Chicago, good to hear that my swelling being off and on is not too weird!
CG, that annoys me too. Itching numbness is just a recipe for frustration.
I took an Ambien tonight, which the surgeon gave me for nights I had trouble sleeping. What a mistake taking that was! It just has me feeling really high and weird and still unable to really sleep. I do feel like almost all of the nasal congestion suddenly went away though, which is nice (although it may just be the ambien messing with me).
October buddies
Moderator: bbsadmin
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Broadway Bill
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:17 pm
WHOA!
So I noticed a few hours ago that my ROM in my jaw had increased, I assumed because of nerves and muscles regaining use and feeling. But just now, when I went to rinse and brush,i found a broken band in my mouth! It could not gave been there more than a couple hours.
I got the new one on in what I THINK is the correct placement, but what should I do from here? My surgeon is 2 hours away, and I'm scheduled to see him on thursday already. So, do I call in the morning and hope he can fix it tomorrow? Or do I call and hope he tells me not to worry until thursday? Eek!
Do you guys think a lost band, briefly missing and reattached to the hopefully proper hooks, is a really bad thing?
I'm kind of glad it happened, because the sudden movement was a little freaky!
So I noticed a few hours ago that my ROM in my jaw had increased, I assumed because of nerves and muscles regaining use and feeling. But just now, when I went to rinse and brush,i found a broken band in my mouth! It could not gave been there more than a couple hours.
I got the new one on in what I THINK is the correct placement, but what should I do from here? My surgeon is 2 hours away, and I'm scheduled to see him on thursday already. So, do I call in the morning and hope he can fix it tomorrow? Or do I call and hope he tells me not to worry until thursday? Eek!
Do you guys think a lost band, briefly missing and reattached to the hopefully proper hooks, is a really bad thing?
I'm kind of glad it happened, because the sudden movement was a little freaky!
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Broadway Bill
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:17 pm
So I got in there to see if it was really fixed and broke another one! Now I'm really unsure! Good thing is, now if I have to rush in tomorrow, it'll be worth it.
It's not like any of this made me chew food today, our stress the joints, so it should just be a simple fix...right?!?
Yeah, a lil panicky here now!
It's not like any of this made me chew food today, our stress the joints, so it should just be a simple fix...right?!?
Yeah, a lil panicky here now!
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ColoradoGirl
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:01 am
- Location: Santa Barbara CA
A broken band shouldn't be that much of a big deal--just try to keep your jaw as still as possible, and as close to the configuration the bands had you in as possible, and call in the morning. They can do so much with elastics that one night denuded will be okay. At one point I thought I'd opened an incision when changing my bands (actually, it was just normal everyday healing blood, who knew?), and I therefore kept 'em off overnight. The doc said it was no problem.
coloradogirl - totally feel you on the itchy thing. There is nothing more annoying than itching like crazy and not being able to relieve it!! Very stange too. I guess this is what people with phantom limbs experience all the time!
Bill - I'd think the bands aren't that critical and that a day without would be ok. Im sure other people have broken them before.. they are just rubber after all! I'm probably gonna get mine tomorrow - not looking forwards to that! Ive had this compression wrap to keep my chin from getting dead space but it's also pushing my jaw back, so I fear it has started settling farther back than it should and it's gonna HURT with the bands on! But at the same time I am SO excited that he may give me the ok to brush my teeth. I believe my 12yrs old cat with gingivitis has better breath than me at this point. (and Bill while he is old, he apparently hasn't gotten to the no jumping/knocking glasses off/being annoying stage. I tried him out of confinement while I had friends over tonight and he was promptly returned to his bathroom:))
I guess it's a good thing but I am really getting bored here. Sadly I still have zero energy and showering takes pretty much all I have out of me. But TV is getting old. And really, do they really need to have THAT MUCH food related programming/commercials while I can't eat crap!? Maybe I need a hobby. Time to learn a third language maybe... What are you guys doing to kill time?
Bill - I'd think the bands aren't that critical and that a day without would be ok. Im sure other people have broken them before.. they are just rubber after all! I'm probably gonna get mine tomorrow - not looking forwards to that! Ive had this compression wrap to keep my chin from getting dead space but it's also pushing my jaw back, so I fear it has started settling farther back than it should and it's gonna HURT with the bands on! But at the same time I am SO excited that he may give me the ok to brush my teeth. I believe my 12yrs old cat with gingivitis has better breath than me at this point. (and Bill while he is old, he apparently hasn't gotten to the no jumping/knocking glasses off/being annoying stage. I tried him out of confinement while I had friends over tonight and he was promptly returned to his bathroom:))
I guess it's a good thing but I am really getting bored here. Sadly I still have zero energy and showering takes pretty much all I have out of me. But TV is getting old. And really, do they really need to have THAT MUCH food related programming/commercials while I can't eat crap!? Maybe I need a hobby. Time to learn a third language maybe... What are you guys doing to kill time?
