New user

[Guest guest]

Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed to

get their doctors to take them seriously.

Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm sure

you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of being

prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying problem

just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive what

I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I went

to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated problems

can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He then

explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my lower

teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes debilitating

pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi there:)

My name is mary and I am 5 weeks post-op for upper/lower/genio.

I am sooooooo sorry to hear what you are going through. I have worked

with Doctors, and for some of them (not all), if you don't approche

them right and make it look like it was there idea (treatment wise),

then they get all defensive. My suggestion to you is get a second

opinion from another OS. Do it through your family Doctor. Don't ask

you current OS to find someone for you because then they have a

chance to collaberate before the 2nd OS even sees you. And trust me

they stick together. That would be my suggestion. However, listen to

what the second surgeon is telling you. Don't go in there and say I

want this, this and this done. Because chances are he/she will get

defensive as well. Go in there pretending not to know anything, and

if he going in the opposite direction that you are hoping for listen

to what he is saying, don't dismiss it because it's not the answer

you want. This surgery is a BIG DEAL. And is not to go into lightly.

Though all the symptoms you stated you were having sound very

familiar to many of us. And was a big part of the decision on why we

wanted/ had the surgery. Don't back down. You are worth living with

out the pain, sinus probelms and headaches that you live with. If the

2nd OS feels surgery will correct the problem go for it, if they

don't think that it will correct the problem then ask why???? And

what he/she thinks will correct the symptoms.

With the info that you provided, I can't really say what the problem

is and why the doctors are not ready and willing to do anything about

it. So my suggestions are based on what I would do, if I were in your

position:) Please keep us informed and let us know what is happening.

We are here ready to support you in anyway, and any outcome.

Best of luck to you:)

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi there:)

My name is mary and I am 5 weeks post-op for upper/lower/genio.

I am sooooooo sorry to hear what you are going through. I have worked

with Doctors, and for some of them (not all), if you don't approche

them right and make it look like it was there idea (treatment wise),

then they get all defensive. My suggestion to you is get a second

opinion from another OS. Do it through your family Doctor. Don't ask

you current OS to find someone for you because then they have a

chance to collaberate before the 2nd OS even sees you. And trust me

they stick together. That would be my suggestion. However, listen to

what the second surgeon is telling you. Don't go in there and say I

want this, this and this done. Because chances are he/she will get

defensive as well. Go in there pretending not to know anything, and

if he going in the opposite direction that you are hoping for listen

to what he is saying, don't dismiss it because it's not the answer

you want. This surgery is a BIG DEAL. And is not to go into lightly.

Though all the symptoms you stated you were having sound very

familiar to many of us. And was a big part of the decision on why we

wanted/ had the surgery. Don't back down. You are worth living with

out the pain, sinus probelms and headaches that you live with. If the

2nd OS feels surgery will correct the problem go for it, if they

don't think that it will correct the problem then ask why???? And

what he/she thinks will correct the symptoms.

With the info that you provided, I can't really say what the problem

is and why the doctors are not ready and willing to do anything about

it. So my suggestions are based on what I would do, if I were in your

position:) Please keep us informed and let us know what is happening.

We are here ready to support you in anyway, and any outcome.

Best of luck to you:)

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi there:)

My name is mary and I am 5 weeks post-op for upper/lower/genio.

I am sooooooo sorry to hear what you are going through. I have worked

with Doctors, and for some of them (not all), if you don't approche

them right and make it look like it was there idea (treatment wise),

then they get all defensive. My suggestion to you is get a second

opinion from another OS. Do it through your family Doctor. Don't ask

you current OS to find someone for you because then they have a

chance to collaberate before the 2nd OS even sees you. And trust me

they stick together. That would be my suggestion. However, listen to

what the second surgeon is telling you. Don't go in there and say I

want this, this and this done. Because chances are he/she will get

defensive as well. Go in there pretending not to know anything, and

if he going in the opposite direction that you are hoping for listen

to what he is saying, don't dismiss it because it's not the answer

you want. This surgery is a BIG DEAL. And is not to go into lightly.

Though all the symptoms you stated you were having sound very

familiar to many of us. And was a big part of the decision on why we

wanted/ had the surgery. Don't back down. You are worth living with

out the pain, sinus probelms and headaches that you live with. If the

2nd OS feels surgery will correct the problem go for it, if they

don't think that it will correct the problem then ask why???? And

what he/she thinks will correct the symptoms.

