Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Whining is welcome here, even encouraged if it helps you feel better! Are your friends able to have someone there with you 24-hours a day for the first few days? At least? Are they able to care for you -- help you to the bathroom, help you with a shower or bath (do not go into the bathtub/shower without someone nearby, just in case you get swoony) and are you comfortable with having these folks help you with a bath or whatever else? If you lose your cookies, can they help with the cleanup? It has happened. Are they able to prepare food for you, and see that you take it and get your meds (usually antibiotics and pain meds) as per schedule? If they can do all these things, and will be responsible about seeing that you get enough fluids, whether or not you want 'em, and nutrition (ditto), then you are not likely to need anyone else. Are YOU responsible for any other living creature -- a child, a dog, a cat, fish? You probably will feel that it's a full time task just getting yourself up enough to watch teevee, at least at first. Not meaning to be scary, but that's how all surgery is, in my experience. It's exhausting, and will be exhausting for a month or more. (A few escape that; I did not.) If any of these questions makes you think twice, look into hiring a professional aide or nurse to do these things for you. I had morphine post op, for about the first 24 hours. I had Lortab (first liquid, then pills, after the sore throat went away), and that was fine for me. Some folks do even better with Ibuprofen. Why not ask your surgeon what HE or SHE thinks you'll need? Do you know whether you'll be wired, banded or neither? Do you know whether you'll have a splint? I was neither, with regard to the wiring/banding. I did have a splint wired in for 7 long weeks. Nobody complained about the smell (except the assistants who took it out, once they had removed it) but nobody's likely to walk up to someone who's just had surgery and say, " Hey, you stink! " Apparently, though, it's when the back of the splint and the top of your mouth hit the air that the going gets tough, aromatically. I can't smell anything, ever, though, so you can find a better source on this one. I was allowed to use a waterpik, especially upstairs, and i mixed some non- alcohol mouthwash into it, and just squirted and rinsed gently all around the splint. (But, and this is important, I only had lower. Ask your surgeon what he thinks is acceptable for you. you don't wanna hit newly stitched tissues with a blast of anything.) Business lunches? See what's possible for you. Especially if you're not wired or banded shut. Some folks find they can maneuver a cup of soup just fine after a week or so. Some folks are drooly and numb and have problems eating in public. I'd think you could figure out what works for you, then explain to your lunchmates that you cannot eat in public just now. Lots of people do not understand anything about this. That can work to your benefit: one of my dear bosses said to me, " Cammie, this stuff is just so weird that nobody here knows anything about it. Take however much time you need to get over it. " ;~> That can apply particularly to family, alas. Not unusual to get anxious, before. Often, though, there is a kind of " before the storm " calm that settles in shortly before. Hope you find that. best, Cammie > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Whining is welcome here, even encouraged if it helps you feel better! Are your friends able to have someone there with you 24-hours a day for the first few days? At least? Are they able to care for you -- help you to the bathroom, help you with a shower or bath (do not go into the bathtub/shower without someone nearby, just in case you get swoony) and are you comfortable with having these folks help you with a bath or whatever else? If you lose your cookies, can they help with the cleanup? It has happened. Are they able to prepare food for you, and see that you take it and get your meds (usually antibiotics and pain meds) as per schedule? If they can do all these things, and will be responsible about seeing that you get enough fluids, whether or not you want 'em, and nutrition (ditto), then you are not likely to need anyone else. Are YOU responsible for any other living creature -- a child, a dog, a cat, fish? You probably will feel that it's a full time task just getting yourself up enough to watch teevee, at least at first. Not meaning to be scary, but that's how all surgery is, in my experience. It's exhausting, and will be exhausting for a month or more. (A few escape that; I did not.) If any of these questions makes you think twice, look into hiring a professional aide or nurse to do these things for you. I had morphine post op, for about the first 24 hours. I had Lortab (first liquid, then pills, after the sore throat went away), and that was fine for me. Some folks do even better with Ibuprofen. Why not ask your surgeon what HE or SHE thinks you'll need? Do you know whether you'll be wired, banded or neither? Do you know whether you'll have a splint? I was neither, with regard to the wiring/banding. I did have a splint wired in for 7 long weeks. Nobody complained about the smell (except the assistants who took it out, once they had removed it) but nobody's likely to walk up to someone who's just had surgery and say, " Hey, you stink! " Apparently, though, it's when the back of the splint and the top of your mouth hit the air that the going gets tough, aromatically. I can't smell anything, ever, though, so you can find a better source on this one. I was allowed to use a waterpik, especially upstairs, and i mixed some non- alcohol mouthwash into it, and just squirted and rinsed gently all around the splint. (But, and this is important, I only had lower. Ask your surgeon what he thinks is acceptable for you. you don't wanna hit newly stitched tissues with a blast of anything.) Business lunches? See what's possible for you. Especially if you're not wired or banded shut. Some folks find they can maneuver a cup of soup just fine after a week or so. Some folks are drooly and numb and have problems eating in public. I'd think you could figure out what works for you, then explain to your lunchmates that you cannot eat in public just now. Lots of people do not understand anything about this. That can work to your benefit: one of my dear bosses said to me, " Cammie, this stuff is just so weird that nobody here knows anything about it. Take however much time you need to get over it. " ;~> That can apply particularly to family, alas. Not unusual to get anxious, before. Often, though, there is a kind of " before the storm " calm that settles in shortly before. Hope you find that. best, Cammie > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Hi , Good to hear from you. My surgery is the day after yours and I'm sure we'll be sharing our experiences/problems/frustrations in the next few weeks. I just got back from getting my surgical hooks put on. Not nearly as bad as I thought. I can't really be of too much help to your regarding your questions since I haven't had surgery, but I would think that having your friends help out would be enough support. It's hard to gauge what one might need with everyone having such different outcomes. I think Donnie on the board here was all on his own, and he seems to have done well. He may have been in the hospital for a few days