Good to hear from you Aussiere! Be gentle with yourself during your recovery.
Good luck to Jenbrack for your surgery on Monday - will be thinking of you.
Sams
MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Moderator: bbsadmin
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
I was thinking...
I've done a LOT of google research into this op and read several forums/blogs which have been a great help. Something I noticed though, whilst most of the procedure/recovery is similar no matter where in the world you are, there ARE differences too. I thought maybe we could compare...
I'm living in the Netherlands, had upper jaw surgery - 6mm impaction, 2mm advance. I had no braces before the op and I wont need any afterwards apparently. I have four crowns which will need re-doing though. My splint and wires were put in during the operation itself - in fact it was a surprise for me to wake up with a mouth full of metal and plastic!
I stayed in hospital for 4 days, much longer than anyone else I think. I was kept on a glucose with antibiotics drip for the four days. I was not given anything like a 'jaw bra' or whatever to help the swelling. My pain meds were pretty minimal I think - paracetamol and diclofenac - no morphine, much to my dissappointment 
At my last consult I was told that my splint may be removed next week (three weeks post op) but they will have to assess that on the day.
What about you guys?
Sams
I've done a LOT of google research into this op and read several forums/blogs which have been a great help. Something I noticed though, whilst most of the procedure/recovery is similar no matter where in the world you are, there ARE differences too. I thought maybe we could compare...
I'm living in the Netherlands, had upper jaw surgery - 6mm impaction, 2mm advance. I had no braces before the op and I wont need any afterwards apparently. I have four crowns which will need re-doing though. My splint and wires were put in during the operation itself - in fact it was a surprise for me to wake up with a mouth full of metal and plastic!
I stayed in hospital for 4 days, much longer than anyone else I think. I was kept on a glucose with antibiotics drip for the four days. I was not given anything like a 'jaw bra' or whatever to help the swelling. My pain meds were pretty minimal I think - paracetamol and diclofenac - no morphine, much to my dissappointment At my last consult I was told that my splint may be removed next week (three weeks post op) but they will have to assess that on the day.What about you guys?
Sams
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Good idea! One more thing I'd like to have us note is what day(s) we considered our "turn around day". I thought that might be helpful for others who have upcoming surgeries.
I live in Western US. I had Lefort I and BSSO. Movements were upper moved up 3-4mm and forward 1mm. Lower was moved forward (no measurement given). I spent one night in the hospital. I was on an IV (not glucose) until I was discharged from the hospital. Received IV antibiotics, IV nausea meds, main pain med was oral tylenol with codeine and IV morphine if the pain wasn't managed by the oral med.
I wore braces for 10 months leading up to surgery, and will have my braces off by Christmas, but could be off considerably earlier than that. No splint. I consider my turn around day @ 4/5.
I live in Western US. I had Lefort I and BSSO. Movements were upper moved up 3-4mm and forward 1mm. Lower was moved forward (no measurement given). I spent one night in the hospital. I was on an IV (not glucose) until I was discharged from the hospital. Received IV antibiotics, IV nausea meds, main pain med was oral tylenol with codeine and IV morphine if the pain wasn't managed by the oral med.
I wore braces for 10 months leading up to surgery, and will have my braces off by Christmas, but could be off considerably earlier than that. No splint. I consider my turn around day @ 4/5.
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Just wanted to add, I cannot imagine getting through this surgery with the US equivalent of tylenol and ibuprofen! You must have been in agony!
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Aussiere: What you’re going through is completely normal. I could not stop crying the first 48 hours post-surgery. It is a shock to the system and when your swelling gets worse etc you feel regret etc. I certainly did. It does get better very quickly though. By the end of this weekend, you’ll feel much better, promise. Hang on in there and take each day as it comes. At this stage for you, every day is a game changer, you get better each day and it is noticeable.
Rizzie: Things are going OK for me. I absolutely hate having my jaws wired shut; I keep looking at the calendar, counting down the days until I get these things off. Breathing is still difficult. Before surgery I had breathing difficulties with one nostril not working very well and the other prone to being blocked all the time. Post-surgery, it is much worse and it is difficult to breathe through your mouth when my splint is in there and jaws wired shut together. I think my breathing will only get better when I get the elastics off for good. As a result of my breathing being rubbish, I haven’t been sleeping well so my mood has been quite low and just finding life difficult. Not because of the surgery it’s self but because I am really tired all the time.
