Re: Dammit : One week Post Op... - To Lilliesinvalley

[Guest guest]

Lydia,

I don't know that there was anything I did before hand that I could

advise you to do now. I was in good shape going into the surgery, so

that helped me get through it relatively unscathed. The length of

the surgery also has an effect, more because of the length of time

under anesthesia than anything. When I had the second go round, I

hadn't purged the first set of gases completely, so I was taking naps

the second week where as the first week I was 'normal'.

The thing that I think helped me the most was during the initial

stages of recovery. During recovery, I got off the pain meds as soon

as I possibly could. Morphine, codeine, Vicodin, they all have nasty

side effects that persist the longer you take them. And, they all

tend to make people sleepy. In my case I was able to get off the

morphine and on to Vicodin the same day as surgery (Vicodin lasts

longer, but takes longer to take effect), and I only needed Vicodin

one day at home. But, every case is different. I'd rather have a

little pain and be fully awake than no pain and sleep.

Also, getting any movement possible, even short walks, helps your

body purge those anesthesia gases. It took 5 days after my second

round to fully rid myself of those. Since you'll be under for 5-6

hours (if I remember correctly), it will take you longer. But, don't

worry about it, it will take as long as it takes.

The best advice though, have a positive attitude. That is worth tons

especially as it relates to those who will be providing care for you

in your recovery.

Best wishes on getting to the other side quickly and easily!

Dammit

> > Today is one week post op, or is it two weeks post op??? ;-) I'm

> > back at work half time this week, although I think I could really

> do

> > full time. My energy level has come back up after purging the

> > anethesia gases from my system. On Friday my OS put me in my

first

> > set of bands (Cougars), and boy are they a joy! I love them

almost

> > as much as power chains.

> >

> > The second surgery appears to have gone well, although one

> > particular point on one molar appears to be setting my bite off

to

> > one side. At my next visit (tomorrow) my OS plans on shaving

down

> > that point to hopefully finalize my bite post-surgery.

> >

> > The swelling is 80% gone. In fact, I think I was less swollen

with

> > surgery 2 than 1. I only had one Vicodin since leaving the

> hospital

> > the morning following surgery, and occasional ibuprofen. I think

I

> > have more pain from the bands than I did from the surgery.

> >

> > The liquid diet is getting rather old, rather quickly! I'm not

> sure

> > if I'll have two more weeks on no-chew when I see my OS tomorrow,

> > but I truly am in awe of you who can or have done it for 6

weeks.

> > Over the weekend I hit the wall on the no-chew. It didn't help

> > thinking I was one week out of two and a half, and then getting

> sent

> > back to square one, but now at the two week mark, at least I can

> see

> > the light of day and know I am past the halfway mark. I even

went

> > so far last night as to break down and blend a hot dog up! You

> > know, with a little catsup, some pickles, a little mustard, it

> > didn't taste too bad!!! I've had some good meals (BBQ Beef,

Chile,

> > Chicken Pot Pie), lots of shakes and yogurt, and avoided the

> Ensures

> > as much as possible.

> >

> > All in all, it hasn't been a bad road. For those of you who are

> pre-

> > op, the process can go smoothly, and the recovery can be easy.

> > Being in shape pre-surg helps tremendously. Having a positive

> > attitude helps nearly as much.

> >

> > Dammit