Hello people. I thought I would finally write a SharePost. I guess I just want people to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I suffered with severe TMJ since, oh about 1985.  Through the years I have had my ups and downs with more downs as the years went on.  I never let it bother me, I always put on my happy face.  Boy did I do a great job.

Fast forward to the year 2005.  This is the year when things really escalated, my pain went off the charts.  I developed all kinds of crazy symptoms.  Now, mind you, I continued doing my job as a Surgical Technologist.  I was not on any kind of pain medication except for Advil, until my hubby pointed out how much I was taking.  I suppose when you have chronic pain you do not realize how much you are taking.  You just want the pain to go away ore subside some. 

One day at work I was just so sick and in such pain....our anesthesiologist told me I should not be suffering with this, so he personally made me an appointment with a local oral surgeon.  I told my boss about all of this and that I may need to finally get on some medication to help ease my pain.  Would it be possible for me to take some time off to get this under control.  I thought it was just one of those crazy flare ups and maybe I just needed a minor procedure or washout of the joint to make me feel better.  She was fine with what I had to do.

Long story short....went to my appointment.....panorex taken.....not much condyle left..............off for a right total jaw joint replacement (Lorenz).  Man oh man did it ever make a difference.  When I woke up after surgery I knew right away it worked.  I had minimal pain, except for the pain from surgery.  My joint felt fantastic and still does.  I was back to work in 2 weeks (probably should have taken more) and I felt pretty gosh dang good, except for some swelling.

Fast forward to the present, last day of 2007......things are still great.  I have hardly no pain and life is great.  My hubby and family are so happy with what I have done.  Now, not all is perfect......when a real bad storm comes I do get some pain but it is controlled with Advil.  I get a real bad headache maybe once every 3 month compared to two or three a week.  Oh and I cannot move my right eyebrow.  It kinda just stays were it is an sometimes it ends up higher than the other.  So what if I have a constant surprised look on my right side.  It is a conversation piece.

I hope this post gives hope to some....and please do not give up, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  It is a rocky road and there is pavement ahead.

Now that I have written a novel I will close this with wishing every one a Happy New Year!!  If I could be of help to anyone please let me know.

P.S.  Anne, if you read this I just want you to know that I hope you have wonderful results with your surgery and that things start to look up for you.  It is your turn and good days are coming.