Jaw Surgery Forums » Post-Surgery and Recovery Questions

Swelling Problem

(5 posts)
  • Started 10 months ago by Rookie123
  • Latest reply from Rookie123
  • 1 Members Subscribed To Topic

  1. Rookie123
    Member

    Hi!

    I had my surgery about 3 weeks ago and so far it's been going pretty good! But today when I woke up the swelling on my face seemed to have grown and my face feels very stiff. The past couple weeks the swelling has gone down but today I felt like something was really off.

    Two days ago I was really really hungry so I ate mushy potatoes...and I tried chewing. I regretted that I did this since I never got the thumbs up from my doctor to try this. Could my mistake be the reason for the swelling coming back? Or am I just crazy?

    Also does applying heat help? Or should I stick to ice? And how many times a day should I ice? I go away to camp in a week and a half--so I'm nervous!

    I'll be extremely grateful for any opinions, thoughts or answers!

    Thanks!

    Posted 10 months ago #

  2. GabbyDion
    Member

    Did you sleep elevated? If you lay down or on your side of your face is able to swell up like a balloon! And heat works best at this time. Heating pads or a sock filled with rice will help immensely! Just keep up with it.

    XO,
    - G
    Posted 10 months ago #

  3. Rookie123
    Member

    Thanks so much Gabby! I did actually sleep on my side for the past couple nights! And I've been reading it's best to sleep on a 45 degree angle which I'll do tonight! Thanks for the quick reply!!

    Posted 10 months ago #

  4. HulaMommy
    Member

    I think gabbydion is right. It's likely due to sleeping wrong. I'm at 3 weeks and still sleeping on a wedge pillow. I tried double pillows a couple nights. The first 2 nights were fine but then by the 3rd I just didn't feel 'right' so I went back to my wedge. You need to start chewing, regardless of the stress on your jaw. As with any surgery or any injury the muscles need to be re-trained and excercised. They won't like it and you will definitely feel strain and pressure but it should not be actual visible swelling. If it's helpful I chewed some of my dinner last night, ham, carrots and mashed potatoes. My jaw gets super tight and tense afterward but heat takes the intensity away. So keep at it! Like my surgeon said "Use your judgement and your jaw will tell you if you've done too much".

    Posted 10 months ago #

  5. Rookie123
    Member

    Thanks HulaMommy! Last night was rough. I need to sleep on my side...in order to sleep. But I'll just have to live like this for a couple more weeks. And I'll try the heat today! And chewing! Thanks again!

    Posted 10 months ago #

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