SARPE

[nataliepryor]

I am an adult and have to be fitted for a Surgically Assisted Rapid Pallet Expander in a couple of months(followed by double jaw surgery in the future).

If anyone has been through the SARPE procedure and can give me your experience with this procedure, that would be great.

Is there actual pain afterwards or just tightness? Can you eat normally in the days post procedure?

Thank you!!

[nataliepryor]

Am I the only one

[Nozzelnut]

There's been a couple people that have had SARPE; so you're not alone.

If you click the search button (near the top right corner) and search for SARPE it will come up with a couple pages of results.

Good luck!

[nataliepryor]

Thank you Nozzelnut

[jaime]

Hi Natalie!

I had SARPE in December. Your question is a broad one...there was a lot to say!! I actually blogged my way through it and I was pretty detailed. My blog link is in my signature and you can select the "sarpe" label on the right hand side.

Do you have any specific questions? I'd be happy to answer anything you want to know.

[nataliepryor]

Thank you for links!

How long post op does it take to feel good enough to attend functions approx??

[jaime]

So I had the surgery December 19...I went to a restaurant with my family December 22, hung out on Christmas eve and day. These were manageable but I was tired. I also went to a New Year's Eve party and did fine.

I play a lot of sports and am fairly active so I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. Your mileage may vary depending on your health. It also depends how much you're eating. The days I ate less, I was way more tired. Meal replacement shakes were a lifesaver.

I'd say 3-5 days after the surgery, you'll feel well enough to go out, but just something easy and not too long. After a week, your energy levels will probably come back up. However, I'd say it took a good 5 weeks to feel more or less "normal."

[nataliepryor]

Thank you Jamie!

It's funny how the surgeons 'talk down' the procedures sometimes. Mine made it sound very minimal. Day procedure, home same day. However, since researching this procedure, it's no afternoon coffee .

I love all the information on this site...everyone is so helpful!

[jaime]

I know, they act like it's as easy as getting your wisdom teeth out. In fact, when I expressed my reluctance to get any jaw surgery, my ortho said (and I quote!) "Have you talked to anyone who's had it done? Many say it's no different than getting your wisdom teeth out."

That's the biggest load of bull crap I've ever heard!! I took 2 weeks off my job and it wasn't a day too much (I would have loved another week off). I know wisdom teeth extraction can suck for some people but to me it was a walk in the park compared to SARPE! I haven't had the triple jaw surgery yet obviously but that is NOTHING like getting your wisdom teeth out.

[nataliepryor]

Your so right.

I had wisdom teeth done and it's pretty easy, I don't imagine jaw surgery/ sarpe to be anything like it! There is no way you could compare. So much more intense with the surgery where things are being moved around structurally.