Eating is not fun really. I have now accepted my diet is very limited. I am only managing very thin soups. As you know, because our jaws are wired shut and we have a splint in there too, the only way food can pass into our mouths is through the spaces between our teeth. My spaces are very small so everything has to be blended and the only foods that actually go through my spaces so far are ice cream, custard, and soups (when blended). Some soups are impossible to eat if they have meat in them etc as they do not blend very well. So I am basically a veggie and that’s probably why I am feeling tired too. Plus very little carbs, it is adding to my low energy. Peach milkshake sounds lovely, I’d be able to manage that if it was liquid only without any bits in it.
I am indeed finding it difficult being understood. I mumble. I have got a lot better now the swelling has almost gone but because my jaws are wired shut… I won’t be able to speak properly until the elastics come off, unfortunately. I am seeing a friend today (first big adventure out of the house on my own) but my friend is coming to my house and getting the bus with me because I can’t get it myself as the busman/women wouldn’t be able to understand me. I think our jaws will remain tight for the duration, unfortunately. My get very tired when trying to speak, yawn, eating etc… I keep worrying that the splint will move or elastics will fall off. No elastics have fallen off since my last appointment, which is excellent.
I cannot wait until we can say we’re half way there because having your jaws wired shut is awful. It currently feels like the worst thing in the world. How I will appreciate eating again when these things come off. Eating is amazing. I love food! Lol
To answer Sams comparisons…. This is what happened to me:
SARPE surgery, basically to expand my upper jaw as it was too narrow. I then wore braces to further expand my upper jaw and to straighten all my teeth (on both jaws). Then this operation. I do not know the measurements to be exact but it was something like this, my upper jaw has been lifted upwards and backwards (no idea on measurements) and my bottom jaw has been moved forward). I had a class 2 anterior open bite and over jet. I spent two nights in hospital and had the procedure on the NHS in England. I am wired shut (using elastics) for 6 weeks then a further two weeks with a few elastics (will be able to open my mouth though). Afterwards, orthodontic treatment continues to get the bite just right and move a few teeth that might not be in the right place. In terms of medication, I was given CHILDRENS nurofen lol, antibiotics and paracetamol. I was also given Ensure drinks (yuk!). Wore braces for two and a half years before surgery but I have been surgery ready since June 2010, however had to wait for 11 months because hospital had a back log of surgeries to get through. The wait was awful but I have had it now and that’s what matters and most of all, it was free (NHS England).
Rizzie: Things are going OK for me. I absolutely hate having my jaws wired shut; I keep looking at the calendar, counting down the days until I get these things off. Breathing is still difficult. Before surgery I had breathing difficulties with one nostril not working very well and the other prone to being blocked all the time. Post-surgery, it is much worse and it is difficult to breathe through your mouth when my splint is in there and jaws wired shut together. I think my breathing will only get better when I get the elastics off for good. As a result of my breathing being rubbish, I haven’t been sleeping well so my mood has been quite low and just finding life difficult. Not because of the surgery it’s self but because I am really tired all the time.
Eating is not fun really. I have now accepted my diet is very limited. I am only managing very thin soups. As you know, because our jaws are wired shut and we have a splint in there too, the only way food can pass into our mouths is through the spaces between our teeth. My spaces are very small so everything has to be blended and the only foods that actually go through my spaces so far are ice cream, custard, and soups (when blended). Some soups are impossible to eat if they have meat in them etc as they do not blend very well. So I am basically a veggie and that’s probably why I am feeling tired too. Plus very little carbs, it is adding to my low energy. Peach milkshake sounds lovely, I’d be able to manage that if it was liquid only without any bits in it.
I am indeed finding it difficult being understood. I mumble. I have got a lot better now the swelling has almost gone but because my jaws are wired shut… I won’t be able to speak properly until the elastics come off, unfortunately. I am seeing a friend today (first big adventure out of the house on my own) but my friend is coming to my house and getting the bus with me because I can’t get it myself as the busman/women wouldn’t be able to understand me. I think our jaws will remain tight for the duration, unfortunately. My get very tired when trying to speak, yawn, eating etc… I keep worrying that the splint will move or elastics will fall off. No elastics have fallen off since my last appointment, which is excellent.
