Having an arthroscopy....anyone had one? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Autumn Angel · 01-07-2003, 08:54 AM

I had my specialist appt. yesterday and I have to have an arthroscopy to start treatment. Then he mentioned braces and jaw aliginment surgery afterwards because I have a birth deffect resulting in an excessively long left condyle (same side as the TMJ). Has anyone had jaw alignment surgery and what does it consist of? My Doc said breaking of the jaw and a hospital stay. Can anyone tell me how long? So from what I am told to eventually fix things I will have to have the 2 surgeries and braces. Arthroscopy first then braces and jaw aliginment. Any information would be helpful. After 12 years of suffering treatment is going to be such a welcome relief I just want to know from people that have has all this done what to expect. Thank you in advance for all your help.

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Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD for 12 years
Carpal Tunnel syndrome
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured now I think)
Teen daughters that have had medical problems and I will help and over advice on what areas I am knowledgable in.

Autumn Angel · 01-07-2003, 09:00 AM

Oh and I was also told my bite was a 24 and the norm was 50. Whats everyone else got here? Thanx for the help.

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Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD for 12 years
Carpal Tunnel syndrome
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured now I think)
Teen daughters that have had medical problems and I will help and over advice on what areas I am knowledgable in.

Elaine · 01-20-2003, 12:16 PM

Autumn,
50mm is somewhere around normal. Unfortunately, I am no where near normal. After three surgeries with extensive physical therapy afterwards, I am at 10mm. I still manage to smash things into my mouth to do this so called "eating neccessity". People always tell me I have a big mouth, I think they are wrong!!!!
Elaine

Merrida · 01-20-2003, 12:20 PM

I get envious of people who can open their mouth to actually bite into a whole sandwhich, much less a sub. There I am in a social setting cutting things up with plastic sporks into finger food to shovel into my lips....

What people take for granted,...

Autumn Angel · 01-20-2003, 01:16 PM

Elaine, I dont know how you handle that I have trouble at 24. What 3 surgeries did you have? Can you let me know? Thank you.

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Cheers...Autumn
Female...42
TMJD...12 years
Anxiety/Panic Attacks (cured I hope)
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy due to endometrial bleeding after miscarriage (2002)
Hernia Repair(1998)
Apendectomy (infected) 1988
21 year old daughter born with Mullerian Aplasia
18 year old daughter bulimia survivor.
If I can help ANYONE with anything from a papercut to a life threatening illness, I will do my best just to be a friend. " A friend is someone who knows all your faults and loves you anyway".