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I've had TMJ for as long as I can remember and I am sick of the pain, but I am even more irritated at none of the treatments working, so I've been looking into some of the more invasive procedures.
I refuse to have open surgery, so my question is: does arthrocentesis help, or simply cause more pain and problems?
Have you received any new info from anyone about arthrocentesis? I almost had arthrocentesis done yesterday with a steroid injection, but backed out. I too am questioning whether or not others have had success with this treatment.
I would really appreciate hearing from you and what your exact TMJ problem is (dislocated discs, etc).
I had arthro done on both sides, and it did help for the short term. Long term.. no. However, I was told I waited too long after my injuries to do it..whether that's true or not I don't know (doubt it). But it was worth a shot for me because it's fairly simple procedure and a short recovery time. I figured if there was a small chance it would help, I'd try it. As I said, the short term, it helped my opening a bit.. but now I'm back to where I was before. I think that's mainly b/c of my muscle problems, so perhaps arthro would work for you?
If you go through with it.. let us know how it goes. I truly hope you find some relief!!
Hi Patchjrt, Why do you refuse to have open surgery? Has open surgery been recommended to you? As far as the arthrocentesis goes, I have had several. It seems to me that they can be successful depending on your problems and when you have them performed. For me, it was kind of a lost cause and a shot in the dark, we knew it wouldn't work but wanted to cross it off the list anyway. Let us know if you have any more questions! Sincerely, Stacy
I had this procedure done over 5 years ago, I have now been in worse pain since and I am looking at having both joints replaced. Only offers temporary relief. Also has left me with problems and complications that I never experienced until I had this procedure.
Sorry for jumping into the converstaion, but you are the only active conversation I see on TMJ. Has any of you heard of Diltiazem making TMJ worse? It is a calcium channel blocker for heart. I started it 2 weeks ago and my fibro and my TMJ have flared up terribly and seem to be getting worse each day. Also my mood has plummeted. Anyone had similar side effects? Thanks Bev
