I haven't been officially diagnosed with TMJ, but I know I have it. My surgery is next Thursday and I am concerned about them seriously hurting my jaw when they go to intubate (sp?)

Most days in the morning I have to put my finger on the outside of my cheek where the jaw hinges and unlock it so I can open my mouth all the way..so my question is what can I do or say to get them to either put bite guards in my mouth while I am still awake so my jaw doesn't lock when I fall to sleep or some thing else to keep my mouth open?

The last thing I want is to wake up in excruciating pain from my jaw because they broke it or something...eek!

I have TMJ, and I've got two dentists I trust completely. One is my uncle, the other is my cousin. My uncle has just retired, and my cousin is up on all the current technology. They both agree that it should be fine, but just make sure you tell anyone and everyone that will listen the day of your surgery. I had no problems with my jaw, but I was so hoarse for over a week that I could hardly talk! That I could live with!

Thank you so much for the reply! I intend on making everyone aware of this so that it will be ok!!

Thanks!

Besides, you'll be on some good pain meds after surgery, and you'll only be allowed liquids, so you won't even know you have a jaw!! According to my uncle, my tmj is classified as mildly severe, and I had no issues at all. Fortunately, I've found as I age, I have fewer problems - but I've also learned what triggers it, like chewing gum and I just don't do it.

If you have any other questions you'd like me to run past my uncle and cousin, let me know. My cousin's sister got a lap band last December, so she really understands exactly what concerns you should and should not have, as well as all the lap band rules!

Yes I have tmj and have had surgery before. It has never caused an issue with my previous surgery. I know exactly what u mean. There has been times I have had to push food in somewhat just to take a bite, and even chewing has been extremely horrible. Every bite down hurts. However my tmj flares and then goes away for some time. I realized I had it almost 20 yes ago and have mainly used mess, and avoided heavy chewing when I flare. I think playing the trumpet caused my tmj

I do but not that badly. I just have constant ear pain and frequent loss of hearing in my ear on that side. But i do have a weird unknown eye cindition called map dot fingerprint dystrophy which was active at the time of my lapband surgery and i asked them to put lubricant in my eyes when the put me under which they did so no torn corneas when i woke up. Definitely ask if they can do whatever ypu need to prevent problems.

Make sure you speak with your Anesthesiologist before surgery. I have woken up after surgery with horrible bruising and soreness under my chin, and on my jaw from the Dr trying to intubate me, but the last few surgeries I've had I spoke with the Anesthesiologist before surgery and have not had any problem at all. I think it's also important to wait for surgery if you are having a flair up with the TMJ, it may be worth it. Good Luck!