juulie
09-23-2004, 11:55 AM
I have a disclocated disc on the left side which causes lots of pain and many treatments have failed. TMJ doctor said it is time to see a surgeon. My doctor thinks I can have a disc "pull back" (aka discopexy). He thinks the disc is in good shape, it just won't stay in the proper position. A discopexy would pull the disc back and they suture it in place. This would avoid having to have an implant. I see a surgeon on October 5.. anyone heard of this procedure?
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TiffanyAnn
09-25-2004, 09:30 PM
I think you are making a huge mistake having surgery. I don't know anyone who has had ANY type of TMJ surgery who has got OUT OF PAIN from having the surgery. The people I know who have had surgery ended up in more pain with additional problems they did not have prior to surgery. If I were you I would think long and hard about allowing surgery.
Tiffany
Tiffany
analog2000
09-26-2004, 06:40 AM
I absolutely agree that it is a HUGE decision to have surgery. Unlike other treatments, this one can't be reversed if things start to go downhill. Surgery should always be the absolute last option, but some people do reach that point.
I have had several surgeries over the years. Some were more successful than others, and I know I will never be completely pain free. But it has been a big improvement. I know many people who have had success with surgery, and many people have posted here who have seen improvement.
To juulie: The decision whether or not to have surgery is a difficult one. But if you have exhausted all the other options... Obviously, the most important thing is to find the right surgeon. Many doctors, though perhaps well meaning, are not really experts in these types of procedures (there just isn't that high of a demand for it). Make sure you ask a lot of questions about how many similar procedures he/she has performed, what kind of outcomes were achieved, etc.
Also realize that surgery will probably never completely "cure" you. Your joint will always be abnormal, and you probably always will have some level of pain. The goal is to get it to a manageable point.
Good luck.
I have had several surgeries over the years. Some were more successful than others, and I know I will never be completely pain free. But it has been a big improvement. I know many people who have had success with surgery, and many people have posted here who have seen improvement.
To juulie: The decision whether or not to have surgery is a difficult one. But if you have exhausted all the other options... Obviously, the most important thing is to find the right surgeon. Many doctors, though perhaps well meaning, are not really experts in these types of procedures (there just isn't that high of a demand for it). Make sure you ask a lot of questions about how many similar procedures he/she has performed, what kind of outcomes were achieved, etc.
Also realize that surgery will probably never completely "cure" you. Your joint will always be abnormal, and you probably always will have some level of pain. The goal is to get it to a manageable point.
Good luck.