Michelle W
11-24-2003, 11:53 AM
Would you mind reading my last post in "Hello TiffanyAnn"? I was wanting to see what you thought about my last office visit with my OS.
Also, I was wondering if you could give me any advice or insight into how you were able to cope with all the pain and suffering you have endured year after year? What kept you going and how were you able to face each day? Where did you find strenght? My situation has only been going on two years, but I find myself wishing I had never woke up from the surgery. The nerve pain hurts despite the medication I am taking. I have an appointment to see a neurologist in December. I am sorry to bug you with so many questions.
Thanks,
Michelle
Also, I was wondering if you could give me any advice or insight into how you were able to cope with all the pain and suffering you have endured year after year? What kept you going and how were you able to face each day? Where did you find strenght? My situation has only been going on two years, but I find myself wishing I had never woke up from the surgery. The nerve pain hurts despite the medication I am taking. I have an appointment to see a neurologist in December. I am sorry to bug you with so many questions.
Thanks,
Michelle
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Michelle W
11-29-2003, 10:24 PM
bump this up to the front page.
Cymy Sue
11-30-2003, 07:32 AM
Michelle,
I'm sorry I missed this post. I did read about your visit with the surgeon.
Sadly, some of his statements are similiar to some I've hard before. Many of them just have to have that little bit of arrogance when a surgery they have done has not worked well. I'm afraid I never sensed any compassion from them either, but did always seem to be made to feel like it was somehow my fault that the procedure had not worked.
I've never heard "causalgia" used in reference to problems that can develope after (TM Joint) surgery. I looked it up and still am unclear as to this reference about your condition. It seems Causalgia is a term that can be used when there is pain when there shouldn't be. Maybe some Doctors use it when they don't really know what is causing the pain or how else to describe the remaining pain from a procedure.
I don't believe causalgia is a nerve disorder, but the result of injuring tissue and nerves which does occur during surgery. These should heal with time.
I've never heard his theory of a blood vessel connecting to or growing to a nerve. I guess anything of this nature is possible. I'm not clear on exactly what adhesions are either. I have been told that I a lot of scarring, but it's where they have made the incisions more than once.
With a discectomy, they "Hope" scar tissue will form where the disc have been removed and form a pad between the bones. Apparently, this did happen with mine, but I don't believe I had any over growth of scar tissue in or around the joint or I wouldn't be able to function now.
I don't understand exactly how in one case scarring can be contained to one small area as was intended and with other cases it seems scarring occurs in areas it shouldn't and causes problems.
I guess our bodies respond differently and my personal opinion is that the skill of the Surgeon has a lot to do with the problems that occur after these procedures.
I know this probably doesn't help you very much, but we're all told so many different things in regard to "Our" problems after surgery and there's so little information available if we have problems. I've researched for years to try and determine why, what & how and do not find anything published about the "After Surgery" complications. I would have been totally in the dark about my initial pain and problems if I had relied on my last Surgeon for information. A Pain Specialist determined why I was in so much pain and explained what was going on. 5 years later, the Surgeon was still no help and my Dentist told me that muscle problems were causing the continuation of the majority of the pain and problems.
Possibly your Neurologist would be of more help than the Surgeon and could either confirm or dismiss this theory your Surgeon has suggested.
I'm don't know if another procedure so soon would be helpful. If his theory is wrong, another invasion into the joint, even an arthrocentisis, could cause more trauma and pain.
I've been where you are, not knowing what to do and knowing I had to do something. Finding out what is causing the pain is what needs to be done before you consent to any more procedures. I know that's what you've been trying to do, but from my experience, you may not get a straight answer from your Surgeon.
I have in the past, gone to other Surgeons for their opinion. Not because I wanted another surgery, but to get a different perspective on my condition. Sometimes, I did get more information, sometimes not. I also consulted with neurologists to get their opinions. I went back once to my first Surgeon, who no longer did TM joint surgeries and ask his opinion. I got to the point where finding out what had been done, what kind of damage I could possibly have to keep me from getting better, became my only objective. I decided before I let anyone else cut again, I was going to know it would help.