I cannot wait until we can say we’re half way there because having your jaws wired shut is awful. It currently feels like the worst thing in the world. How I will appreciate eating again when these things come off. Eating is amazing. I love food! Lol
To answer Sams comparisons…. This is what happened to me:
SARPE surgery, basically to expand my upper jaw as it was too narrow. I then wore braces to further expand my upper jaw and to straighten all my teeth (on both jaws). Then this operation. I do not know the measurements to be exact but it was something like this, my upper jaw has been lifted upwards and backwards (no idea on measurements) and my bottom jaw has been moved forward). I had a class 2 anterior open bite and over jet. I spent two nights in hospital and had the procedure on the NHS in England. I am wired shut (using elastics) for 6 weeks then a further two weeks with a few elastics (will be able to open my mouth though). Afterwards, orthodontic treatment continues to get the bite just right and move a few teeth that might not be in the right place. In terms of medication, I was given CHILDRENS nurofen lol, antibiotics and paracetamol. I was also given Ensure drinks (yuk!). Wore braces for two and a half years before surgery but I have been surgery ready since June 2010, however had to wait for 11 months because hospital had a back log of surgeries to get through. The wait was awful but I have had it now and that’s what matters and most of all, it was free (NHS England).
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Luke88 - respect 
Lack of sleep is truly soul destroying. As for your pain meds... childrens?? Rediculous. My Dad was in Canada a few years ago when he needed an emergency appendix op. He said they had a pain policy in place which stipulated that the patient should feel no pain whatsoever as pain hinders recovery. He spent his time in hospital high on morphine, the dose being just under the maximum that could be administered. Amazing. Here in the Netherlands health care is pretty good but you are expected to grin and bear it somewhat. They're not big on dishing out the strong meds, prefering to 'let nature take its course'
My turnaround day was also around day 4. Days 2 and 3 were miserable with my face so swollen I couldn't open my eyes fully. I also could not bear light for some reason and had to keep the curtains closed. I had really bad headaches, nausea and night sweats. *shudders at memory*
Two and a half weeks post op and things are much better. I'm not nearly as conjested and manage some breathing through my nose! My nose stopped bleeding about a week ago and a couple of days ago stopped 'running'. The splint and wires are really uncomfortable, my numb nose and cheeks are bizzare and there's still some swelling, but all livable.
As I write I'm drinking down a blitzed pineapple with a bit of apple juice - really delicious!
Lack of sleep is truly soul destroying. As for your pain meds... childrens?? Rediculous. My Dad was in Canada a few years ago when he needed an emergency appendix op. He said they had a pain policy in place which stipulated that the patient should feel no pain whatsoever as pain hinders recovery. He spent his time in hospital high on morphine, the dose being just under the maximum that could be administered. Amazing. Here in the Netherlands health care is pretty good but you are expected to grin and bear it somewhat. They're not big on dishing out the strong meds, prefering to 'let nature take its course'My turnaround day was also around day 4. Days 2 and 3 were miserable with my face so swollen I couldn't open my eyes fully. I also could not bear light for some reason and had to keep the curtains closed. I had really bad headaches, nausea and night sweats. *shudders at memory*
Two and a half weeks post op and things are much better. I'm not nearly as conjested and manage some breathing through my nose! My nose stopped bleeding about a week ago and a couple of days ago stopped 'running'. The splint and wires are really uncomfortable, my numb nose and cheeks are bizzare and there's still some swelling, but all livable.
As I write I'm drinking down a blitzed pineapple with a bit of apple juice - really delicious!
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
luke88! I struggled to eat ALOT but have a couple of suggestions for you. If you're in the uk then you should be able to buy quorn mince from any supermarket. For those of you that don't know is a uk veggie product made from mushrooms. The good thing about it is that it's VERY soft and can be blended (with a good blender) into a thin liquid if it's blended with your favourite pasta sauce and can be watered down further if needed. I've been having this with mr mash or smash considerably watered down, which really isn't as bad as it sounds. I had a lot more energy after discovering this. Also try a brocoli whizzed up with some stock, full of goodness and also surprisingly tasty!
For the record i had my top jaw moved up 3.5mm one side, 4.5mm on the other, 6.5mm forward and my bottom jaw back 3.5mm. I had braces on the bottom for 2 years and top 18 months pre op. Had my op on the NHS in england, spent 4 nights in hospital (including the night before). Woke up on a drip which I had for 2 days, was given anti biotics and paracetamol through this. Also had a catheter for 24 hours post op so couldn't get out of bed. Had nothing in my mouth when I woke up, and got 2 elastic bands 2 days later. I had to constantly ask for painkillers and got paracetamol, codeine and ibuprofen, though getting these was a struggle. Day 2 post op I was left without adequate painkillers and the nurse on duty ignored me so when my family came in and got hold of a different nurse I got morphine, but just the once. I had steroid injections a couple of times a day each day in hospital to bring swelling down. Turn around day for me was day 6 when I saw my surgeon & orthodontist again who really cheered me up with their positivity.
Patiently waiting to see if all this was worth it. Day 10 post op today and last night I had my first night where I slept more than 2-4 hours so feeling more relaxed today from the sleep, though I did have lots of weird dreams which seems to be happening everytime I close my eyes since the op.
