Hey Crazybeautiful,
I am having my wife crank it for me. It has caused some heated discussions and gets pretty comical. I have to be nice because there is no way I could do it by myself. I will be glad when the expanding is finished. Every time I swallow it feels like my two front teeth are going to pop out of my mouth. My teeth look so jacked up. I go to the OS on Tuesday and he has told me I may be finished with the expansion by then. I dont know how long I will have to have the RPE left in after I am through expanding but, I am ready for the top arch wire.
Thanks for checking with me.
OK, Here we go.
Moderator: bbsadmin
You seem to be in such great spirits so quickly! I'm very happy for you. Many blessings on a continued smooth recovery.
Oh......and I do remember baby Jessica when she was saved...I must be old!
Oh......and I do remember baby Jessica when she was saved...I must be old!
October 8, 2008 Lefort1(6mm impaction), BSSO, Genioplasty, Turbinectomies, Partial septoplasty, gum recontoring
This amazes me that you turned immediately after the surgery. I have always heard there needs to be a 5 to 7 day consolidation period, and sometimes longer than that in adults. Perhaps it is because you don't need that much expansion? For the record, we were planning for 10mm expansion on the top for me, but I think we stopped somewhere around 8mm as that ended up being enough.
Also, you say you are ready for a top archwire?? How do they plan to move teeth into areas that don't have proper bone formation? This sounds suspect to me. Perhaps the archwire will just keep the teeth AWAY from the area where new bone is going to form?
KWillie, I'd be curious if you can ask your OS and Ortho why you seem to be fast tracked with the expansion and archwire. I'm not saying this is "wrong" or anything (what the hell do I know, I'm but a mere patient in all of this myself), but it amazes me that there are so many different treatment plans with this stuff. Maybe I should be pressing my ortho to be a bit less conservative.
Here I am almost 2 months post-op and I'm not even braced yet!!! I'm jealous
Also, normally the expanders stay in anywhere from 3 to 6 months, with many adults being at the latter end of that range. With the rate you're going, you'll have them out next month. LOL
Also, you say you are ready for a top archwire?? How do they plan to move teeth into areas that don't have proper bone formation? This sounds suspect to me. Perhaps the archwire will just keep the teeth AWAY from the area where new bone is going to form?
KWillie, I'd be curious if you can ask your OS and Ortho why you seem to be fast tracked with the expansion and archwire. I'm not saying this is "wrong" or anything (what the hell do I know, I'm but a mere patient in all of this myself), but it amazes me that there are so many different treatment plans with this stuff. Maybe I should be pressing my ortho to be a bit less conservative.
Here I am almost 2 months post-op and I'm not even braced yet!!! I'm jealous
Also, normally the expanders stay in anywhere from 3 to 6 months, with many adults being at the latter end of that range. With the rate you're going, you'll have them out next month. LOL
Ozzysmom, not OLD, SEASONED!!! That sounds much better. Baby Jessica put Midland TX on the map. I could never express how very proud I was of my Dad. They all did a great job.
Chicago, or anyone else that can help. I have a new problem and was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience. I have been turning the RPE once in the morning and again at night. I can definately feel the pressure when my wife turns it but after she turned it this morning something change. I can feel something between my two front teeth every time I swallow. Kind of like bone popping. My front teeth are loose and my palate feels real unstable. It feels like if I sneeze, everything would come out. I am sure everything is ok, it is just a strange sensation.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Chicago, or anyone else that can help. I have a new problem and was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience. I have been turning the RPE once in the morning and again at night. I can definately feel the pressure when my wife turns it but after she turned it this morning something change. I can feel something between my two front teeth every time I swallow. Kind of like bone popping. My front teeth are loose and my palate feels real unstable. It feels like if I sneeze, everything would come out. I am sure everything is ok, it is just a strange sensation.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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sauerkraut
- Posts: 573
- Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2007 2:57 pm
- Location: Germany
Hi KW, I don't remember a feeling of something between my front teeth but I definitely remember the weird poppings and grindings and general instability where you feel your whole face is loose. Which, in a way, it is . I even went back to the ortho at one point because I was convinced the expander was working loose. He "reassured" (!?) me that it wasn't the expander, it was my bones!! So I don't think you have too much to worry about. It's just a really strange sensation.
