JO/ jaw

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo,

Sorry for not gettting back to you - I haven't been online in about a week.

Yahoo has created a few problems for no apparent reason with my account so this

bounced back when it did get sent

I wonder if that or any of the other orthopaedic surgeries have contributed

at all. I will have to remember to ask whoever I see about that. I

spoke to my BP yesterday and he wants me to tell my regular Os so

that he can refer me onto a max fax surgeon within he department.

- I used to work in Quality and Risk Management and reviewed thousands of charts

for compications of care. I did occasionally see disloacted TMJs from

intubation. The problem is, it could dislocate itself during the intubation or

just after and the anesthetist not be aware of it, since everything is

completely relaxed. Then afterwards it could pop back in place or not. Worst is,

the ENT guy didn't believe me when I first told him. When I showed up with my

mouth wired or elasticized shut it did finally sink in.

braces were then. So the idea of ivy loops and elastic bands really

has me cringing again! The elastic idea sounds a lot better and more

comfortable though, a real " why didn't I think of that " situation! I

will go through the wires, braces or even worst case, surgery if I

have to though as I don't want to end up getting knocked out in ER

to have my jaw reduced as often as I did with my shoulder.

- IF anyone mentions IVy Loops, RUN!!!!!!!! I didn't know I was having htis

done. When I said I didn't haev a ride home they did it without IV anesthetic.

They tried repeatedly to freeze it locally which didn't work. It was awful. I

was losing consciousness from pain a few times and they just kept at it. My gums

were all cut up when they were done too. You can about imagine how threading

wire under your gums and around sensitive roots then tightening it repeatedly

might hurt. I didn't think barbarism like this existed in health care. My head

was loterally flopping around because I was losing consciousness from pain.

You'd think one of the two residents would have clued in. I was so busy trying

not to pass out I couldn't even tell them the pain was intolerable.

Do you

mind my asking a little more about your surgery please and ask

whether it has been worth it? I am hoping that I can avoid any

surgical intervention of course but would like to know a little more

just in case.

- It was worth it beause I could not continue to go to EMerg practiaclly or walk

around with my mouth elsaticized shut indefinitel;y. It became rapidly obvious

that the problem would not improve. I can only open my mouth half way and my

biggest problem is muscle control and coordination.It got to the point that I

would show up in Emerg crying - more from embarrassment at being back and

frustation. It became an unliveable problem.

JOyce