is because to me what he is saying sounds like a cop out. To me it's like saying that he knows his surgery can't really help so he is trying to say the reason you are still having pain is because you are anxious so just exercise and lose some weight and your stress will be lower. Michelle, don't be afraid to go see Dr. Bolding and whatever you do, don't allow him to make you feel bad about yourself. Remember this, YOU PAID HIM, HE DID NOT PAY YOU! You don't owe him a single thing, least of all weight loss. Don't let him add that stress to your already overloaded load of stress. That isn't right of him. When my friend went to see him before surgery and she told me some of the things he said to her like she had to sign papers that she would follow ALL his instructions like go for PT, do braces, do ANYTHING he said needed done. To me that was just so demanding. I always get to CHOOSE what is done to me and no doctor on a "God" trip is going to get me to say in advance that I will do everything he says I must do. I can't decide if a therapy is right for me before I know what it is. You're right, it is hard to change your life when you are living on a daily basis with TMJ and dealing with the pain. And please make sure to tell him that too. He has no right to make you feel bad about yourself. Hang in there Michelle, things can get better.
Tiffany
Michelle W
10-02-2003, 04:09 PM
Hi Amber123,
Thanks for posting your story about TMJ. I enjoyed hearing that you are able to continue working. It gives me hope that I too can become a productive member of society despite TMJD. I am glad your splint has helped, and it sounds to me you are on the road to recovery.
Thanks for posting your story about TMJ. I enjoyed hearing that you are able to continue working. It gives me hope that I too can become a productive member of society despite TMJD. I am glad your splint has helped, and it sounds to me you are on the road to recovery.
Michelle W
10-02-2003, 04:54 PM
Hey Tiffany,
It is good to hear that you continue to make such good progress with the splint. It give me such optimism about my treatment with Dr. LaFerla. When I saw him a month ago I had almost given up hope of getting better. He told me he was very optimistic that I would feel better in the future. He told me something like "I have seen so many people get better. It is just a matter of finding that exact or perfect spot where everything comes together." He told me he is probably overly optimistic. I said, "Well I am glad you are." I will see what next week brings.
It really touches my heart that you are praying for me a complete stranger. I really do appreciate it. I think about the people on this board when I lie in bed at night. I am hoping everyone finds an end to their suffering in a way of new treatment or a healing.
I think doctors want to protect their reputation, so they want to make sure patients are compliant with the treatment. An example of this would be if your friend decided not to get braces, her treatment from surgery might possibly fail making the surgeon look bad. I know what your friend is talking about, because I mentioned going to someone other than Dr. LaFerla for orthodontic work, and I was told this was no time to discount shop on orthodontics! Well, that wasn't my intention at all. I was just going with someone else that was familiar to me. I was more than happy to see Dr. LaFerla, and I am glad I am going to him. He has a great reputation.
I mentioned to my husband that I thought the whole "Body of Life" topic seemed really rather irrelavant a couple of nights ago. I wondered if it just wasn't a smoke screen diversion of the real issue. I am sure you know what I mean. Maybe I am a little sensitive about the issue, but I feel that people seem to think all my problems would be solved if I would just lower my stress and lose a few pounds. I am a bit tired of hearing that story all the time. I am overweight but not in the category of gastric bypass surgery. I weigh about 160, but I am not real tall. I agree with you that the weight loss is really not the issue, and that is partially why I mentioned it to you. I wanted to get your opinion, and see if maybe I was just being overly sensitive to the issue. Thank you for your time and input on the subject, and I do plan on telling him how hard it is to change your life when you have TMJD pain. It is true fact that altering our lifestyle is easier when life is good. It is hard when you are stressed out with pain.
I can understand how you might not remember my dogs. I use to work at several doctor's offices. I would remember some patients, and others I would not. Some people tend to stick in my head for different reasons. Also I will keep your vet in mind if I need one. Thanks for giving me his name.
I hope you have a great weekend. It is almost here. It is always good to talk to you.
It is good to hear that you continue to make such good progress with the splint. It give me such optimism about my treatment with Dr. LaFerla. When I saw him a month ago I had almost given up hope of getting better. He told me he was very optimistic that I would feel better in the future. He told me something like "I have seen so many people get better. It is just a matter of finding that exact or perfect spot where everything comes together." He told me he is probably overly optimistic. I said, "Well I am glad you are." I will see what next week brings.
It really touches my heart that you are praying for me a complete stranger. I really do appreciate it. I think about the people on this board when I lie in bed at night. I am hoping everyone finds an end to their suffering in a way of new treatment or a healing.
