I've been reading these forums as a guide to what to expect in the weeks to come, reading them have helped me a lot to not feel as nervous about my upcoming SARPE scheduled for March 7th 2007.
but I would like to know more about a few things.
I know every experience is different but if anyone has been through it, I would like to know how the heck am I gonna brush my teeth after surgery ? How much pain should I expect and for how long? Should I be okay to go back to work after 2 weeks ( I'm a CNA )? Ant suggestions of things I should have around post surgery. I know I'm being a big baby.
I got my expander put in today and I already can't wait to get rid of it. I 'm having a real hard time swallowing- I don't know where to put my tongue and I'm drowning in my own spit. And chewing - everything gets caught underneath it and I have to suck it out. I'm sure not good dinner company.
SARPE in 1 week-AHHHH!
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kristiano8
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- Location: Burrillville, RI
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Brandyleigh35
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Read my blog. Start in March 2006. Go to the very bottom of that page and work your way up. I blogged my whole SARPE from 4 hours after surgery til like 6 months. There is also info on the expander before that.
You will be fine, it is not that painful. I never used more than Advil for the pain. There really isn't much of it.
Brandy
You will be fine, it is not that painful. I never used more than Advil for the pain. There really isn't much of it.
Brandy
Kristiano8- First of all, good luck! I'm having the surgery on March 15th, so you are my theoretical partner, I hope you do well, and that you recover quickly. According to everyone else, it's not as bad as it seems. My surgeon was kind but amused regarding my fears in my pre-op appt. this morning. I was worried about my nose getting wider, and he promised that even though it might, he would fix it if it happened (not sure how I feel about that). Don't worry, and good luck!
kristiano8,
You will eventually get used to the expander. Maybe not completely, but it will be less in the way with the passing of time.
The surgery is actually not too bad for most people. Be ready with medication for inflamation (Ibuprofen, for example), and ice packs. You will not feel like chewing food for a while, so once you start eating, be prepared with soft foods.
I would say that two weeks should be more than enough time off. I felt pretty good in about 5 days, but everyone is different.
Brandy's blog tells it all. Recommended reading for all "sarpies!"
The best of luck to you!
Phil (post expander, and doing just fine)
You will eventually get used to the expander. Maybe not completely, but it will be less in the way with the passing of time.
The surgery is actually not too bad for most people. Be ready with medication for inflamation (Ibuprofen, for example), and ice packs. You will not feel like chewing food for a while, so once you start eating, be prepared with soft foods.
I would say that two weeks should be more than enough time off. I felt pretty good in about 5 days, but everyone is different.
Brandy's blog tells it all. Recommended reading for all "sarpies!"
The best of luck to you!
Phil (post expander, and doing just fine)
I just wanted to say good luck 
I am exactly one month post
SARPE and back to work with little or no discomfort. I have to interact with the public extensively and am a little self consious with my speech due to my RPE but suprisingly everyone thinks it's cute. I am getting sick of everyone wanting me to say "suffering succotash" though. The worst part is I just had my braces put on last week so there is some discomfort with rubbing and of course my huge gap ( I get all the boys now )
Your fears are totally understandable to me. I was terrified the day of my surgery but you will survive. I was very sore for a couple of days and unfortunately the combo of pain killers and antibiotics on a virtually empty stomache made me extremely ill and I vomited the entire day following surgery .. you may want to be careful, oxycodone was the catalyst that made me ill. My Surgeon called me in a perscription of loratabs and it made all the difference in the world. I am still having problems with food and am on virtually a soft food diet at this point SPAM SPAM SPAMMING. Stock up on the ensures, ice packs, and lots of rest .. good luck .. And trust me, if I can do it anyone can .. you are speaking to the biggest baby in the world .. I think my oral surgeon still feels bad for me what with all the crying and pitiful displays. I also was very lucky and work for a wonderful company that encouraged me to take a month off so I would be all healed up and ready when I came back .. YOU CAN DO IT !!!
