Son needs upper and lower jaw

[Guest guest]

We just found out from the orthodontist that my son needs to

have orthogrnathic surgery, both upper and lower jaw. I am very

concerned and wanted additional information from others who have

experienced it. Can someone answer a few questions?

1. How painful is it and how long a recovery period?

2. How long before he will be able to eat or talk?

3. He is currently 16, but probably not have surgery until 17 or 18.

Did anyone have it done at this age.

4. We have been recommended to a doctor in NY. Does anyone have

any recommendations on good surgeons in NJ or NY. We are meeting

with the surgeon on August 10, any good questions to ask?

5. Did your insurance cover it?

His bite is extremely off, so I don't think there is any question,he

needs the surgery, but I am pretty worried.

Thank you

[Guest guest]

In order:

1. Usually not very painful, and while there is pain, there are good

meds that usually take care of it. (If your son has had any problems

with pain medication, nausea, etc., be sure to tell both the surgeon

and the anesthesiologist before the surgery. And remind them

immediately pre-op.) Recovery varies. I took four weeks off work, but

I was 56. Some folks take way less time; I was weary, mainly, and

slept a lot during my four weeks. I think you could count on at least

two weeks.

2. This will depend on his surgeon. Usually it takes about 8 weeks

for the bone to heal, and I was allowed only soft foods and liquids

until then. Even then, I was certainly not ready for raw broccoli,

carrots or anything of that sort. I was neither banded nor wired, but

many people are still wired shut, which will eliminate anything but

liquids and blended foods, or tightly banded, which is pretty

similar. Ask the surgeon what he expects to do, but know that things

can happen in the OR that change the plans.

3. Try to be certain that his growth is complete before he has the

surgery. Otherwise he may get the pleasure (?) of doing it twice.

4. I can't help, but surely others will.

5. Yes.

It is frightening. Especially so when it's a new idea, and you're

still learning about it. It is a big operation, indeed, and requires

general anesthesia. But read around (and if he will, encourage him to

read around, too) on these sites, and you will be reassured, I think.

Best,

Cammie

> We just found out from the orthodontist that my son needs to

> have orthogrnathic surgery, both upper and lower jaw. I am very

> concerned and wanted additional information from others who have

> experienced it. Can someone answer a few questions?

>

> 1. How painful is it and how long a recovery period?

>

> 2. How long before he will be able to eat or talk?

>

> 3. He is currently 16, but probably not have surgery until 17 or

18.

> Did anyone have it done at this age.

>

> 4. We have been recommended to a doctor in NY. Does anyone have

> any recommendations on good surgeons in NJ or NY. We are meeting

> with the surgeon on August 10, any good questions to ask?

>

> 5. Did your insurance cover it?

>

> His bite is extremely off, so I don't think there is any question,he

> needs the surgery, but I am pretty worried.

>

> Thank you