tmj
By cobrateacher
@cobrateacher (8432)
United States
August 28, 2008 6:18pm CST
Nobody who's ever had a run-in with TMJ could possibly think it's just a little ache and it will go away soon. I've had the joints replaced twice since a kid tried to punch another kid and got me instead. I had to file for bankruptcy because Worker's Comp paid just over a day's pay per week, and the whole series of surgeries to rebuild my jaws and replace broken teeth took almost ten months. All my savings ran out before I was able to talk again, and I can't teach without talking, so my credit was destroyed, and I've still not been able to restore it completely. In any case, it's going out of whack again -- the pain is awful, and I can't bring my teeth together. so I can't eat anything very solid. I have to wear splints in my mouth at all times, which isn't comfortable at all. Does anyone have any suggestions? This really stinks!
2 responses
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
30 Aug 08
What a horrifying story, cobrateacher! It's appalling your workers' comp payout was so insufficient when you've needed such extensive and painful surgery. I'm guessing you've had more than one opinion from specialists - it's possible someone else might be able to achieve a better result for you. Not helpful at all, I know - but I'm so sorry this has happened to you, and there definitely ought to be legal avenues to pursue. I hope you are able to have some relief from the pain in the near future.
1 person likes this
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
30 Aug 08
Several specialists have told me it's just something you have to live with. My lawyer reminds me that I can't sue the school system until I retire, and they don't have to settle, so I can't expect anything worth mentioning out of this mess. Meanwhile, I don't want to be addicted to pain killers, so I try to pretend I don't hurt. This is not fun, to say the least!
@Angra_Mainyu (377)
• United States
28 Aug 08
I would have to say that you should sue the parents of the child responsible for your problems. Apparently workers comp thinks it is a joke. Maybe you should sue them too. Talk to a lawyer. I think you have let it go too far.
1 person likes this
@cobrateacher (8432)
• United States
29 Aug 08
I did get a lawyer when it happened, to sue the parents. He didn't trust what computer searches showed, so he put surveillance on them. They really are on Welfare, amd they really do not have anything to sue for!
