Recovering range of motion after BSSO and wiring...

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#1 Post by **singer19** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:28 pm

I was just reading posts from an earlier thread in which some of you describe your experiences regaining your range of motion after surgery. I am 8 weeks post-op, but only 5 weeks unwired--and only 2 weeks chewing. I just measured and my opening is 18mm. It's definitely come a long way, but I'm just so worried that I won't get my full ROM back...

My surgeon told me to massage for a few minutes several times a day and to do the thumb and finger exercises. I probably haven't been as diligent about the massaging (I just forget!), but I've definitely been challenging myself with food.

I realize I probably just need to be more patient, but can anyone recommend anything else that I could be doing? What helped you the most?

#2 Post by **smile2006** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:13 pm

My surgeon was a little different than some. He said go about your daily life, talking, laughing, yawning and the ROM will come.....be patient, talk alot and challenge yourself with a bigger yawn than you might think is possible

It will come back!

#3 Post by **HighandLo** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:06 pm

singer19,

I think slow and easy should do it. My OS also said to talk, yawn, etc. and my muscles would recuperate. I think like any other muscle group, if you don't use your jaw muscles much for two weeks, they get weaker.

When I talk a lot during the day (especially at first) my jaw would get so tired and sore. I would eat things that required me to stretch a bit (ice cream bars), but not enough to hurt. A warm pack helped a lot at night. I still use the warm rice and the next day I am fine.

Lo

#4 Post by **phil** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 4:32 pm

This is one of the issues I'm going to talk to my surgeon about tomorrow. I'm still at about 20mm (tomorrow is four weeks). It still kills me to talk and/or sing very much, and when I'm done eating a blended meal with a teaspoon, it's about all I want to do with my jaw for a while. He may say that I'm doing fine (they all like to say that!), but I'm going to ask him to give me a goal. By the way, when you measure, is it in between the edges of your incisors?:singing:

#5 Post by **ohmyjaw** » Sun Jul 22, 2007 8:55 pm

I never actually measured my opening...

My OS said to apply heat and and try to stretch. I did that a few times, but I don't know if it had much effect. I think it just got better on its own, eventually.

#6 Post by **singer19** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:31 am

Phil: Yes, I am measuring between my incisors--or my front upper and lower teeth.

I've eaten hamburgers for the past two nights and that seems to have helped a bit. I didn't force my mouth open, but I gave it a good stretch! The singing is my main worry. I am a high soprano, so my range is limited by how far I can open and 'drop' my lower jaw.

Thanks for all of your comments and advice. I'll practice being patient and let my poor jaw heal!

#7 Post by **phil** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 9:56 am

Well, range of motion is no longer a current point of discussion for me. At my visit yesterday with the surgeon, after he practically banded me shut again, I pulled out my list of questions, and said, "well, I guess I don't need to ask you about range of motion right now, do I?"

I guess that one will come later!

#8 Post by **singer19** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:35 am

Oh, Phil, I'm so sorry...If someone were to wire me shut again I think I would die! But it's just bands, right?

You seem to have a great attitude about it! Hang in there...

#9 Post by **WhiteLurcher** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 10:53 am

My ROM depends on which side you are measuring, as my top jaw cants up to the right so its differs quite a bit

Folks say don't push it but mines was well and truly tested yesterday, my OS requested impressions to get a new set of models to play with. They always have to use the largest tray for my top because I still have my wisdom's, Mr E managed to get it in and out okay although I was desperately trying not to bite his thumb though out! Alas he wasn't so lucky with the bottom, it came off my braces fine, it just got wedged in my mouth

It seemed like ages, me trying to open my jaws further and him trying to pry it out

and telling me I was going to have to go home with it! Surprisingly it didn't hurt that much and I was actually laughing it was just such a ridiculous situation

That said I wouldn't like to repeat it or recommend it to anyone post surgery!!!

#10 Post by **WhiteLurcher** » Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:03 pm

Thanks Meryaten!

I just wish my mum hadn't been waiting outside so I could ask if it looked as funny as it seemed. Then again she might not have found it so!

It never seemed to occur to them that taking impressions after surgery would be a problem, they have never mentioned ROM or lack there of before or after surgery! I'd like to think Mr E might be more cautious now though!

I think a good sense of humour is a must if your going to do this, that and an incredible amount of patients!