Delayed Update - June 2016 Post

June 2016

I've started to write a new post so many times, and wasn't even sure where to begin. I'm not sure where I even left off. I am 1.5 years post op. That is so crazy to say! My fat grafts are doing amazing. I ate apple slices today.


I yawn without holding it in, I sneeze without cringing in pain, and I eat things I really don't think I should, but never thought that I would again. The muscles surrounding my TMJ still flare easily, get tight, and are sore quite often, but to compare this to where I was 2 years ago, there's an astounding difference.
Although this is so exciting and amazing, when one thing gets better, it seems like another gets worse. For the past year, my migraines and neck pain have been simply out of control. Interfering with everyday life, taking away my friends, hobbies, and favorite things to do. My headaches are daily and I get at least one migraine a week. My neck and back pain is constant, and I've tried most everything I can think of.
At this point, I've seen a masseuse, physical therapist, acupuncturist, neurologist, pain management specialist, holistic doctor, and chiropractor for these problems. I've been through countless medications and bouts of trying something new, not to mention a whole lot of money. I'm desperately trying to find a doctor who understands me and is willing to help me understand and resolve my pain. It has been impossible to find someone who believes in the notion that we can get to the root cause of my pain and do something about it, other than maybe my chiropractor.
I started seeing Dr. Roe, a NUCCA Chiropractor towards the end of May. I haven't been under his care for a month, but he understands my pain, listens to me, and truly wants to treat the cause. My insurance is covering a small portion, but I want to see this through in hopes that I will get somewhere.
My headaches are up and down; I've began tracking them and there is no scale that does them justice. Rating them on a scale of "1-3" seems unjust. There's so much in between: pounding, stabbing, squeezing, nausea, dry heaving, sound sensitivity, too much pain to talk or eat, simply annoying, debilitating, exhausting, depressing, and endlessly frustrating. I'm questioning my quality of life.
Here's hoping that better days are ahead and I'll overcome this pain just as I did before.

[Written in June 2016... I just never got around to posting it!]