How do you mentally prepare yourself? I'm at the point where I know I am going to have surgery....it is no longer surreal. My face is going to look so much different when this is all said and done. I am going to be wired for weeks. I'm going to be swollen, brusied and in pain....and in numbe...lol!
I just don't know how to come to terms with it I guess. What helped you guys mentally prepare for surgery?
how to mentally prepare yourself?
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blindboarder2008
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so far for me I've been trying to think positive about things (looking at things from the bright sides) for example: how well I'll look after I'm all fully recovered and how much better I'll feel about myself, etc. I think its also important to have people that you can go to to talk to and maybe talk to people that have had the same surgery that you are going through. This has seemed to help me a bit as well. Pampering yourself before hand seems to be working out well and just trying to keep your self busy. I'm 3 weeks pre op and my nerves are starting to come but i'm trying my best to keep calm. I'll let you know again how i am a few days before hand lol lol
Braced: March 19th 2008
Impacted wisdom teeth extraction surgery: June 20th 2008 1pm (13 hours of fasting)
Jaw surgery (upper and lower)Lefort 1 with Madable Advancement: June 2nd 2009 @8am!!!! 1 surgery down 2 surgeries to go!!
debrace day: jan 18th 2010!!!! *has 2 fixed retainers and an essix retainer for night time now!
Impacted wisdom teeth extraction surgery: June 20th 2008 1pm (13 hours of fasting)
Jaw surgery (upper and lower)Lefort 1 with Madable Advancement: June 2nd 2009 @8am!!!! 1 surgery down 2 surgeries to go!!
debrace day: jan 18th 2010!!!! *has 2 fixed retainers and an essix retainer for night time now!
as the others said really ..... look at the positives, accept there will be some discomfort but know there are analgesics that can help ..
.. prepare soft foods you reaaaaaly like or know you can liquidise anything youi reaaly like the taste of (that is possible with just about anything , I do it for people I work with who perpenantly have no chew capacity).
have activities you can do planned that you know you enjoy indoors and out that are gentle rather than just veg out on the sofa watching dud tv cause that done all the time just makes you tireder but not necessarily sleepy. if you know what I mean.
I am kinda looking at it like childbirth ........ you have to go through the discomforts of pregnancy ( braces) and labour ( the op) to get to the good bits and cuddle the baby
.. prepare soft foods you reaaaaaly like or know you can liquidise anything youi reaaly like the taste of (that is possible with just about anything , I do it for people I work with who perpenantly have no chew capacity).
have activities you can do planned that you know you enjoy indoors and out that are gentle rather than just veg out on the sofa watching dud tv cause that done all the time just makes you tireder but not necessarily sleepy. if you know what I mean.
I am kinda looking at it like childbirth ........ you have to go through the discomforts of pregnancy ( braces) and labour ( the op) to get to the good bits and cuddle the baby
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I'm glad you brought this up as I think it's an important issue. From all the blogs and accounts i've read the people with the best mental and emotional attitude going into sugery seem to recover faster with less discomfort, positivity seems to be a huge factor also.
Personally I think that going through surgery accounts written by others is a great way to prepare as it's likely you will read about the difficulties they encounter, such as breathing whilst in recovery etc, and when you eventually experience the same thing yourself you can say 'I seem to recall X and Y having this experience and they turned out fine!'. I think visualisation also helps, putting yourself right into that situation to figure out how you might react, and what you could do to calm yourself if needed. I did this in preparation for my initial brace fitting and subsequent painful episodes and it really helped me to stay calm and get through it, almost as though I'd written a letter to myself with reassurance that all the discomfort was expected, and will pass, which I could re-read in times of extreme anxiety or pain.
So basically i'm going to try to be ready for, and accepting of, all the pain and anxiety that will inevitably be part of the whole experience. Everyone on here who's done with surgery went through the same thing and the vast majority are fine. Most importantly i'm going to try and remember that life will go on as normal after the Big Day!
Personally I think that going through surgery accounts written by others is a great way to prepare as it's likely you will read about the difficulties they encounter, such as breathing whilst in recovery etc, and when you eventually experience the same thing yourself you can say 'I seem to recall X and Y having this experience and they turned out fine!'. I think visualisation also helps, putting yourself right into that situation to figure out how you might react, and what you could do to calm yourself if needed. I did this in preparation for my initial brace fitting and subsequent painful episodes and it really helped me to stay calm and get through it, almost as though I'd written a letter to myself with reassurance that all the discomfort was expected, and will pass, which I could re-read in times of extreme anxiety or pain.
So basically i'm going to try to be ready for, and accepting of, all the pain and anxiety that will inevitably be part of the whole experience. Everyone on here who's done with surgery went through the same thing and the vast majority are fine. Most importantly i'm going to try and remember that life will go on as normal after the Big Day!
