For how long have you been housebound after surgery?

[StefanoMI]

Hi, after how long could you resume your normal life like returning to work/university, going to the gym, socializing with new people, going out in the weekends or more generally spend time outside your home?

[EWUgal15]

I had 6 rubber bands keeping me closed for 6 weeks. I was allowed to change them starting 3 weeks post op. I was told to take 7-10 days off work for recovery and to limit my activity for the first 2-3. I took a total of 3 weeks off work, which was WAY more than I needed, but I only had lower jaw surgery. I worked from home for 2 weeks before I had a week of vacation but after that, I couldn't take it any more.

I was really concerned with my swelling and bruising. I didn't want my coworkers to be put off by how strange I looked. Just walking around the grocery store got me some pretty strange looks. I ended up going into the office during my work from home period and EVERYBODY wanted to talk to me, which was really tiring on my face (with my mouth being held shut by so many elastics). I got through it though. I was in 6 elastics when I went back to the office full time and most people didn't notice until I tried to speak but nobody said anything negative.

Swelling and bruising is different for everyone, so how much time you spend secluded in your house will be up to you. My surgery was November 17 and I was ready to get out of the house on Nov 19, even though my head was the size of a watermelon and I was purple. I did end up going out on Nov 19...It was sunny and bright so I wore sunglasses and wrapped up in a scarf and no one noticed. I did the scarf wrapping until the major swelling was gone. I still have residual swelling but nobody notices it.

[jaime]

Hey there Stefano!

Here's a brief outline of what my recovery was like:

surgery to 72hrs after surgery: staying on the recliner full time, getting up to do small errands/heating up soup
72hr-1 week after surgery: taking walks around the block, walking around the mall, etc. Staying out of the house for short stints.
1-2 weeks after surgery: leaving the house more, running errands, driving short distances.
2-3 weeks after surgery: driving longer distances (like to my surgeon's office 100km/60mi away), hanging out with friends
4 weeks after surgery: feeling much more normal, went on a few day trips with friends, energy more or less normal.
4.5 weeks: started sleeping flat again. Able to tolerate very light chewing.
5 weeks: started going on long bike rides for some exercise (10-20 miles)
6 weeks after surgery: back to work (could have gone at 4 though), eating soft foods.
2 months after surgery: went on a 1 week vacation that included a lot of walking and hiking (and 2 flights). When I returned from my vacation, I resumed running outdoor again.

[Valozz]

I had upper jaw surgery and I would say that at the 2 week mark I could return to work, however at the 4 weeks mark is when my full energy came back !

[StefanoMI]

Thank you for the replies!

[snapdresser]

I was told by my surgeon not to resume strength training until 12 weeks post-op, but my surgeon was more cautious than most.

[aubreyskingdom]

I went to Disney World and Universal at the 4 week mark, but couldn't do 12 hour days because I was just tired and had lots of random pains.

I returned to work at about 5 weeks, but I don't have to talk much if at at all for my job. I cannot imagine going into a work situation where I had to deal with customers that soon, but everyone heals differently. I'm about 3.5 months after surgery and each week I am still noticing improvement, it's still a bit difficult for me to talk a ton (my left side metal bracket is a lot longer than the others so I can feel it more when I talk or eat). Hope this helps!

[Tgirl22]

Tomorrow I will be 4 weeks PO. I haven't returned to 'normal' life yet. I go back to work in 2 weeks. I sure have appreciated the time off to heal.

[ivonne]

So far it's been 7 day since the surgery and I have stayed home.
I still have the band around my chin and a bit swollen, I don't feel like going out.
I did go out 2 times and I covered my face with a scarf (as if it was one of those face scarfs that only shows the eyes), it worked, no one stared at me, they just
thought perhaps I'm from a particular religion! I was so swollen! but been staying home until I take the bandage off.

[Tgirl22]

Going outside to get some air and sun totally helped in my recovery. I would go sit in the back yard, it was nice.

[sakura]

Three weeks out of double jaw surgery here with a 11 month old baby here.

I was running after the baby at 2 weeks but I had a bit of difficulty. Vertical lifting the baby sometimes hurt my jaw so I had to lift her in other ways. By the time my husband came home from work I was exhausted. I think if you have a desk job it'll be easier. At week 3 everything is definitely more manageable.

[Basicgrey7]

I was driving by second week and going to the store. Nothing for too long because I would get tired afterwards. I was able to go on walks.

My surgeon recommended no strenuous exercise for six weeks.

I am on week 3 and feel pretty good. I am able to hang out with my friends for longer. I will have to update after I return to work next week though. I am sure I will be worn out.