I have TMJ. I was told by an oral surgeon that surgery could make it worse because of scar tissue. He gave me a painkiller prescription and we talked about other pain management techniques. I was told to eat soft foods on days when it's really bad like yogurt, jello and pudding so the jaw doesn't have to work as much. Don't chew gum at all. Use hot and cold compresses. Sleep with a mouth guard like you would get for playing sports. And my favorite suggestion was to avoid stress.
I would definitely try talking to your surgeon again and see what they say.
I hate when people want to go out for burgers and I have to find something else to eat because that would cause me a lot of pain, and I know what it feels like for no one to understand.
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