A Bushey woman suffering from a joint disorder which left her jaw permanently dislocated six years ago will receive treatment in the US next week.

Beth Malsbury, 25, of St Peter’s Close, was eating a sandwich back in 2007 when her jaw suddenly locked shut.

She was diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and her only hope was to get neuromuscular dentistry treatment from America.

Beth and her husband Lewis, are now in Canton, Massachusetts, awaiting treatment after months of fundraisers around Hertfordshire which helped raise £3,400.

Beth said: “I am happy and excited that the treatment is going ahead but most of all I think I am relieved.”

Next week she will collect her splint which will have to be worn in her mouth 24/7.

She added: “I couldn't wait any longer to start my treatment as the pain was getting too much.”

Once she is wearing it she said she should notice an improvement in her strength almost immediately.

The young radiographer has suffered migraines, growing tiredness and pains running all down her body.

Beth said she found it confusing who to see for treatment, she knows sufferers who have sought help from dentists, surgeons, pain management specialists, physios and chiropractors.

She added: “There are charities for many different conditions in the UK but not for TMJD, the support forums on the web have been created by sufferers of the condition.

“When you mention it to people no one knows what it means unless they have it.”

This treatment has a 95 per cent success rate in America, and Beth and Lewis are planning to stay in Massachusetts for a year.

Beth added: “I kept going through stages of thinking it would not happen.”

The couple have been in the US for two weeks and family and friends are already planning to visit.

Originally staying in a hotel and then a hostel, they now rent a room in a house and live with two post grad students.

Before going abroad, Beth had to continue working full time as her American visa restrictions mean she and Lewis cannot work over there.

People are still fundraising for Beth and she is waiting for confirmation of a zumbathon which is planned for March.

Watford company, Building Research Establishment, raised money throughout December and donated to Beth’s cause.

To find out more about Beth and how you can help visit www.bethmalsbury.co.uk