With the info that you provided, I can't really say what the problem

is and why the doctors are not ready and willing to do anything about

it. So my suggestions are based on what I would do, if I were in your

position:) Please keep us informed and let us know what is happening.

We are here ready to support you in anyway, and any outcome.

Best of luck to you:)

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

I agree with 's suggestions on this. One other thing you might try is going

to see an orthodontist and see what he/she suggests. Many of them work with

surgeons and you may get results that way.

My dentist actually recommended to my ortho who, in turn, recommended me to my

surgeon and it turned out to be the best advice I could have ever taken.

Good luck.

Smooches

New user

Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed to

get their doctors to take them seriously.

Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm sure

you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of being

prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying problem

just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive what

I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I went

to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated problems

can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He then

explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my lower

teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes debilitating

pain.

[Guest guest]

I agree with 's suggestions on this. One other thing you might try is going

to see an orthodontist and see what he/she suggests. Many of them work with

surgeons and you may get results that way.

My dentist actually recommended to my ortho who, in turn, recommended me to my

surgeon and it turned out to be the best advice I could have ever taken.

Good luck.

Smooches

New user

Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed to

get their doctors to take them seriously.

Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm sure

you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of being

prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying problem

just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive what

I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I went

to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated problems

can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He then

explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my lower

teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes debilitating

pain.

[Guest guest]

I agree with 's suggestions on this. One other thing you might try is going

to see an orthodontist and see what he/she suggests. Many of them work with

surgeons and you may get results that way.

My dentist actually recommended to my ortho who, in turn, recommended me to my

surgeon and it turned out to be the best advice I could have ever taken.

Good luck.

Smooches

New user

Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed to

get their doctors to take them seriously.

Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm sure

you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of being

prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying problem

just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive what

I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I went

to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated problems

can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He then

explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my lower

teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes debilitating

pain.

[Guest guest]

Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

message)

It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

problems.

I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm just

frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth fits

& the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that to

me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone to

take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches &

pains.

I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients who

waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff &

sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

so easily!

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

message)

It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

problems.

I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm just

frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth fits

& the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that to

me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone to

take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches &

pains.

I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients who

waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff &

sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

so easily!

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

message)

It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

problems.

I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm just

frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth fits

& the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that to

me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone to

take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches &

pains.

I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients who

waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff &

sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

so easily!

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

Clare:)

I feel really bad that you have to go through this. I see it all the

time. It is very upsetting when you go in with genuine concerns and

the " professionals " don't take you seriously:) Oh, I could tell you

stories. I am a registerd nurse.

Just remember your worth at least getting a second or third opinion.

I agree with Smooches reply. Your best bet is ask your ortho (get one

through your dentist) , which OS would be good for you. They have to

work hand in hand:) So it is usually a good relationship between the

ortho and the OS:)

Good luck

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " nuneatonrgt "

wrote:

> Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

> message)

> It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

> problems.

> I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm

just

> frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

> grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth

fits

> & the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that

to

> me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone

to

> take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches

&

> pains.

> I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

> proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients

who

> waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff

&

> sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

> so easily!

>

> > > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have

managed

> > to

> > > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

> now)

> > > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc

I'm

> > sure

> > > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> > being

> > > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> > problem

> > > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found

a

> > > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> > what

> > > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

> Did

> > > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

> has

> > > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital.

I

> > went

> > > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is

a

> > > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> > problems

> > > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet!

He

> > then

> > > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> > lower

> > > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

> made

> > > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > > something about it now & why had I never done anything before.

It

> > > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my

problems

> &

> > > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had

to

> > > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

> I'm

> > > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> > debilitating

> > > pain.

[Guest guest]

Clare:)

I feel really bad that you have to go through this. I see it all the

time. It is very upsetting when you go in with genuine concerns and

the " professionals " don't take you seriously:) Oh, I could tell you

stories. I am a registerd nurse.

Just remember your worth at least getting a second or third opinion.

I agree with Smooches reply. Your best bet is ask your ortho (get one

through your dentist) , which OS would be good for you. They have to

work hand in hand:) So it is usually a good relationship between the

ortho and the OS:)

Good luck

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " nuneatonrgt "

wrote:

> Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

> message)

> It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

> problems.

> I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm

just

> frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

> grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth

fits

> & the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that

to

> me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone

to

> take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches

&

> pains.

> I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

> proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients

who

> waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff

&

> sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

> so easily!

>

> > > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have

managed

> > to

> > > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

> now)

> > > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc

I'm

> > sure

> > > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> > being

> > > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> > problem

> > > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found

a

> > > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> > what

> > > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

> Did

> > > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

> has

> > > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital.

