April 18 Surgery Buddies...

[runrabbitrun]

Mojo, sounds like you're doing awesome and almost at the finish line!!

Oh my god, the phantom itching. I'm so glad I'm not alone in feeling that, it's so obnoxious. Itchy nose, scratch itch, nothing happens. Will be thrilled when that goes away!

Have also had a lot of the electric-nerve feeling in the past few days - I think this is probably the most uncomfortable part of recovery thus far. But, on the bright side, I'm hoping that it means I'll get feeling back in all of those places.

I had my first surgeon follow-up on Thursday and my surgeon was over the moon. I'm healing way ahead of schedule, and he said aesthetically, everything looks very symmetrical. My nose was noticeably crooked for the first week, so it's nice to see that's just swelling and it's finally straightened itself out.

Also, it turns out I actually don't have arch bars! Apparently, he used additional screws instead which will be removed after 4-6 weeks (just like the arch bars). He also removed a stitch on my upper lip that was causing a lot of pain - now that that's gone, I have a bit more mobility and can finally eat with a small spoon! We also did another CT scan of my airway -- all blue and green

[PierreDeFermat]

Intermaxillary Fixation Screws (IMF) are usually a lot easier on patients vs. arch bars (as long as your surgeon is competent at placing them). I'm jealous you're already eating soft foods!

How is your guys swelling? Today is the start of my 3rd week and I'm doing really well except at the Lefort osteotomy line where it feels like there's two small golf balls on either side of my nostrils.

[runrabbitrun]

Yes, that's what they are! I couldn't remember the acronym for the life of me. That's exactly what my doc said, that I'd be in a hell of a lot more pain if he went with the arch bars. I will say, the IMF screws definitely cause me the most pain at this point - for example, I laughed while listening to a podcast today and felt nauseous from the pain of the screw scraping against my skin. Blech. I keep reminding myself that I'm lucky they aren't arch bars instead! Doc did give me some dental wax to help.

Most of my swelling is in exactly the same spot as yours - right under the nostrils, as well as 1/8 in above and below the corner of my lips. I think there's some swelling around my chin, but it's kind of hard to tell because it's "new" to me, if that makes sense. I wish I could post a photo - I did share a before/after on another jaw surgery forum, but I think they delete posts that link to sites with those, right?

Have you had any improvement in your OSA/OSA symptoms yet?

[PierreDeFermat]

Unfortunately I still have a lot of sinus drainage during sleep and my surgeon recommends sleeping inclined as to minimalize my swelling, so sleeping hasn't really been the best so far but it is getting better.

Today I used a nasal spray and my sinus discharge has been foul smelling, so I hope it's just clearing up and not infected...

You can attach pictures here or use something like Imgur and post the link.

I'm curious as to what you guys are going to eat for your first normal meal?

[MoJo2685]

I started to get some feeling back in the left side of my chin this week! It was very exciting. Right side still nothing though. But weirdly I never had any numbness on my upper lip.

That's awful that you can feel your screws so much. I feel like I am having to get used to the braces all over again because of the movement of my jaw making me more aware I think of my bottom braces. But as far as the plates and screws, if I didn't have the scars in my gum line as a guide I would have no clue where they are.

Most of my swelling was hanging out in my chin and just under my jaw. My surgeon said that was pretty unusual. But over the last couple days it has gone down so much. I was trying to take a picture of my dog yesterday and the camera was on front facing so I accidentally took it of the side of my face and it was the first time I had a distinguishable jaw to neck definition. I also still have a bit of swelling in my chin itself.

A friend and I spent about 20 minutes at work yesterday trying to pick my first meal. The top 3 contenders are some sort of Greek lamb dish, a California burrito from our taco truck, or Chicken SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM and crispy French fries. What have you guys come up with?

[N2Deep]

I think my first meal is probably going to happen by accident when I discover I can eat semi normal again. But if I were to have an intention for a first meal, it would probably be the red snapper at a local seafood joint. It's probably the best fish I've ever had.

But first my ortho needs to get more than 2 teeth on one side to meet up correctly. Unfortunately I have 7 crowns that were made to match my old bite, so that should keep things interesting. Getting back in the orthodontic saddle this Tuesday to find out!

How far can you guys open your mouth yet? I'm up to 2 fingers so far.

[Punakmouth]

I had my surgery on May 8th, so today is day 12. I had a 3 piece Le fort on upper, and an SSO on bottom as well as a sliding genio just to keep symmetry. I stayed in the hospital overnight and was home the next. No pain, just intense pressure, so I only used the hycet three times. It was difficult to breathe so I would rinse with hot salt water and used qtips dipped in hydrogen peroxide to loosen the blood and mucus in my nose.

Tomorrow I get the surgical bands holding my jaws completely shut taken off. My doctor's plan was 2 weeks fully banded shut, 4 weeks splint removal, 6 week check up.

I am still really swollen and can barely mummble words, let alone have a conversation. I hate the fact that I can't smile, only grimmace. I have four kids under 12 so I really need to be able to talk and make expressive faces. (Two year old was scared of me when I got home!)

