Monica's Jaw Reconstruction Journey

Following an October 2, 2023 consultation I have decided to shift to a surgical fat grafting option with a TMJ specialty clinic (Dr. Brian Shah/Piper Clinic) based out of St. Petersburg, FL. The fat grafting procedure is focused on addressing the arthritis and recreating cushioning in a natural disk replacement process. While I still desire to correct my bite and upper/lower jaw structure, those procedures and braces honestly may not be feasible. My immediate focus is on the health of my jaw joints. It is important to share that this surgical procedure should stabilize the joints and provide some pain relief, however there is a possibility that I may still need the jaw joints replaced in the future. If all heals well it should place me on a better path. Borrowing from the sports playbook, the fat grafting jaw surgery is a Hail Mary pass.

Everything associated with this jaw health situation is overwhelming and the forceful pull of depression has distracted me from my goal. Grief has held quite a tight grip on me and as a result I have struggled to share my story.

Naively, I believed I was doing the right thing. Following a similar societal path of so many before me; secure a full-time job with good benefits, especially important is health insurance, you must have health insurance because you never know when a major health event or accident will happen. Naively, I believed jaw joints would be treated like hips and knees; you need them so their replacement should be covered by health insurance. Naively, I believed the opinion of a medical specialist would have an impact. Naively, I believed a health insurance age limit on orthognathic jaw surgery and a TMJ general exclusion could be waived for medical necessity.

Does the Temporomandibular Joint matter? More than we ever stop to appreciate. My very narrow upper jaw, underdeveloped left jaw joint with misshapen condyle, and troubled right jaw joint have been working overtime for many years in a dysfunctional state. Despite being off kilter my amazing body found ways to adapt allowing me to talk, eat, smile, laugh and breathe. The tilted structure is struggling as my left jaw joint has an area rubbing bone on bone, the right jaw joint creaks and its popping is often loud and painful. I have frequent head/neck/earaches, ongoing ringing in the ears, and difficulty chewing food. Biting into food is challenging and I try to stick to softer foods fully aware that I need to incorporate more liquid meal options into my diet to give my jaw a well deserved break. During the nighttime, my sleep is often disturbed.

Naive no more on this health insurance topic, I sit in need of continued financial assistance. Every donation amount matters as I proceed completely as a self-pay patient. There are not many surgeon’s offering an alternative to total jaw joint replacement and travel/lodging expenses factor into the financial need. (two week stay for pre-op and surgery and four follow-up appointments). Others face far greater challenges, but I still must ask for help from anyone that is able to support my jaw health improvement efforts.

Thank you!

Monica R. (Haugsness) Coverdale