I

> > went

> > > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is

a

> > > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> > problems

> > > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet!

He

> > then

> > > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> > lower

> > > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

> made

> > > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > > something about it now & why had I never done anything before.

It

> > > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my

problems

> &

> > > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had

to

> > > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

> I'm

> > > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> > debilitating

> > > pain.

[Guest guest]

Clare:)

I feel really bad that you have to go through this. I see it all the

time. It is very upsetting when you go in with genuine concerns and

the " professionals " don't take you seriously:) Oh, I could tell you

stories. I am a registerd nurse.

Just remember your worth at least getting a second or third opinion.

I agree with Smooches reply. Your best bet is ask your ortho (get one

through your dentist) , which OS would be good for you. They have to

work hand in hand:) So it is usually a good relationship between the

ortho and the OS:)

Good luck

-- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " nuneatonrgt "

wrote:

> Thanks , my name is Clare. (I forgot to put it on the last

> message)

> It's nice to know there are people out there that know about these

> problems.

> I explained what my symptoms were and didnt demand anything I'm

just

> frustrated with it all. I'm slowly destroying my own teeth through

> grinding, like I told the the doc it's like nothing in my mouth

fits

> & the headaches etc are wearing me down. I just saw something that

to

> me explained a lot, a glimmer of hope if you will & wanted someone

to

> take me seriously after all who better than me to know my own aches

&

> pains.

> I know there are many doctors out there that would welcome a

> proactive approach by the patient & there are also those patients

who

> waste the doctors time by being too proactive & turning every sniff

&

> sniffle into a major deal. I guess I just dont like being dismissed

> so easily!

>

> > > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have

managed

> > to

> > > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

> now)

> > > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc

I'm

> > sure

> > > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> > being

> > > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> > problem

> > > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found

a

> > > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> > what

> > > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

> Did

> > > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

> has

> > > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital.

I

> > went

> > > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is

a

> > > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> > problems

> > > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet!

He

> > then

> > > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> > lower

> > > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

> made

> > > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > > something about it now & why had I never done anything before.

It

> > > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my

problems

> &

> > > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had

to

> > > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

> I'm

> > > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> > debilitating

> > > pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I would suggest asking your dentist if he/she knows someone who can

deal with TMJ problems. My own dentist was aware of my problems

(clicking, popping, occasional locking), and monitoring them, and

asked at one point if I wanted to be referred to a TMD/TMJ

specialist - until that point I had no pain, nor was I aware of what

TMD was, but I had started having pain on opening to eat.

Anyway, the reason I suggest this route is that surgeons like to cut,

TMD/TMJ specialists will try to evaluate other possible solutions. My

ortho/TMD specialist has been able to help many tough cases without

surgery, although he did say that in my case, it was severe, and he

had to have the surgery as a last option. In the end, I had

upper/lower/genio, and am pleased with the results.

As others have mentioned, you will need an ortho and surgeon that

work well together if you end up needing surgery, but I am suggesting

an alternate route to see whether or not the surgery is necessary.

Most of us would rather solve this sort of problem without surgery!

Good luck with your search,

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I would suggest asking your dentist if he/she knows someone who can

deal with TMJ problems. My own dentist was aware of my problems

(clicking, popping, occasional locking), and monitoring them, and

asked at one point if I wanted to be referred to a TMD/TMJ

specialist - until that point I had no pain, nor was I aware of what

TMD was, but I had started having pain on opening to eat.

Anyway, the reason I suggest this route is that surgeons like to cut,

TMD/TMJ specialists will try to evaluate other possible solutions. My

ortho/TMD specialist has been able to help many tough cases without

surgery, although he did say that in my case, it was severe, and he

had to have the surgery as a last option. In the end, I had

upper/lower/genio, and am pleased with the results.

As others have mentioned, you will need an ortho and surgeon that

work well together if you end up needing surgery, but I am suggesting

an alternate route to see whether or not the surgery is necessary.

Most of us would rather solve this sort of problem without surgery!

Good luck with your search,

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I would suggest asking your dentist if he/she knows someone who can

deal with TMJ problems. My own dentist was aware of my problems

(clicking, popping, occasional locking), and monitoring them, and

asked at one point if I wanted to be referred to a TMD/TMJ

specialist - until that point I had no pain, nor was I aware of what

TMD was, but I had started having pain on opening to eat.

