MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!

[Rizzie]

Right now, just trying to figure out how to swallow, breathe, and cope. I haven't thought much about being wired just yet. I'm sure not hungry. Have to force myself to take in even small amounts. Good luck with sleeping, tonight, everyone!

[Rizzie]

Well, looks like I am the first one up this am. How did everyone sleep? I was able to sleep between all med doses, so I am pleased with that. Makes the night go so much faster.

One side of my nose is back into working order. The other side (not sure if this is the side with the anesthesia tube) has been worse from the start. I am also getting better at swallowing. Drinking is so slow! and tiring!

Anyone have problems with nausea? I had a lot of trouble the first day in the hospital, but once home no problem. Tylenol/codeine agrees with me. Might not be best for pain, but I'm getting along ok with it, and would trade a little bit of comfort to not have to deal with nausea.

Anyone know what day you start using heat?

[bracedfaced]

Good morning, Rizzie! Sounds like you are doing okay. My nose is getting better and I am finally getting used to breathing like Darth Vader.

I am already using moist warm heat. My doc said ice only works first 24 hours, then heat is better. I haven't been really happy with my jaw bra so I have been using a Bed Buddy (the ones filled with rice). They are comforting but my mom keeps complaining it is stinkin up her house. Lol.

I guess I have been really lucky because I haven't felt nauseous yet. Before they put me under, I told them I was worried about nausea so they put an anti-nausea patch behind my ear. Must have been what got me through because normally I am very prone. I just took off the patch last night because it makes your pupils dialate and I don't like not being able to see!

I am on liquid vicodin for pain meds and I just make sure to drink some ensure or juice before a dose and then right after.

Yesterday, I was so annoyed by not being able to breathe, but today it is the pain that is driving me batty. My left tmj or something.

[luke88]

Morning to you guys, almost evening for me (in England).

I had a terrible night sleep, couldn't breathe all night, had a few hours maximum so as a result I am very tired today. I have been able to breathe all day so far and I hope this carries on until tonight so I can sleep. My breathing tends to get worse at night, typical!

My stomach has been feeling weird.... keeps making noises too... it really hates this liquid diet. I feel sick all the time from the Ensure drinks. Only had one so far today. Really need another. had half a tin of soup and that's it. I need to eat more (drink more, rather) but I need ideas, I hate the Ensures, they make me feel so sick.

Anything else to report... swelling is going done now, quite slowly from yesterday but there is a difference. I have bruises everywhere too. Haven't cried today and it's nearly evening.

Gonna watch Eurovision Song Contest tonight to cheer my self up. UK will do sesame, we always do. Our song is awful again this year. Its always a laugh to hear other nations songs though.

Really want a nice meal at the moment, the swelling to go down quicker etc. Think I am getting used to my jaws being wired shut now. Not nice but I am passed the shock of it.

[bracedfaced]

Luke88, are you rubberbanded shut or actually wired?

As far as an Ensure alternative, try Carnation instant breakfast. I hear it is better but haven't tried it. I also got some chocolate soy milk. And you can buy powdered vitamins to stick in literally anything, even just plain water. The only reason Ensure is recommended is for the vitamins so just make sure to get them another way. Also fruit smoothies are great too. Either pre-packaged, or make your own with the protein powder.

Couple more days to get over the hump, we'll get there.

[Rizzie]

I hope you can get Carnation instant breakfast in the UK, Luke. It doesn't taste anything like Ensure, I don't like Ensure, either!
It comes in several flavors, mixes with milk, so you can pick low fat, or full fat milk for calories. I mix mine rather weak right now--you really should try it---And it is tons cheaper!

Right now, I'm most annoyed with my dry, swolleen, gaping, mouth. Maybe in a few days my lips will close easier--I certainly hope that is the next stage of improvement!

We have some of the hardest days behind us, so be cheered that things will improve from here on out!

I'm so glad there are a few of us right at the same point...it really helps.

[Rizzie]

Oh, yeah, had to share this: I was trying to "help" by washing my robe and Pjs, and I washed my cellphone. It was in my pocket! It was a new one, too! No more helping, until the fog lifts!

