Pocket duties - big decisions to be made, eek!

Starburst
Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
edited 7. Jul 2016, 13:32 in Living with Arthritis archive
I've reached the end stages of joint damage in my jaw and there's nothing more that can be done except for a total TMJ replacement. It's a big operation, not performed often and the incisions are close to important nerves. I've researched and managed to talk to various people online who have had it done. I think I'm decided but I've got lots of fears and unanswered questions. I have a private consultation on Monday 4th July at 6.40 PM and I'd be ever so appreciative for any pocket dwellers. I think I'll benefit from having a long appointment to ask my loooong list of questions. I have private health insurance and I also need to decide if I want the surgery privately or on the NHS. The private wing is based in the NHS hospital and it's the same consultant but there are pros and cons to both. That has complicated matters somewhat.

This is a big operation and a big commitment but I'm at the end of my tether. I'm on a soft food diet, I'm not sleeping, I'm maxed out on pain dullers - even resorting to oramorph which I said I'd never do - and I just don't think I can live like this.

I know I haven't been around much but I'd really appreciate the support. Thank you xx

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm in. I'm in. I'm in. I've never been more in.

    I can't offer any help or advice just my sincere admiration - yet again - for your matter-of-fact bravery. Go for it. Ask all the questions you need. I shall be in your pocket and ready to hold your hand if needed. This is a biggie, right? I wish you the very best of appointments. ((( )))
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm in as well ,good luck .X. Mig
  • prefabkid47
    prefabkid47 Member Posts: 1,316
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi starburst
    No hesitation on my part................ :!:
    Will definitely be there for pocket duty on the 4th
    Ron
    ''Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy''. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Absolutely in, not a shadow of doubt. You will feel easier when you have asked all your questions and had some answers. I can imagine how terribly concerned you are. I am sure you have given the operation a lot of thought. Keep us posted and take care. XX Aidan
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Count me in
    Good Luck
    Love
    Hileena
  • Slosh
    Slosh Member Posts: 3,194
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Definitely in. I really hope you get all the answers you need and help to make the decision that is right for you. (((())))
    He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
    Julian of Norwich
  • Megrose2
    Megrose2 Member Posts: 331
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'll be there, too. I hope you get all your questions answered and your appointment goes well.

    Meg
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    ((((( ))))) I'll be there. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Count me in, and no wonder you are scared and worried and want to know all the ins and outs..we are all here for you ..and make sure you have that long list..good luck xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'll be there.....(((())))
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Still thinking of you, Sophie. I'll be there on Monday.

    Boomer13? Anna, is that really you? How are you? We were all concerned about the fires and how close you might be. Lovely to see you here again.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes, it's me. I'm back, not that I went anywhere....No forest fires here just joint fires.

    I missed all of you!
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear! Have things been rough?
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,280
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Boomer its good to hear from you ..but sorry to hear you are suffering..why dont you start another thread and tell us what you have been up to..or have a moan if you want..x
    Love
    Barbara
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes, I will start a thread soon.

    Back to (((()))) and luck for Starburst for Monday's appointment. I hope it goes well.
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for your kind words of support. Hello especially to the lovely Boomer, looking forward to hearing more from you.

    I'm afraid that I'm in an even worse position than I was before. :( My surgeon feels he is not experienced enough to operate on me due to my age and my other health problems. He recommended someone else who is 120 miles away in Nottingham. I emailed this man (who I have since found out if the top UK surgeon) and he said; it's highly unlikely my private insurance will cover this and if I go via the NHS, I'm looking at a wait of at least a year. Sadly, he said there are only a few surgeons in the whole of the UK who are experienced in this highly specialist area.

    I saw a very nice locum GP today as I was quite upset who said he'd refer me to a multi-disciplinary clinic who specialise in TMJ disorders. They're not that close either but closer than 120 miles away. While they might not be specialists in replacement surgery, they will be able to give another opinion. I will go - armed with my scan and surgery reports - and see what the Nottingham doctor says. I suppose I will have to pay for this but I think it's worth it. I'm devastated to realise that there's no quick fix and feeling quite silly for thinking there ever was.
  • Slosh
    Slosh Member Posts: 3,194
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    So, so sorry to read this, and first and foremost you most definitely were NOT silly for thinking there was something that could improve things for you. It must have been even more disappointing after you had done so much research about it.

    Obviously it was good that your surgeon was honest enough to admit his limitations but it probably doesn't really feel like that at the moment.

    I am glad though that the Locum GP you saw today was able to make a suggestion about the specialist clinic and I hope you don't have to wait too long for a response from them.

    In the meantime be kind to yourself.
    He did not say you will not be storm tossed, you will not be sore distressed, you will not be work weary. He said you will not be overcome.
    Julian of Norwich
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh dear! This is not good, is it? But please don't apologise for being an optimist, Sophie. We need more, not fewer of those. I do hope someone, somewhere can help sooner rather than later. Please keep us informed.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright