Made it to the "other side"

Message

#1 Post by **Big H** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 1:17 pm

Well I finally made it to the other side. I'm five days post op after a 8mm bsso advancement and a 5mm genio. I couldn't be happier with the minimal amount of pain and discomfort. The first day post op in the hospital was kind of bad with a fair amount of pain and swelling but the next day was one hundred precent improvement. The only real problem was I caught a bad cold in the hospital which made life pretty miserable with a lot of coughing and sneezing at night.

One thing I really didn't expect was how tired I still get. I'm in pretty good shape work out aerobically everyday, but man after I'm up for two to three hours, I'm just bushed and go back to bed for another hour or two. Is this normal? Is this an effect of the steroid withdrawal? When will I have my normal strength back?

My lower chin is pretty numb. My lower lip is only a little numb. Anyone know what the time course for the return of sensation to this area is?

I'm scheduled to see my OS tomorrow and plan on asking him all these questions as well. Just thought I'd inquire here first.

Some parting words of encouragement to anyone closing in on this surgery. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't concerned and worried preop. I think this is only normal. I just told my self that everything was going to be fine and it was. Furthermore, I was extremely surprised at how well my mouth felt and how much I could open my mouth ( I can get a teaspoon into it) post op. So far the recovery has gone beyond my wildest dreams and I would encourage anyone contemplating this to go for it and not worry.

p.s. From what I can tell about my new profile when I try and look beyond the swelling it looks pretty good. Just what the doc ordered.
Good Luck Everyone!
Big H

#2 Post by **gatorseh** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 3:31 pm

Congratulations!

It is very normal to be worn down after the first week- anesthesia takes a toll on your body. It took me a little bit more than two weeks to have consistent energy throughout the day (rather than the go, rest, go, rest pattern I had the first two weeks).

I'm almost six weeks post-op and my chin and lower lip are still numb. I think it varies from person-to-person how long it takes. I know my nerve was physically lifted and placed back into my bone on the left side so I was very numb up until the 4-5 week mark throughout the left side of my face.

Keep getting in mild exercise, drinking tons of water, and keep your spirits up

I think that is the best advice for happy and healthy healing!

#3 Post by **iBorg** » Mon Nov 03, 2008 10:01 pm

Congrats on making it to the other side. I envy you and hope to have a similar recovery although I will pass on the cold. That sounds quite miserable.

Mike

#4 Post by **FuzzyPants** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 2:08 pm

It sounds like your recovery is going well and you are staying positive.

It was about two weeks before I felt like I didn't need ten hours of sleep every night, although I was very tired at the end of a work-day.

It could take months for the numbness to resolve itself, but the fact that you can feel your lip is a good sign.

#5 Post by **descantus** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 9:32 am

Congrats, you've come through the difficult bit and it's uphill all the way

Keep us posted on your recovery, for those of us just starting on the road it's great to read about others who have made it!