My history with the Vitek Proplast Teflon Temporomandibular Implants began in 1984. I had a jaw injury and after 3 years of therapy it was recommended I
get the implants in 1987. I had them in for 5 years of pure hell and they were removed
after the recall. Within 3 months the implants had completely eroded my condyles and
caused an autoimmune reaction throughout my body.
When I was younger I did a lot
of research and went to a lot of different physicians and therapists. I even
spoke with Dr. Christensen, the inventor of the Christensen jaw implant. When I
told him about my head swelling up after the implants were put in he asked if I
was allergic to metal. I told him I didn't even wear a wedding ring. He said not
only could I not get his implant, but that I should never have had the implants
in the first place, regardless of the later recall.
I was never asked those questions, nor did I know they were going to put 8
metal screws in my skull. I finally resolved myself that nothing could be done.
The oral surgeons knew the implants caused systemic problems, but they didn't
deal with the rest of your body. Most physicians wanted to act like the implants
didn't exist. If it wasn't in their medical training...it didn't exist. As the
years went by I became more and more of a vegetable.
I have just started
treatment with a new pain specialist. As I looked over the test schedule, I
noticed he order a CT scan of my mandible. I am optimistic that I finally found
someone who is going to treat me as a whole. After all these years I decided to
look online to see what is out there. After reading several stories
online I have decided to go into more detail about my experience with the Vitek
implants.
8/24/15 - The pain specialist said he had never seen anything like the damage shown in my CT scan. His only solution was to prescribe Oxycontin, which I do not tolerate. I still do not have any answers. All I can offer is confirmation to other survivors that they are not alone. What has helped me is Neurontin - for the nerve pain, muscle relaxers - for spasms, hot packs and a TENS for pain. Above all, plenty of rest.
If you are a Vitek TMJ Implant survivor please join us on Google Plus communities @
Vitek Survivors.
Dear Bren,
ReplyDeleteI was (again) not sleeping, and I came across your blog. I got my implants in 1983, and would probably still have them if my mom hadn't spotted a FDA recall notice in 1991. I'm interested to know if you experience pain in your entire body (as I do), or only in your TMJ area, and also if your chronic pain includes muscle spasms, and/or burning pain. I would appreciate any information about your experience that you would be willing to share. Thanks - Jani Kidd
Dear Jani, I thought I replied to your post. Another area that seems to be affected is my brain..and memory. Yes, I do have severe muscle spasms and burning pain. My hands and feet are also numb. I do find that Neurontin helps, especially if I take at least 700 mg at bedtime.
DeleteI too had the implant and have had so many medical issues, every doctor cannot find out why and do not seem interested in my past implant. It gets so frustrating. I too would appreciate information from anyone that has found help and where they have found it.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about all your medical issues. I understand your frustration. I have been trying to get help since 1984. Unfortunately, after all these years and conversations with doctors across the country, I have not found any help. The pain specialist I went to said he had never seen anything like the damage shown in my CT scan. His only solution was to prescribe Oxycontin, which I do not tolerate. I still do not have any answers. All I can offer is confirmation to other survivors that they are not alone. What has helped me is Neurontin - for the nerve pain, muscle relaxers - for spasms, hot packs and a TENS for pain. Above all, plenty of rest.
DeleteI had the implant for tmj problem in 1984. One year later had removed. It broke on removal. Since early 90's I have been having small bumps on face. Really sure and then small polymer pop out. Pathologist confirmed what they were. One to two weeks prior to this happening I will have a few horrific migrains.
ReplyDeleteI got the implant in 1984. I was in 9th grade. I'm 48 now and my implant is still in my jaw degenerating as sit here today. My quality of life has been poor, to say the least. I've experienced many of the same symptoms all of you have. I have a surgeon who wants to do surgery and remove it, but I'm terrified. Its been degenerating in my jaw all this time. I don't see how he can successfully remove this and allow me any kind of use after this. I don't know what to do. I'm living in constant pain and my health has been affected so negatively and I know common sense says GET IT OUT. but i've read that these type surgeries are rarely successful...in the best of circumstances. Mine has been degenerating for decades. Any advice will be greatly appreciated and deeply considered.
ReplyDelete