now have 10/650 percocets, not 10/325

Hi YankeeGirl, I am glad that you were finally able to get some meds. Oh boy, it sounds like you do need to find a different PM dr, however, considering where you live that may be a difficult thing to do. That was pretty rotten for him to cop that attitude with you before asking why you were there early, that was unnecessary on his part & flat out rude. hope if we have any Tampa people here at the forum they will perhaps share their drs name. Did the attitude change at all when you explained you had not been able to get your script filled?

Are you on any of the nerve meds for Fibro? Narcotics have little effect on nerve pain this is why I am asking. I wonder if your rheummie would rx your pain meds since he see's you for Fibro. It certainly sounds like your dr is going to be cutting you off in the near future.

Hopefully you can get all of this taken care of with the least amount of hassle possible.

Take care........Susie

In your signature you mention having your jaw discs replaced.

I had both of my TMJ's replaced with titanium due to the bones fusing together.

How are you doing now?

I had 2 surgeries in 2010. In March I had a 10hr surgery where the dr removed both condyles and trimmed the skull. A rubber block was placed on each side where the joint would be. Scans were taken and info sent to California where TMJ Concepts made implants custom to me. In August I had a longer surgery were the implants were placed. Dr also trimmed back the coronoid process on each side.

Unfortunately, it has not been a success. Had to do it-my body was trying to repair the damaged joint on each side, but incorrectly. The bones were fusing together-my opening was around 11mm and getting smaller at each appointment. I can talk and eat soft and squishy food which was the goal. I had to see a counselor beforehand to make sure I understood the outcome would probably result in more pain than I was experiencing before the surgery.

I still have a large amount of swelling. Most of it is in the tissue so it can't be drained. I'm actually getting scans done on Sat. which will be sent out to Californina. My dr was trained by the dr who created the TMJ implants. Apparently I'm one of their "failures" and they want to know why and how to help. I have systemic illnesses which cause part of the problems.

My CT scans look like the Terminator. I can't believe I've found someone else who has had extensive surgery. Very rarely is the entire condyle removed since there is often more pain after the fact. My surgeon also has been talking to a colleague in MD who is qualified. My surgeon, California doc, and MD dr are scheduled to have a conference call on Monday after my scans have been reviewed. I'm curious as to what they decide. The pain is pretty extreme. I get nerve blocks and my PT does dry needling and lymphodema. I did have to give up teaching. By the end of the day the muscles just lock down and I end up slurring my words. Sounds like I have marbles in my mouth. The average person should be able to fit 3 fingers upright in their mouth, easily. I can fit my pinkie and 1/2 the ring finger. While that is a small opening, not having the surgery would have allowed the bones to fuse and lead to greater problems.

roc....omg, 2 extensive surgeries......I'm sorry it hasn't been a success...unfortunately I'm not nearly as knowledgeable re: my surgery...All I can recall is that the discs were literally crumbling, I needed to have it done.

My oral surgeon downplayed the extent of recovery...I couldn't wash my hair for a month (I have long hair so every day a pony tail), I got so very sick from the seemingly endless antibiotics he put me on. I was turning yellow, I was so weak for about a month.

I have a dentist appt for a checkup and cleaning in about 2 weeks...I'll talk to them about my jaw/bite.

AnnaBananna---yeah, he's a shear delight