Most of the advice I got was to treat the symtoms and pain and give it some more time. Many times the body will heal with enough time.
I'm glad I did wait. I waited until I was not considered a good candidate for any other type of surgery and a few months later, found out a splint was all I needed to get well.
I know our conditions are very different and this wouldn't be the case for everyone. I just don't believe to keep going into the joint is the only answer and eventually, it may not be an option for you.
I would see what the neurologist has to say. Sometimes they can be a little strange, but they do usually understand and can determine why we are having pain. Maybe with more information and another opinion, a decision on what to do will be more obvious.
I know the pain can be overwhelming. I know it seems it will never be better.
I got through it by always believing it would get better. I did have days that I thought I couldn't do it anymore, but I wouldn't allow myself to stay in that place. I would manage to find hope and determination. I would put things into perspective and start all over again. I had great faith that I would overcome the worst of it and manage to have a life again.
Years ago, when very few people knew "what" it was and even Doctors thought these surgeries always work and didn't understand why we didn't recover on schedule, it was hard. As the years went by and TMJD and damage from the surgeries was understood a little better by more people and other Doctors, there was a little more compassion and support.
It is still terribly misunderstood and that makes it so much harder.
When I felt that the physical pain was getting to me mentally, manifesting as anxiety, fear, hopelessness, etc., I did something (anything) to get the negative emotions stopped.
Keeping a positive outlook is hard when you're in terrible pain that seems to never end. The only way to get through it, is to be positive, hopeful and know that this will not last forever.
The worst physical pain I have ever suffered was when I would stumble into a negative "zone" and dwell on never getting out of pain or ever being better.
I found I could deal with the pain much better if I kept my mind, myself, who I am, in a positive "zone". You are in terrible pain right now, but that's not who you are. You are so much more. Try to keep in mind everything that is positive about "You". Keep your mind occupied with hope, belief, the knowledge that this is a bad period in your life, but there will be an end to it. Do everything you can to stay in a mental state of mind that "you" will find the answers and someone will "know" how to help you, you just haven't reached that point, yet.
This is not some philosophical mumbo-jumbo. This is how to survive.
The mind is a miraculous healer. Keep your thoughts positive and hopeful and it will respond. It does not have the ability to just stop the pain. It does have the ability to keep you from giving up. It has the ability to keep you determined to find the answers you need to get well. It has the ability to give you the strength you need to handle the pain until you find the solution.
Cymy Sue
I'm sorry I missed this post. I did read about your visit with the surgeon.
Sadly, some of his statements are similiar to some I've hard before. Many of them just have to have that little bit of arrogance when a surgery they have done has not worked well. I'm afraid I never sensed any compassion from them either, but did always seem to be made to feel like it was somehow my fault that the procedure had not worked.
I've never heard "causalgia" used in reference to problems that can develope after (TM Joint) surgery. I looked it up and still am unclear as to this reference about your condition. It seems Causalgia is a term that can be used when there is pain when there shouldn't be. Maybe some Doctors use it when they don't really know what is causing the pain or how else to describe the remaining pain from a procedure.
I don't believe causalgia is a nerve disorder, but the result of injuring tissue and nerves which does occur during surgery. These should heal with time.
I've never heard his theory of a blood vessel connecting to or growing to a nerve. I guess anything of this nature is possible. I'm not clear on exactly what adhesions are either. I have been told that I a lot of scarring, but it's where they have made the incisions more than once.
With a discectomy, they "Hope" scar tissue will form where the disc have been removed and form a pad between the bones. Apparently, this did happen with mine, but I don't believe I had any over growth of scar tissue in or around the joint or I wouldn't be able to function now.