[romancommander]

Oh no, sorry to hear about your cell phone! I am also going to look out for that Carnation instant breakfast and see if they have it in Canada.

Has anyone noticed their swelling go down yet? My face is still swollen like a balloon but I think my nose is getting a little better.

[bracedfaced]

I'm still very swollen. Today I am struggling with pain. It's pretty intense today.

[Rizzie]

bracefaced, sorry the pain is bad today. I'm not as numb as I though I would be either, but the pain is manageagle. I have a very sore TMJ on the right side. I hope heat will help that out.

As far as swelling goes, romancommander, my nose isn't that bad. Not too far off from my pre-surgery nose. But my lips are as big as they could possibly be, and don't want to close--so my mouth is like the Sahara. I have one bruise under my left eye, two long vertical bruises down each side of my mouth, and bruising all over my neck and upper chest--but at least that DOESN'T HURT!!!

We are roughly halfway through the weekend!

[luke88]

Definitely agree with Rizzie... with a few of us at the same stage and will progress at the same time is great.

It is night time now and I can not breathe again, always happens at night. I am fine during the day.

Severely sleep deprived, really need some solid sleep tonight!!

Getting fed up too, just want to walk down the streets, eat and eat and go see friends. I can not do any of these things and won't be able to for ages.

I have had a look at those carnation drinks and they only seem to be available in the US. I could order on-line but they'll take a while to come. I get the Ensure drinks free on the NHS but they are absolutely dreadful.

Had some tomato soup today and it has stained my wires (rubberbanded shut).My mouth will be wired shut for 6 weeks and then normal elastics for a further two weeks. I should be able to eat soft foods after 6 weeks.

Bracedface: I really hope your medication kicks in soon. I haven't suffered from much pain, more discomfort if anything.

Rizzie: I know what you mean about feeling dizzy and 'not there'. I am all over the place. Shame about your new phone though!!!!

Romancommander: My swelling doesn't seem to be getting worse but hasn't started to go down yet. It is so heavy and tight... if you know what I mean. My nose, it has been clear all day but now it's night time again it has decided to be blocked so I am struggling to breathe. Typical.

[Rizzie]

Luke, have you tried using some saline nasal spray? I've found it to be helpful. I even used a spray decongestant (Afrin) one time and that helped, too. With Afrin, though, you have to be careful or you can get rebound congestion, but with just one time I had no problem. I feel for you! That is one of the worst parts of this--being clogged up. When do you see your surgeon? He should be able to clear out your nose on your first visit. My first visit is Tuesday.

[bracedfaced]

Been sleeping the day away. The pain is better now. It's weird because the first days, all I could think about is not being able to breathe. Then it was the swelling. Then today the pain (right where my hardware is....grossing me out). I don't think any of it is awful per se...just a very different experience.

I am really hating the taste of my oral antibiotic...i'm due for it now. I think it is giving me heartburn.

I was given both afrin and saline spray in the hospital. They were giving both to me every 12 hours. I have stopped the afrin though because I don't want the reverse affect. So yes, I say try some saline but don't blow or pick at anything in your nose.

I took a nice warm bath today and it loosened my sinuses a bit. I got out of the tub with a good runny one hanging out my nose. Gross, I know, but score!

[Rizzie]

That antibiotic must be the same horrible one I have!!! It is just awful! Mine is cephalexin--boy does it stink! The only good thing is it lasts 6 days, and now that I breathe better, I can swallow it faster and chase it with chocolate instant breakfast. My pain med doesn't taste as bad, or smell as bad, but it burns and tastes a lot like a shot of Jaegermeister!

bracefaced: I got one of those "things" out of each side of my nose today, and that turned the corner for me! Yes, SCORE!

[bracedfaced]

Ha ha, yep Rizzie, that is the same anti-biotic. I'm so disgusted by all the options I currently have to consume. Everything is gross to me now. I am sure it is partly due to the rancid breathe I am walking around with.

How are you cleaning your mouth? All they gave me is an oral rinse which I usw every time I eat. I am guessing they will show me how to brush monday. How about you? Any tips? You brushing yet?