I had surgery a little over 3 weeks ago. It seemed to creep up on me so fast that I barely had time to get nervous, but one thing that I seem to have a habit of doing is to freak out early--get all the stress out of your system at least a day before the surgery, and the day of, you'll be incredibly calm. Ok, maybe that won't work for everyone. 
You could try hypnosis or meditation tapes/CD's. I think that on the day of surgery you just have to let go--realize that you aren't getting out of it, and just submit yourself to the care of the good people who know what they are doing. My experience wasn't anywhere near as bad, or as scary, as what my mind imagined, and everyone in the hospital was so wonderful to me. Hopefully you have a wife/husband/SO/parent/friend/somebody to go with you and hold your hand and be there when you wake up--that also helps a lot. The hospital I went to let my fiance come in and sit with me until they doped me up and wheeled me away. You will get through it--all of us who have gone before you can attest to it. 
You could try hypnosis or meditation tapes/CD's. I think that on the day of surgery you just have to let go--realize that you aren't getting out of it, and just submit yourself to the care of the good people who know what they are doing. My experience wasn't anywhere near as bad, or as scary, as what my mind imagined, and everyone in the hospital was so wonderful to me. Hopefully you have a wife/husband/SO/parent/friend/somebody to go with you and hold your hand and be there when you wake up--that also helps a lot. The hospital I went to let my fiance come in and sit with me until they doped me up and wheeled me away. You will get through it--all of us who have gone before you can attest to it. Time flies when it comes down to the wire doesn't it. My surgery is supposed to be in 4 months. 4 months used to be an eternity in everyday life, and now it seems like nothing. The weeks go by faster and faster. To think that it will only have been a year from the start of my process to the surgery is crazy.
I have a very positive outlook on my situation even though my nerves sometimes get the best of me. Like said above, I think the more positive you are going into it and through it, the better you will heal. What keeps me going is the change that I have already seen with sarpe. What once was a triangular shaped upper palatte is now a beautiful round arch which I love. I was nervous about sarpe but it was all worth it in the end just like the next surgery will be. I also think the more informed you are about the procedure and what the likely out come will be, the better you are going into it. I plan on discussing all possible out comes again with my surgeon before it actually goes down.
I have a very positive outlook on my situation even though my nerves sometimes get the best of me. Like said above, I think the more positive you are going into it and through it, the better you will heal. What keeps me going is the change that I have already seen with sarpe. What once was a triangular shaped upper palatte is now a beautiful round arch which I love. I was nervous about sarpe but it was all worth it in the end just like the next surgery will be. I also think the more informed you are about the procedure and what the likely out come will be, the better you are going into it. I plan on discussing all possible out comes again with my surgeon before it actually goes down.
----Eric
SARPE survivor 9-3-08
Braced 10-15-08
Evil expander removed 3-21-09
Surgery Survivor Sept 09
Braces off July 13, 10
SARPE survivor 9-3-08
Braced 10-15-08
Evil expander removed 3-21-09
Surgery Survivor Sept 09
Braces off July 13, 10
I agree with Esoteric, a positive outlook on things really does help with recovery. Thats not to say you wont have your down days, or days when you question why you've put yourself through this (God only knows I have, and had many emotional meltdowns in the run up to, and following the surgery)...but cut yourself some slack!
Allow yourself to feel all the emotions that this type of undertaking stirs up, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself both emotionally and physically.
I'm coming up to three months post Lefort I, and the time feels like it has flown, although I clearly remember the small baby steps I had to take on a daily basis to get back to normal. At this point in time I'm amazed at what my body has been through and how well it has recovered so trust yourself and your body to know whats right, and when.
Another good thing to do is to track your physical progress with daily (or every few days) pictures after the op- the subtle changes definately helped to keep me motivated. In a strange way, the more I looked at the pictures the more comfortable I began to feel with my new appearance-its taking a while to marry the way I think I look (in my head), with what I actually see in the mirror!
Good luck to everyone waiting for their turn...you'll all be strong enough to endure, and will reap the benefits everytime you look in the mirror at that perfect smile!
Allow yourself to feel all the emotions that this type of undertaking stirs up, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself both emotionally and physically.
I'm coming up to three months post Lefort I, and the time feels like it has flown, although I clearly remember the small baby steps I had to take on a daily basis to get back to normal. At this point in time I'm amazed at what my body has been through and how well it has recovered so trust yourself and your body to know whats right, and when.
Another good thing to do is to track your physical progress with daily (or every few days) pictures after the op- the subtle changes definately helped to keep me motivated. In a strange way, the more I looked at the pictures the more comfortable I began to feel with my new appearance-its taking a while to marry the way I think I look (in my head), with what I actually see in the mirror!
