TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk
I read your newsletter and was very glad to know that my mother is not alone in what she goes through.
My mother lost her mother (my grandmother) when I was one year old. My grandmother was only 40 years old. She died from an aneurysm--this was in about 1971. She told the doctor she was having bad headaches and they basically told her it was all in her head (which it was). It was just a nice way to say they thought she was crazy.
It seems that this is the same way doctors treat my mother's TMJ. She has had numerous surgeries on her jaws and suffers daily. When she has dental work it is very hard on her. I go with her and make sure the dentist know she suffers. My mother doesn't want to be a bother to people--so I do it for her.
The doctor who did her jaw surgeries seems to not want to be a part of her recovery. It makes no sense for a person to have to suffer daily.
The surgeon who did my mother's surgeries diagnosed me with mild TMJ problems. I am supposed to wear a night brace because I clench and grind my teeth and jaws. Thank God I have not been through the surgeries. I was diagnosed after the surgery craze (that is what I call it because at the time of my mom's surgery it seemed as if everyone I know was going through it). I believe that doctors performed procedures on TMJ patients before they know what effects the surgery would have. So now there are too many people who suffer in vain. Hopefully one day doctors will worry more about people than money and this kind of grief and pain will not have to be endured.
Sincerely,
Carlene (USA)
