Pain Free - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

wdragon · 07-06-2004, 09:01 AM

I had TMJ for 8 years with limited opening and taking neumorous medications to try to control the pain. Tried splint therepy but it did not change anything.
In january this year i had an arthoscopy surgery and it was successful. I still have limited opening of the jaw although the opening has doubled. I have now stoped all my medication I do still occasionaly have a discomfort in the jaw but i am able to eat proper food. I must still be caerfull as there my specialist said that there is a possibility that the opperation will only be sucessful for up to 1 year but i will have to wait and see, even so i am just very gratefull for up until now 6 months of what i believe bliss with my TMJ. The discomfort of the op lasted for about a week.
I just wanted to say that there is hope for us all. I think im very lucky for each day that i stay pain free. I wish it would last forever but that is unlikley so i try to be caerfull and see how long i last before needing treatment again.

sandra1 · 07-06-2004, 12:24 PM

Wdragon,

I am glad that you feeling pain free with your jaw.......good news to hear. So, why did you needed this operation in the first place?

Sandi

meditation · 07-06-2004, 12:25 PM

What a message

But, also, remember this....think of it as a total success....Don'tcha dare say "unlikely"...because true recovery is possible....I had it for about 11 years and it was awesome...My only problem...well I guess you could call me the screw lady. I went into a restaurant and there happened to be a screw in my dinner- I didn't know it until I bit down on it. That is the only reason I am going through this, again.

Prior to that, my life had changed tremendously. I regained the weight I had lost, my grayish color skin had disappeared, and I became more confident. I even went back to school--twice. Once, for my bachelor's and Second, for my master's degree.

Of course there are those days, when the weather was too cold...and I had a flair up. But, for a time, I didn't have to see a doctor in YEARS!!

Whatever worked for you ....that is all that matters. Your positivity can definately help your true recovery...

Glad to hear you are pain free.

wdragon · 07-09-2004, 01:25 PM

I needed the opperation because of limited opening and only able to eat very soft food and the pain. I had tried splint etc but they had made my jaw worst. I had taken anti inflamatries for so long they caused a stomach ulcer. I had 8 years of pain and although this opp might have made my jaw worst i had to give it a try. I had no other options. I was lucky in the end. for the first time in 8 years i dont need to take any medication the only problem now is watching my weight as i am enjoying my food again