Good luck to everyone waiting for their turn...you'll all be strong enough to endure, and will reap the benefits everytime you look in the mirror at that perfect smile!
I haven't had the jaw surgery yet, but I am no stranger to surgery (I've had a few to say the least).
When I had my ACL reconstruction (knee ligament), I knew it was going to be difficult and painful, with months of rehab (starting the day after surgery). I knew that people cried in physiotherapy and I did too. But in my mind, I had prepared for months. I visualized myself doing the physio and getting stronger and regaining my range of motion. I researched everything I could about the surgery, pain protocol, and physiotherapy. In my mind I was ready and I knew I'd be stronger afterwards. It really helped. I also told myself I was strong and I could do it. I kept a positive attitude going in and it made all the difference. Of course, the day before I was nervous and irritable. That is normal, even when you're prepared. Just realize it, tell people how you feel, and ride with it.
One thing that most people don't know or expect is how you "may" feel a few days after surgery. Most people get the blues about 3-4 days after surgery - any surgery. I have had it with every surgery I've ever had. One day you'll be feeling great and positive and the next you may be weepy and feeling sorry for yourself. Just realize it's completely normal and you're not being wimpy. Having surgery is hard work, both physically and emotionally. Even if you're excited about it and looking forwarded to it, you'll have moments of "why in the world did I do this to myself?" Again, just ride with it and tell yourself you'll feel better the next day. Do whatever it is that helps to cheer you up - favorite movies, favorite books, etc.
Being on this discussion board is one of the most important tools you can have. There are lots of folks here to support you and encourage you.
When I had my ACL reconstruction (knee ligament), I knew it was going to be difficult and painful, with months of rehab (starting the day after surgery). I knew that people cried in physiotherapy and I did too. But in my mind, I had prepared for months. I visualized myself doing the physio and getting stronger and regaining my range of motion. I researched everything I could about the surgery, pain protocol, and physiotherapy. In my mind I was ready and I knew I'd be stronger afterwards. It really helped. I also told myself I was strong and I could do it. I kept a positive attitude going in and it made all the difference. Of course, the day before I was nervous and irritable. That is normal, even when you're prepared. Just realize it, tell people how you feel, and ride with it.
One thing that most people don't know or expect is how you "may" feel a few days after surgery. Most people get the blues about 3-4 days after surgery - any surgery. I have had it with every surgery I've ever had. One day you'll be feeling great and positive and the next you may be weepy and feeling sorry for yourself. Just realize it's completely normal and you're not being wimpy. Having surgery is hard work, both physically and emotionally. Even if you're excited about it and looking forwarded to it, you'll have moments of "why in the world did I do this to myself?" Again, just ride with it and tell yourself you'll feel better the next day. Do whatever it is that helps to cheer you up - favorite movies, favorite books, etc.
Being on this discussion board is one of the most important tools you can have. There are lots of folks here to support you and encourage you.
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2bpositive
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:31 pm
I am also getting mentally prepared for the surgery. I was scheduled for Sept. 3 but got a call yesterday that it's moved up to July 30! Just want to be on that other side!!
This message board is the best so much infor and sharing. So glad to have found archwire!
Will be having upper & lower jaw plus genio surgery this would wake me up at night just terror & fear ran through me. Now it's the waking up part from the surgery that scared me.
So much anxiety it would be so much worst if I had not found this board. Very tired of the anxiety and contantl thinking of surgery that I just want it over with!
I am thinking positive I'm getting there.
I agree with trying out meditation tapes this is what my aunt did she had a different type of surgery but it worked for her. I've started acupuncture for my neck aches\pain but it also seems to calm me puts me in a relax state.
This message board is the best so much infor and sharing. So glad to have found archwire!
Will be having upper & lower jaw plus genio surgery this would wake me up at night just terror & fear ran through me. Now it's the waking up part from the surgery that scared me.
So much anxiety it would be so much worst if I had not found this board. Very tired of the anxiety and contantl thinking of surgery that I just want it over with!
I am thinking positive I'm getting there.
I agree with trying out meditation tapes this is what my aunt did she had a different type of surgery but it worked for her. I've started acupuncture for my neck aches\pain but it also seems to calm me puts me in a relax state.
Please remember that this anxiety is so much worse than the real thing. Its important to keep that in perspective. We fear the unknown. When you finally get there and experience all of the things you're so worried about, its really not nearly as bad as you imagine it in your head right now. You'll be just fine and a month or two afterwards you'll wonder what you were so worried about. You'll look better and will (after some getting used to it) like your new face better and think of it as an improvement and you'll probably wonder why you didn't do this sooner.So much anxiety it would be so much worst if I had not found this board. Very tired of the anxiety and contantl thinking of surgery that I just want it over with!
I like to remember one famous quote:
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
There will undoubtedly be bumps along the way as you face this milestone in your life. However, there are things that we can all do that help keep us grounded when those unexpected moments arrive.
