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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday TJR Joints

                                                    

May 8^th and 9^th –Happy 1^st birthday to my new and improved jaw!

One year ago today, I went in for a bilateral titanium joint replacement of the TMJ.  A decision I did not take lightly. Full of anxiety and fear, yet hopeful for an unknown future. 

                                                                                                     
       

I awoke from surgery to learn that everything went better than expected.  After that, I needed to heal and attend physical therapy.  I returned to teaching three weeks’ post-surgery. 

 This is my pic after surgery #pumpkinhead

Healing was a process, but not as horrific as I had imagined (and heard).  I believe in expecting the worst and hoping for the best. My high tolerance for pain aided in my ability to stop taking pain meds shortly after I returned home, and my aptness to heal. It's hard to imagine that I had nearly 100 stitches around my face.  Here are my scars one year later:

       

Within limits, I can eat whatever I want.  If it hurts, I don’t eat it.  If I overdo it one day, I eat all soft or liquids the next.  It’s all about moderation and listening to my body.

The weather can still cause tightness and migraines.  This will never change, but I am use to it.  I normally have good days.  I do feel mild discomfort in my face/jaw most of the time, but it is nothing to complain about.  In fact, I have a few days here and there where I feel no pain or discomfort.  Unfortunately, I do have the occasional bad day, but it is definitely manageable. 

When I’m stressed, I must hold my jaw in a tense manner as I get migraines and muscle tightness.  I attempt to focus and release the tension I am holding in my face, but sometimes it is not possible.  For example, the Douglass Massacre isn’t far from my home.   I know many people who were affected by this (students, parents, teachers).  I also teach at a local high school, and the weeks after were extremely unnerving and heartbreaking.  My jaw was sore for a while.

                       My friends and I at the #neveragain rally in Parkland                     

                                                                        My school's response to the national walkout (#OHSUPPORTMSD)

                             
 What is the biggest change?  My New Year’s resolution is to say yes to everything I want to do.  I’m typically quite a frugal person, but not this year.

My flight to New Orleans in November helped me recognize that I no longer needed to fear the pain of cabin pressure changing when the plane lands because it is no longer unpleasant.  With that realization, came infinite possibilities.

 

I have decided to live life to the fullest.

New Year’s Eve I spent on Deerfield Beach with a few close friends

I spent the weekend in South Beach and went to the Fountainebleau event and the South Beach tent event portion of the Food and Wine Festival!  Thank you Heather for making this possible, as you do every year!

I sat front row at Wicked!  By the way, many people said it was a mistake to purchase tickets so close to the stage because I would be uncomfortable, but it was fabulous!  Always follow your gut and do what is best for you!

Spring Break I went to Guatemala for four nights.  I was supposed to go with a friend, but she decided not to go last minute and I decided to try out solo traveling.  It was an amazing experience and I met many new people and saw so many beautiful sights.  In fact, I loved Guatemala so much I can’t wait to go back and visit!

     

I spent my birthday in Wynwood, Miami. 

I spent the night in Fort Lauderdale, to watch the air and sea show.  This is my first time ever going!

I went to the Pink concert in the middle of the week.  If you know me, you know this is unheard of.  I also paid more for box seats with my friends. 

I still volunteer with my rescue and foster dogs with 100+ Abandoned Dogs of The Everglades.

Deaf Ed (above)                        Littles ^                                                

                   

While I never expected my jaw to be perfect, I am pleased with the results.  Within a year, my world has completely changed and I am excited to see what the future has in store.  I absolutely DO NOT regret getting this surgery.  I knew that it was risky and that there are many "TMJ" people who believe that this is not the right option, but for me it was.  

My family and friends have been paramount to my recovery and I thank you very much.  I am blessed to have such wonderful, caring people in my life.