The Decision is Made

Well everyone, the decision has been made. I will be having bilateral total joint replacement surgery with TMJ Concepts devices.
Stage one, where they remove my natural joints and wire my mouth shut (also explained in further detail in my previous post) will be May 12th.
Stage two will be June 14th.
I understand there is a lot of controversy over having these procedures done. While I appreciate the varying opinions that many of you have, I now need your support.
I’m sure you know I’ve done exhaustive research as well as consulted with the top surgeons in the U.S. This decision has been well thought out.
There isn’t anything that can be said at this point to make me change my mind.
With that being said, I really do appreciate those of you who have stuck by me, no matter what my decisions were, from day one. It means the world to me.

I feel a real sense of relief as well as being frightened. I know that many of you are considering the same procedure, and I will always be here to walk you through every step of the way.
No question is too small or intrusive. Please ask.
I only ask that you respect my decision.

Posted in Total Joint Replacements at March 8th, 2006. No Comments.

Stage One and Stage Two

In the coming weeks and months I will be referring to Stage One and Stage Two in many of my posts. These refer to how my surgery (bilateral TMJ total joint replacements) will be done.
Stage one: Botox one week before surgery to hopefully lessen the severity of muscle spasms while I am wired shut. Take my natural joints out, insert spacers, wire mouth shut. New CT scan done immediately post op and sent to TMJ Concepts for design & manufacture of the devices.
Stage two: four to six weeks later. Wires and spacers removed, bilateral coronoidectomies (removal of another part of the jaw to increase my function post operatively), pack abdominal fat around the joints to lessen the formation of bad bone or fusion like I have now (I told him he has permission to take a little - or a lot- more than necessary.. you know…someone might need some tummy fat.. hehe).

More on the surgery later. From here on out, my posting should be picking up. The process seems to be moving forward and I should have surgery dates soon.

Posted in TMJ Surgery, Total Joint Replacements at March 7th, 2006. No Comments.