Advice from athletes

[BracketBaring]

Good job on not using narcotics!! I have not been as good at that. I get very sleepy and cranky when I'm in pain so, while I really don't need any narcotics today, I have stuff I have to do so I took a half dose. The pain I was feeling yesterday was from an exposed nerve. The doctor told me to take a break from the elastics and showed me different teeth to put them. Since I took a pain killer anyway, I'm going to go put them on now. They said I'll feel some pain for about 10 to 12 hours so might as well sink 4 of those into the narcotics.

I've been using a fair amount of protein powder in veggie juices. I've also been lucky having someone cook awesome healthy food for me. I've only lost 3 lbs. It's noticeable on my frame, but I actually don't seem to have lost much muscle. I've been able to use a spoon since day 1, so I have it easier than you. Good luck getting more calories in.

I can smile now! It's a ridiculous smile but it's done wonders for my mood. I can finally laugh, too. That still hurts but it's worth it. My poor husband was so excited when I gave a little smile for the first time. I couldn't see it.

Yeah, I think in hind site it would have been wise to put you in braces at least 4 weeks before surgery, instead of right before. There is definitely pain with orthodontics: primarily in teeth and gingiva for the first 2-5 days after application/adjustment, but also in surrounding soft tissue from the friction with the brackets and hooks (which often lasts longer until your soft tissue calluses). I don't blame you at all for using the narcotics. If I really needed them, I would to. Instead, I'm using ibuprofen instead because it actually aids in the inflammation and swelling, in addition to relieving most of my pain. Plus, I don't have to worry about possible side effects such as constipation, addiction, and the inability to drive myself around.

I think there are a fair number of differences in recovery between having a Lefort I only, vs Lefort I plus BSSO. The one "upside" with the BSSO is the numbness in the whole lower lip, chin, and lower teeth back to the premolars. This probably would have been a good thing for you and your new orthodontics and the elastics. Otherwise, I probably have it worse with everything else from the extra swelling and the functional problems (i.e., drooling, drinking, ect) associated with the numbness, to the inability to eat from anything other than a syringe (that's a big one).

You're lucky to have someone around to cook and prepare food for you. My wife works full-time, AND we have a 13 month old son. All her time at home is consumed with my son: feeding him, bathing, washing bottles, changing diapers, etc. To make things worse, he has a little sinus infection right now, so he's extra fussy and I'm scared to death of catching his bug. I can't stand any more congestion than what I'm already experiencing from the surgery. I'm normally the cook, so it's not a big deal for me to prepare food. I even cooked for her last night (she really missed that during the past week).

Back to fitness... Yesterday I decided to take my road bike for a spin. It was a mistake. First of all, when I started up the hills, it felt like I was breathing through a straw, due to all the sinus congestion and my jaw being banded shut. Second, whenever I got on some rough surfaces (like chip-and-seal), the vibration translated all the way up to my jaw and I could feel it subtly "flapping around" and causing my teeth to chatter. Not a good feeling. So, I'm staying off the road bike for a while. However, I was able to get some work done around the house (dishes, laundry, cleaned the garage out, flushed the hot water tank) and even went shopping at Walmart last night. I was a little worried with being in public like that, but I figured there are plenty more freaks than just me in that store in the evening

[mia137]

Good job on not using narcotics!! I have not been as good at that. I get very sleepy and cranky when I'm in pain so, while I really don't need any narcotics today, I have stuff I have to do so I took a half dose. The pain I was feeling yesterday was from an exposed nerve. The doctor told me to take a break from the elastics and showed me different teeth to put them. Since I took a pain killer anyway, I'm going to go put them on now. They said I'll feel some pain for about 10 to 12 hours so might as well sink 4 of those into the narcotics.

I've been using a fair amount of protein powder in veggie juices. I've also been lucky having someone cook awesome healthy food for me. I've only lost 3 lbs. It's noticeable on my frame, but I actually don't seem to have lost much muscle. I've been able to use a spoon since day 1, so I have it easier than you. Good luck getting more calories in.

I can smile now! It's a ridiculous smile but it's done wonders for my mood. I can finally laugh, too. That still hurts but it's worth it. My poor husband was so excited when I gave a little smile for the first time. I couldn't see it.

