lysis and lavage

sueb69 · 09-24-2002, 10:14 PM

Has anyone received lysis/lavage for TMJ treatment. I had it about 2 months ago and went from 20 mm opening to 38mm, which was great! I had a bit of pain after (should have; the dr. had my mouth wide open while I was under). But now, I feel that it is wearing off. Has anyone had this procedure and how long did it last? Did you have to have it repeated or did you move on to next step (open surgery). Thanks!
-Sue

kathvl · 10-16-2002, 07:13 PM

I had a lavage back in February. It seemed to work for a while but the pain returned. I just had "open jaw" surgury two weeks ago. Recovery was a lot more difficult than I expected and I am still recovering. Do all that you can before you resort to the surgery. It was not fun!!!

lisalee62 · 10-16-2002, 08:34 PM

Kathy, What type of surgery did you have? What did they find when they did the surgery and what has your outcome been so far? lisa

Elaine · 10-17-2002, 02:39 PM

Sue,
I am assuming this is to relieve scar tissue and adhesions, right? I had this done two months after my third surgery. Scar tissue builds fast and seems to come back, no matter what you do. I went through months of physical therapy to keep from losing my opening. Right now I am at 10mm, with a loose implant and need more surgery.Problem, NO INSURANCE for this great imposter!!!
Elaine

kathvl · 10-18-2002, 09:02 PM

I am not sure what the technical name for the surgury that I had is but I can describe it. I am lucky, my disks were not dislocated, just disteneded and somewhat shreded...my doc stitched the disks back together and tacked it to the bone. He said stress and clenching my jaw caused the shredding of my disks. I will be in a split 24/7 for at least three months and then at night for the rest of my life. I am hoping for a full recovery. My opening is at 20mm right now and I am doing exercises everyday. I am almost three weeks out from surgery. I have been back to work for one week. I worked 9.5 hours for the first three days back to work and completely wore myself out so my doc put me on half days for next week. I am hoping for the best. Every day is better than the last!