I don't understand exactly how in one case scarring can be contained to one small area as was intended and with other cases it seems scarring occurs in areas it shouldn't and causes problems.
I guess our bodies respond differently and my personal opinion is that the skill of the Surgeon has a lot to do with the problems that occur after these procedures.
I know this probably doesn't help you very much, but we're all told so many different things in regard to "Our" problems after surgery and there's so little information available if we have problems. I've researched for years to try and determine why, what & how and do not find anything published about the "After Surgery" complications. I would have been totally in the dark about my initial pain and problems if I had relied on my last Surgeon for information. A Pain Specialist determined why I was in so much pain and explained what was going on. 5 years later, the Surgeon was still no help and my Dentist told me that muscle problems were causing the continuation of the majority of the pain and problems.
Possibly your Neurologist would be of more help than the Surgeon and could either confirm or dismiss this theory your Surgeon has suggested.
I'm don't know if another procedure so soon would be helpful. If his theory is wrong, another invasion into the joint, even an arthrocentisis, could cause more trauma and pain.
I've been where you are, not knowing what to do and knowing I had to do something. Finding out what is causing the pain is what needs to be done before you consent to any more procedures. I know that's what you've been trying to do, but from my experience, you may not get a straight answer from your Surgeon.
I have in the past, gone to other Surgeons for their opinion. Not because I wanted another surgery, but to get a different perspective on my condition. Sometimes, I did get more information, sometimes not. I also consulted with neurologists to get their opinions. I went back once to my first Surgeon, who no longer did TM joint surgeries and ask his opinion. I got to the point where finding out what had been done, what kind of damage I could possibly have to keep me from getting better, became my only objective. I decided before I let anyone else cut again, I was going to know it would help.
Most of the advice I got was to treat the symtoms and pain and give it some more time. Many times the body will heal with enough time.
I'm glad I did wait. I waited until I was not considered a good candidate for any other type of surgery and a few months later, found out a splint was all I needed to get well.
I know our conditions are very different and this wouldn't be the case for everyone. I just don't believe to keep going into the joint is the only answer and eventually, it may not be an option for you.
I would see what the neurologist has to say. Sometimes they can be a little strange, but they do usually understand and can determine why we are having pain. Maybe with more information and another opinion, a decision on what to do will be more obvious.
I know the pain can be overwhelming. I know it seems it will never be better.
I got through it by always believing it would get better. I did have days that I thought I couldn't do it anymore, but I wouldn't allow myself to stay in that place. I would manage to find hope and determination. I would put things into perspective and start all over again. I had great faith that I would overcome the worst of it and manage to have a life again.
Years ago, when very few people knew "what" it was and even Doctors thought these surgeries always work and didn't understand why we didn't recover on schedule, it was hard. As the years went by and TMJD and damage from the surgeries was understood a little better by more people and other Doctors, there was a little more compassion and support.
It is still terribly misunderstood and that makes it so much harder.
When I felt that the physical pain was getting to me mentally, manifesting as anxiety, fear, hopelessness, etc., I did something (anything) to get the negative emotions stopped.
Keeping a positive outlook is hard when you're in terrible pain that seems to never end. The only way to get through it, is to be positive, hopeful and know that this will not last forever.
The worst physical pain I have ever suffered was when I would stumble into a negative "zone" and dwell on never getting out of pain or ever being better.
I found I could deal with the pain much better if I kept my mind, myself, who I am, in a positive "zone". You are in terrible pain right now, but that's not who you are. You are so much more. Try to keep in mind everything that is positive about "You". Keep your mind occupied with hope, belief, the knowledge that this is a bad period in your life, but there will be an end to it. Do everything you can to stay in a mental state of mind that "you" will find the answers and someone will "know" how to help you, you just haven't reached that point, yet.
This is not some philosophical mumbo-jumbo. This is how to survive.
