Is this my life? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

venicia · 03-25-2003, 01:50 PM

I had surgery in 2000 to replace my discs, and in the last few months I have had an increasing amount of pain in my jaw and face, after living pain free for several years. Is this normal?

I have a pretty high threshold for pain (thankfully), but sometimes it makes it so hard to do the things I have to - like eat. Also, I am a teacher, and not talking when the pain comes isn't an option. I went to the dentist last week, and they had to use blocks to hold my mouth open far enough for the dentist to be able to work. I keep thinking of the pain I had before the surgery, and I wonder - am I headed down the same road again? Or is this just pain that I am supposed to live with forever?

Has anyone out there been through the same thing? Any response will be greatly appreciated. I feel lost, not knowing what to do or expect, and so here I've landed.

Cymy Sue · 03-25-2003, 02:39 PM

Hi Venicia & Welcome,
I had disc replacements with ear cartilage in 92.
I felt great for 2 years and then the pain came back with a vengeance. I managed to make it until 97 and had the replacements out. They were shredded, ( as were my original disc). They did not replace them in 97, they said nothing was working. I have a high tolerance for pain also, but it became unbearable.

What was used for your replacements in 2000? Our conditions could be totally different due to different techniques and the material used.

When I went back 2 years after the surgery, they knew the disc were shredding and would eventually come out bilaterally. It was just a matter of how long I could take the pain.

My advice would be to go back to the surgeon and find out what's going on. It's very possible, something can be done. I would not wait. This may not be as serious as my problem, but it is not normal.

Living without disc does eventually become better than living with those damaged or deteriorated.

Take Care,
Cymy Sue

venicia · 03-26-2003, 10:58 AM

Thank you Sue, for your advice.

I still have my natural discs. They had simply slipped out of place, to the side and behind the joint. The surgeon was able to salvage them, and he then re-attatched them to the joint surgically, by drilling three small holes in the bone on each side and permenently suturing them into place. I suppose re-position would be more accurate to describe the surgery, rather than replace.

Isew4work · 03-27-2003, 08:38 PM

venicia,
was it done by laser or open joint procedure?
Mary

venicia · 03-28-2003, 09:55 AM

It was an open joint procedure. The surgeon made incisions near my ears and went in through those.

Wishing you all the best,
Venicia