I am exactly one month post SARPE and back to work with little or no discomfort. I have to interact with the public extensively and am a little self consious with my speech due to my RPE but suprisingly everyone thinks it's cute. I am getting sick of everyone wanting me to say "suffering succotash" though. The worst part is I just had my braces put on last week so there is some discomfort with rubbing and of course my huge gap ( I get all the boys now )
Your fears are totally understandable to me. I was terrified the day of my surgery but you will survive. I was very sore for a couple of days and unfortunately the combo of pain killers and antibiotics on a virtually empty stomache made me extremely ill and I vomited the entire day following surgery .. you may want to be careful, oxycodone was the catalyst that made me ill. My Surgeon called me in a perscription of loratabs and it made all the difference in the world. I am still having problems with food and am on virtually a soft food diet at this point SPAM SPAM SPAMMING. Stock up on the ensures, ice packs, and lots of rest .. good luck .. And trust me, if I can do it anyone can .. you are speaking to the biggest baby in the world .. I think my oral surgeon still feels bad for me what with all the crying and pitiful displays. I also was very lucky and work for a wonderful company that encouraged me to take a month off so I would be all healed up and ready when I came back .. YOU CAN DO IT !!!OOPS .. One more thing .. As for brushing your teeth, my top gums are still completely numb and apparently will be for some time. I was able to brush a few days after surgery very lightly with an extra soft brush very carefully. The thought any sooner just made me want to scream and run. I of course now can brush normally, I just have to gauge the pressure as I can't feel anything .. it sure will be nice when I can 
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science teacher
- Posts: 428
- Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:31 pm
- Location: kansas
Sarpe
I too am a SARPE survivor. As you said everyones experience is different but I think I breezed through it.
My surgery was the afternoon before surgery. I spent the night in the hospital. I warn you the NG tube will be the hardest part.
I was released at about 8 am Thanksgiving morning. I ate mashed potatoes and noodles for lunch. I went back to work the monday after thanksgiving. I teach 9th grade science so I talk ALL the time.
As far as brushing my teeth, I didn't for a couple days. Just swished alot after meals. When I started brushing I used a baby toothbrush that was very small and very soft. It took about 10 days before I felt comfortable brushing with my regular toothbrush. I am 3 months out and am moving back to my sonicare toothbrush.
About the food, my OS said if you can tolerate it, eat it. He assured me I couldn't knock my jaw out of alignment if I chewed. So, I ate potato chips about a week after surgery and pizza breadsticks about 2 weeks after surgery. The biggest thing I stay away from is shredded lettuce. It sticks to the expander and is hard to get off.
I'm sure that if you keep a positive attitude it will be a positive experience overall.
Make sure you use lots of Ice for the first 3 or 4 days.
Kim
My surgery was the afternoon before surgery. I spent the night in the hospital. I warn you the NG tube will be the hardest part.
I was released at about 8 am Thanksgiving morning. I ate mashed potatoes and noodles for lunch. I went back to work the monday after thanksgiving. I teach 9th grade science so I talk ALL the time.
As far as brushing my teeth, I didn't for a couple days. Just swished alot after meals. When I started brushing I used a baby toothbrush that was very small and very soft. It took about 10 days before I felt comfortable brushing with my regular toothbrush. I am 3 months out and am moving back to my sonicare toothbrush.
About the food, my OS said if you can tolerate it, eat it. He assured me I couldn't knock my jaw out of alignment if I chewed. So, I ate potato chips about a week after surgery and pizza breadsticks about 2 weeks after surgery. The biggest thing I stay away from is shredded lettuce. It sticks to the expander and is hard to get off.
I'm sure that if you keep a positive attitude it will be a positive experience overall.
Make sure you use lots of Ice for the first 3 or 4 days.
Kim
SARPE 11/23/06
Expansion over 12/18/06 8.5mm
Brace day tops 1/15/07
Brace day bottoms 3/19/07
all expansion devices removed 9/19/07
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kristiano8
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Feb 24, 2007 10:21 pm
- Location: Burrillville, RI
Thanks for all your help and enccouragement. Believe me I'lll got some boost, and pudding stockpiled- I'm a CNA so I stole those little tooth sponges called toothettes from work so that should make cleaning my mouth a little easier - I've already lost 7 pounds since I've had this expander in (5 days) because its such a project to eat I don't nearly eat as often as usual. 4 more days till surgery