Would I Do it Again?
One of the most common questions I am asked regarding my joint replacements is if I would do it again. That is a hard question, because I feel as though I had very little choice. My joints were fused, and I could either live with extremely limited function and a high pain level, or I could take the chance on the total joint replacements and gain both pain relief and function, or at least one of the two.
They say hindsight is 20/20. Considering the small gain in function and limited pain relief, I would NOT do it again.
I don’t think the small things I gained were worth the pain, effort, travel, and money.
I am also very limited in what can be done now that I have the joint replacements. I am very young, and because of this will end up having many more joint replacements.
Very few doctors know how to deal with the chronic pain and limited function that I have as a result of over 10 TMJ surgeries and nerve damage.
If and/or when the joint replacements fail, I have no options other than new joint replacements. If I become allergic to the materials in the joints, I have no options.
I do believe TMJ total joint replacements have their place in TMJ surgery. Some patients are good candidates for this procedure and do very well for years. There are patients now that have had joint replacements for over 15 years and are doing very well. However, these patients are few and far between.
The lesson here is to make sure you understand that total joint replacements often do NOT relieve pain. If the major reason you are having the joint replacements is pain, you might be better off in long term pain management.
Tags: Chronic Pain, tmj, TMJ disorder, TMJ Surgery, TMJ total joint replacements
May 11th, 2008 at 11:24 pm #marylee
Hi, I also had a jaw replacement. I had the rib transplant. That was the most painful thing i ever had. That was my sixth tmj operation. I HAD not choice and had to have it. I couldn’t even open my mouth before that surgery. Of coarse. any tmj surgery, you are opening up a can of worms. It will NEVER be the same again.
Its been two years since my surgery. I started having alot of pain and sever headaches again. I finally found a good doctor who gave me botox.. What a miracle that was. I have not had any headaches, and i can open wider, and i dont have that ear popping and uncomfortable feeling in my ear.. I feel lucky,,, it could have been much worst.
marylee
May 29th, 2008 at 6:36 pm #Staci Rose
It’s so discouraging how little physicians know or even agree upon about TMD/TMJ. The replacement surgery is just scary in the hands of these people!
And, Botox isn’t all that exciting, either! LOL!
Thanks for sharing!
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:50 pm #TQD
Stacy - Your “Would I do it again?” letter should be required reading for
anyone w/TMJ - whether jaw replacement surgery is on
the table or not. Because TMJ is so subjective and the
medical community is still divided about treatment, each
patient MUST learn to have the patience & courage to be
their own bottom line in decision-making. Too many times
pain & frustration make decisions that aren’t the best in
the long-term. In my opinion, another important question
to ask (as many experts as possible) is “if I have this
procedure, what is the worst/best case scenario & will it
limit options for furture treatments?”. Even then, always
remember, the person giving you the answers doesn’t have
to LIVE with the consequences.
Thanks for your imput. TQD