I started physical therapy with Kerry Becht back in September 2014. I have had over 15 jaw surgeries (yes, I have lost count). Due to so many unsuccessful surgeries, I developed degenerative joint disease, which made my bones fuse together, causing me to have permanent closed lockjaw. So, in 2004, I had a total joint prosthesis called a Lorenz device. This was only FDA approved in Philadelphia PA and Texas. I was one of maybe 500 in the U.S. that had this done.

In 2010, I had to return for a replacement of a screw in the prosthesis, so I was cut completely open 2 times on the left side. I also had a surgery on my right side where they cut a part of my jaw bone off so that the joint could settle into the correct place, [a procedure] called a condylotomy. I have been dealing with extreme chronic pain from these surgeries and was told by my doctor that I would have chronic pain the rest of my life.

I had tried everything from pain clinics, many nerve blocks, many different meds, and injections to help ease some of the pain. I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, which is a very intense nerve pain and includes the highest suicide rate. This is just for you to get the idea of the pain I dealt with. I had migraines most days and was in a pain level of 10 every day. When you’re in that much pain every day and have been on so many different meds, you build a resistance to most effects of the meds. I was on morphine, Percocet, dilaudid, hydrocodone, Demerol—pretty much any potent painkiller known to man—and none of them touched the pain.

So, I learned to live life this way. I decided that enough was enough, and I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. I was miserable, and it not only affected my health, it affected my job and my family. I decided to give PT another shot because I had heard such great things that Kerry and her staff can do.

I made an appointment and Kerry and I discussed my history and what she could do for my pain. I really didn’t have any huge expectations due to all of the other failed therapy I have had. She talked to me about craniosacral therapy that could help with de-sensitizing some of my nerve pain in my scalp. She told me it would be a slow process because I had been through so much. I set up to go 2 times a week.

I was extremely impressed with Kerry’s knowledge of everything she was doing. What made me feel very comfortable was her informing me of everything she was doing and how that particular therapy would affect a certain nerve, bone, or muscle. She used medical terms but made it so that I would understand, which also kept my interest to research as well. Her goal for me was to become 50% better, and that was a far stretch goal, but she was very confident in it.

I am happy to report that after over 4 months of therapy I am about 50% better. My pain levels are about a 5-6 on most days, I only get a migraine about 1 time a week and my chronic high blood pressure has also gone down. My opening of my jaw went from a 24mm to 32 mm as well. I have more movement in my neck and my shoulders aren’t crunched up to my ears. I feel better physically and emotionally. She has given me a new life to live.

I will never be completely out of pain, but her therapy has certainly done wonders. I highly recommend Kerry and her staff, and I hate that I have waited this long for help. Thank you so much for going above and beyond to do what you do!

- Dominique Lenker