The mind is a miraculous healer. Keep your thoughts positive and hopeful and it will respond. It does not have the ability to just stop the pain. It does have the ability to keep you from giving up. It has the ability to keep you determined to find the answers you need to get well. It has the ability to give you the strength you need to handle the pain until you find the solution.
Cymy Sue
Michelle W
12-02-2003, 02:01 AM
Thank you very much for your response to my post. It has helped me so very much. I feel as if you have given me a reality check, and it has been in the right direction. I see you as healer of sorts but please forgive the term. I cannot think of a better one at this time of night. You have given me insight, which has helped heal my wounded spirit.
I also had a hard time with the term causalgia. It seemed to apply to phantom pain or something called reflex dystrophy syndrome. It didn't seem to apply to my situation. I emailed my OS nurse for clarification of the term. I was thinking I obviously had the term incorrect, but I was correct. She described it as "disruption of the nerves around the blood vessels." I do plan on talking at great length with the neurologist about if this is an actual cause of pain or possibly adhesions or whatever. This neurologist has come highly recommended by a nurse practioner and a registered nurse. I plan on being very candid with the neurologist. I am going to ask him why he thinks I am in pain, and if it could be causalgia, adhesions or nerve damage? I may ask him for a recommendation to another oral surgeon or other medical doctors if needed. I plan to go over my medication with him. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin daily for the nerve pain.
I tend to think it is all nerve related in actual nerve damage or irritation. If I understand adhesions correctly they are fiberous bands that can grown in and around the joint area possibly restricting the opening. I guess it is possible that it could press on a nerve. That would be a good question for the neurologist. I plan to ask him about his opinion in regards to the arthocentesis. My OS admitted that the arthocentesis could make it worse. I don't know if a improvement rate of 60 to 70 percent is good enough for me to risk another procedure. It may depend on what I hear from the neurologist.
This may just take time to heal. I am getting my bottom braces on this week. I don't think it will make my situation worse since I am sure it isn't a bite problem, but I doubt it will improve what I perceive to be nerve pain.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to help me out. I do truly appreciate it. I will continue to post about my continuing long extended recovery.
Thank you,
Michelle
PS I am moving forward with my life. I enrolled next semester at the local university. I am hoping it will focus my attention on school and less on the pain.
I also had a hard time with the term causalgia. It seemed to apply to phantom pain or something called reflex dystrophy syndrome. It didn't seem to apply to my situation. I emailed my OS nurse for clarification of the term. I was thinking I obviously had the term incorrect, but I was correct. She described it as "disruption of the nerves around the blood vessels." I do plan on talking at great length with the neurologist about if this is an actual cause of pain or possibly adhesions or whatever. This neurologist has come highly recommended by a nurse practioner and a registered nurse. I plan on being very candid with the neurologist. I am going to ask him why he thinks I am in pain, and if it could be causalgia, adhesions or nerve damage? I may ask him for a recommendation to another oral surgeon or other medical doctors if needed. I plan to go over my medication with him. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin daily for the nerve pain.
I tend to think it is all nerve related in actual nerve damage or irritation. If I understand adhesions correctly they are fiberous bands that can grown in and around the joint area possibly restricting the opening. I guess it is possible that it could press on a nerve. That would be a good question for the neurologist. I plan to ask him about his opinion in regards to the arthocentesis. My OS admitted that the arthocentesis could make it worse. I don't know if a improvement rate of 60 to 70 percent is good enough for me to risk another procedure. It may depend on what I hear from the neurologist.
This may just take time to heal. I am getting my bottom braces on this week. I don't think it will make my situation worse since I am sure it isn't a bite problem, but I doubt it will improve what I perceive to be nerve pain.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to help me out. I do truly appreciate it. I will continue to post about my continuing long extended recovery.
Thank you,
Michelle
PS I am moving forward with my life. I enrolled next semester at the local university. I am hoping it will focus my attention on school and less on the pain.
