Surgery Does "NOT" Cure TMJD - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Cymy Sue · 09-20-2003, 06:08 AM

Hi to all,

I've been out of touch a few days. (My Mother is ill)
I noticed there are several new members with questions, and "advice" regarding surgery.

I'm an "Old Pro" with many of these surgeries. I don't know everything, but I do know, Surgery should
"NEVER"

be considered as your first line of treatment, if at all.

The only reason to have your jaws operated on without trying everything else available & then some, would be damage to your face due to an accident. (Car Wreck,etc.)

I have made many posts about these "Surgeries", as well as many other members. Please read these posts.

There are a couple of members who report successes, but the majority do not.

I was told these surgeries would cure TMJD over 20 years ago. There was not any information to the contrary and no one to ask, does it work.
The majority of the members who have had surgery, did the same thing. They started many years ago, with no one to tell them the risks, and if the surgery fails, your life is never the same.

If you are considering surgery to cure TM joint problems, "PLEASE" find out everything you can first.

A Dentist, qualified to evaluate, diagnose and treat TMJD, should be your first stop.

I recommend this because I was a "Surgical Mess" 6 surgeries,spanning 10 years. Diagnosed with TMJ 25 years ago. Oral Surgeons ruined my life and threw me into "Pain Management", with no other options.

My Dentist designed a very simple splint that has given me my life back, in a few months.

Please don't make the mistakes that some of us did in years past, due to no information

I have been very hesistant to post of bad experiences with surgeries, even after asking the other members if they wanted to know. There have been so many new members in the last few weeks who have not seen some of the older posts, I feel those of us who have been through these and had complications, need to bump up our old post or retell our stories.

I would never tell anyone not to have a surgery that they have been told they need. I will tell everyone to educate yourself from every source you can find, before you agree to any invasive procedure. Surgeons rarely tell you all that can happen.
This advice comes from very "Painful Experience" and there are many members with the same experience or worse.

Cymy Sue

[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 09-20-2003).]

Hope247 · 09-20-2003, 01:01 PM

Hello,

I read your post today. I see your perspective and can respect it. I am new and I wanted to share my experience with you personally. I had surgery 1wk and 2days ago on my right tmj. I have had it for about 3 years. However, about 1 1/2 months ago, my jaw locked! I couldn't open my mouth more than one inch. It hurt so bad and caused me to be frighted, which probably did not help the situation by tightening my muscles around my jaw. I went to see my dentist and he immediately recommended me to my ortho who then recommended me to and oral surgeon. I was in so much pain he put me on steriods and pain meds which did decrease the swelling but not my locked jaw. I had an MRI and found out that both tmj discs where lodged anteriorly causing my mouth to not open. Then, waiting for Ins. was my next battle. I was not going to survive on pain meds nor was I going to not open my mouth and be in so much pain in my head and ears. I was scheduled for bilateral surgery on both sides. Well, my one side was only done. The arthroplasty took 2 1/2 hours because my disc was lodged so much anteriorly. Today, I have a therabite to pry my mouth open for therapy. That is my story. Was it like your experience? I am recovering but slowly....my ears hurt from the pressure and the surgery itself.

That is my story....so far.
hope 247

Cymy Sue · 09-20-2003, 01:49 PM

Hope,
I'm terribly sorry to hear of your ordeal. I do not have any experience with completely locking. I'm not clear about your opening of 1 inch. Did it get worse/less? 1 inch is roughly 25 mm. I was at 19 mm and less for many years, due to surgeries. There are many members who are living with much less than 19 mm.
I'm sure the problem must have been very serious for your Doctors to advise surgery so quickly, without trying other treatments a little longer.

Was your surgery to relocate your disc?

My original disc were deteriorated and mostly hanging out of my joints for many years. In 1992 I had an Arthroplasty to remove and replace them with Auricular (ear) cartilage. These failed in about 2 years and in 1997, I had an Arthroplasty/Discectomy with no replacements. These surgeries usually do cause a lot of pain for a while.

Since I'm not sure exactly what you had done, I don't know how to make a comparison. If your original disc was "put" back in place, it may not take to long to feel better.

I made this post about surgery, for those who can be helped with non-invasive treatments. I don't want anyone to make the mistakes I made. I've had 6 surgeries since 1988 and never got any relief from TMJ Pain & Symtoms. I got worse with each one and now have surgical damage to the nerves, bones and muscles.

I am doing well now with a splint designed for my condition.(Surgical damage and no disc)

I am sorry that surgery was your only option.
I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can.

Cymy Sue

Hope, I just read your post that your disc was sutured into place. I'm glad your disc was healthy and hopefully you will not have any more problems.

[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 09-21-2003).]

Arleen · 09-20-2003, 04:46 PM

Hi Cymy Sue:

I just wanted to say hello. Sounds like you're doing well with your splint, which is great to hear. I hope your mother feels better really soon.

I also want to thank you for continuing to post about your experiences. You have so much wisdom and information on the TMJD, and surgery and I appreciate that you continue to share it with us.

Take care,
Arleen

NeedANewHead · 09-20-2003, 05:24 PM

I want to thank you too, Cymy...you are a REAL asset to this forum. I believe your telling of your experiences can change lives for the better. Keep it up!!