Chronic Pain

hello.. i have an upcoming surgery. just thought that i would ask if anyone has gone through this. if anyone has i would love some feedback. i am going to have my jaw broken. i've had a splint made and wore that for almost 2 yrs. that did not help the joint go back into place & then i had arthocentesis in my right side and it didn't help either. then i had an MRI and some more tomographs. the dr. has recommended that my jaw get broken to "create space" for the joint and then wire my mouth for 6 wks. i am kind of nervous about the procedure and would like any advice. thanks in advance for any help!!

There's a chance I might have that done too. The last doctor I saw mentioned the possibility. I'm interested in knowing how it goes for you.

I haven't been through it, but I did accidentally break my jaw and had it wired for a while. The first couple of weeks weren't fun, but after that it wasn't too bad.

hi!! i will keep you posted... i heard from the doctor today and they are still talking w/the insurance. after that we are going to schedule the surgery.

how long did you have it wired shut? did they give you pain meds for any pain? sorry i am really nervous and i want to get as much info as possible to be prepared after surgery!!

thanks!!

Ask away, I don't mind.

My jaw was wired for at least 8 weeks, might have been a little longer. I had several prescriptions, and fortunately the pharmacy was able to supply all of them as liquids. For pain I had a cherry flavored liquid acetaminophen with (I think) hydrocodone. It was very effective, although when it did wear off, it did so pretty suddenly.

thank you again for all your info. i asked my friend, who happens to be a pharmacist, and she is going to look into getting liquid forms for when i need it!! now i guess i just sit around and wait to see when they schedule my surgery! : ( i will keep you posted... i have a feeling that all kinds of typing are going to be my main form of communication pretty soon!! : )