Ashleigh Needs a New Jaw!

Hello there,

My name is Ashleigh,  I'm 20 years old and require a double jaw joint replacement. I have constant pain and an inability to eat a proper diet due to pain and restrictions in my jaw opening and movement. This has been going on since I was 16. I have had many procedures and surgeries in the attempt to fix my jaw problems for good. However, the success these surgeries brought were only temporary, lasting a few months at most. This has interfered with my full-time job, and my Nursing degree that I am struggling to fight through the pain to complete, with only 6 months left to go!

My weight keeps dropping whilst we are trying to find the money to pay for this surgery, as it is classed as a dental procedure and a specialty maxillofacial procedure. With the probability of a nasogastric tube being inserted in the next week or so to help with nutrition as my weight is still on the decline.

My last X-ray had shown some degeneration in one of my condyles, adding to my discomfort and restriction.  I have a 10mm opening in my mouth. And it has remained like this for over a year.

This is the last step in the hope of batting my condition and pain.  Unfortunately the DHBs for my area only fund two of these surgeries per year, which has left us with no other choice than to find the money for the surgery ourselves.

Please don't feel obligated to donate,   we understand that like us,  money is tight for many people.  And we don't by any means really want to take other people's money for the surgery.  But we would appreciate you taking the minute in reading over the content on Ashleigh's TMJD journey on facebook to help get an understanding of what's going on.  Thank you heaps ❤

I just want my life back. I dont even remember what its like to enjoy every day that passes, and to be pain free. And i want to become a Registered Nurse more than anything in the world. But my current health limits that! This also includes full time work. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!