Traveling After Bilateral TJR

Summer Vacay 2018 

Traveling with TMJ/TMD has been a complete nightmare during many flights.  As much as I would like to jet set around the world, lack of funds and jaw pain has stopped me in the past. 

Prior to having bilateral TJR of the TMJ, flying was frightening.  Taking off slightly annoyed my jaw.  However, the decent in preparation of landing was excruciating.  It felt as though someone was using my head as a voodoo doll and sticking pins in it over and over, and twisting these pins.  There were times I was near tears (which if you know me, exemplifies the amount of pain I was going through).  After the landing, my jaw and ears felt tight.  It would eventually go away.  Numerous people on TMJ sites gave me remedies such as using Afrin before taking off, using pressure controlling earplugs, etc.  While I appreciate the advice, none of it was successful in my case.  I must note, that I have met several people whose eardrum burst during landing.   The pain while traveling was just another depressing factor when it came to my jaw.

Several weeks prior to my surgery, I had a dream.  I dreamt that I was floating above my body next to God.  My body was on a surgical table below us, and a team of nurses and doctors were working on it.  Suddenly the beeping sound in the room became irregular and there was a loud incessant ringing.  The room was frantic, but then calmed.  I looked at God and questioned, “is that it?  Did I die?”  His reply was “yes, not as bad as you thought, right?”  It wasn’t.  I woke up terrified.  I was sure this was a sign. Thank goodness it wasn't.  This dream was the catalyst to my year of Yes!

Because of that dream I dedicated the next year (or so) as my year of yes.  If I survived the surgery, which I obviously did, I would say yes to everything (within reason) that I want to do.  

When the surgery was deemed successful, I began to make plans.  Six months after, my friends and I planned a girl’s trip.  The flight didn’t bother me, so I knew I could plan my dream vacation to Vietnam Cambodia, and Laos. 

Three weeks in those countries was amazing!  Every day was something new. 

 <Going to the Cu Chi tunnels was a dream come true (Vietnam)

being blessed by a random monk, who opened a temple for us inPhnom Penh>

<Just chillin on the steps of one of the temples at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap


                                                                                                                     
     Angor Wat Sunrise

                                 One of these things is not like the other, Pakse Laos

<Vientiane,Laos

                    ^Feeding an elephant

<Why stay in the building, when you can enjoy the view on top of it-Bach Ma National Park, Hue, Vietnam

 Cruising down the Mekong Delta>

While I have thousands of beautiful pictures of these adventures, having jaw problems can make things a bit more difficult.  Here is how:

1) SouthEast Asia is known for their inexpensive, yet amazing massages.  I had a few of them, but it does bother me to lay face down.  I also had to make it very clear not to touch my head.  In fact, I quit indulging in them at the end.

<pre massage soak

                                       massage + cupping $30>>

<30 minute fish massage and beer $2

2) I still have to be careful with food

 $1.50-$2 will get a complete meal and a beer.  However, slurping noodles using chopsticks hurt my jaw

<Bugs Cafe in Cambodia

...I just had to make sure the critter wasn't to crunchy.  My favorite was the bug fondue and the tarantula donut!

3) I still need to be careful about how I hold my jaw and teeth chattering if cold.

<Back Ma National Forest had many waterfalls and pure water holes we could swim in.  The air in the mountain was cooler and the water was cold, so I enjoyed the views from the rocks.

4) Many of the bars and hotels in Vietnam sell nitrous oxide balloons.  It could have been coincidence, but after having sinus issue in Laos and a flight back to Hanoi...my jaw was sore and my tinnitus was acting up.  I had one balloon and several beers, and felt back to normal the next day!My surgeon will here about this lol.

6) I took 13 flights within three weeks.  I must carry muscle relaxers.  I still feel pressure when the plane is landing.  It doesn't matter if the flight is 15 hours or 45 minutes, I will always be concerned about the landing.  My jaw does not bother me during the flight, only the landing.

I know many are concerned about traveling with jaw problems or after surgery.  The best piece of advice I can give is to listen to your body.  

Traveling is good for the soul, and I am not complaining about any of the changes I had to make because of my jaw.  So what?  I had to stop eating noodles that were served with chopsticks...I at something else that was delicious instead.  There are always options!  

Now...on to Nicaragua!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!