CherylLynn24
12-02-2003, 02:11 AM
Michelle,
I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation here. You've mentioned adhesions. When we have a surgery done, no matter what the location, scar tissue develops. At times, the scar tissue will adhere to nerves in the area, also referred to as 'adhesions'. Our bodies can and do seem to 'eat up' a fair deal of scar tissue, however, it does take time. Seeing a Neurologist sounds like a very good idea now. It sounds like you're headed in the right direction. Let me know what you find out.
Take Care,
Cheryl
I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation here. You've mentioned adhesions. When we have a surgery done, no matter what the location, scar tissue develops. At times, the scar tissue will adhere to nerves in the area, also referred to as 'adhesions'. Our bodies can and do seem to 'eat up' a fair deal of scar tissue, however, it does take time. Seeing a Neurologist sounds like a very good idea now. It sounds like you're headed in the right direction. Let me know what you find out.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Michelle W
12-05-2003, 03:54 PM
Hi CherylLynn,
I hope everyone feels they can jump in on any of my conversations with anybody. I am always open to what others have to say. I just know a few people on the board, so I call on them specifically because they have responded to me in the past. I am definitly open to talking with anyone.
You mentioned a concept of the body eating up adhesions. I am not familar with this concept. Is there anything else you can tell me about it?
Forgive me but I am not familar with your situation in regards to TMJD.
Thanks & Seasons Greetings!
Michelle
I hope everyone feels they can jump in on any of my conversations with anybody. I am always open to what others have to say. I just know a few people on the board, so I call on them specifically because they have responded to me in the past. I am definitly open to talking with anyone.
You mentioned a concept of the body eating up adhesions. I am not familar with this concept. Is there anything else you can tell me about it?
Forgive me but I am not familar with your situation in regards to TMJD.
Thanks & Seasons Greetings!
Michelle
CherylLynn24
12-05-2003, 04:47 PM
Michelle,
Can you give me a brief explanation as to what this 'nerve-type' pain that you are experiencing is like? Burning, stabbing, etc.. When is your pain the least, and the greatest? Does movement or touching your face make it worse? Any numbness in the area, or are sensations the same? Also, how long after your surgery did it 'appear'?
Cheryl
Can you give me a brief explanation as to what this 'nerve-type' pain that you are experiencing is like? Burning, stabbing, etc.. When is your pain the least, and the greatest? Does movement or touching your face make it worse? Any numbness in the area, or are sensations the same? Also, how long after your surgery did it 'appear'?
Cheryl
Michelle W
12-10-2003, 03:04 AM
Hi Cheryl,
I didn't see your response. I noticed my symptoms began about eight weeks after surgery. I was just sitting on the couch and noticed this throbbing or aching pain right in front of my left ear and down in the joint. It was like a constant ache for a couple of months. I then noticed it started burning in front of my ear, down in the joint, and it became more severe as months passed. I also had a lot of numbness in front of my ear that I didn't have on the right side. My whole left ear would just go numb at times for no apparent reason. It is aggravated by sleeping on that side or pressing the phone into that ear. I have noticed with the Neurontin that my numbness is better and the burning and aching are better. It just still hurts a lot even with the Neurontin. I was hoping it would remove most of my symptoms. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin. The pain is still very disruptive to my life. The Neurontin just takes the edge off. I think it is less severe when I first wake up in the morning. I am not sure why. It is pretty constant during the day burning off and on throughout the day. It might burn for three minutes and then quit for two. It continues like this throughout the day. The pain seemed worse after eating or messing with my make-up prior to starting the Neurontin. I know if I mess with the hair around my ear it sort of flares up. I hope I answered your questions if not let me know.
