RANT-Doctors who confuse their patients? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Michelle W · 01-30-2004, 05:05 AM

As many of you know I had surgery in March 2003 and since that wonderful day I have been left with mind bending and boogling face burning pain on the left side. I am taking several medications to ease the pain, which are expensive despite insurance coverage and make me lethargic, and let us not forgot to mention have made me gain weight. I seriously didn't need any extra weight, and please remember my huge home improvement loan for this wonderful surgery! I mean they gave me a 5% percent cash discount.

Bitter?? NO way!

Anyway, about four months ago my OS mentioned I might need an arthocentesis to break up adhesions, which he thought might have been causing the pain, I elected not to do the arthocentesis. He couldn't guarentee that it might not cause more pain. I also in my gut didn't think it was the problem. I elected to see a neurologist instead, who started me on additional medication for my nerve pain. It has helped me a lot. I went in a couple of weeks ago, and my OS asked me if I was better since the arthocentesis? Okay, I didn't have an arthocentesis.

I think he has me confused with another patient. I told him "I didn't have the arthocentesis." I told him I was better only after seeing a neurologist who prescribed additional medication for me. He then tell me, "Well, I think it must be some nerve damage/something or an adhesion pulling on the nerve." I had him measure my bite which is now 40. It is better than three or four months after surgery. I think it was around 20 or 22 prior to surgery. He then goes on again to comment about me possibly needing orthognathic surgery for my bite-again. I told him I didn't think I was going to do that. I didn't need anymore nerve pain. My lower jaw is much more forward than my husbands and daughter, who had braces; so I don't get why I would need it other than maybe my open bite. Maybe he also has me confused on this issue? Who is to say? I am not having that surgery unless I get close to ten opinions from surgeons and orthodontist. Any input?

TiffanyAnn · 01-30-2004, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle W

As many of you know I had surgery in March 2003 and since that wonderful day I have been left with mind bending and boogling face burning pain on the left side. I am taking several medications to ease the pain, which are expensive despite insurance coverage and make me lethargic, and let us not forgot to mention have made me gain weight. I seriously didn't need any extra weight, and please remember my huge home improvement loan for this wonderful surgery! I mean they gave me a 5% percent cash discount.

Bitter?? NO way!

Anyway, about four months ago my OS mentioned I might need an arthocentesis to break up adhesions, which he thought might have been causing the pain, I elected not to do the arthocentesis. He couldn't guarentee that it might not cause more pain. I also in my gut didn't think it was the problem. I elected to see a neurologist instead, who started me on additional medication for my nerve pain. It has helped me a lot. I went in a couple of weeks ago, and my OS asked me if I was better since the arthocentesis? Okay, I didn't have an arthocentesis.

I think he has me confused with another patient. I told him "I didn't have the arthocentesis." I told him I was better only after seeing a neurologist who prescribed additional medication for me. He then tell me, "Well, I think it must be some nerve damage/something or an adhesion pulling on the nerve." I had him measure my bite which is now 40. It is better than three or four months after surgery. I think it was around 20 or 22 prior to surgery. He then goes on again to comment about me possibly needing orthognathic surgery for my bite-again. I told him I didn't think I was going to do that. I didn't need anymore nerve pain. My lower jaw is much more forward than my husbands and daughter, who had braces; so I don't get why I would need it other than maybe my open bite. Maybe he also has me confused on this issue? Who is to say? I am not having that surgery unless I get close to ten opinions from surgeons and orthodontist. Any input?

Hi Michelle:
Well, you know how I feel about doctors and surgeries. I definately would not have any more surgery done and I would have been quite agitated that he didn't take the time to even look at the chart before seeing me. I would have been quite direct and said to him "do you even have my chart in front of you there or do you just suggest further surgery for every patient you see?" My input as always is don't have more surgery.
Hugs,
Tiffany

Michelle W · 01-31-2004, 04:39 AM

Yes, Tiffany, I understand why you feel the way you do now. I just wonder what experiences you have had to bring you to the same feeling.

I am just hoping that Dr. LaFerla can bring everything together for me in the orthodontic care. I didn't tell you I told him last time, "If he could figure this all out I would kiss his feet." He told me he didn't think that would be neccessary. I might of embarrassed him, but he didn't look it. The dental assistant thought I said "Raise your fee." She told me she hadn't heard that one yet. I told her I might also do that if I could figure a way out. No, but I would try to do something nice for him if nothing else. A nice box of chocolates or something that he might like a pie. You get my drift.

What about your friend that had the same surgery? Is the same OS always going on about orthognathic surgery to her? I would love to know if you can ever find out.

Hugs,
Michelle