If you are concerned, though, then do get in touch with the ortho or OS. If they're anything like mine, they'd far rather put your mind at rest over what generally turns out to be an unnecessary worry, than be called in too late over something that turns out to be important.
Incidentally, since you mentioned sneezing, I'm sure you know already that you're not supposed to sneeze!! Easier said than done of course, so if you really do have to sneeze, then try to sneeze through your open mouth rather than your nose. Gross, I know, but it disperses the pressure better that way.
Oh and I also started expanding immediately. In fact they wouldn't let me home from hospital until I could demonstrate I could turn the key. I couldn't, but hubby did it for me and they let that count! My husband hated turning the key. He felt like he was torturing me. I had to turn 4 times a day and the last turn of the day was never much fun; my head felt too tight for quite a while afterwards! They advised me at the hospital to take a pain killer half an hour before making the turn, to fend off any pain it might cause. I only did that for a short while, though. It's amazing what you can get used to.
All in all, though, it sounds like you're doing really well. I was still in hospital at your stage, and you're up and about and working and posting on here already. I think that's great. You must have inherited a fair share of your dad's character .
. I even went back to the ortho at one point because I was convinced the expander was working loose. He "reassured" (!?) me that it wasn't the expander, it was my bones!! So I don't think you have too much to worry about. It's just a really strange sensation.If you are concerned, though, then do get in touch with the ortho or OS. If they're anything like mine, they'd far rather put your mind at rest over what generally turns out to be an unnecessary worry, than be called in too late over something that turns out to be important.
Incidentally, since you mentioned sneezing, I'm sure you know already that you're not supposed to sneeze!! Easier said than done of course, so if you really do have to sneeze, then try to sneeze through your open mouth rather than your nose. Gross, I know, but it disperses the pressure better that way.
Oh and I also started expanding immediately. In fact they wouldn't let me home from hospital until I could demonstrate I could turn the key. I couldn't, but hubby did it for me and they let that count! My husband hated turning the key. He felt like he was torturing me. I had to turn 4 times a day and the last turn of the day was never much fun; my head felt too tight for quite a while afterwards! They advised me at the hospital to take a pain killer half an hour before making the turn, to fend off any pain it might cause. I only did that for a short while, though. It's amazing what you can get used to.
All in all, though, it sounds like you're doing really well. I was still in hospital at your stage, and you're up and about and working and posting on here already. I think that's great. You must have inherited a fair share of your dad's character
.I never had any pain whatsoever between my front teeth, but I know there are people on here that did. I had a HUGE gap (over 10mm) too, so I expanded a lot and luckily never had an ounce of pain there.
I know what you mean about the feeling of the bones clanking together. I had this, but it was at the BACK of my palate and it happened when I swallowed. It happened a lot the first 5 days, and then happened occassionally over the next couple of weeks post-op. It went away after that.
It sounds like for the most part these feelings are normal, but as I always say if something feels really wrong, don't hesitate to call your OS. Honestly though, this sounds perfectly normal. The reality of the situation is your upper palate is hanging by a thread.
I know what you mean about the feeling of the bones clanking together. I had this, but it was at the BACK of my palate and it happened when I swallowed. It happened a lot the first 5 days, and then happened occassionally over the next couple of weeks post-op. It went away after that.
It sounds like for the most part these feelings are normal, but as I always say if something feels really wrong, don't hesitate to call your OS. Honestly though, this sounds perfectly normal. The reality of the situation is your upper palate is hanging by a thread.
Sauerkraut, that is so nice of you to say about my Dad. I try to be like him every day.
