1 year post new jaw operation...

I'll start with the good points: I no longer want to rip my face off due to the intense daily pain. Sadly, this is counter balanced by the fact that after a little talking, I do want to sit in a corner & cry due to the constant throb combined with sharp pains and general hell which is my continued `TMJ life'.

I have called the hospital as they were supposed to have contacted me 6 weeks after I had my newest appliance (horrendous metal and plastic splint to wear at night). This was February ish. I got a letter in May (ish) stating I would have an appointment in August. A weeks or so after that I got a new letter stating that the August appointment was cancelled and my appointment was October. So... 6 weeks became 8 months.

I have telephoned the consultant's secretary requesting an urgent appointment due to the increasing daily pain, however have been told that there are no such thing as emergency appointments, or calls going to people on a waiting list if people cancel etc. As such, I am back onto the pain management saga.

Ok, so back to the positives: I have had a wonderful year working at Wolverton Primary school where the staff and kids are fantastic! If only they could pick the school up & move it way closer to my house I could continue there. I worked one full day as a teacher, then the rest of the week as wraparound club Manager. It was perfect for my recovery year as it was one hour am and 3 hours pm. It has however reminded me how I adore teaching and generally working with kids. On the down side, it has also reminded me that I will never be able to do this full time due to the pain:< So, I'm back to job hunting once again but at least this time I don't have a major surgery hanging over me making me seem super uninviting to employers.