meditation

Hello, everyone.

I've been quiet for a while. I've been reading a lot of information about total joint replacements, lately.

Since my last posting, I've been to a pain management doctor. My oral surgeon has recommended a total joint replacement, on both sides. But, he doesn't do this surgery. So, about a month ago, I made an appointment to go to Shand's Craniofacial Clinic, which is a teaching hospital. Great, right.

Well, there was a three month wait for an appointment. Mine is in early May And, let us not go into the horrible health insurance fiasco and the lawsuit...that could take all day Suffice to say, Shand's hospital is a provider for my ins. But, the Craniofacial clinic (within the hospital) isn't.

So, in the meantime, biweekly trips continue away from home to get trigger point injections and my pain management doctor has put me on morphine patches.

I've been doing a lot of research on Total Joint Replacements...mainly the TMJ Concept one. (My ins. company will only cover this one....not even the Christensen). It seems like my only hope at this point. But, apprehension is there. I am 30 and worry how long this will last. I've found promising literature, but, who knows? Has anyone found any research on the longevity of these implants? I've heard conflicting results... maybe 5 years. maybe 10 years. maybe indefinitely. Can anyone help?

For those who have had their joints replaced with the TMJ Concepts joint? How has your pain been affected? How has your jaw function changed? How are your eating habits?

I can say I am full of questions. I've been doing tons of reading on this topic, hoping to make the best decision. Considering the fact that I am on Morphine patches, this may be my only option.

thank you.