I have not had to sneeze and I will do everything possible not to. I figured everything is normal but, this is a whole other spectrum of normalcy. Yall already know that there isnt anything normal about it. Chicago is right. It feels like all of my face bones are clanking toghther, plus, I cant keep spit in my mouth. None of my teeth meet where they once did,(not that it would do any good cause I cant chew) and I feel like my stomach is collapsing. I am going to have to figure out how to keep my nourishment up. I am a steak and taters kind of guy and this liquid only stuff is tough. I know yall have been through a lot more that me and I think I am coping ok. IT JUST SUCKS!!!!! and that is about all you can say. I did manage to kill about an hour today trying to fish out a noodle that got stuck above my expander. That is about all the excitement I had today.
I am also glad to know that I am not the only person that started to expand immediately after surgery. I had the gap when I got home so I assume that the OS gave it a crank or two before I left the office. I have another appt with the OS on Tuesday so I guess I will keep turning twice a day till then.
Thanks amigos, yall are the best.
I have not had to sneeze and I will do everything possible not to. I figured everything is normal but, this is a whole other spectrum of normalcy. Yall already know that there isnt anything normal about it. Chicago is right. It feels like all of my face bones are clanking toghther, plus, I cant keep spit in my mouth. None of my teeth meet where they once did,(not that it would do any good cause I cant chew) and I feel like my stomach is collapsing. I am going to have to figure out how to keep my nourishment up. I am a steak and taters kind of guy and this liquid only stuff is tough. I know yall have been through a lot more that me and I think I am coping ok. IT JUST SUCKS!!!!! and that is about all you can say. I did manage to kill about an hour today trying to fish out a noodle that got stuck above my expander. That is about all the excitement I had today.
I am also glad to know that I am not the only person that started to expand immediately after surgery. I had the gap when I got home so I assume that the OS gave it a crank or two before I left the office. I have another appt with the OS on Tuesday so I guess I will keep turning twice a day till then.
Thanks amigos, yall are the best.
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2bpositive
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:31 pm
That is a beautiful online memorial in honer of your Dad. Very lucky to have such a great Dad & he lucky to have such great family. I do remember Baby Jessica it was all over the news I had to be around 26 yrs at that time.
I feel for you with the turing of the key. I think I would feel faint if I had to do this but I would need to be strong you have to be to go through this whole process - it's such a long process! I will be having Lefort 1 and a Mandibular osteotomy for an open bite so this is a little different. I've read alot here on Sarpe surgery.
You do sound in great spirits! This is very much how I would like to be right after surgery.
I feel for you with the turing of the key. I think I would feel faint if I had to do this but I would need to be strong you have to be to go through this whole process - it's such a long process! I will be having Lefort 1 and a Mandibular osteotomy for an open bite so this is a little different. I've read alot here on Sarpe surgery.
You do sound in great spirits! This is very much how I would like to be right after surgery.
K Willie,
I know it is hard, but you have to learn to like your blender. I started feeling SO MUCH better when I ate something of substance. It may be a little late now, but the Zip-N-Squeeze site has a recipe book you can buy that has some great recipes. If I have time on Monday I will try and scan some of my favorites and email them to you. A pure liquid diet (Ensure, Boost, Instant Breakfast, etc) isn't going to cut it. I truly thought I would vomit eating "blenderized" food, but the reality is it actually wasn't bad and some of these recipes are GOOD!! I promise...
Also, please try not and sneeze, and if you must do as the other post said and do it through your mouth. I had a running joke with my friends...I hadn't sneezed until this past Friday! Do you believe that? I went 51 days post-op without sneezing at all. I know I must be a freak of nature!
Anyway it sounds like you're doing well, all things considered. You're going to have all sorts of odd sensations the next couple of weeks, and if there is no pain, then it is likely nothing to worry about and is just part of the process. Keep your spirits up and before you know it the worst will be behind you.