On a positive note; what is everyone doing to entertain themselves? Any good dvds? I had planned to read lots but can't concentrate to read 1 page yet!
For the record i had my top jaw moved up 3.5mm one side, 4.5mm on the other, 6.5mm forward and my bottom jaw back 3.5mm. I had braces on the bottom for 2 years and top 18 months pre op. Had my op on the NHS in england, spent 4 nights in hospital (including the night before). Woke up on a drip which I had for 2 days, was given anti biotics and paracetamol through this. Also had a catheter for 24 hours post op so couldn't get out of bed. Had nothing in my mouth when I woke up, and got 2 elastic bands 2 days later. I had to constantly ask for painkillers and got paracetamol, codeine and ibuprofen, though getting these was a struggle. Day 2 post op I was left without adequate painkillers and the nurse on duty ignored me so when my family came in and got hold of a different nurse I got morphine, but just the once. I had steroid injections a couple of times a day each day in hospital to bring swelling down. Turn around day for me was day 6 when I saw my surgeon & orthodontist again who really cheered me up with their positivity.
Patiently waiting to see if all this was worth it. Day 10 post op today and last night I had my first night where I slept more than 2-4 hours so feeling more relaxed today from the sleep, though I did have lots of weird dreams which seems to be happening everytime I close my eyes since the op.
On a positive note; what is everyone doing to entertain themselves? Any good dvds? I had planned to read lots but can't concentrate to read 1 page yet!
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
The philosophy on pain management is very strict here in the US. Pain is considered the 5th vital sign, along with temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. As nurses, we are required to have the patient rate pain on a 1-10 scale, medicate appropriately, and reassess after 1 hour. If pain isn't better, we are required to do something about it, e.g. call the doctor, or give whatever else we have ordered to better manage the pain.
Surgical pain is generally of short duration (improves over days/weeks), but very intense. I just cannot imagine, how in the world, that the medical system can justify such a compromise on the management of post-op pain. I'm just blown away on that one. Are narcotic pain meds available over the counter in your countries? Here in the US a prescription from the doctor is required.
All of you who have gotten through this surgery on tylenol and or ibuprofen, I commend you and let me say you are some TOUGH cookies!
Surgical pain is generally of short duration (improves over days/weeks), but very intense. I just cannot imagine, how in the world, that the medical system can justify such a compromise on the management of post-op pain. I'm just blown away on that one. Are narcotic pain meds available over the counter in your countries? Here in the US a prescription from the doctor is required.
All of you who have gotten through this surgery on tylenol and or ibuprofen, I commend you and let me say you are some TOUGH cookies!
-
Lingualita
- Posts: 295
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 1:34 pm
- Location: Norway
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Hi guys!
Just wanted to report from the other side!
I was operated on monday. They woke me up and told me that it didn't turn out exactly as they had planned, and that I would have to operate the lower jaw as well. I'm pretty sure that was the lowest moment in my life. I just cried for three days straight.
So, on friday, they operated my lower jaw as well, and they said the results were very good. I was soooo relieved as I have never been. I would say I've experienced the best and worst moment within five days. I just came home from the hospital, and I feel tired, very swollen and happy that it turned out well.
Will read through all your posts tomorrow, now I'll just get some sleep.
Looking forward to read all your experiences tomorrow!
Lingualita
Just wanted to report from the other side!
I was operated on monday. They woke me up and told me that it didn't turn out exactly as they had planned, and that I would have to operate the lower jaw as well. I'm pretty sure that was the lowest moment in my life. I just cried for three days straight.
So, on friday, they operated my lower jaw as well, and they said the results were very good. I was soooo relieved as I have never been. I would say I've experienced the best and worst moment within five days. I just came home from the hospital, and I feel tired, very swollen and happy that it turned out well.
Will read through all your posts tomorrow, now I'll just get some sleep.
Looking forward to read all your experiences tomorrow!
Lingualita
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Lingualita, so glad to hear from you...I was getting worried. That must have been a miserable 3 days waiting for your second surgery! But, at least you have doctors that were willing to say that things didn't go as predicted, and went for the best possible outcome by doing the lower jaw. Even though you had to wait 3 days, in the long run, I bet you will be esctatic with your results.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story when you are feeling a little bit better.
Looking forward to hearing more of your story when you are feeling a little bit better.
-
TitaniumAdded
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2011 10:28 am
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Hey All,
Just discovered this board the other night and wish I had found it sooner. I had my surgery done on May 9th in Toronto to fix my underbite. In summary, my top jaw was expanded, moved forward, moved up, lower law moved backwards, chin shaved down, and minor deviated septum was straightened.