One thing that I like to do is to remember that:
1) I am not my feelings. They happen to me, and I can be aware of them, acknowledge them, and accept them.
2) Everything is just as it is, when I stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and become aware of myself (getting out of my head, and getting into the present moment). Most of the time, when I can do this, the illusions of what I think happened in the past, and the fear of what might happen in the future dissolve, as I become aware that everything is good and right, in the moment right now where I am.
3) Sometimes changing focus of attention helps. Maybe thinking forward to the time when all will be well with you physically, and you will be fully recovered from your surgery. Or looking back in your life to a time when you felt strong, and capable of handling things well, realizing that you do indeed have the resources to face whatever surprises life can bring.
I'm sure that I could think of other things, and there are lots of other people here who have abundant life experience to share. This is just what comes to mind right now.
All the best to everyone who continues to prepare for surgery.
Be well, and at peace,
Phil
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
There will undoubtedly be bumps along the way as you face this milestone in your life. However, there are things that we can all do that help keep us grounded when those unexpected moments arrive.
One thing that I like to do is to remember that:
1) I am not my feelings. They happen to me, and I can be aware of them, acknowledge them, and accept them.
2) Everything is just as it is, when I stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and become aware of myself (getting out of my head, and getting into the present moment). Most of the time, when I can do this, the illusions of what I think happened in the past, and the fear of what might happen in the future dissolve, as I become aware that everything is good and right, in the moment right now where I am.
3) Sometimes changing focus of attention helps. Maybe thinking forward to the time when all will be well with you physically, and you will be fully recovered from your surgery. Or looking back in your life to a time when you felt strong, and capable of handling things well, realizing that you do indeed have the resources to face whatever surprises life can bring.
I'm sure that I could think of other things, and there are lots of other people here who have abundant life experience to share. This is just what comes to mind right now.
All the best to everyone who continues to prepare for surgery.
Be well, and at peace,
Phil
There are no ordinary moments.
Check out my blog! http://pcadams.wordpress.com/
Check out my blog! http://pcadams.wordpress.com/
Folks:
Thanks for the comments. I expected to have surgery at the end of June. It got moved up to June 1. I have hit the mental panic mode. In just over two weeks, I'll be getting ready for the recovery. I'm not worried about the surgery. Just stressing over the recovery.
Mike
Thanks for the comments. I expected to have surgery at the end of June. It got moved up to June 1. I have hit the mental panic mode. In just over two weeks, I'll be getting ready for the recovery. I'm not worried about the surgery. Just stressing over the recovery.
Mike
I wore braces (this time) for 1294 days or 3 years, 6 months and 17 days.
But who's counting?
Jaw Surgery June 1, 2009
Thanks for praying for me and thinking happy thoughts.
But who's counting?
Jaw Surgery June 1, 2009
Thanks for praying for me and thinking happy thoughts.
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2bpositive
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:31 pm
Thanks KarlClayLA I will keep your words in mind. When I first started reading this message board you were one of the first post I started reading and your website I had to read that a little at a time took me awhile to get brave enough, that is such great information. I was such a whimp that your Avatar picture scared me I thought; oh no this can't be from Orthognathic surgery. I do have to say some of your reponses are funny you have made me laugh at times.
I've been reading the "June Crew" post and looking forward to hearing of iBorg surgery and recovery. I've always like that show "Alf" will catch a rerun here & there.
The same here now it's the recovery the waking up the from surgery that is on my mind all the time.
I've been reading the "June Crew" post and looking forward to hearing of iBorg surgery and recovery. I've always like that show "Alf" will catch a rerun here & there.
The same here now it's the recovery the waking up the from surgery that is on my mind all the time.
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crazybeautiful
- Posts: 745
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 2:20 am
- Location: Yorkshire, England
I've been mentally prepared since I was like 14 and was told I need the surgery Now I'm 18 I'm still just waiting...
I think when you have it done straight away/as soon as is actually viable (as in not a decision later on in life) it's always with you, so in a way it becomes something to look forward to rather than to fear. The worst part for me is actually the waiting. I need to sustain my patience rather than prepare myself for the surgery. So for me the issue is not getting too upset over this!
I think so long as you know what's happening but understand that it will be extremely worthwhile should help with anxiety. Don't think about the negatives
Now I'm 18 I'm still just waiting...I think when you have it done straight away/as soon as is actually viable (as in not a decision later on in life) it's always with you, so in a way it becomes something to look forward to rather than to fear. The worst part for me is actually the waiting. I need to sustain my patience rather than prepare myself for the surgery. So for me the issue is not getting too upset over this!
I think so long as you know what's happening but understand that it will be extremely worthwhile should help with anxiety. Don't think about the negatives