One other thing...Why are people afraid to turn their own expanders? I turned mine myself on top and bottom, and it never bothered me at all. I asked my Mom to turn for me once, and she about freaked out! I found it just takes a bit of patience, a mirror, and a small flashlight It also helps if you can brush the expanders before you turn - that way they are clean and the holes should be readily visible.
-Chicago29
I know it is hard, but you have to learn to like your blender. I started feeling SO MUCH better when I ate something of substance. It may be a little late now, but the Zip-N-Squeeze site has a recipe book you can buy that has some great recipes. If I have time on Monday I will try and scan some of my favorites and email them to you. A pure liquid diet (Ensure, Boost, Instant Breakfast, etc) isn't going to cut it. I truly thought I would vomit eating "blenderized" food, but the reality is it actually wasn't bad and some of these recipes are GOOD!! I promise...
Also, please try not and sneeze, and if you must do as the other post said and do it through your mouth. I had a running joke with my friends...I hadn't sneezed until this past Friday! Do you believe that? I went 51 days post-op without sneezing at all. I know I must be a freak of nature!
Anyway it sounds like you're doing well, all things considered. You're going to have all sorts of odd sensations the next couple of weeks, and if there is no pain, then it is likely nothing to worry about and is just part of the process. Keep your spirits up and before you know it the worst will be behind you.
One other thing...Why are people afraid to turn their own expanders? I turned mine myself on top and bottom, and it never bothered me at all. I asked my Mom to turn for me once, and she about freaked out! I found it just takes a bit of patience, a mirror, and a small flashlight
It also helps if you can brush the expanders before you turn - that way they are clean and the holes should be readily visible.-Chicago29
Hey everybody, Thanks for all of the inspiring words. It is like I am playing in a game and heve this great cheering squad rooting me on. It is great and it helps so much.
2bpositive, thanks for taking a look at Dads memorial. I am glad you took the time. Family is the very best.
Chicago, I will visit with my Ortho and OS to find out if my treatment is the usual case or if there is a reason things are being done so quickly. I assume that I will be finished expanding early this week and I am curious as to how long everyting will need to heal before they can remove the expander and get the top arch wire in. It doesnt seem quick to me but, I really have no perspective.
Today is the 4th day after surgery. Still puffy but I am growing fond of the swelling. It really irons out the wrinkles in my face. Not much pain and the bones clanking is the hardest part to deal with. I hate having to swallow. My breathing is better than ever and I like the way my nose looks. My jaws are sore where they hinge but nothing too bad. My teeth are moving all over the place and look awful. I am not too worried about appearance of anything. I know that before I know it, my teefs will be lining perfect. I can definately say the hardest part af the whole process has been not eating. I have already lost about 4lbs but that part is ok with me. I have been taking pictures every day to track my progress. It will be neat to look at them a month from now.
Well, thanks a lot to everyone and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
2bpositive, thanks for taking a look at Dads memorial. I am glad you took the time. Family is the very best.
Chicago, I will visit with my Ortho and OS to find out if my treatment is the usual case or if there is a reason things are being done so quickly. I assume that I will be finished expanding early this week and I am curious as to how long everyting will need to heal before they can remove the expander and get the top arch wire in. It doesnt seem quick to me but, I really have no perspective.
Today is the 4th day after surgery. Still puffy but I am growing fond of the swelling. It really irons out the wrinkles in my face. Not much pain and the bones clanking is the hardest part to deal with. I hate having to swallow. My breathing is better than ever and I like the way my nose looks. My jaws are sore where they hinge but nothing too bad. My teeth are moving all over the place and look awful. I am not too worried about appearance of anything. I know that before I know it, my teefs will be lining perfect. I can definately say the hardest part af the whole process has been not eating. I have already lost about 4lbs but that part is ok with me. I have been taking pictures every day to track my progress. It will be neat to look at them a month from now.
Well, thanks a lot to everyone and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.