I am about ready to take the rope. Finally got to see an oral surgeon yesterday after suffering for almost two weeks with jaw pain and a protuding piece of either tooth or bone that was cutting into my tongue.
This Dr. had no personality, never even said hello to me, took an xray of my jaw and before I knew it he and his asst were in my mouth and he pulled out some bone from my gum, gave me a $300.00 bill and said hopefully that'll do the trick. Anyway, I have been reading up and know that long term use of Fosamax can can cause ONJ (I was on it for about 10 years but have been off probably that long. Also read that long term use of prednisone can cause it (was on that for several months while my rheumy kept trying new TNF blockers. Also read that the inflammation from arthritis alone can cause it and that the TNF blockers may actually help.
So now my problems are, I can't go back on the TNF drugs while I have an infection, just weaned off pred and refuse to go back on that so my joints are raging with pain and swelling. I am seeing my periodontist today as I can still feel bone in my gum and want his opinion as what to do next. Will probably have to see my primary Dr. as well as my rheumy. Tired of this vicious circle of doctors w/o any relief or real answers. Thinking it may be time to go into Boston where they have teams of doctors.
Has anyone ever had ONJ and what did they do for you. any info appreciated
Alicat