I have quite a bit of porcelain in my mouth so apparently some of my brackets fell off during surgery. The doctor put these arch bars on the top left and top right to hold bands and they are really cutting my mouth up. He also used kobiashi hooks and the wires he used to attach my splint are twisted, stabbing me if I move my mouth. I can't help but think I wouldn't be so swollen if I didn't have all these things cutting my mouth up! I have stitches everywhere in my mouth, basically around the entire top and bottom.

I'm trying to get through this one day at a time and hoping for the best. I gained 12 lbs in preparation for this surgery and am down 8 of those already. However, last night I blended frozen Lemon Maringue Pie with some milk for dessert. Who knew! Yum!

[N2Deep]

Punakmouth I can't even imagine recovering with kids (let alone 4 of them!). I could barely take care of myself for the first week and a half, so kudos to you!

I'm at 5 weeks now, had my splint off since week 3, but I will likely be in elastics for a good while since my molars aren't touching. I just can't wait until I'm allowed to exercise and do more strenuous activities. There's so much I could have accomplished around the house during my time off if I had been able to do physical labor.

I've been going to the doc every week since 2 days after surgery. The ride to that first visit was super tough because I was still so out of it from the hycet and anesthesia. My anxiety from all of the action going on around me kicked in and thought I was going to pass out. I don't think I drove a car for at least two weeks.

Now I have this recurring fear every time I get in a car that I'm going to get into an accident and the airbag is going to knock everything loose again. So in a way this whole ordeal has made me a much safer driver.

See if the surgeon can bend some of the splint wires so they aren't poking you. I had mine do that before I even left the hospital, because I had one wire that kept catching my upper lip and it was killing me.

Funny thing about your two year old being scared of you. I don't have kids but my cat was definitely scared of me for the first day I was home. The look on her face when I walked in the door was priceless.

[PierreDeFermat]

For anybody having trouble with wires poking their mouth you might want to pick up some dental wax from your local pharmacy.

Mojo, I hope you get the chicken SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM/fries or the Cali burrito! I haven't had any cravings until the last few days and it's been for McDonalds' fries, Fogo de Chão, burgers, fish 'n chips, etc. (basically anything other than liquids and high in saturated fat). Snapper and lemon meringue pie sounds good too, I might be able to eat those when I get to the soft-food stage.

I can only fit my infant tooth brush in my mouth thus far as I'm still banded and haven't been given any instructions to start stretching.

One of the oddest parts for me has been losing 16 pounds and not being able to workout, which I usually do every other day. Did you guys here anything about resuming light exercise from your doctor?

[Punakmouth]

It takes a village with all these kids! I spent a week preparing for them before my surgery. 10 dinners to just pop in the oven.... lasagna, tacos (meat, beams, rice prepared), enchiladas, etc. I put my 2 year old in preschool 3 days a week with his 4 year old brother just to have some time to nap. I had to find rides for the 12 and 10 year old girls to and from school, waterpolo and soccer for 10 days....Buy extra carseats because Dad dropped the boys off in the mornings M/W/F and grandma brought them home. Honestly, the first week was the worst! But by day 8 I was ready to drive again...at least just a little.

Tomorrow I go see the surgeon so I am asking him to remove or manipulate anything he can!

I'm worried about my lips. I had a somewhat wide smile before and now it feels much smaller. My bottom LIP feels smaller....like it can't stretch. I hope this is due to the swelling and not permanent!

Animals and toddlers!!!

I am going to start walking 4 miles a day on day 15. I heard you don't want to do anything that causes you to clench (like heavy weights) and you don't want too much blood rushing to your head....forget why?!

[MoJo2685]

For anybody having trouble with wires poking their mouth you might want to pick up some dental wax from your local pharmacy.

Mojo, I hope you get the chicken SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM/fries or the Cali burrito! I haven't had any cravings until the last few days and it's been for McDonalds' fries, Fogo de Chão, burgers, fish 'n chips, etc. (basically anything other than liquids and high in saturated fat). Snapper and lemon meringue pie sounds good too, I might be able to eat those when I get to the soft-food stage.

I can only fit my infant tooth brush in my mouth thus far as I'm still banded and haven't been given any instructions to start stretching.

One of the oddest parts for me has been losing 16 pounds and not being able to workout, which I usually do every other day. Did you guys here anything about resuming light exercise from your doctor?

I grew up in AZ so Mexican is always my go to craving. But there isn't a lot of good Mexican where I live now. Except for the taco trucks. Lol

After 3 weeks my surgeon said light exercise was fine. But that was after I was cleared to soft foods. She said that on the liquid diet you just aren't able to get enough nutrients to maintain exercise. I have been walking for a couple weeks taking my dog out. Considering I live on a mountain that was a bit more intense than I maybe should have started with. And then Friday I started jogging for the first time. (Not on the mountain) I was amazed how much better my breathing is. Of course my energy is still low so it was a jog/walk situation. Then one of my bosses asked if I was going to be at the half marathon next weekend.

