From a 45 year-old woman:
My problem started in 1985. I was referred to an oral surgeon. He sent me to physical therapy, put me on 5 mg. of valium once/day at bedtime and naprosyn 500 mg TID. This did not help.
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February 1985 - Had surgery on right TMJ. Repaired ligament and pad and removed bone spurs.
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1986 - Had left side done (same thing).
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Then again sent to physical therapy. Still a lot of pain, not able to eat solid food (caused extreme pain and flareup).
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Had arthroscopic surgery 1986. I was told to remove scar tissue both sides.
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Still in extreme pain, only eating soft food or liquid diet. Did not go back to oral surgeon until 1995 - Before this tried biofeedback and chiropractor.
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1995 - February. Had arthroscopic both sides to remove scar tillue. Was told a lot of scar tissue.
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1995 - July. Had arthroscopic surgery again both sides. Again told a lot of scar tissue.
During this time was on 5 mg. valium PM and naprosyn 500 mg. TID plus Percoset for pain (which did not work).
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More physical therapy
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Feb. 1996 - Surgery. TMJ replacement with graft.
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Sept 1996 - Surgery. TMJ replacement with graft.
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PHysical Therapy again. Cortisone injections in joints (both) naprosyn TID 500 mg. On Percoset which somewhat relieved daily pain, when sever pain hits - often - pain pills do nothing. - Vomiting from severe pain.
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I am now in pain constantly and soft food or liquid diet only. Have very frequent episodes of severe pain, debilitating pain.