TMJ Resources - Our Family - Patient Talk
Have had 10 surgeries for TMJ-the Christiansen all metal implant three years ago and I’ve been screaming in constant pain ever since. Widespread nerve damage in face, neck, jaw, and head. Constant severe disabling pain that is still out of control even though my new neurologist has me on seven different meds, including morphine 60mg, vicodin ES, and Zanaflex among others. And even this only dulls the ache, stabbing, throbbing, and burning sensations that have taken control of my entire head, soul, spirit, and energy on a 24 hour constant stream of aggravation and depression. Job of 20 years gone, live alone, no one fully understands, and the pain never stops. Just moving my mouth vertically or horizontally intensifies everything. Forget about smiling or laughing or feeling good enough to go out. Anyway, what really concerns me right now is dealing with social security disability. Been rejected twice and going to the panel hearing 12-15-2000 and could use some advise on how to get disability from these people. Like I said, 10 surgeries, dealing with TMJ for 20 years, three doctors on my side-neurologist, primary physician, and an oral surgeon, and I'm still scared Social Security will not believe me at the hearing. If I could get the financial stress off of me, maybe I could feel better or get better a little. I’ve tried everything in the world –a double oseotomy, silastic implant, Christiansen joint, tens unit, drugs, hypnosis, massage therapy, herbals, splints, facial flaps, and now they want to try the latest deal of cutting or burning nerves to stop the pain. Yeah right! I feel like concrete has been poured into the top of my head to my right neck and everything in between is going ballistic to include right eye pain. Sorry for rambling so much, but I need advise if there is any on how to deal with the pain, the social security issue, how to support myself financially, what about insurance coverage after I’m dumped from COBRA coverage, to even a good lawyer to sue the state of Virginia, my former employer for wrongful dismissal. Guess I’m just venting like everyone else, but I don’t know what else to do anymore. Thanks
David (USA)
