Meditation how are you doing? - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Michelle W · 06-14-2005, 03:52 PM

I was wondering how you are doing, and if you have made a decision about your joint replacement? Do you know who is going to do the replacement for you yet. I have only heard good things about the TMJ Concepts Joints. I wondered what you will be having placed.

I am still looking for second opinions right now.

Please let me know how you are doing.

Thanks,
Michelle

meditation · 06-14-2005, 04:33 PM

Michelle,

Hi, there. I haven't been on the board much lately

. I know, bad, bad, bad.

Well, here's the scoop.

I have decided upon the total joint replacement, the pain is too exhausting for me not to. I'm having problems doing my job...and, I know the powers that be are not happy about that.

My doctor sent off a letter to Aetna for approval last month....which they 'claim' they never got....except the doctor's office faxed me a copy of the letter and the certified return receipt notice proving they got it on 5/13.

I filed a grievance with my ins. company, with my states' ins. commissioner, and with my payroll company...thinking about having my attorney file a bad faith lawsuit. My whole problem is that their negligence just tacked on another 45-50 days with no surgery

. (because it takes that long for it to be approved)

Other than that, I am trying to hang in there. I sleep once a week these days. My condyles hurt so-o much. I pray, alot. I pray I can make it another 4 months with no surgery....job wise, pain wise, eh, the whole enchilada. Eh, I think I would just like one night of peace at this moment. Just a night where I pamper myself and just try to relax. I broke down at work last week...Just started crying.

I do not believe most people around me understand just how exhausting this pain is. But, I am trying to remain as optimistic as possible...Just trying to hold on to faith....I know, at least, that my pre-cert notice has been received...so, I am crossing my fingers.

I know that having this surgery, the TMJ concepts total joint replacement, is a HUGE risk. But, I look at what I have done. It hasn't worked. I look at what I am doing. It isn't working. And, I believe my only option is this surgery.

How are you doing, these days???

Take care and thank you,
Johnna

Michelle W · 06-14-2005, 07:31 PM

Wow, I did not realize you were working right now. I can't imagine how you are managing that on top of everything else. I would be crazy. No wonder you started crying at work; I am sure I would do the same.

I can understand you deciding to take the risk. I think it comes to that point some times.

I am still looking into second opinion on having my one side redone since that arthroplasty did not work. I am just thinking of having it redone since the surgeon is going to charge me half price. I think he should do it for free, but he isn't going to do that. This is the only profession I know of where you end up paying them to fix their mistakes.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you do with your surgery.

meditation · 06-16-2005, 01:50 PM

Michelle,

Don'tcha just love doctors and ins. companies. I am on the phone with mine as we speak....ready to have a cow. Again, they are changing their minds. Joy....trying to get an attorney to file an ERISA lawsuit against them.

Wow. how are you feeling? How do you do throughout the day?

Take care,
Johnna

Michelle W · 06-18-2005, 03:09 PM

The insurance company is changing their minds about letting you have the surgery? Is that what you are saying? I was thinking about changing to Aetna insurance or Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Let me know how they handle your case. My husband may be able to find us another policy with another company. I have been with my last insurance company ten years, but I am afraid eventually I will have to have my disc taken out and then later joint replacements. I know this problem is not going to go away.

I do okay Meditation due to pain managment from my neurologist. He is also a physical rehab doctor. I am taking Neurontin and Keppra for neurological pain. They are anticonvulsants. I also take Oxycontin a small dose daily three times a day. I started it a few months ago after being in pain for almost two years. I just couldn't take it anymore. It was a huge decision for me.

I try to keep as busy as I can working around the house and in my yard this summer. I don't have any friends left except friends online with tmj. It is sad. My sister recently bailed on me. Oh well.

I would like to get fixed up and possibily get a part-time job. I feel like I need to get out of the house a bit more.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. I am interested in hearing how everything goes for you.

Best wishes,
Michelle