Yeah, I think in hind site it would have been wise to put you in braces at least 4 weeks before surgery, instead of right before. There is definitely pain with orthodontics: primarily in teeth and gingiva for the first 2-5 days after application/adjustment, but also in surrounding soft tissue from the friction with the brackets and hooks (which often lasts longer until your soft tissue calluses). I don't blame you at all for using the narcotics. If I really needed them, I would to. Instead, I'm using ibuprofen instead because it actually aids in the inflammation and swelling, in addition to relieving most of my pain. Plus, I don't have to worry about possible side effects such as constipation, addiction, and the inability to drive myself around.

I think there are a fair number of differences in recovery between having a Lefort I only, vs Lefort I plus BSSO. The one "upside" with the BSSO is the numbness in the whole lower lip, chin, and lower teeth back to the premolars. This probably would have been a good thing for you and your new orthodontics and the elastics. Otherwise, I probably have it worse with everything else from the extra swelling and the functional problems (i.e., drooling, drinking, ect) associated with the numbness, to the inability to eat from anything other than a syringe (that's a big one).

You're lucky to have someone around to cook and prepare food for you. My wife works full-time, AND we have a 13 month old son. All her time at home is consumed with my son: feeding him, bathing, washing bottles, changing diapers, etc. To make things worse, he has a little sinus infection right now, so he's extra fussy and I'm scared to death of catching his bug. I can't stand any more congestion than what I'm already experiencing from the surgery. I'm normally the cook, so it's not a big deal for me to prepare food. I even cooked for her last night (she really missed that during the past week).

Back to fitness... Yesterday I decided to take my road bike for a spin. It was a mistake. First of all, when I started up the hills, it felt like I was breathing through a straw, due to all the sinus congestion and my jaw being banded shut. Second, whenever I got on some rough surfaces (like chip-and-seal), the vibration translated all the way up to my jaw and I could feel it subtly "flapping around" and causing my teeth to chatter. Not a good feeling. So, I'm staying off the road bike for a while. However, I was able to get some work done around the house (dishes, laundry, cleaned the garage out, flushed the hot water tank) and even went shopping at Walmart last night. I was a little worried with being in public like that, but I figured there are plenty more freaks than just me in that store in the evening

Oooh - a baby certainly makes things harder. That's actually why I had my surgery now and why I only had my braces on a few weeks before surgery. We want to start trying soon and I realized if I didn't do this now, I wouldn't for years.

I'm taking only Aleve today and, while I haven't exercised except to walk the dogs, I've been relatively productive with school stuff.

I was thinking you were being overambitious going out on the road so quick but given your profession, I figured you'd be fine. Using an indoor trainer has been great for me but I don't feel ready to get out on the trails yet. You might try that if you have a trainer or stationary bike available. My doctor doesn't want my heart rate up too high and it's so easy to regulate that when I can just take a break by sitting up. I've also found that what is totally fine one day is overexerting myself the next, so it's nice not realizing that miles from home.

Have you tried Breathe Rite strips for your nose? I also got permission from my surgeon to blow my nose, which was a little painful at first, but even being really gentle, I was able to relieve a lot of the congestion. Talk to your doctor before you do that. Afrin was great for a few days, too.

[BracketBaring]

Hey Mia, how's your recovery coming along?

I'm 3 weeks post-op as of yesterday. During my surgery, the brackets came off the last 3 teeth on my left lower arch (so premolar, plus 1st and 2nd molars). Yesterday I went to the orthodontist and he was able to replace the brackets. I thought it would be rough since I've been in heavy elastics this whole time and haven't been able to open my jaw more than 1/4 inch (~6mm), but it wasn't bad at all with the elastics off. I also went back to work yesterday afternoon, and I'm back full-time today. Definately a bit challenging from all the talking and dictating I have to do, but managable.

Otherwise, I physically feel back to normal. In fact, my endurance and energy levels have been pretty normal since about 8-10 days post-op. My breathing improved dramatically around that time, which allowed me to sleep much longer at night. While off work, I kept busy with a bunch of physically laborious projects that kept my mind off my recovery, and have kept me in good shape. I honestly think that in 6-8 weeks post-op I could return to a competitive level with biking, but I wouldn't just for fear of crashing. In the mean time I might try hopping on the road bike again this week. I have stationary equipment at work, so that's a feasible alternative now too.

[stunner]

This is scaring me. I'm way older than any of you, although in pretty good shape for an old bird. I cycle (road) and do some weights (which I would not call lifting). I thought that because I am 5' 10-5' 11" and 140 lbs. I'd have plenty of strength, size and energy and would be able to jump back into life--with a diet of soft food--about 6-7 days post-surgery.

