Detailed Explanation of My Upcomng TJR

Detailed Explanation-What is TJR (total joint replacement) and why I am a candidate for it?

Here is some background information about what is wrong with my jaw:

1) Idiopathic Condylar Resorption-  a temporomandibular joint disorder in which one or both of the mandibular condyles are broken down in a bone resorption process. This disorder is nine times more likely to be present in females than males, and is more common among teenagers^.  It causes open bites, receding chin, clicking & popping when opening/closing the jaw, pain, and limited mobility.

                                                                These are not my teeth-but my bite is similar

2) Osteoarthritis-a unilateral, degenerative disease of the jaw joint.  It is characterized by the breakdown of the articular cartilage, architectural changes in the bone, and tissue damage. 

3)Ankylosis- abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones.

                                                          These are not my CT scan's but they show ankylosis

4) In layman’s terms, the bones in my jaw are disintegrating and causing pain, my open bite, and limited opening.

May 8^th

1) I will be admitted to the hospital to have a minor procedure performed by an Interventional Neuroradiolist. 
2)The minor surgical procedure is called an Embolization.

3) The doctor will make a small incision on both legs (near my groin) and snake the stent through my body to my jaw.  While most stents are used to clear blocked arteries, my stents are being used to block blood flow so my surgeon can see well during the TJR. 

3) I believe this is a relatively painless procedure.  I will be under anesthesia, but for a limited amount of time. 

4)Much to my displeasure, I will be staying over night in the hospital.  I guess it is for the best since my main surgery is the next day.

May 9^th-Bilateral Total Joint Replacement (TJR)

1)   This surgery will last between 8-10 hours.

2)      The doctor will make two incisions.  The first will run behind my hairline down the facial side of my ear ending at jaw line and the second will be in the fold of my neck below my jaw line.  They might need to shave some of my hair. 

3)   The doctor will then remove a section of my jaw (the condyle and mandibular fossa).  It’s the ball and socket that controls the opening and closing of my jaw. 

4)   The doctor will then replace the joint with my titanium prosthesis. I am one of five people the FDA has approved for the implants this year.  Most implants are made out of nickel, but I am allergic so I was put on an extensive waiting list for the titanium.  I thought I would be waiting at least 5 years to get FDA approval, instead it took me 6 months.  I have no idea how my doctor did it, but he did!

5)   He will also perform orthognathic surgery to pull my jaw into place and correct my bite.  Hopefully he can do this without cutting my jaw in several other places (fingers crossed).

6)   If all goes well, I will not be wired shut. Though I will have metal guides/bars on my teeth which will look similar to the picture below. I will have rubber bands to keep my jaw in place.  The bar and rubber bands will be worn for 4-6 weeks.

7)   I do not need braces again. Once again, this is not 100%, but it doesn't look like I will need them for a 3rd time.

8)   I will be in the hospital for 4-7 days. 

What I am hoping to gain from this surgery:

1)   Better jaw function and opening.

2)   Even though this surgery is not used to take pain away, I am hoping that it will.

3)   I will be able to eat again.

4)   I hope that the muscular issues I have will eventually be healed.
5) It would be nice to go through an entire day without thinking of my jaw,

Unfortunately, there are many risks to this surgery.  A person’s face is a sensitive area because the ear canals and sinus cavities are located there.  In addition, there are glands that give some people problems. I know from previous surgeries that I can have temporary paralysis in my facial muscles.  I will get into this in more detail with the next blog post!

April Showers Bring May flowers

My intention was to take a week off, but after another sleepless night I thought of adding a blog page about hope (because really, there is always hope).  Even though this might be repetitive, it is imperative to ALWAYS be grateful for the love and prayers from family and friends.  

April 6th I celebrated by birthday at work.  Kristy, a work friend, has taken on the task of birthday celebrations.  Everyone was to email her what they like and/or what their hobbies were.  Mine included the color pink, animals, and chocolate.  The basket she created for me was so thoughtful, extremely fabulous, and I couldn't believe the amount of time and care she put into everything in it.  It included chocolate, a pink money belt (I use this for my volunteer work at the rescue), candles, a book, and, of course, the prized possession...the pink dry erase board for after surgery.  I was going to purchase one, but hadn't got around to it.  I was touched and very thankful for her gift basket!

