For people wondering about my tmj

It occurred to me that I haven't updated on my condition since it improved. Isn't that always how it is? I've adjusted to life with the splint as I did 5 years ago when this all started. I am able to eat most things now with it in besides things like steak, brisket, roast, etc. I am sleeping thru the night with the upper nighttime splint which is was a big adjustment. The headaches have decreased both in number and intensity. My neck pain is barely noticeable and my face pain only comes in waves instead of constant like before. I still have some jaw joint discomfort regularly but nothing compared to the searing jolts of pain I had a few months ago.
Overall I am considered 80% healed as long as I'm in a splint at all times. What fun. I still have to travel to Norman every few weeks to the specialist and will receive treatment for the rest of the year at least. The hope is, after this first year, that I will eventually be able to wean down to only wearing the upper nighttime splint for the rest of my life. Oh, the thought of eating without this stupid thing in my mouth! What joy that will be! :D I've fought with insurance companies and finally gotten some reimbursement tho it is not much compared with the immense cost this has been on our family's budget.
To sum it up, I am beginning to see a light at the end of a long dark tunnel. For that I am very grateful. I thank God for getting me thru a very difficult time and for my family's survival thru it as well, lol.