Finding surgeon most important production - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

papergoods · 08-28-2006, 05:47 PM

Long rant here, I used to produce a travel show, I did research on places, booked planes, cars, hotels for myself and a crew. Four years ago, I got bad TMJ problems following a surgery for my cervical spine. They think the intubation over streached my joints and put them out of place. The last four years Ive spent close to $30,000 on splints of all kinds, PT, pills, botox, shots, massage, acupunture, you name it. The last year I havent been able to escape facial and joint pain even for a moment unless Im sleeping on pain pills. Surgery for me is almost inevidable, Ive seen three surgeons and the one who did my arthrocentsis. He said to avoid surgery like the plague. I saw a well know surgeon in Dallas who uses Mytek anchors. One at John Hopkins who advised against anchors.

Like all of you, my confusion and frustration levels are HIGH. I was thinking to myself, why dont I try to look at finding (not a cure) but someone who can help me at least function normally in life like I did producing a show. I can ask my friends to borrow money and set out to fly to different states and visit some of the surgeons mentioned as "great doctors" on this board. That way whatever surgery I have, at least I wont be there lying on the table before they put me under thinking, I should have done more research Im just not sure about this.

Do you think that is a good idea? Or just a big waist of money? Are there any surgeons you think I should definetly visit if I can only afford to see maybe 5? What questions should I ask?

Thanks!

raylp · 08-28-2006, 07:48 PM

I think the overall idea is good. You might be able to reduce the trips through organization, or if some/one of the surgeons were able to do a phone conference or unofficial phone talk.

I would recommend Tarro in Boston if arthroscopy were an option. I would also ask him for the other top docs.

Thelma-Louise · 08-29-2006, 04:59 PM

I agree - I have spent even more than that and am at the point I will borrow money and go anywhere as long as I know from others here they were helped. I am so tired of all these drs that insist they can help me and when their treatment fails either blame me for being too impatient or a difficult patient or the ultimate insult - that its all in my head. If you have test results (written or copies of the films - MRIs, CT scans, tomograms or x-rays) you should probably send them before hand as well. Maybe ask for the names of other patients you could talk to before hand as well.

MaggieMay78 · 09-06-2006, 08:00 PM

papergoods,

If you are set on having surgery, then I agree that it's CRUCIAL to find the best surgeon possible, one who is highly experienced in the type of procedure you want to have. Do you have any idea which procedure you're leaning toward? (arthroscopic, disc suturing, etc). I don't mean to get you down, but I've heard that the discs sometimes slip again after the disc suturing. of course, those are the stories I've heard on these boards...don't know if other people have had success. I would just be VERY careful in doing my research about what type of procedure to have. As far as the Mitek anchors...I am personally against those, but I know Navymid on here did have success with them. It's just that I haven't heard of anyone else who has. Again, that choice is yours and a lot of research/thought needs to go into it!

All of that being said, I would try to find an HONEST surgeon...and maybe one who doesn't have a huge ego LOL. I've had many surgeries in my life (not on the TMJ, but my leg & hip...very complicated and rare surgeries). Anyway, the one thing I can tell you is that you want someone who does not have a massive ego...someone who doesn't immediately assume they can fix EVERYONE'S problem!!! That's all I mean by the whole ego issue. This is important...because you want a surgeon who will tell you straight up whether they think any type of surgery will help you. Someone who is doing it because they are truly looking at YOU as an individual patient, and believe this particular surgery has a good chance of helping YOU. Unfortunately, I've heard of TMJ surgeons (I don't want to mention names) who are known to be skilled at the surgical process itself...BUT they recommend too many surgeries, and often recommend the same surgery for most of their patients. Even several conservative TMJ specialists have told me this is the case..."Oh, Dr. so-and-so is good at his surgical technique, but often does unnecessary procedures and recommends the same one for most of his patients."

I also think raylp has posted a lot of good advice on these boards, about how to find a quality surgeon. I would go back and re-read his posts, and really take his advice into consideration. Please let us know what you decide!

take care,
Meg