3 days post op - I MADE IT!!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody. I just got home from the hospital about 3 hours ago.

What a ride this has been. let me share.

I went in Friday at 6am for upper, lower, chin and roof slpit, prep

went quick and well, i was scheduled for surgery at 7:30 and was

taken on time.

My surgeon is great and has a wonderful bedside manner. Can't say

the same for the anesthesiologist. They ASSURED me of new drugs to

prevent nausea since my rhino 8 years ago and tonsils 20 years ago,

both times i was sick.

I don't remember going out after being strapped to table with leg

massagers strapped on. Surgery took 4.5 hours. I was the only one

in the recovery room that i could see. And i only remember the nurse

kind of " yelling " at me to take deeper breaths. She said this ALOT.

They took a chest xray in recovery. i barely remember it. then i

guess i went to my room. i don;t remember.

I THOUGHT my pain meds MUST have been going through my i.v. WRONG.

i got to my room aroun 3pm and did not have my first pain med until

2:30 am. CRAZY. All nursing staff at the hospital were awesome

except for that 11p to 7a shift. I was very nauseous. Dry heaved a

lot, at least 6 times and coughed out a lot of blood from my throat,

chest. I had a horrible night sleep.

I did not look at myself until Saturday late morning and was

shocked, but am now used to how i look. I am very swollen although

less today then yesterday. They took me to have 6 xrays taken and

my doctor said he can't wait to show them to me as i have 25 screws

5 plates. i can already tell how much more of a chin i have and how

high my upper jaw was raised.

I never felt the tubes come out of my nose or throat, or go in for

that matter, but i was very alert when catheter came out. NO BIG

DEAL. I have been " eating " very well. it is sloppy and a little out

of control, but i am eating everything i am given and since being

home my mom has made me some good soup, protein drinks, etc.

I was on penicillen through IV, steroids for swelling through IV and

tablet (WHAT???) Tardol (sp?). i had to take that crushed in apple

sauce. i am on liquid penicillen at home and tablet percocet, also

taking it in applesauce.

The teethbrushing is going OK, i can't wait until i feel improvement

in the swelling and numbness. i am numb from below the eyes to the

lower jaw. i have one very deep black and blue below chin and am a

bit yellow down to the collar bone.

i have been taking frequent walks through out the days but will only

go on my folks back deck right now.

Talking is difficult. My dr put training elastics on yesterday to

get my jaws together. i have super headaches.

That is about it. i am SO happy to have this overwith and be in

recovery. I am also so glad that i do not have my 9 month old

daughter around. i definitely need to focus on my healing right

now. Back to read all the posts i missed. i thank all of you

soooooo much for all your positive thoughts and help prior to this

surgery. i have no idea how to upload pictures but have been taking

them everyday. if anyone knows a simple way, feel free to email me

direct Kate9@... Smiles,

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the " other side " ! Wishes for a good and healthy recovery!

With regards,

Dale