I sounds as though while there is some variation from person to person, the rule of thumb is that you're uncomfortable as heck for a week and tired too. I've worked hard for the muscle tone I have retained and don't much like the thought of losing that. I wasn't planning on cycling for the same reasons you all mention, but I did think I would be okay to drive across the county in a UHaul pulling a trailer.

[mia137]

@Bracket, GREAT news about your condition keeping up! I'm doing quite well. My exposed nerves healed up and I'm not on any pain killers, even Aleve, now (I'd probably still be taking Aleve occasionally but, while we're not quite trying for a baby yet, we're not not trying so I don't want to take anything at all). I'm back to my activities. I did a road ride Sunday, even though I usually mountain bike. If I had pain or swelling after, I wanted to know what it was from so I did the road ride before getting on a bumpy trail. I've done a couple mountain rides now and felt pretty good. I'm getting tired quickly but I was on vacation for a couple weeks before surgery so I had over a month off. I have my race Sunday so wish me luck. I'm lucky that I'm a girl because everyone is so courteous when passing or being passed. The race has a nice spaced out staggered start, or I wouldn't do it. I'll mention something at the start line, asking the girls to holler at me before passing on anything technical to give me a chance to move out of the way, though it's probably not necessary.

I went to see my ortho and surgeon yesterday and they were thrilled. My ortho said that he thinks what should have been a 2 year project, which he thought he could do in 1 year, looks now like it will be done in 6 months! I was thrilled to hear that but I'm not getting my hopes up.

@Stunner, everyone is a little different. If you're in very good shape then you probably won't lose much if you keep your nutrition going. I've been preaching on this. LOTs of fresh pressed raw veggie juices and almond milks, high quality protein powders, fresh organic produce soups, etc, etc. Bracket had a harder time keeping weight on than I did, but I was able to eat with a spoon (though it was very tiring) and he wasn't. Also, I'm 5'1" and he's a lot bigger so he had higher caloric needs. Biggest things for me were nutrition, lots of icing for the first few days, and sleeping as much as possible. I also got back into exercise very slowly, starting after 2 weeks. You should be ok to drive pretty quick but make sure you're not too sleepy. I get very sleepy when my body is trying to heal itself. Let me know if you want any other tips of what helped me.

[stunner]

This is all GREAT advice. I'd wanted to do a century ride this summer but didn't pull it off. I was hoping for the surgery in August but it didn't happen. Anyway, something I am really getting out of this thread, and others too, is the NEED for good nutrition. Sure, I would not mind losing 5 pounds but ignoring the need for good albeit pureed calories would not be the chosen way.

Maybe I do need to get a Bullet and some of those baby food bags. . . .Maybe my bike and my gear can get packed up in preparation for the move ONCE I can do it. . .

You all sound like pretty hard core athletes. I'm not. I count calories and know what I need to maintain so I'm not turning my thinking to pre-surgical planning etc. I live on my own too so that might be an issue to the surgeon. I have friends who can check on me, but egads I do not like the idea of being dependent on anyone or anything. . .

OMgosh I just want to get this over with. . . did you SLEEP *before* your scheduled surgery?

[BracketBaring]

Wow Mia, sounds like you are doing great! Congrats and keep up the good work. Be safe at the race and good luck!!

My weight loss basically stopped after the first week, after those first 10 pounds (went from 202 to 192). I've only lost 2 pounds over the past 2 weeks, and I have been way more active. I hopped on the road bike today and rode at a decent pace for 40 minutes. It felt great to pedal again! My bands are loose enough now that my jaw doesn't chatter over the rougher pavement. I'm staying off the trails until week 6.

Stunner: I've been using a Baby Bullet, since we got one as a shower gift for my son (he's 13 months now). I use the smaller cup a lot to experiment with different foods. It's extremely easy to rinse/clean out, and I don't have to waste a whole batch of food if a concoction doesn't turn out right. I heard the Ninja blenders are very good and quite inexpensive. Might be a good investment. The Baby Bullet is a little underpowered, after using my parents full-size blender.

