Eliana Joy's Jaw Joint Surgery

Hi! My name is Eliana Joy O’Brien, and I’m fundraising for a double temporomandibular joint discectomy. This surgery will replace a misplaced disc on both sides, which has left my jaw unprotected and susceptible to bone damage. The fundraiser goal is $10,000, for out-of-pocket medical costs including rehab therapies and orthodontics, and for personal expenses as I take more than 6 months off from performing.

Thank you, endlessly, for any and all support.

If you're interested in specifics, here's more info:

What's happening?

The simplest explanation I could craft…still intense and complicated (sorry!):

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) contains a disc that cushions impact on part of the bone called the condyle. The articular disc is displaced on both sides of my jaw–in fact, it’s just hanging out in the muscle tissue of my cheek, which is rather painful. Left unprotected, the condyle is deteriorating like chalk on asphalt.

I’ve decided to go with the least invasive surgical option, called a discectomy (other options included total joint replacement and osteotomy, both involving changes to the bone). My surgeon will remove the damaged discs and replace them with a graft. I will stabilize my jaw throughout recovery with a mouthguard, and rubber bands drawn across little braces called surgical buttons. I will be in the mouthguard day & night for up to 6 months, with breaks for exercises and the consumption of no-chew foods.

The goal of this procedure is to stop the progression of bone breakdown and improve pain. After 12 or 15 months, I will begin orthodontic treatment to guide my bite into a sustainable position and support the longevity of my (hopefully healthy) jaw joints!

How did this happen?

An osteochondral growth deficiency (underdeveloped condyles) indicates that a childhood trauma was likely the first cause of jaw dysfunction–perhaps chin impact during a bicycle accident around age 4 or 5. At 11, I started playing brass instruments with an upstream embouchure (meaning I posture my jaw outwards to buzz). This is a relatively rare way to play, and–according to my surgeon–not a stable posture for my particular anatomy.

I’ve suffered chronic pain and inflammation since childhood, and it has taken about 5 years of treatments, tests, x-rays, and countless incorrect and upsetting diagnoses to finally come to this solution. I am relieved, grateful, and extremely privileged to have the opportunity of this treatment, especially with age on my side.

Here's a little breakdown of TMJ finances...

Surgical Costs

$46,422 - surgery, paid up front

$1,250 - MRIs

$1,750.00 - pre-surgery cervical spine posturing and post-op therapy

$2,050 - surgical consultation

$3,400 - pre-op surgical buttons

$6,479.54 - surgery travel and stay for me + caretaker (mom!)

Recovery Costs

$1,200 - travel for follow-up appointments

$1,745.00 - follow-up appointment costs

$8,000-$12,000 - orthodontics (out-of-pocket)

We are battling insurance for reimbursement of the surgical costs, but everything listed above will be paid up front. This is typically accomplished through loans and payment plans, and insurance reimbursement (if granted!) will take 1-2 years. I am fundraising for a goal of $10,000 for out-of-pocket expenses and support as we work with insurance. This will directly go towards:

If you are able to donate, please send me your address so I can write a thank-you!

Thank you for reading, and thank you endlessly for your support.