Thanks,
Michelle
I didn't see your response. I noticed my symptoms began about eight weeks after surgery. I was just sitting on the couch and noticed this throbbing or aching pain right in front of my left ear and down in the joint. It was like a constant ache for a couple of months. I then noticed it started burning in front of my ear, down in the joint, and it became more severe as months passed. I also had a lot of numbness in front of my ear that I didn't have on the right side. My whole left ear would just go numb at times for no apparent reason. It is aggravated by sleeping on that side or pressing the phone into that ear. I have noticed with the Neurontin that my numbness is better and the burning and aching are better. It just still hurts a lot even with the Neurontin. I was hoping it would remove most of my symptoms. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin. The pain is still very disruptive to my life. The Neurontin just takes the edge off. I think it is less severe when I first wake up in the morning. I am not sure why. It is pretty constant during the day burning off and on throughout the day. It might burn for three minutes and then quit for two. It continues like this throughout the day. The pain seemed worse after eating or messing with my make-up prior to starting the Neurontin. I know if I mess with the hair around my ear it sort of flares up. I hope I answered your questions if not let me know.
Thanks,
Michelle
CherylLynn24
12-11-2003, 01:16 AM
Hi Michelle, Your symptoms of not having any pain, numbness or burning prior to the 8 week milestone tell me that there was no initial trauma caused to the nerve itself during the procedure. Since the symptoms started after 8 weeks and have worsened since the initial on-set, I would question if there is any nerve damage at all. Since you have also mentioned that your symptoms are generally diminished when you awaken, this tells me that normal movement of this area is causing some reaction with fiberous adhesions to a nerve in this general area, causing irritation to slight swelling. Any pressure on a nerve can cause severe discomfort. Adhesions usually tend to cause throbbing and shooting type pains that are exaserbated with activity causing tension upon the nerve. I strongly recommend that you provide an extremely detailed explanation of exactly what causes the pain to be worse, and when it is the most comfortable, to your neurologist. The more detailed the better in helping him find a solution for this badness. Often times your body will eventually destroy scarring and fiberous adhesions...Since every body is different, some are more rapid than others. Once the fiberous tissue hardens, it is much more difficult for the body to reduce the amounts of this tissue and replace it with normal (softer and more flexible) tissue. Good Luck and let me know how your appt. goes.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Take Care,
Cheryl
Navy1990
12-11-2003, 04:12 AM
Hi Cheryl,
I didn't see your response. I noticed my symptoms began about eight weeks after surgery. I was just sitting on the couch and noticed this throbbing or aching pain right in front of my left ear and down in the joint. It was like a constant ache for a couple of months. I then noticed it started burning in front of my ear, down in the joint, and it became more severe as months passed. I also had a lot of numbness in front of my ear that I didn't have on the right side. My whole left ear would just go numb at times for no apparent reason. It is aggravated by sleeping on that side or pressing the phone into that ear. I have noticed with the Neurontin that my numbness is better and the burning and aching are better. It just still hurts a lot even with the Neurontin. I was hoping it would remove most of my symptoms. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin. The pain is still very disruptive to my life. The Neurontin just takes the edge off. I think it is less severe when I first wake up in the morning. I am not sure why. It is pretty constant during the day burning off and on throughout the day. It might burn for three minutes and then quit for two. It continues like this throughout the day. The pain seemed worse after eating or messing with my make-up prior to starting the Neurontin. I know if I mess with the hair around my ear it sort of flares up. I hope I answered your questions if not let me know.
Thanks,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I am having the same symptoms as you are and I have not had a surgery. The only thing I had was trigger point injections, which is not supposed to cause this. I don't know if anyone has mentioned lactic acid to you ...but, that can sometimes build up in muscles and cause the burning. My doctor told me to eat apples (probably blend them) and take Malic acid supplements to neutralize and drink tons of water. I take the malic acid with magnesium, because the magnesium relaxes the muscles too. I'm not sure if this will help or not, but, it's worth a try. I'm still trying to sort through it myself.
Take care!