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ColoradoGirl
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Sun Jan 17, 2010 12:01 am
- Location: Santa Barbara CA
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cocomecrazy
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:06 pm
My surgeon recommended me to massage the swollen area and do mouth exercises to reduce the swelling.
My swelling has greatly reduced. But I'm just waiting for my double chin to go away, and the swollen parts to flatten, and my bruises to go away as well (they went down my chest).
My elastics are hurting my teeth. They're moving them! Idk how this is going to hold my jaw, when it's moving my teeth. And it's causing some tension in my jaw joints especially my right one.
My joints hurt a little when I move my mouth during eating.
Is anyone experiencing this? Anyone knows good exercising on how to ease opening the mouth? Or do I really have to wait until my mouth is comfortable
My swelling has greatly reduced. But I'm just waiting for my double chin to go away, and the swollen parts to flatten, and my bruises to go away as well (they went down my chest).
My elastics are hurting my teeth. They're moving them! Idk how this is going to hold my jaw, when it's moving my teeth. And it's causing some tension in my jaw joints especially my right one.
My joints hurt a little when I move my mouth during eating.
Is anyone experiencing this? Anyone knows good exercising on how to ease opening the mouth? Or do I really have to wait until my mouth is comfortable
ouuuch. Not having a very good day/night
So why it is that every time I have some hope that things are getting better I get hit by a brick in the jaw the next day?
Yesterday was finally looking up, I took only minimal Roxicit and even cut the ibuprofen some. Then I fall asleep and every hour I wake up with worse pain. I don't know if I talked to much yesterday or if I sleep with my jaw more opened... anyone else can't f***ing sleep cause of that??
So why it is that every time I have some hope that things are getting better I get hit by a brick in the jaw the next day?
Yesterday was finally looking up, I took only minimal Roxicit and even cut the ibuprofen some. Then I fall asleep and every hour I wake up with worse pain. I don't know if I talked to much yesterday or if I sleep with my jaw more opened... anyone else can't f***ing sleep cause of that??
LOL @ the TV situation. I never noticed how horrible it is until it was the highlight of my day for the first 3 weeks after surgery. Here in Chicago, between 1 PM and 3 PM, there is NOTHING on except the Maury show. If I have to hear "You ARE the father!!!" again I'm going to explode 
As for sleeping: I try and stay away from the heavy hitter sleeping medication as I've heard they are pretty strong. See if your OS will give you a few Xanax (generic alprazolam) or Ativan. That's what worked for me, and you don't get the drugged feeling.
The bands: Going without them for a day or two isn't going to hurt anything. Just don't start chewing or trying to move your jaw obsessively and you will be fine. Remember, a lot of people these days aren't banded at all, and they turn out fine.
By the way I'm sorry I've hijacked the October thread. My September thread has gotten pretty boring
As for sleeping: I try and stay away from the heavy hitter sleeping medication as I've heard they are pretty strong. See if your OS will give you a few Xanax (generic alprazolam) or Ativan. That's what worked for me, and you don't get the drugged feeling.
The bands: Going without them for a day or two isn't going to hurt anything. Just don't start chewing or trying to move your jaw obsessively and you will be fine. Remember, a lot of people these days aren't banded at all, and they turn out fine.
By the way I'm sorry I've hijacked the October thread. My September thread has gotten pretty boring
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Broadway Bill
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:17 pm
I decided to stop worrying about the bands. I got the new ones on, and it feels the same as before, so I will just let them check it out on Thursday and make sure. Can not wait to go in Thursday, just to get this crap cleaned out of my throat! The taste and smell of my own breath are just grossss! EW.
Izzy, I totally agree. Sleep is the toughest part. I can not seem to go more than 2 hours without waking up from pain, even on "good" days like yesterday. I made the mistake of trying the Ambien that my doc gave me; that was just awful. I may ask for some xanax too.
And yes, TV is horrible. I never watched it before, but after a day of trying this week, I just went back to streaming stuff on Netflix!
Izzy, I totally agree. Sleep is the toughest part. I can not seem to go more than 2 hours without waking up from pain, even on "good" days like yesterday. I made the mistake of trying the Ambien that my doc gave me; that was just awful. I may ask for some xanax too.
And yes, TV is horrible. I never watched it before, but after a day of trying this week, I just went back to streaming stuff on Netflix!
A lot to reply to!
