TMJ Hope Christmas Wish List
We’ve put together a list of our favorite TMJ friendly items that we would love to find under the tree on Christmas morning! Things to help TMD patients on the move: Stainless 16 ounce thermos perfect for soup or smoothies on the go. Stainless…
TMJ Disorder Treatment Options
This is an overview of treatment options that have helped some of our members. Please remember that what works for one patient might not work for another. Sometimes it takes trial and error before finding what works best for you. Chiropractor– Chiropractors usually specialize in treating problems that affect the alignment of the muscles and…
TMJ Arthroplasty Success Story
Thank you Pete for allowing us to share your forum post. It’s now almost 2 years to the day that I had my left arthroplasty with discectomy, debridement of joint surfaces and dermis-fat graft. Before I go on, I wonder what your procedure actually is? You have used the term ‘temporalis fat graft’ which piques…
Grinding/Clenching Tips
We hear a lot from tmd patients who have problems with grinding and clenching. Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day or grind/clench them at night. If you do this at night it’s called sleep…
Do You Need a Patient Advocate?
What is a patient advocate and how can they possibly help you with your TMJ journey. “Patient Advocate” is a very broad title that encompasses many types of services for patients. This article might give you some ideas of what type of patient advocate might best help you. Many hospitals offer the assistance of in-house…
Why I’m Stepping Down – And How It Should Give You Hope
TMJ Hope was founded in January 2010 as a support and informational resource for patients like you. What many of you may not know is that there was a site prior to TMJ Hope called TMJ Friends. I have personally been involved in the advocacy world for over ten years as I went through my…
TMJ Surgery Toolbox..Ten Things That Will Help You Get Ready
1. Dealing With Insurance If your insurance company denies coverage for your TMJ surgery there are several steps you can take. The important thing to remember is to be consistent, and pay attention to deadlines. You may appeal the decision not to pay by writing a letter to your health care provider stating your reasons…
Kaiser Permanente Bridge Program
We get a lot of questions about insurance, and what to do when you can’t afford the high cost. Here is a resource that we thought might be helpful The Kaiser Permanente Bridge Program is uniquely designed to help those who are uninsured, income-eligible obtain health care coverage for a low monthly charge for…
Stacy’s Tip of the Week
Welcome to our new feature, where I will be giving a tip each week to help you on your journey with TMJ disorder. Let’s get started with this week’s tip! This week I want to talk about exercise. I know…..it can be really hard to exercise when you are in pain. However, there are many…
30 Days of Smoothies
Apple Cinnamon Oat Shake 1 cup milk or vanilla soymilk 1/2 cup applesauce 1 pouch plain instant oatmeal 1/2 tablespoon honey 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon Blend until smooth. Let stand 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup ice cubes, blend again Apple Coconut Ginger 1/4 c Apple juice 1 Tbsp coconut milk 1/2 Banana 1/4 tsp Ginger root…
About TMJ Hope
Hi! I'm Stacy, the founder of TMJ Hope.
After being attacked by a dog when I was little, I had 12 jaw surgeries (including bilateral total joint replacements in 2006) to try to improve my jaw function & relieve my pain. The doctors told me I would live the rest of my life in chronic, intractable pain. Fast forward to now, & I'm THRIVING....despite my jaw pain.
If you know deep down that you are not destined for a life of chronic pain, join the TMJ Hope community & I to learn how to stop surviving, and start thriving once and for all.