Anyway, the reason I suggest this route is that surgeons like to cut,

TMD/TMJ specialists will try to evaluate other possible solutions. My

ortho/TMD specialist has been able to help many tough cases without

surgery, although he did say that in my case, it was severe, and he

had to have the surgery as a last option. In the end, I had

upper/lower/genio, and am pleased with the results.

As others have mentioned, you will need an ortho and surgeon that

work well together if you end up needing surgery, but I am suggesting

an alternate route to see whether or not the surgery is necessary.

Most of us would rather solve this sort of problem without surgery!

Good luck with your search,

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

Smooches, that was pretty much the route I took, too. But I think

(and I may be mistaken here) that the health system in the UK works

quite differently than does the one in the United States.

It seems to me that someone has mentioned an age cutoff for the NHS,

and several people have opted for private treatment, as well. I do

know that Kat in particular was given a date and it was either

postponed because a cancer case required more immediate surgery, or

she knew that such was a possibility.

If you do have choices in your doctors -- or even if you don't --

surely you can get a second opinion. As for why you didn't fix it

earlier, I'd have been unable resisting saying, " Because I couldn't

find a doc who would take me seriously! "

And then I'd probably have made him mad, and lost my whole battle...

If you can, find someone who does a lot of these surgeries. I think

such a surgeon is likely to be more receptive than one who does them

only occasionally.

Good wishes to you,

Cammie

[Guest guest]

Smooches, that was pretty much the route I took, too. But I think

(and I may be mistaken here) that the health system in the UK works

quite differently than does the one in the United States.

It seems to me that someone has mentioned an age cutoff for the NHS,

and several people have opted for private treatment, as well. I do

know that Kat in particular was given a date and it was either

postponed because a cancer case required more immediate surgery, or

she knew that such was a possibility.

If you do have choices in your doctors -- or even if you don't --

surely you can get a second opinion. As for why you didn't fix it

earlier, I'd have been unable resisting saying, " Because I couldn't

find a doc who would take me seriously! "

And then I'd probably have made him mad, and lost my whole battle...

If you can, find someone who does a lot of these surgeries. I think

such a surgeon is likely to be more receptive than one who does them

only occasionally.

Good wishes to you,

Cammie

[Guest guest]

Smooches, that was pretty much the route I took, too. But I think

(and I may be mistaken here) that the health system in the UK works

quite differently than does the one in the United States.

It seems to me that someone has mentioned an age cutoff for the NHS,

and several people have opted for private treatment, as well. I do

know that Kat in particular was given a date and it was either

postponed because a cancer case required more immediate surgery, or

she knew that such was a possibility.

If you do have choices in your doctors -- or even if you don't --

surely you can get a second opinion. As for why you didn't fix it

earlier, I'd have been unable resisting saying, " Because I couldn't

find a doc who would take me seriously! "

And then I'd probably have made him mad, and lost my whole battle...

If you can, find someone who does a lot of these surgeries. I think

such a surgeon is likely to be more receptive than one who does them

only occasionally.

Good wishes to you,

Cammie

[Guest guest]

Just a little add-on to 's post:

In my own experience, even surgeons start with the least invasive

treatments possible. But... I have a hard time believing that a good

surgeon would absolutely rule-out orthognathic surgery as an option

before seeing molds. Mine initially told me he thought I'd only need

lower advancement (that was obvious), but after I had my first

consult with the ortho my OS referred me to and he had a chance to

see the molds from the ortho, he then told me that he recommended

upper and lower, which, in the end, I had in March 2003.

I have some fairly severe problems with my left TMJ, which is what

started me down this road several long years ago. I once had a

conversation with someone (non-medical) who told me he'd heard that

so much of TMJ disorder was really in someone's head. I told him he

was right and then pointed to the joint. " It's right here, in front

of my ear. You wanna feel it pop when I open my mouth? " I said. He

didn't take me up on my offer.

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

Just a little add-on to 's post:

In my own experience, even surgeons start with the least invasive

treatments possible. But... I have a hard time believing that a good

surgeon would absolutely rule-out orthognathic surgery as an option

before seeing molds. Mine initially told me he thought I'd only need

lower advancement (that was obvious), but after I had my first

consult with the ortho my OS referred me to and he had a chance to

see the molds from the ortho, he then told me that he recommended

upper and lower, which, in the end, I had in March 2003.

I have some fairly severe problems with my left TMJ, which is what

started me down this road several long years ago. I once had a

conversation with someone (non-medical) who told me he'd heard that

so much of TMJ disorder was really in someone's head. I told him he

was right and then pointed to the joint. " It's right here, in front

of my ear. You wanna feel it pop when I open my mouth? " I said. He

didn't take me up on my offer.

