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  1. Alyx
    Member

    Hi Everyone,
    I just got home a few hours ago and I feel pretty darn good, I must say- and no, that's not just the drugs talking! Those wore off early this morning...
    So I had my upper jaw done and all my wisdom teeth removed yesterday, and apparently it went so well the docs didn't see the need to put the stint in since my teeth fit together so well post surgery. I am still pretty numb, but only on the left side of nose and my upper lip- that's also where most of the swelling is.
    I really went in pretty scared to death, but it was over before I knew it- and what I do remember is how friendly all the nurses and doctors were. I was also really worried post op about not being able to breathe- but that really hasn't been a problem at all- it helps that the stint isn't in and I can breathe through my mouth if I need to as well. Food also hasn't been an issue- I have probably already had nearly 2000 calories today and it's only 430pm, so apparently the lack of appetite isn't an issue for me, nor is nausea. I must say, I feel pretty good and can walk and talk with ease- I have definitely been a bit sleepy, but that's perfectly normal.
    So there you go, a good experience all in all- I'm happy I did it, and hope the speedy recovery keeps up.
    If any of you have any questions, feel free to write me!
    Alyx

    Posted 1 year ago #

  2. Brandon
    Site Administrator

    Hi Alyx,

    Awesome, sounds like you're already off to a quick recovery and super successful surgery, congrats!

    Keep us updated on your progress...

    I'm Brandon, the creator of JawSurgeryBlog.com. I personally had upper and lower jaw surgery on October 30, 2007. Thankfully, everything went beautifully, so I'm trying to make sure everyone else's surgery goes smoothly as well!

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrective-Jaw-Surgery/114627165257701
    Posted 1 year ago #

  3. lucrezia
    Member

    Yay! I'm glad to hear everything is going well for you!
    I'm not sure what you mean when you say "stint"...do you mean the clear, molded tray thingy that is wired to the upper teeth? My doc referred to it as a splint, but I'm sure different docs have their own lingo ;)
    If that's what you're talking about, I am SO jealous! That is the one thing that is still bugging me! My swelling is almost gone (except for a little bit in the right cheek and upper lip) and I only occasionally feel a little pain, sort of like I have a sinus headache. I'm supposed to still be on full liquids, but I've been a bit bad about that (shhh...don't tell my surgeon.) I've been putting food in a mini food-processor, so I don't have to chew it, and sorta mashing it with my tongue. I'm just so stinkin hungry!

    Hope your recovery continues to go smoothly :)

    I had upper jaw surgery 2/3/10...well on my way to recovery, a great smile and finally being able to chew normally!
    Posted 1 year ago #

  4. Alyx
    Member

    Lucrezia,
    That's it, a splint! I couldn't remember the name when I was writing this...yes, it helps not having it in so more gets in, and out as I has the experience with this morning- so much for no nausea, I vomited half a dozen times this morning before it was finally over! I think it was the combo of Pepto (since my stomach was bugging me a little) and the Tylenol with just water as a base- not a good combo!
    I wasn't told to only do clear liquids, I wonder why?? I have been trying all sorts of things, but then again that may be the problem with my stomach- a little too much adventure!
    I'm sorry you're so hungry, but you must be really close to getting unwired, right? I can't wait for that day!
    The swelling finally went down to a more normal looking level today, everyone was right about day 4 being the hump day- I definitely felt and looked the worst. Today is better now that the puking episode is done...
    I totally know what you mean about the pain, I keep squeezing and massaging the bridge of my nose to try and relieve the pressure- that's definitely where I feel it too...
    I hope you can eat a decent, REAL meal soon!

    Posted 1 year ago #

  5. lucrezia
    Member

    Alyx,
    That totally sucks about the vomiting :( Glad you're feeling better now though!
    I actually am not wired shut, thankfully! I have only three rubberbands (one on each side and one in front) that keep my teeth together. I'm allowed to take them off 3x/day for an hour each time, to eat (drink) and brush my teeth...and stretch my aching jaw joints! I'm not supposed to pull them apart when I talk because the dr says it pulls on the bone, not the teeth, like orthodontic bands do. It's really hard not to though! Pretty much I just try not to talk unless it's absolutely necessary (like yelling at the kids or dog!) It's so much easier to talk with the bands off, but difficult to make certain sounds because of this stupid splint! The dr says "it'll be on the whole recovery time" which is 8 weeks total...6 more weeks to go...ugh.

    Posted 1 year ago #

  6. Alyx
    Member

    Lucrezia,
    You are so lucky you were never wired shut, what a pain this has been! I don't know if I will get rubber bands next, but I wouldn't mind so long as I can take them off to actually eat...
    How funny what different surgeons will tell you though, they wanted me talking a lot (still do, and doubt it will change come Monday)...the only thing I wish they had warned me about was laughing- I have had several friends over the past few days to keep me company, and laughing is NOT a good thing- even smiling hurts the sutures under my top lip, that's pretty tough on me sometimes...
    How's your numbness and swelling coming along? Are you still icing? They pretty much told me after the first 3-4 days it wouldn't really do any good, but I did it until last night anyway. I also stopped taking the Tylenol as I don't feel pain anymore- the occasional sinus pain, but nothing worth self-medicating for!

    Posted 1 year ago #

  7. lucrezia
    Member

    Posted 1 year ago #

  8. lucrezia
    Member

    Hey Alyx :)

    I so understand what you mean about the laughing/smiling hurting! I had an extra stitch under my top lip (just above/between my two front teeth) to pull the muscles along-side the nose back together after everything during the surgery (my dr said otherwise my nose would be wider!) anyway, it kept catching on the surgical hook right there and felt like it was being pulled out everytime I'd smile or laugh...ouch :( ...but that only lasted about 5-6 days, now it feels totally fine.
    The dr says it's fine to talk, he just doesn't want me pulling my teeth apart when I talk because the bands put too much force on the bone that's trying to heal. I bet they want you to talk to help the muscles around your mouth/nose heal...my dr told me to "pucker" my lips and make the "O" and "E" movements with my lips often to help those muscles "remember."
    As far as the numbness, I'm still numb on my right side from the corner of mouth, out to the cheek bone and up to my lower eyelid. The left side, just under my nose still feels a little weird too...and my palate/upper teeth/gums are still dead numb :( I can't wait till I can feel my palate again...makes it really difficult to swallow sometimes. My swelling seems to be in the same spots as the numbness...more so on that right side and upper lip still.
    I'm still taking ibuprofen at my dr's advice, but not for pain relief. It's a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory med, so it helps with swelling/inflammation.
    I had a follow-up appt on Tuesday, and he says everything looks great for 2wks out and the stitches should be dissolving now. I have noticed tiny little pieces of sting coming out when I brush and use the waterpic.
    Sorry so long...its just that no one around me seems to be interested in all these lovely details ;)

    Posted 1 year ago #

  9. lucrezia
    Member

    not sure why that posted twice...hmmm...

    Posted 1 year ago #

  10. Brandon
    Site Administrator

    Haha, that's what we're here for, Lucrezia, we love the lovely details! ;)

    Posted 1 year ago #

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