Surgery done!

[Teigyr]

I know I need pictures!!! The after, I can do. The before, however --- I need assistance from my OS or Orthodontist because the only way I could effectively show it is from a profile shot and if it was left up to me, I always moved my jaw forward. You know though....I was told yesterday that it looked fake when I did it and I DO have pictures (including my drivers license) where I'm doing that! I will try to see what I can do.

It is still going well. I went to my one-week follow-up yesterday. They said I exceeded their expectations and loosened the banding! I can now talk really well!!! I was double-banded which meant my mouth really couldn't open except for eating and cleaning. I can now open it at will; which I pretty much did all day yesterday as I danced around chanting "I can open my mouth!"

I have one little patch that is almost numb but not quite. There is still a bruise there and I asked my OS why he felt the need to abuse me in that spot. He said you just never know in that type of surgery. With me one side never hurt, the other did. He said one side wasn't more challenging than the other, it's just one of those things that happens.

I also saw the before and after x-rays. It is just all so amazing. My jaw was brought forward, granted, but it was also angled and it did change the structure of my face. It looked soooo good! I mean not my face, I'm not THAT vain. I'm talking purely x-ray here.

I can eat almost anything that's soft right now. I can't eat things like salad or things requiring chewing but you'd be amazed what you CAN eat. Ravioli, shrimp (cut up into tiny pieces), even chicken.

For those who haven't had surgery, the best advice I can give is to drink a lot, keep your mouth clean (I was commended on my oral hygeine but I was scared of infection) and exercise by walking. It helps the swelling SO much to get up and moving around.

The worst thing about the whole thing is sleep. The average sleep post-surgery is 4-5 hours. It is difficult to get comfortable then you can't really move so it becomes uncomfortable just because of that. It is getting better though, I can sleep on my side now!!! I haven't taken pain medication for a couple of days either. I am saving the rest of the demerol for a special occasion or maybe next time I get my braces tightened

Jane

[Teigyr]

Thanks Meryaten!

I go back on the 24th so I still have some time to enjoy myself. I was worried about the bands because while physically I could work, I don't feel I could enunciate enough to do my job safely. Fortunately (or unfortunately if I wanted more time off!), the heavier bands were removed so there are no problems.

I actually had four drinks yesterday! The bad habits start again so soon....three shots of tequila and one glass of wine. I think the difficult thing will be to remember that even though I feel remarkably well, my body is still healing and I should act accordingly. Oh I had no carbonation restrictions either.....my OS is assisting in my life of vice

[brianne1898]

wow! that's so great your surgery went so well. I am having lower jaw surgery in either november or december and i've been so nervous and scared thinking about it but after reading your posts i feel much more at ease! Well once again, congrats on your surgery!