A woman in Gloucestershire, Naomi Smith, has been enduring severe jaw pain for years, which has now limited her ability to open her mouth to just 14mm. Despite seeking medical help and various diagnoses, including fibromyalgia and functional bowel disease, her condition has continued to worsen. Due to the escalating pain, Naomi had to give up her job in 2024 and now faces constant facial pain, migraines, dizziness, and nausea, with her jaw barely opening and her mouth drooping by early afternoon.
In 2025, Naomi was finally diagnosed with severe temporomandibular joint disorder and severe jaw arthritis. Her partner, Darryl Brooks, is striving to raise funds for her urgently needed jaw-replacement surgery, which they believe will be life-changing for her.
Expressing her frustration with the medical system, Naomi described feeling ignored despite her deteriorating health. She emphasized the physical and emotional toll her condition has taken on her and her family, stating that she is desperate for relief from the relentless pain.
Naomi’s journey with jaw pain began in 1996 at the age of 18, with symptoms worsening over time and impacting her daily life significantly. Despite undergoing various treatments, including private therapies like Botox and acupuncture, her pain persists, and she now relies on strong medications to manage her symptoms.
While Naomi awaits surgery, she has turned to crowdfunding to cover the costs, as her partner takes on the role of caregiver and sole breadwinner. Despite the challenges she has faced in getting a timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, Naomi remains hopeful that the upcoming surgery will provide the relief she so desperately needs.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust expressed regret over the delays in Naomi’s diagnosis and treatment, assuring that she is receiving ongoing support and care from their specialists. They highlighted their commitment to exploring all possible avenues to alleviate her symptoms and enhance her quality of life.
To contribute to Naomi and Darryl’s fundraiser for her surgery, visit their GoFundMe page.