Re: Post-op jaw shifting ??? To CPT Bob

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob,

How did you (and your doc) know about the lack of ossification? Does

it have any symptoms? Gotta make sure I don't have it! )

Thanks.

Irene.

BTW, love your nick .

>

> Bob

>

> At the risk of over simplifying things, picture a regular ball in

> socket joint--which the Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) is not.

> The " ball " portion of the TMJ is the Condyle and the " socket " is

> called the Mandibular Fossa.

>

> No, I am no longer in elastics. The lack of ossification (filling the

> gap with new bone)in my maxilla (Upper) is probably due to being put

> in elastics too early. As I opened my mouth the elastics pulled on

> the maxilla creating movement which prevented proper bone healing.

> So, I am on a no chew diet with no elastics for at least three weeks.

>

> Were the elastics working? Yes, while I wore elastics my midline

> lined up perfectly. As soon as I took them off my lower midline

> shifted left again. The OS tells me that it can take 6 - 8 weeks to

> properly retrain the muscles.

>

> As for pain in my chin, no, although my lower lip and chin are still

> pretty numb. Ocassionaly I get a shooting pain running through my

> chin, but it is very short lived. Since your pain is somewhat of a

> phantom pain, I wonder is pain meds will actually help.

>

> Be very carefull using any drug that the OS/OD did not prescribe.

> Drug interactions can be dangerous. I recommend you consult with the

> OS before using any drugs other than what he prescribed.

>

> Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a very mild antidepressant and anti

> anxiety drug which also has antihistamine properties.

>

> CPT BOB

>