Last year I started taking mixed media art lessons, but because of location and scheduling conflicts I haven't been able to attend recent classes.  Yesterday was my first time back in over a year and it was extremely relaxing.  I enjoy creating pieces and knowing that every mistake can be covered and turned in something beautiful :)  Now doesn't that sound like a life lesson? lol

Afterwards I met my travel companion, Vanessa, for drinks and dinner.  Much to my surprise, she made me an after surgery kit!  It includes books she thinks I will like, lavender lotion, a lavender candle, sleep eye covers, chocolate, and tissues.  I was extremely shocked and probably did not express my gratitude enough, as this was truly an amazing, thoughtful, and kind gift.  In fact, I'm actually dropping it off at my parents today, so it's there when I am discharged from the hospital.

                                                                                   Vanessa's gift basket!!!!

                                                                          Gifts for after surgery :)

My church family is inspiring.  They kept praying for me even when I had given up.  I was told it would be at least 5 years before the FDA would approve me for the titanium implants I needed.  I decided that this was God's will and maybe it was for the best that I didn't have the surgery.  Of course, everything changed about 6 months later.  There is no other explanation than divine intervention.  Even as I was sitting through the Easter service today, Pastor Bob spoke about worrying (something that I am struggling with now). He explained that if we pray and give our worry to God, we don't need to worry.  Of course, this is easier said than done, but then he read my favorite passage: "I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).  After the service I was touched even further when speaking with several people and they let me know that if I need anything at all after my surgery to please let them know, and they meant it.  

My rescue family-100+ Abandoned Dogs of The Everglades-they have welcomed both my mom and I into this organization with open arms.  We enjoy our time with not only the people in this group, but also our furry friends!

My work family is also amazing.  Administration and the English department have been very understanding about my upcoming absence.  I enjoy teaching, and am grateful to get what I love to do every day.  I will be telling my students about my absence shortly.

My parents have been the best.  Today we are celebrating Easter by eating a dinner of steak, potato salad, and deviled eggs.  I am cheating on my soft food diet!  It may hurt, but it is worth it.  Three weeks until my new jaw!

                                                                        Gato's 13th birthday celebration

April has been stressful and I'm at the point in this journey that is filled with doctor's appointments.  I just gotta keep remembering to stay strong, that I have a wonderful support system, and hopefully May will bring be better.  

Keeping calm...is it possible?

I am weeks away from surgery.  Being well organized and prepared is imperative to my mental health and recovery.

Obviously, I am praying for total and complete healing.  A life without pain, being able to eat whatever I want, and a decent opening is my goal.  Eventually I want to run a 5K, travel the world without having to worry about my face, teach without pain, and eat whatever I want! 

I’m faced with the problem of trying to remain calm, while facing the scariest obstacle of my entire life.  Coming up with a plan to maintain my mind, body, and soul was necessary to keep my sanity.  Here’s what I am doing:

  1)  I am journaling almost everyday.  I write what I am grateful for, my goals, and what I want.  I also keep a daily prayer list (for myself and others).  This keeps me focused and actually relieves some of my anxiety.

  2) I walk every day.  This allows me time to relax and think about my day.  Sometimes I talk to friends, family, or neighbors.  Sometimes I am alone in my thoughts.

  3) I meditate.  In fact, I am looking for suggestions on who to listen to to help me with this. I am looking for a motivational speaker and has positive mantras. 

  4)I spend time with friends and family.  I surround myself in love J

  5)Not only do I spend time with my friends and family, but I also volunteer with an animal rescue group.  Not only have I met a whole knew group of friends, but I also have the pleasure of helping animals.

  6)I spend time with my furbaby-Gato.

  7)I took of a week before my surgery because I will have many doctor’s appointments in Miami.  This also gives me time to clean, prepare frozen smoothie meals, and relax.

  8)I cheat on my soft/liquid diet.  It hurts, but it is necessary. I am trying to gain 10 pounds/

9)I read uplifting literature.

10)I attempt to appreciate as much of life as I can.  I want my friends, family, colleagues, students, etc to know that value, admire, and respect them :)

                                                  

I am blessed because I have such a fantastic support group.  My doctors have NEVER doubted me, my family is fully supportive, my friends and acquaintances are encouraging, and my job is understanding.  I am lucky!