Orthognathic Surgery scheduled 9 June 2008

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#1 Post by **nullalux** » Fri May 02, 2008 9:29 pm

Just an intro post.

I am 33 and am excited and apprehensive to finally be having orthognathic surgery.

It was recommended eight years ago, but at the time, I opted for orthodontia only. I wore a twin-block retainer to bring my mandible forward and widen my maxillar parabola, then braces for a couple of years. It helped close my open bite, but I still had occasional issues with uneven bite pressure and mild retrognathia.

Last year, I met with a maxillofacial surgeon and decided to go forward with the surgery. She said I only needed a mandibular osteotomy (sagittal split) and genioplasty (a relief, as my old doctor recommended both upper and lower). She's going through my cheeks to anchor the screws, but the rest will be intraoral. My two wisdoms came out in October and braces were put on in November of last year. I don't like them very much.

The surgery is scheduled for 9 June, and I've arranged for two weeks off work (and my husband has the first week off to care for me). My orthodontist is making the final models on 16 May, and I'll deliver them to my oral surgeon on 19 May so that she can make the splint. My pre-op appointment is on 30 May, and I'm getting a bit fretful that I won't be able to ask all my questions until just a week before the surgery.

There's apparently going to be a bone graft for the genioplasy, and I'm not sure what to expect with that. I'm also wondering what I should order beforehand...Zip-n-Squeeze? Anything else? What will I get for pain? Will it be in liquid form? Can I really not lift my toddler for a whole month afterwards? Should I take a third week off work, since I work with active children?

A note: The main surgery is through Kaiser, which is covered with a co-pay, but the oral surgery (wisdom teeth) and the orthodontia are costing almost 10K, despite my dental insurance. Eek.

#2 Post by **Delag** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:12 pm

Welcome Nullalux! Congrats on deciding to go ahead with the surgery - it is no small decision. June 9 isn't that far off, so yes, order your zip n squeze now. I would also get theri jaw wrap as well. Mine was much more comfy than the one the doctor gave me.

If you are worried about not getting your questions answered till so close to surgery (I would be too), call the office and ask if you can be fit in for an early appt. or if you can e mail a list of questions to the doctor.

I only had SARPE and I find lifting heavy things one month later makes my face feel a lot of pressure. I am lifting light weights in the gym, so I guess it depents on how much your toddler weighs and what your doctor says. I wouldn't worry too much - toddlers love to climb!

#3 Post by **Andantae** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:09 am

Hi Nullalux!

Be sure to check out the, "June surgery dates" thread here on AW! There are a few of us scheduled for surgery in June ( am scheduled June 4). I made a list of things you may want to get ahead of time.

Also, I am meeting with my OS by my choice again this Wednesday to go over things again before surgery---they were very open to it. His staff was very helpful and there is always email if he is super busy, but for your peace of mind, definitely get your questions answered.

Welcome June Surgery Buddy!

#4 Post by **nullalux** » Tue May 06, 2008 7:02 pm

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

I found out this morning that they're putting more clamps and hooks in my mouth on 16 May, in preparation for the surgery. So I'll have them for three weeks before surgery on 9 June?

I feel like there's no more room in my mouth already. I can't imagine adding swelling and a splint to the mix.

#5 Post by **Andantae** » Tue May 06, 2008 8:14 pm

What are they putting in clamps for?

I won't be having the splint other than in the OR/recovery room.

#6 Post by **nullalux** » Tue May 06, 2008 8:45 pm

Oh, good thought. I'll ask about the splint.

As I understand it, they'll be using the clamps/hooks to anchor my jaws during/after surgery.

#7 Post by **JennX** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:45 pm

My orthodontist started to put in my surgical hooks at an appointment about three weeks before the surgery, and after he'd installed the first one, I said, "Is there some reason this has to be done so far in advance?" and he said, "No... do you want to just come back a few days before instead?" They weren't terrible, but I was glad I only had them for three days instead of three weeks!

#8 Post by **nullalux** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:49 pm

Oh, a clarification: the clamps are part of the hooks, and will apparently be used to attach the hooks to my wires.

My ortho must be really busy or something, because she said I had to get them as scheduled. Foo.

#9 Post by **JennX** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:56 pm

That's too bad. Well-- like I said, they're not terrible. A little pokey, but nothing wax can't handle. Also, they catch a little more food than just braces do. Fun times!

#10 Post by **loulou123** » Thu May 08, 2008 1:22 pm

The hooks arent too bad and the clamps from how youve described them are just how they attacth them to the arch wire if that makes sense. Im afraid its true tho that food does love to get stuck in them

Pain med wise, im in the Uk but on the 1st night was given morphine, then after that paracetamol as there was a problem with me having strong painkillers

#11 Post by **nullalux** » Thu May 08, 2008 1:27 pm

Did the pain meds make you ill? I'm very apprehensive about nausea, as it seems to be common (and extremely unpleasant after jaw surgery).

#12 Post by **Raspberry** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:29 pm

I had no nausea at all from the surgery or pain meds... but the blended diet on the other hand... he he he
All of my meds were in liquid form... and they all taste pretty nasty... think nyquil.... but i guess it's better than crushed pills

( I was given an antibiotic, hydromorphene for pain, liquid tylenol, and a medicine to reduce swelling)

#13 Post by **JennX** » Thu May 08, 2008 6:02 pm

I also had no nausea, and no puking, but they kept me pumped full of anti-nausea meds in the hospital. I also requested another dose just before leaving the hospital in case I got motion-sick from the car ride home.