Oh, and I slept fine before surgery. No nightmares or anything. Working and also exercising did wonders to keep me from sitting around and worrying about the surgery. Working out a lot before surgery was probably one of the best things I did to prepare myself. Likewise, keeping busy with physical projects around the house and getting some exercise was one of the best things I did after surgery. It made time fly by, kept my mind off my jaw, made me feel productive and "human" again, and helped to reduce my swelling. The worse thing you can do is just sit or lay around all day. Granted, you need to rest the first few days, but after that you need to get moving progressively more and more each day! If not, depression will creep up on you.

[BracketBaring]

Mia, did you do the race?

I saw the surgeon today and asked when I could mtn bike again. He said it's best to wait 8 weeks, just in case of a crash. He said even then, the bone will be "healed", but not full strength until around 6 months.

I'm discovering that my surgeon is rather conservative. It's been 4 weeks and he hasn't put me in lighter elastics yet. I pull a few of the anterior bands off though during the day to eat and brush, and sometimes when talking a lot at work. I have 2 spots where the teeth need to come together more, the first molars on the right side and the 2nd molars on the left. It's an orthodontic issue that doesn't really have to do with the surgery. He wants the tighter elastics on to close that down. Don't know why I need the tight elastics everywhere else though (I have 7 elastics total), since everything else is right where it needs to be. He said he'll put lighter ones on next week. He keeps saying 8 weeks total in elastics, but he's mentioned 6 weeks a few times too (it's like he's teasing me ). I'm sick of these stupid hooks everywhere, traping food and scratching my lips. I have like 26 hooks altogether. Why keep them in any longer than 6 weeks if the only place that needs closed down is my molars (ortho can put new wire in and just hooks in the back, where I need them). Anyways, it's not the end of the world or anything. I'm just annoyed a bit and venting. He is really a great doctor.

[casydee]

I keep getting sideways looks from the ortho surgery team when I tell them I have a marathon planned for Feb 2nd. My surgery date is 18 September, so I figure as good a condition as I'm in now, I should be able to pick up after surgery after my 6 weeks of no running, and train. I also have a little 8-miler planned for Thanksgiving... that one might be a little rough.

[stunner]

My surgery goes forward on Sept 24. I told my surgeon that I needed to do a major move 2 - 3 weeks post and he never batted an eye. He said " you'll be fine." Now I'm assuming my little pronouncement registered. I do know I'll have a splint and bands. He told me that it depends in the individual case as to whether you have them for 2 weeks and sometimes up to 6 weeks.

[BracketBaring]

Update: I hit the 6 week post-op mark a few days ago. I had a sudden increase in localized swelling at my right side mandible, about where the plates are for the BSSO. I called the doc and he got me into the office that evening for an exam and x-ray. He said everything looked good and nothing was loose, and the swelling was probably just from some blood accumulating under the tissue (like a hematoma). He put me on an antibiotic just in case. Fortunately, after a couple days, the swelling has subsided.

Anyways, it was interesting to see the x-ray. It is rather clear where the bones were split. Doc said it's normal and will take about 2 more months to fill all the way in. Just a reminder how vulnerable the jaw still is at this point. I can see why a lot of docs advise no contact sports (lacrosse, hockey, boxing, etc) for 3 months.

I finally did some mountain biking yesterday. It felt great to be back on the trails. I was a little more cautious on the downhills and log crossings, but otherwise I rode normally. Fitness wise, I think I'm 100% now. Per my surgeon's recommendation, I wore a mouthguard. I bought a Shock Doctor Braces guard, which requires no boiling. It doesn't stay put very well, which gets quite distracting and makes it hard to breathe at times. I tried boiling it for custom fit, but it's not possible with this model. I did a lot of research online and it appears that there are only a couple easily available guards that are made for braces, and are boil-and-bite capable:
1) Shock Doctor ULTRA Braces: https://www.shockdoctor.com/ultra-braces-mouthguard From the pictures, it looks the same as the non-Ultra Braces model, except it has another layer on the occlusal surface that allows the guard to boil-and-bite fitted. It costs about $30 . I'm not sure how well it will stay put, since only the occlusal surface is moldable. It's a new product, so I can't find many reviews on it yet.

2) TapOut mouthguards: http://tapoutmouthguard.com/ These are the same ones also sold under the name Battle Sports http://www.battlesportsscience.com/inde ... outhguards . They come 2 in a pack and can be found online for $15. Reviews seem positive, for the most part.

I'm going to try the Tap Out guard next. I have a 3-day mountain biking trip coming up this weekend, so I'll have plenty of time to test it out.