[runrabbitrun]

Man, it's a relief to see that I'm not the only one experiencing some of these things!

PdF:
Crossing my fingers that there's no infection, but can't hurt to call your doc just in case. At any rate, glad to hear that your sleep is getting a bit better.

• RE: swelling - this is only from 6 days out so things have shifted a bit, but it's mostly around my mouth and nose at this point (scroll to the last post): http://jawsurgeryforums.com/index.php?topic=7244.15

• Very much in the same boat as you with working out - not being able to lift is killing me. I've been walking at least 5 miles a day since I got home from the hospital, but all I really want to do is some deadlifts, haha. My doc did clear me to get on the indoor cycling bike but said to not break a sweat. It. Was. AMAZING. Seriously effortless. It's so strange that I would never have been able to pinpoint "not being able to breathe" as a reason for why I couldn't bike or run anymore, but it seems so obvious now.

• I'm one of those boring people who mostly eats plants, so I'm mostly just stoked to eat fresh veggies and fruit - it's peak cherry season right now and I wanted to cry when I saw them in the grocery store this morning. Going to see how salmon goes tomorrow, though.

Mojo:
We sound pretty similar - also grew up in AZ, also (was-hopefully will be again) a runner...and, not even back at work yet and already got asked by one of our directors to participate in our company-sponsored half-marathon I'm also starting to get the lower jaw/upper neck swelling/bruising. I'll see what my doc says about it on Wednesday, but I thought that was somewhat common - at least, that the bruising can travel downwards like that.

N2Deep:
Ha, I also had big plans for all these unfinished projects I wanted to do in my "time off" after surgery...think I got about 30% of them done. Probably a bit ambitious of us
I can open my mouth about 1.5 fingers wide, though that's with the bands.

Punakmouth:
You're a serious champ for going through this with kids - I can't imagine. I'm currently freaking out about the same lip situation. They were huge when I got out of the hospital, and now they've suddenly disappeared. I'm hoping it's just swelling though. Do you know if you had an alar cinch?


One other issue I'm having is pain/tenderness around my orbital sockets, mostly just under my eyes. I don't really notice it much except when I'm washing my face and putting in my contacts, but it struck me as odd. Anyone else experiencing pain there?

[MoJo2685]

Run, It was crazy to me when someone pointed out that this surgery would make running easier. I was scrolling through YouTube videos and this girl mentioned how amazing it was post surgery when she started running and could actually breathe properly. She like me had always struggled through running and just thought this was how it went. You run, you look hideous and red, you gasp for air the whole time.
Allegedly that is not how everyone experiences cardio. Who knew? When I was jogging Friday I was blown away. Once I get any sort of endurance back it's going to be a whole new ball game. It felt so good.

[Punakmouth]

Runrabitrun - I did have an alar stitch! My nose looks exactly the same now as it ever has. It is sore at the bottom of the nostrils though. I also have some strange sutures under my upper lip, right in the center..... perpendicular to the gum line. I am going to ask the surgeon tomorrow why that is.

My bruising was pretty severe. I used Arnica gel to help it go away. Seemed to work pretty good. I had 2 black bruises on the bottom of my chin area, and then 3 horizontal bruises on my neck that looked like someone was trying to strangle me (black) and then yellow throughout all of that. By day 8 the bruise had seeped all the way down to below my breasts. However, all of it is gone here at day 12.

[PierreDeFermat]

Small world, I'm also from AZ!

I had trouble breathing while running and working out which was due to my narrow airway and deviated septum. I'm very excited to get back into things with post-surgery and see how much things have improved. I also saw that video, which was by Sharon Farrell, and can be found here:

JAW SURGERY UPDATE | Sharon Farrell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O48TMQb701s

The past couple days I had a terrible smell from my nasal mucus, a bad taste in my mouth, and a scratchy throat and as stated before I was scared it was an infection. Well just last night I coughed up a HUGE 1.5 x 0.5 inch clot/scab/dead tissue thing from the back of my throat and now everything is clear, such a relief! [I should mention I had a septoplasty, bimax+ genio, tonsillotomy (partial), and bilateral pharyngoplasty (pillars) which explains the constant congestion]. I haven't been coughing up blood at all now!

Yes the swelling goes up to my eyes but it's starting to fade now as the maxilla/septum/maxillary sinus heals. It was also tricky to put in my contacts until week 3.

Punkamouth:
The stitching underneath the lips at the gumline was an incision to help your surgeon visualize the upper jaw/nose for your Lefort I osteotomy. Do you have stitches along the gumline on the top and bottom of your mouth?

If your jaws were moved forward your lips may seem a little thinner than before but it is usually not noticeable. Most of it is probably swelling in your lips/cheeks that make your lips seem smaller in comparison. The lip swelling will go down quicker than the cheeks so that effect may last 4-6 weeks.

I have no idea how you did this with kids, you should be proud!