u/Largelampshade

I just received a diagnosis of superficial endo today, after 20 years of severe symptoms. I was told it’s not “surgery bad” and that I need to go on the pill, maybe get the coil and seek out pelvic physio. I’m also frustrated at myself as due to nerves and tension, the scan couldn’t be completed and the bowel was only partially scanned: many of my symptoms are bowel-related, so I’m worried important info was missed.

While I’m thrilled to learn it IS endo and feel vindicated, I was so surprised to learn it’s not “worse” and that my treatment options are so limited. :( I also feel a bit silly that such mild a case is so debilitating for me. I was only mentally prepared for two outcomes: either no findings, or more significant endo. I had never imagined it would be so limited. I was even researching surgeons before the appointment as I am so desperate for relief I didn’t want to wait a minute more to get help.

Just venting. Any thoughts or moral support welcome!

I have bimaxillary retrusion. My upper jaw is narrow and missing two teeth. My lower jaw is fairly wide but has been held back presumably by the upper jaw. Luckily I look normal-ish as the retusion of the lower jaw masks the underbite created by the missing upper teeth.

I read that MARPE can induce forward movement of the maxilla, and that the mandible can come forward in some cases, if held back by the upper jaw.

I don’t know how significant the extent of the retrusion is, but wondering if anyone has experienced a forward movement in both jaws after a marpe-type treatment?

Hi all. I’m 41 and have been struggling with jaw-related problems for years. I had upper premolar extractions at 12 and all four wisdom teeth removed in my 20s. I've been told I have bimaxillary retrusion.
Over the last several years I've developed chronic facial, neck and shoulder pain, poor sleep, and my bite feels like it's getting worse. I also feel like my jaw relationship has changed over time, I'm unhappy with my smile, and even things like speaking and drinking feel less comfortable than they used to.
I can’t tolerate exercise as I struggle to breathe (lung and heart function normal). I've had sleep studies (one previously showed mild sleep apnoea, but a more recent one didn't after I lost weight), CBCT scans, countless X-rays, physio, and consultations with around 20 dentists and orthodontists.

The frustrating part is that I've had completely contradictory opinions. Some orthodontists have told me braces aren't worth doing because my teeth are already fairly straight. Others have said it can be fixed with surgery but if I was their daughter they’d recommend against I. I've had one oral surgeon tell me I needed double jaw surgery, then later completely change his mind at a follow up appointment after a reprogramming splint. Another orthodontist also recommended surgery but made me very uncomfortable because he seemed more interested in selling treatment, wasn’t open to my questions and was taking about rhinoplasties :(
I also attempted a MARPE expansion, which failed after a series of complications and zero movement, and I lost a significant amount of money. I had a CBCT analysis which showed some flattening of the condyles and now my jaw is cracking so I’m worried there’s also a jaw joint issue; which is something I’m not sure I can even be treated for here, or afford if I really needed it.

At this point I’m exhausted, overwhelmed and don't know who to trust. Treatment is incredibly expensive, waiting lists are long, and where I live there aren't many surgeons and all orthos seem to know each other well.
I’ve made zero progress and I'm struggling with how to move forward when experienced professionals can't seem to agree. I am miserable every day, to the point I’m losing hope and the will to keep going, but I have little faith going to another practitioner will yield a better result, and am genuinely concerned for the level of radiation I’ve been exposed to with all the consults!

Has anyone else been in this position? How did you decide who to trust? Did you eventually find a team that gave you confidence, or did you decide against surgery? I'd really value perspectives from anyone who's been through something similar, or has any wisdom to share. Thanks so much.

For anyone who may find any of the below helpful, here’s a summary of my experience today.

Started Moviprep yesterday. I’m very petite and drink very little usually, so getting that much liquid down in one hour, along with the prescribed 500 mls of water, was a challenge. I vomited twice 3/4 the way through.

I started my second dose at 6am and found this one tough going: I vomited after the second glass and then vomited five more times an hour later. I was concerned about my output being clear enough and rang the clinic, who said I might need an enema 🙃. Luckily I didn’t - the liquid was yellow and clear so they were happy. On the report, my bowel prep score and quality were both rated excellent, so don’t panic if you vomit! I’m very petite so think the dose and volume of liquid was just too much for me. I wasn’t bothered too much by the taste, which I’d been dreading. Using a straw really helped the second day. I would advise against carbonated drinks if you’re prone to being gassy, as that made my day 1 prep uncomfortable and probably contributed to the vomiting: flat drinks are good!

They found two anal fissures and unfortunately had to stop very early on as I was in so much pain from them (apparently - I went out like a light and didn’t feel a thing). I was given a cream to treat them but it’s not clear whether or not they want me to repeat the colonoscopy: I very much hope not! They only got to scope about 1/6th, which is frustrating.

I had no appetite on waking but forced myself to try tea and toast as I’d been shaky before the procedure: I promptly vomited twice again! The team were so kind and also gave me an alcohol wipe to sniff to reduce nausea, along with some sweet anti-nausea drugs. I’m home now and taking it very easy. A bit sore from getting sick and have no appetite yet but I’m going to have a little snooze and see how I’m feeling later.

This was my second colonoscopy: the first time I had zero issues with nausea and vomiting (different prep, I think), but had a very painful rear end after the prep! This time, while I struggled with the vomiting, my bottom feels absolutely normal, despite having a painful BM before starting my the prep: thanks to all for your advice on wipes and Vaseline. Something else I think helped was that I parked myself on the toilet and only wiped every two goes, to minimise my discomfort. So, I guess my point is that every procedure is different!

Thanks for all the collective wisdom on the sub which was really helpful in preparing. ❤️Signing off now in case I say something weird in my post-sedation delirium 🤪

I was cutting something with a scissors I only use for cutting my dogs hair. I accidentally sliced my finger with it: a shallow long cut that bled. I had a tetanus booster in December 2020: do I need to seek a tetanus shot for this? The scissors was not visibly soiled but I’m concerned it was in touch with his snout, which he uses for discovering various things!

I have health anxiety as part of my OCD, which includes a fear of taking medication. I took Prozac 30 years ago and need to take it again. I’m so nervous but don’t want to struggle like this anymore either. Can anyone tell me ways in which Prozac helped them, please? Thank you.