@cocomecrazy I definitely experienced the joint pain too when chewing, and I also wake up with my left jaw joint in pain every morning. I asked my surgeon and he said it's normal... the joint isn't used to moving yet just like the muscles. I think we just have to be patient, unfortunately. If you think about what we've had done to our faces I think it's reasonable that it'll take a while for them to heal =(
@Broadway Bill Ambien is awful! I was once put on something very similar for insomnia and it made me feel so messed up. By the third night I was paranoid and hallucinating. I stumbled around a lot and did things I don't really remember. I found a text saved in my drafts saying "I just fell into a wal" which I don't remember typing at all. Needly to say, I got off that stuff ASAP. Ativan or a low dose of THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. may be more helpful for you if your surgeon doesn't mind prescribing them.
@mamaneedsanewjaw I regained all feeling after the first few days except for the left side of my chin and bottom lip. They aren't numb but they have a different sensation that changes everyday. It's pretty annoying & I hope it goes back to normal soon.
@ColoradoGirl The first several days after surgery, my chin and cheeks were SO itchy, and I definitely understand what you mean about the weird sensation when you scratch it. Hopefully yours clears up soon
@Izzy1979
I think I'm the youngest here at 19. 20 in December.
Sorry for the novel
@cocomecrazy I definitely experienced the joint pain too when chewing, and I also wake up with my left jaw joint in pain every morning. I asked my surgeon and he said it's normal... the joint isn't used to moving yet just like the muscles. I think we just have to be patient, unfortunately. If you think about what we've had done to our faces I think it's reasonable that it'll take a while for them to heal =(
@Broadway Bill Ambien is awful! I was once put on something very similar for insomnia and it made me feel so messed up. By the third night I was paranoid and hallucinating. I stumbled around a lot and did things I don't really remember. I found a text saved in my drafts saying "I just fell into a wal" which I don't remember typing at all. Needly to say, I got off that stuff ASAP. Ativan or a low dose of THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS SPAM PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. may be more helpful for you if your surgeon doesn't mind prescribing them.
@mamaneedsanewjaw I regained all feeling after the first few days except for the left side of my chin and bottom lip. They aren't numb but they have a different sensation that changes everyday. It's pretty annoying & I hope it goes back to normal soon.
@ColoradoGirl The first several days after surgery, my chin and cheeks were SO itchy, and I definitely understand what you mean about the weird sensation when you scratch it. Hopefully yours clears up soon
@Izzy1979
I think I'm the youngest here at 19. 20 in December.
Sorry for the novel
My Braces Story:
http://www.archwired.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=32881
My post-op photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54793913@N ... 026796785/
well back from my 1 week appointment. Everything seems to be looking good. The best part is the little in-office cleaning he gave me. AWESOME.
I got some pre/post x-rays - lots of hardware! I guess I'll always wonder how much more difference doing upper jaw too would have made, but looks like it's gonna make a pretty big change once the swelling is down, especially on the chin
I got some pre/post x-rays - lots of hardware! I guess I'll always wonder how much more difference doing upper jaw too would have made, but looks like it's gonna make a pretty big change once the swelling is down, especially on the chin
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Broadway Bill
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:17 pm
congratulations Izzy! Your xrays look great! That IS a lot of hardware though. It looks like your vertical alignment is damn good, and I'd bet that after the soft tissues go down it'll look awesome!
Also, your comment about the cleaning is like the wind at my back! My one-week is thursday, and I've just been praying that they clean a little and give me some relief from the taste and gunk in my mouth and throat. You are the first to give me a reasonable expectation of that happening!
How are your wires? Did they change em? Did your surgeon think you were healing well?
Also, your comment about the cleaning is like the wind at my back! My one-week is thursday, and I've just been praying that they clean a little and give me some relief from the taste and gunk in my mouth and throat. You are the first to give me a reasonable expectation of that happening!
How are your wires? Did they change em? Did your surgeon think you were healing well?
Bill - I don't have wires (you can hate me now). I have had nothing for the last week, today he send me with bands that I have to wear only at night (or 8hrs/day since I don't really "sleep" nights). I still have to wear my stupid "jaw bra" most of the time though
He did think everything looked good - then again he is a surgeon, so he can do no wrong, right?? seriously he was pretty happy with my progress, seeing him again in a week
And yeah he used one of those little spray/suction device and flushed out everything which felt great. I can now gently brush my upper teeth if I can fit a baby toothbrush in there (I have a good incentive to!). Only 36hrs and you'll get the "treat" hopefully!
He did think everything looked good - then again he is a surgeon, so he can do no wrong, right??
seriously he was pretty happy with my progress, seeing him again in a weekAnd yeah he used one of those little spray/suction device and flushed out everything which felt great. I can now gently brush my upper teeth if I can fit a baby toothbrush in there (I have a good incentive to!). Only 36hrs and you'll get the "treat" hopefully!