I am getting a high number of people asking about my OO and if it really helps (and how well). So I decided to give more details here.
FOR ME: Before OO, I got K for 2 days approximately every 2-3 months. (that was the longest I was able to go without an infusion before December 7, 2012 when I got my OO. In 2013, I got 3 boosters. In 2014, I got 2 boosters. This year, 2015 – my goal is 1 booster (if that). Next year, my goal is none. Those are my goals. Without the OO, there would be no way that would be possible.
It also depends on if I break the OO, etc. (no more hard candy for me)
I haven’t had IV-K since May 2014 and I am doing very well with using the OO (with needed adjustments). I also have not had any opioids since 2009 (even with major surgery and kidney stones, etc.) The Ketamine during procedures has been enough. If I need surgery or major injury, I will use Ketamine, but my hope is the OO is enough and the plan Dr. D came up with for me, has been great.
I don’t like specifying specific treatment & doctors anymore for treatment options because of to many friends and horrible situations they and their families have had to endure from doctors I recommended. In my opinion, Dr. Demerjian is one of the best doctors in the world, and has a great disposition too. He will tell you the truth.
He has worked miracles on me, truly. I have gone in thinking, he won’t be able to help this time. He says, let’s see what we can do? Not, oh, I am amazing, God complex like many other providers I have seen. When he gets my pain down to 0 again, helps my body temp regulation, balance, coordination, dystonia, vision, etc… I call that a miracle. Since December 9, 2012 I haven’t thanked God more for anyone one else in my life.
A chiropractor messed up my jaw – on accident – last wed. So my OO is not fitting in my mouth. (Luckily from recent fMRI tests I had a backup, but I can’t eat with it or sleep with it). So, I am going back to Dr. D for an adjustment next week otherwise, I would of been good for a while.
I am not saying you all should go to Dr. D or that the OO will be what helps you. Like all treatments, it is better for some than others. The next closest doctor that can do what he does that is actively practicing is Dr. Sims (who is also good doctor). I have actually known Dr. Sims longer and seen him work some miracles on others, first hand and from repots back from other patients.
Some who have seen my OO say, oh, my dentist made me one like that… well this one is 80% the same as an appliance/night guard… but the 20% difference is where the miracles happen. For more on the OO please see www.tmjconnection.org
