MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!

[Rizzie]

I had my pre-surgical appointment with my OS yesterday. It was a 2-hour appointment, including the history and physical. My OS is so patient, and willing to answer questions. He must have asked me 5 times if I had any more questions, and to call him if I thought of anything else.

I'm having a LeForte1, with 3mm impaction on one side and 4 mm on the other due to a cant in my jaw. He is also bringing the upper jaw forward and centering the upper midline 1mm to the right. That midline thing developed during my orthodontic treatment and has bugged me severely. It is subtle, and actually, I had to point it out and he measured twice, and finally said, "I see what you mean, now. We'll move it over 1 mm." My lower jaw is moving forward, but I don't remember how much.

I've got to say, that there is nothing more sobering than signing the surgical consent. It was just one more "What-the-heck-have-I-got-myself-into moment." So I guess there is not much more to think about--just stay busy, make some soup, and keep my thoughts positive. I have a prescription for 2 Valium tablets for the night before, and man, I'm going to need them!

Good luck, May buddies! May we all come through this with the best of outcomes!

[bracedfaced]

I had my pre-surgical appointment with my OS yesterday. It was a 2-hour appointment, including the history and physical. My OS is so patient, and willing to answer questions. He must have asked me 5 times if I had any more questions, and to call him if I thought of anything else.

I'm having a LeForte1, with 3mm impaction on one side and 4 mm on the other due to a cant in my jaw. He is also bringing the upper jaw forward and centering the upper midline 1mm to the right. That midline thing developed during my orthodontic treatment and has bugged me severely. It is subtle, and actually, I had to point it out and he measured twice, and finally said, "I see what you mean, now. We'll move it over 1 mm." My lower jaw is moving forward, but I don't remember how much.

I've got to say, that there is nothing more sobering than signing the surgical consent. It was just one more "What-the-heck-have-I-got-myself-into moment." So I guess there is not much more to think about--just stay busy, make some soup, and keep my thoughts positive. I have a prescription for 2 Valium tablets for the night before, and man, I'm going to need them!

Good luck, May buddies! May we all come through this with the best of outcomes!

Hi Rizzie! I am also having upper jaw impaction and lower jaw moved forward. My date is the 11th so I doubt i'll hear your results before I go under. Here's to us both having successful surgeries and smooth recoveries. My pre-op appt is not until the 9th but i'll post to this thread right after it! Can't wait until we're posting about our recoveries come mid-may! I'm soooo freakin' nervous, and like you, just keeping myself busy. Good luck to you!

[Sams]

Hello, I'm having my surgery on the 3rd - day after tomorrow. I feel very surreal right now, nervous and more than a little scared! I've been reading such mixed reviews on the net that I'm trying to stay focussed on the positive ones. It's good that there are so many others out there going through the same thing, that's a comfort in itself! All the best to everyone going through this too! Sams.

[Rizzie]

Good luck, Sams! What are you having done?

[Sams]

Thanks Rizzie.

I'm having my upper jaw 'raised and set back a bit' which I've worked out means a maxillary impaction . So not as scary as having both jaws done but scary enough! Tomorrow's the date, just had a lovely meal and washing it down with a cup of tea. Getting ready to pack a bag for my stay in hospital. What are you having done?

[Rizzie]

Good luck tomorrow! We will all be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. I will be having maxillary impaction and advancement, and advancement of the lower jaw on May 10. Let us all know how it goes!

[luke88]

Good Luck Sam!

This time next week, my surgeon will be operating on me. Woke up this morning feeling very scared. Getting very anxious now.

[romancommander]

Hey all, I just had my last talk with my surgeon. I am one week away from surgery.

He said that he is also going to do a turbinectomy to remove my turbines in order to allow me to breath better. This is supposedly only 10 minutes extra for him to do on top of the 1 and a half hour surgery. Anyone heard of this before? Also, he said that I will be able to open my mouth right after surgery because I am not being wired shut, I am having mini plates with screws put on my jaw. Therefore I will be able to talk and eat soft foods after surgery. He is also giving me tylenol 3s, anyone think I should have something more powerful than this?

Good luck Sam! Tell is how it went!

[Rizzie]

I asked about a turbinectomy because it had been initially mentioned, but wasn't on the consent that I signed. Apparently, for my OS anyway, it is kind of an automatic part of the procedure. He explained that with a maxillary impaction, the re-positioning of things can cause the turbinates to then be in the way and make contact where they shouldn't make contact. (Keep in mind that this is layman's terms, and my OS may have an entirely different take than yours). I didn't really want a turbinectomy, but is seems there isn't much of a choice, the way he explained it.

On another subject, I read a comment on another forum, about 7-up being very good for breaking up phlegm and gunk in the back of your mouth and throat post surgery. Apparently it works better than any of the other soft drinks, they think because it is more carbonated. They suggest drinking it very cold. Just thought I would share this, I will be trying it, even though I'm not a big fan of 7-up.

[Sams]

Hello fellow May buddies! My surgery is done and 'went beautifully'. My op lasted about 2 and a half hours but to me, no time at all. Waking up is fine, a little groggy and sore but i wasn't in pain. In fact there is little pain, no worse than a headache and I'm taking paracetemol for it! I'm really swollen and eating is like feeding a baby. So far my nose seems to be ok, this was a worry of mine, and of course it' s early days. Please let me know if you want to know more! Sams

[Rizzie]

@ Sams:
Glad everything went well! How is the recovery going?

@ May buddies: How are the nerves holding up? I'm trying to stay busy, and I'm outwardly calm...but my thoughts constantly stray to the surgery on Tuesday. Yesterday was my last work day before my surgery. Staying busy this weekend, getting last-minute food items together, then on Monday I will get my surgical hooks. It's getting close!

[romancommander]

Hey Rizzie, I'm having my surgery on the same day as you as I am getting a little more nervous every day. I am really hoping all of this stuff about little pain afterwards is true. I don't want to wake up hollaring in pain. We are in for a big surprise when we wake up hahaha.

[Rizzie]

I'm with you on the pain issue, romancommander! Recovery room nurses are experts at pain management, so don't worry-they will be all over it!

[luke88]

I am getting surgery on the 10th May too. I am very nervous. I am dreading the swelling and waking up from the operation. I am really hoping for a quick recovery. A positive attitude, good quality sleep (going be very difficult) and a decent diet (again very difficult considering my mouth is going to be wired shut for 6 weeks) should see a good recovery.

Does anyone else keep thinking... this time next week we'll be on our way to recovery and we'll have aligned jaws (at least!)?

[romancommander]

I heard from someone that they will give us valium before the anestesia to calm us down and reduce anxiety. Wish I had some right now!