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

Just a little add-on to 's post:

In my own experience, even surgeons start with the least invasive

treatments possible. But... I have a hard time believing that a good

surgeon would absolutely rule-out orthognathic surgery as an option

before seeing molds. Mine initially told me he thought I'd only need

lower advancement (that was obvious), but after I had my first

consult with the ortho my OS referred me to and he had a chance to

see the molds from the ortho, he then told me that he recommended

upper and lower, which, in the end, I had in March 2003.

I have some fairly severe problems with my left TMJ, which is what

started me down this road several long years ago. I once had a

conversation with someone (non-medical) who told me he'd heard that

so much of TMJ disorder was really in someone's head. I told him he

was right and then pointed to the joint. " It's right here, in front

of my ear. You wanna feel it pop when I open my mouth? " I said. He

didn't take me up on my offer.

> > Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

> to

> > get their doctors to take them seriously.

> > Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29

now)

> > for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

> sure

> > you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

> being

> > prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

> problem

> > just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> > medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

> what

> > I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me.

Did

> > more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He

has

> > refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

> went

> > to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> > problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> > I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

> problems

> > can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> > actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

> then

> > explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

> lower

> > teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just

made

> > that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> > something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> > just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems

&

> > didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> > help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet

I'm

> > the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

> debilitating

> > pain.

[Guest guest]

New user,

You cannot change your doctor's opinion. If you aren't getting

satisfactory answers, you just have to keep searching for a doctor

who will listen to you and address your concerns.

You didn't comment on the age of your doctor, but he sounds like an

old codger! Younger doctors seem to embrace the fact that their

patients do research on their own and play an active part in their

diagnosis and treatment.

Listen to your gut - if you feel a doctor isn't listening to you or

is dismissing your opinion, it's time to find another doctor.

There are legitimate sites on the internet and it sounds like you're

on the right track with your diagnosis.

Kassandra

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

New user,

You cannot change your doctor's opinion. If you aren't getting

satisfactory answers, you just have to keep searching for a doctor

who will listen to you and address your concerns.

You didn't comment on the age of your doctor, but he sounds like an

old codger! Younger doctors seem to embrace the fact that their

patients do research on their own and play an active part in their

diagnosis and treatment.

Listen to your gut - if you feel a doctor isn't listening to you or

is dismissing your opinion, it's time to find another doctor.

There are legitimate sites on the internet and it sounds like you're

on the right track with your diagnosis.

Kassandra

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.

[Guest guest]

New user,

You cannot change your doctor's opinion. If you aren't getting

satisfactory answers, you just have to keep searching for a doctor

who will listen to you and address your concerns.

You didn't comment on the age of your doctor, but he sounds like an

old codger! Younger doctors seem to embrace the fact that their

patients do research on their own and play an active part in their

diagnosis and treatment.

Listen to your gut - if you feel a doctor isn't listening to you or

is dismissing your opinion, it's time to find another doctor.

There are legitimate sites on the internet and it sounds like you're

on the right track with your diagnosis.

Kassandra

> Is there anyone from the UK who can tell me how they have managed

to

> get their doctors to take them seriously.

> Been going to the doctors regularly since I was a child (I'm 29 now)

> for facial pain, headaches, really bad sinus trouble etc etc I'm

sure

> you all know the other associated problems. Anyway got tired of

being

> prescribed pills because they were not solving the underlying

problem

> just masking the pain for a while. Did my own research & found a

> medical article on vertical maxillary excess. I couldnt beleive

what

> I was reading, it was as if the info had been written about me. Did

> more reasearch & went back to the docs armed with the info. He has

> refered me to the maxillofacial surgeon at the local hospital. I

went

> to see him yesterday & the doc has refered me for TMJ which is a

> problem but it's a symptom not the cause of my problems.

> I told him of my research into VME & how all the associated

problems

> can be explained by the fact that my top jaw is far to low & he

> actually laughed at me & said oh you've been on the internet! He

then

> explained away the fact that my upper teeth completely cover my

lower

> teeth & when I smile I'm all gum (literally)because I was just made

> that way & everyone is different.then he asked why was I doing

> something about it now & why had I never done anything before. It

> just seemed he'd taken offence because I'd researched my problems &

> didnt seem to understand that no-one else was helping so I had to

> help myself.I just feel like no-one is taking me seriously yet I'm

> the one who has to put up with the constant & sometimes

debilitating

> pain.