Navy1990
I didn't see your response. I noticed my symptoms began about eight weeks after surgery. I was just sitting on the couch and noticed this throbbing or aching pain right in front of my left ear and down in the joint. It was like a constant ache for a couple of months. I then noticed it started burning in front of my ear, down in the joint, and it became more severe as months passed. I also had a lot of numbness in front of my ear that I didn't have on the right side. My whole left ear would just go numb at times for no apparent reason. It is aggravated by sleeping on that side or pressing the phone into that ear. I have noticed with the Neurontin that my numbness is better and the burning and aching are better. It just still hurts a lot even with the Neurontin. I was hoping it would remove most of my symptoms. I am taking 2700 mg of Neurontin. The pain is still very disruptive to my life. The Neurontin just takes the edge off. I think it is less severe when I first wake up in the morning. I am not sure why. It is pretty constant during the day burning off and on throughout the day. It might burn for three minutes and then quit for two. It continues like this throughout the day. The pain seemed worse after eating or messing with my make-up prior to starting the Neurontin. I know if I mess with the hair around my ear it sort of flares up. I hope I answered your questions if not let me know.
Thanks,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
I am having the same symptoms as you are and I have not had a surgery. The only thing I had was trigger point injections, which is not supposed to cause this. I don't know if anyone has mentioned lactic acid to you ...but, that can sometimes build up in muscles and cause the burning. My doctor told me to eat apples (probably blend them) and take Malic acid supplements to neutralize and drink tons of water. I take the malic acid with magnesium, because the magnesium relaxes the muscles too. I'm not sure if this will help or not, but, it's worth a try. I'm still trying to sort through it myself.
Take care!
Navy1990
Michelle W
12-11-2003, 01:18 PM
Thanks Cheryl,
Well if the adhesion theory is correct then one would think it would be better to do an arthrocentesis sooner than later. I think it would be easier to break up the adhesions when they have not been there for very long and not hardened. I do think my situation is nerve related, but I can't figure out what and where something went wrong.
It is hard for me to believe that after physical therapy every two hours with a therabite and additional exercises that I could still end up with adhesions. I do know that anything is possible. It is hard for me to not feel sorry for myself.
I do appreciate all your advice, and I will work on that list this weekend regarding my symptoms after surgery, before and after Neurontin.
The really bad thing about removing adhesions by doing another open surgery is that there is no guarantee that the removal will work. You could end up with adhesions worse the second time. Also I was told that adhesions do not show up on an MRI, so you might have the open surgery only to find out that wasn't the problem. It is such a guessing game.
I will let you know how the office visit goes on Monday. Again thanks for your input I need all the help I can get.
Seasons Greetings!
Well if the adhesion theory is correct then one would think it would be better to do an arthrocentesis sooner than later. I think it would be easier to break up the adhesions when they have not been there for very long and not hardened. I do think my situation is nerve related, but I can't figure out what and where something went wrong.
It is hard for me to believe that after physical therapy every two hours with a therabite and additional exercises that I could still end up with adhesions. I do know that anything is possible. It is hard for me to not feel sorry for myself.
I do appreciate all your advice, and I will work on that list this weekend regarding my symptoms after surgery, before and after Neurontin.
The really bad thing about removing adhesions by doing another open surgery is that there is no guarantee that the removal will work. You could end up with adhesions worse the second time. Also I was told that adhesions do not show up on an MRI, so you might have the open surgery only to find out that wasn't the problem. It is such a guessing game.
I will let you know how the office visit goes on Monday. Again thanks for your input I need all the help I can get.
Seasons Greetings!
Michelle W
12-11-2003, 01:20 PM
Hi Navy,
Thanks for the information on the malic acid. I need to go by the herb store today, because my OS has been wanting me to take a supplement called FYI for your inflamation. He told me it really helped him with his shoulder after taking it for a couple of weeks. I told him I would, so I best keep my promise. I hope it isn't real expensive.
Seasons Greetings!