I think doctors want to protect their reputation, so they want to make sure patients are compliant with the treatment. An example of this would be if your friend decided not to get braces, her treatment from surgery might possibly fail making the surgeon look bad. I know what your friend is talking about, because I mentioned going to someone other than Dr. LaFerla for orthodontic work, and I was told this was no time to discount shop on orthodontics! Well, that wasn't my intention at all. I was just going with someone else that was familiar to me. I was more than happy to see Dr. LaFerla, and I am glad I am going to him. He has a great reputation.
I mentioned to my husband that I thought the whole "Body of Life" topic seemed really rather irrelavant a couple of nights ago. I wondered if it just wasn't a smoke screen diversion of the real issue. I am sure you know what I mean. Maybe I am a little sensitive about the issue, but I feel that people seem to think all my problems would be solved if I would just lower my stress and lose a few pounds. I am a bit tired of hearing that story all the time. I am overweight but not in the category of gastric bypass surgery. I weigh about 160, but I am not real tall. I agree with you that the weight loss is really not the issue, and that is partially why I mentioned it to you. I wanted to get your opinion, and see if maybe I was just being overly sensitive to the issue. Thank you for your time and input on the subject, and I do plan on telling him how hard it is to change your life when you have TMJD pain. It is true fact that altering our lifestyle is easier when life is good. It is hard when you are stressed out with pain.
I can understand how you might not remember my dogs. I use to work at several doctor's offices. I would remember some patients, and others I would not. Some people tend to stick in my head for different reasons. Also I will keep your vet in mind if I need one. Thanks for giving me his name.
I hope you have a great weekend. It is almost here. It is always good to talk to you.
Amber123
10-10-2003, 01:20 PM
Hi Michelle,
Hope your doing well, i just wanted to add that i have good days and bad days, but the splint definitely helped. Its helps not to have a stressfull job and also helps not to clench your jaw either. If you feel that you do that just part your mouth a little as to relieve any pressure. Be well. Bonnie
Hope your doing well, i just wanted to add that i have good days and bad days, but the splint definitely helped. Its helps not to have a stressfull job and also helps not to clench your jaw either. If you feel that you do that just part your mouth a little as to relieve any pressure. Be well. Bonnie
Michelle W
10-10-2003, 03:53 PM
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for your input and I assume you are able to work. I am glad to hear that.
Thanks for your input and I assume you are able to work. I am glad to hear that.
papergoods
01-09-2005, 01:59 PM
Has anywon cntacted any attornty about this issue since most of the public still does not understand TMJ. What were the outcomes? Any good att. recomendations?
papergoods
01-20-2005, 08:04 AM
Guess what, another year and frustration later I have found a few good attorneys that deal with employers not accomodating people with disabilities (the extreems of course) If I can or anyone wants ill put up a name.
silver midnite
01-21-2005, 06:48 AM
Hi.
Could you please post the name of any good attorney that you know of regarding this issue. At some point I need to somehow have an attorney who could help in my situation.
Thanks in advance.
Could you please post the name of any good attorney that you know of regarding this issue. At some point I need to somehow have an attorney who could help in my situation.
Thanks in advance.
StillInPain
01-23-2005, 04:51 AM
I can't offer much advice for anything not Work Comp related. I slipped and fell at work 2 years ago, fought the system and have been off work for a year looking at PD now because my Pain Management Dr. has basically given WC and the State impossible work restrictions for me ie. no stress, attention to detial, time constraints, over 10 minutes of speaking, dealing with the public etc.
There are good Dr.'s out there if thats hopeful. It took me two years and an attorney to find this one but at least he understand TMJ and the hell it can make life. I rather go back to work and feel better but if I can't feel better then I guess home is where you live in pain misery. :(
There are good Dr.'s out there if thats hopeful. It took me two years and an attorney to find this one but at least he understand TMJ and the hell it can make life. I rather go back to work and feel better but if I can't feel better then I guess home is where you live in pain misery. :(
papergoods
01-25-2005, 11:53 PM
Hello
There are two attorneys who actually have wives or sisters (some relative) with TMJ and are said to understand the problem and lack of employer understanding, on the internet look under Marcus Mancini and the other one named Dave Newkirk. One is in LA, the other is in San Diego or inbetween.
[Please don't list internet search engines, which directs one in a website search. Thanks - Well-come Moderator.]
There are two attorneys who actually have wives or sisters (some relative) with TMJ and are said to understand the problem and lack of employer understanding, on the internet look under Marcus Mancini and the other one named Dave Newkirk. One is in LA, the other is in San Diego or inbetween.
[Please don't list internet search engines, which directs one in a website search. Thanks - Well-come Moderator.]