The thought of the 6 month appointment was not as stressful or anxious as the 3 month appointment, knowing the recovery was going well. Bec went through the standard procedures...CT scan, jaw measurements and short consultation with Dr. Piper. Measurements were great. Next we found out that as long as the splint was still fitting on her teeth, this most likely meant everything was healing just fine. In addition, the tech that performs the CT scan said that at this point, the discs are solid enough to withstand most trauma. In other words, if something were to happen (like a car accident, etc) now, the discs would most likely hold. After being rear-ended twice over the past 16 months, this was a legitimate concern we had after surgery. It's a relief to know we wouldn't need to worry as much going forward.
The consultation with Dr. Piper went very well. He was pleased with her progress and had no concerns at all. He gave her the go ahead to only wear her splint once during the day for 1-2 hours and all night. This will be the protocol until we see him again in March. In addition, Dr. Piper said that Bec can now eat 3 soft-chew meals each day. He discouraged hard lettuce but said she could even eat softer salads. Dr. Piper also mentioned that braces will fix Bec's bite after she is finished with her splint in March. In other words, an additional surgery is likely unnecessary. Back when we were first referred to Dr. Piper, we were told that there was a possibility of 2-3 surgeries total, so knowing the only surgery is behind her is a great feeling.
Bec was very happy to see Cassie back at the Piper Clinic. Cassie is great and makes everyone feel welcome at the clinic. I remember feeling grateful to Cassie during the 14 hour consultation day back in May, because she kept checking on us and explaining every detail during the day.
Sometime in the next 3 months, Bec will be getting an orthodontics consult to review with Dr. Piper at her next appointment. At the 9 month appointment, Bec will get her surgical brackets removed and will be splint free - as long as she gets her braces on within a week of the 9 month appointment. Once she has her braces, she will have rubber bands on her braces for 12 hours during the day to take pressure off the jaw joints. After the 9 month appointment, Dr. Piper anticipates only seeing her at 15 & 24 months post-op. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting much closer!
As I reflect on the past year, I am happy, relieved and excited to see Bec get a better quality of life. She used to have up to 2 migraine type headaches each week...headaches that sent her to bed unable to function. Now, I'm happy to say that I don't remember the last migraine she's had. Life is getting so much better, and I hope it only gets better from here. When I set up this blog, I titled it "TMJ: the hope of a better future". Sure enough, Bec's future seems to be getting better. I'm grateful that we finally found the right doctors to help her quality of life become better.
While we were down at the 6 month appointment, we enjoyed spending time together and relaxing. I will update everyone again in March after the 9 month appointment.
(It was weird walking around in the 70 degree weather, looking at Christmas lights. Christmas is supposed to be cold, right?)