Thanks for the information on the malic acid. I need to go by the herb store today, because my OS has been wanting me to take a supplement called FYI for your inflamation. He told me it really helped him with his shoulder after taking it for a couple of weeks. I told him I would, so I best keep my promise. I hope it isn't real expensive.
Seasons Greetings!
CherylLynn24
12-12-2003, 04:09 AM
Michelle,
You are right, it is in fact a big guessing game. Adhesions do not show up on MRI's or many tests for that manner. (I don't think that they show up on any) The only way that they can tell is by visually looking, and sometimes the nerves are so small that they can't even tell this way. I wouldn't opt for another joint surgery. Chances are, you'd be worse off than you are right now. More scar tissue would develop and your TMJD pain and nerve pain could become worse. Instead, see your neurologist. If you're problems are indeed nerve related, he's the one to help you. Don't cause yourself further problems. I don't believe that an OS should be treating nerve-related disorders. It's not his job. I know that it's probably seemed like a lifetime to you, but when scar tissue adheres to a nerve, sometimes it can take a year or so to dissipate. Sometimes, under the best of circumstances (PT, etc.) it will develop anyway. Try to hang in there.
As for me, I've never had any jaw-related surgeries. I only know what I've read on the board. I took up an interest on nerves and such a few years back. They're so unpredictable that doctors sometimes don't even know the answers. I'm on the board due to my kid having a difficult case of TMJD. Hopefully, we'll all get answers soon and be on the road to recovery.
I'm interested in what your neurologist tells you. Let me know how your visit goes. Keep your chin up Michelle, life won't be like this forever.
Take Care,
Cheryl
You are right, it is in fact a big guessing game. Adhesions do not show up on MRI's or many tests for that manner. (I don't think that they show up on any) The only way that they can tell is by visually looking, and sometimes the nerves are so small that they can't even tell this way. I wouldn't opt for another joint surgery. Chances are, you'd be worse off than you are right now. More scar tissue would develop and your TMJD pain and nerve pain could become worse. Instead, see your neurologist. If you're problems are indeed nerve related, he's the one to help you. Don't cause yourself further problems. I don't believe that an OS should be treating nerve-related disorders. It's not his job. I know that it's probably seemed like a lifetime to you, but when scar tissue adheres to a nerve, sometimes it can take a year or so to dissipate. Sometimes, under the best of circumstances (PT, etc.) it will develop anyway. Try to hang in there.
As for me, I've never had any jaw-related surgeries. I only know what I've read on the board. I took up an interest on nerves and such a few years back. They're so unpredictable that doctors sometimes don't even know the answers. I'm on the board due to my kid having a difficult case of TMJD. Hopefully, we'll all get answers soon and be on the road to recovery.
I'm interested in what your neurologist tells you. Let me know how your visit goes. Keep your chin up Michelle, life won't be like this forever.
Take Care,
Cheryl
Michelle W
12-14-2003, 03:09 PM
Oh, yes Cheryl I do remember your post about your son and the TMJD. It just took me awhile to put it together, because some of the names on the boards sound familar. I also admit that I get distracted with my own situation. I am a bit self-absorbed.
I really hope you can find some proper treatment for your son. I think his problems can be corrected, because he is young. It is just finding that right person. I will add him to my prayer list.
I don't think I will opt for another open joint surgery to remove adhesions. I just think there is no guarantee the second surgery would correct the problem. It would be different if they could look on an MRI and figure out the problem.
I will be sure and let you know what the neurologist has to say tomorrow. Thanks for all your advice.
Sincerely,
Michelle
I really hope you can find some proper treatment for your son. I think his problems can be corrected, because he is young. It is just finding that right person. I will add him to my prayer list.
I don't think I will opt for another open joint surgery to remove adhesions. I just think there is no guarantee the second surgery would correct the problem. It would be different if they could look on an MRI and figure out the problem.
I will be sure and let you know what the neurologist has to say tomorrow. Thanks for all your advice.
Sincerely,
Michelle