Getting Started

As a way to get this blog underway, I will post a little blurp I shared on a forum earlier today. I will give a greater description later but at least this will give the blog a bump in the right direction.

I don't know where this blog will go. I will keep this anonymous, knowing this may never be read by another soul. As there are so few resources out there for TMD (www.tmj.org) sufferers, I felt even if this ends up just being a journal for myself, maybe someday, another person may read my journey and will find the experience helpful as they begin their own. Who knows. No matter, maybe all it will be is a way for me to chronicle this part of my life so someday I can look back and hopefully see how far I have come. *smile*

So, here is the blurp.

I am going in finally for a consultation at John Hopkins with an oral surgeon about possible TMD surgery next week. I am excited, nervous, but more than anything... ready to get rid of the chronic pain that has been worsening over the last 22 years.

I have tried everything under the sun to find relief. I've been through the ropes of conservative treatment, praying to avoid surgery. The latest has been new splints, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, over a dozen different meds, etc. Nothing has brought relief and this last year i've seen the most extreme worsening of symptoms in years. My hope by coming here is to find support, advice, and answers to all of the questions swarming through my head.

This world of chronic jaw pain can be so lonely, as I am certain most of you can attest to. It affects so many aspects of my life; i'm especially seeing this in my work right now. The worse the pain is getting, the harder it is to keep up with life in the workforce. Coworkers find it difficult to understand and there is no way to help them step into my shoes.

Anyway, I disgress.

So, there is my blurp. I hope someone finds this blog, particularly those of you facing similar journeys. Please, if you do, share your stories. I would love to hear from you. Hopefully we can be a support to one another as we seek relief from our jaw pain.