I am now 2 weeks post op and still drinking blended foods, but really am limited to what I make and am therefore drinking 2 blended smoothies a day with 1.5L of water.
My next appointment with my OS will have my splint being removed and hopefully being able to eat a little bit more.
I've been blogging my experience throughout: http://doublejawfix.blogspot
So far it hasn't been that bad, just waiting to bite into a burger.
Cheers.
Just discovered this board the other night and wish I had found it sooner. I had my surgery done on May 9th in Toronto to fix my underbite. In summary, my top jaw was expanded, moved forward, moved up, lower law moved backwards, chin shaved down, and minor deviated septum was straightened.
I am now 2 weeks post op and still drinking blended foods, but really am limited to what I make and am therefore drinking 2 blended smoothies a day with 1.5L of water.
My next appointment with my OS will have my splint being removed and hopefully being able to eat a little bit more.
I've been blogging my experience throughout: http://doublejawfix.blogspot
So far it hasn't been that bad, just waiting to bite into a burger.
Cheers.
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much to those of you who replied with some suggestions on how to eat, I really appreciate it. I found out that there is a Smoothie King like 15 minutes from my house which is AWESOME, we're definitely going to become very well acquainted. Today, I had one that was 870 calories which is fantastic considering I'm really worried about losing a lot of weight with this surgery. I only weigh 105 pounds so I'm really nervous about my weight. I've always struggled with keeping my weight up so I hope that this surgery doesn't get the best of me.
Other than that, I think I'm hanging in there or at least trying to. You guys are all so brave, I feel like a wuss because I've been so emotional over this whole process but from what I've read it seems pretty normal. I just feel like anxiety is getting the best of me. I'm so nervous about so many things like dry sockets or having a bad reaction to the anesthesia or not mixing well with the painkillers or there being complications during surgery or just being in an unmanageable amount of pain.
Either way, I'm going in for surgery tomorrow so I just wanted to know if anybody had any last minute suggestions or words of wisdom. I just updated my Ipod so hopefully that'll be a good way to keep myself calm. All I can say is, I'll be so relieved with this week is over.
Thanks so much to those of you who replied with some suggestions on how to eat, I really appreciate it. I found out that there is a Smoothie King like 15 minutes from my house which is AWESOME, we're definitely going to become very well acquainted. Today, I had one that was 870 calories which is fantastic considering I'm really worried about losing a lot of weight with this surgery. I only weigh 105 pounds so I'm really nervous about my weight. I've always struggled with keeping my weight up so I hope that this surgery doesn't get the best of me.
Other than that, I think I'm hanging in there or at least trying to. You guys are all so brave, I feel like a wuss because I've been so emotional over this whole process but from what I've read it seems pretty normal. I just feel like anxiety is getting the best of me. I'm so nervous about so many things like dry sockets or having a bad reaction to the anesthesia or not mixing well with the painkillers or there being complications during surgery or just being in an unmanageable amount of pain.
Either way, I'm going in for surgery tomorrow so I just wanted to know if anybody had any last minute suggestions or words of wisdom. I just updated my Ipod so hopefully that'll be a good way to keep myself calm. All I can say is, I'll be so relieved with this week is over.
-
bracedfaced
- Posts: 184
- Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2010 3:02 pm
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Jenbrack, enjoy your evening. Keep yourself busy and calm. The next couple days may get rough but you must remember that general consensus is that all of a sudden, one day, you will feel a million times better. That day is usually Day 5. Remember this. It is entirely true. Everything after Day 5 is a breeze. Good luck and see you on the other side. Can't wait to hear back from you post-surgery.
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
Jenbrack,
Had my surgery Tuesday. Be prepared to give yourself a huge break the first 3/4 days. Do anything that makes you feel better. The nurses where I'm staying (Cost Rica) really forced me to get out of bed, take a shower, little things, but they made a huge difference to my mental state. I am now day 5 and actually took a little walk by myself today.
Keep an eye on the end goal.
aussiere
Had my surgery Tuesday. Be prepared to give yourself a huge break the first 3/4 days. Do anything that makes you feel better. The nurses where I'm staying (Cost Rica) really forced me to get out of bed, take a shower, little things, but they made a huge difference to my mental state. I am now day 5 and actually took a little walk by myself today.
Keep an eye on the end goal.
aussiere
Re: MAY 2011 BUDDIES!!!!
All the best Jenbrack! Go with the flow, be good to yourself and remember that it will get much better. You're not alone in this 