though. I've got my wonderful boyfriend to help me out. He's very attentive, even when I'm not sick! And he works from home. He even got an extension on a project so he could help me. I think it's great that your friends are stepping in like this. Maybe you can treat them all to dinner when you're finally able to eat regular food again! Best of luck on Tuesday. I'll definitely be thinking of you. Maddie > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2004 Report Share Posted December 1, 2004 Hi , Good to hear from you. My surgery is the day after yours and I'm sure we'll be sharing our experiences/problems/frustrations in the next few weeks. I just got back from getting my surgical hooks put on. Not nearly as bad as I thought. I can't really be of too much help to your regarding your questions since I haven't had surgery, but I would think that having your friends help out would be enough support. It's hard to gauge what one might need with everyone having such different outcomes. I think Donnie on the board here was all on his own, and he seems to have done well. He may have been in the hospital for a few days though. I've got my wonderful boyfriend to help me out. He's very attentive, even when I'm not sick! And he works from home. He even got an extension on a project so he could help me. I think it's great that your friends are stepping in like this. Maybe you can treat them all to dinner when you're finally able to eat regular food again! Best of luck on Tuesday. I'll definitely be thinking of you. Maddie > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Hi ! I am having upper/lower/genio on Wed. So, I'm really thinking about it all too. My mom is staying with me the first week, but after that I guess I'm on my own. I'm really nervous about looking different. I just got the hooks on my braces too and man, are they uncomfortable. I am still at work and I keep wax EVERYWHERE so I look great! ha ha Yeah, I'm tired of the " Do you really need the surgery? " WHat a dumb question. Most people think it is for cosmetic reasons, which mine is not. My doc said the first five to seven days are the worst. He said liquids only and that I would be very fragile. After that, he said I could probably go on a " toddler " diet as he calls it. That means soft foods with minimal chewing (mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, etc.) Sorry I don't have any good info for you, but I do know how you feel. Just know that it will get better and feel free to respond if you need to whine again! Casey > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Hi ! I am having upper/lower/genio on Wed. So, I'm really thinking about it all too. My mom is staying with me the first week, but after that I guess I'm on my own. I'm really nervous about looking different. I just got the hooks on my braces too and man, are they uncomfortable. I am still at work and I keep wax EVERYWHERE so I look great! ha ha Yeah, I'm tired of the " Do you really need the surgery? " WHat a dumb question. Most people think it is for cosmetic reasons, which mine is not. My doc said the first five to seven days are the worst. He said liquids only and that I would be very fragile. After that, he said I could probably go on a " toddler " diet as he calls it. That means soft foods with minimal chewing (mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, etc.) Sorry I don't have any good info for you, but I do know how you feel. Just know that it will get better and feel free to respond if you need to whine again! Casey > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > I am trying to understand more about > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch of > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the first > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- home > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will they > give me? > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what do > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very bad > breath... > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about not > getting a cold before the op). > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but the > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know me > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic surgery? " . > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Okay. My first post. I am one week and two days post-op for upper, lower and genio. I had my braces for 10 months before surgery, so I had plenty of time to adjust to them ahead of time. First of all, I am MUCH better. Here's some info on what to expect. The first 2-3 days post surgery, you will need round the clock help, especially if not in the hospital. They should give you plenty of pain meds. While in the hospital, I was on morphine. I would advise you to start to take whatever pain med they intend to send you home with while in the hospital so that you will know how you react to it. I did not react well to Tylenol w/ codeine, so they sent me home with Lortab elixir. It's great. I found it too sticky and gooey, so I dilute it with water. I had surgery on Tuesday 11/23 and came home around 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. Thursday night was a little rough, and I was still waking up several times a night until Sunday night, when I slept through for the first time. I was very, very swollen, and a little concerned about being able to breathe. This was probably compounded because I had watched a scary ER episode shortly before surgery, and because I am missing 1/3 of my lungs due to lung cancer a number of years ago. I should not have worried. The nurses at the hospital monitored my oxygen sats carefully, and everything was fine. It is SOOOOO much better now. Even so, it would be very difficult for me to go back to work full time. I intend to go back part time next week. I have been able to do some stuff, but not much reliably. Eating and drinking take a long time and are still kind of messy. I am apparently in the minority, because I did not really like the Zip n Squeeze bags. I do, however, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their cookbook/recovery book. Well worth the money. I am also madly in love with long hot showers letting the water flood over my head. I put a folding aluminum chair in there, put washcloths in the seat, and I'm good. I'm getting over that as I recover. Good luck. You WILL get through it and be glad you did it. > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > of > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > first > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > home > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > they > > give me? > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > do > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > bad > > breath... > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > not > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > the > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > me > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > surgery? " . > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Okay. My first post. I am one week and two days post-op for upper, lower and genio. I had my braces for 10 months before surgery, so I had plenty of time to adjust to them ahead of time. First of all, I am MUCH better. Here's some info on what to expect. The first 2-3 days post surgery, you will need round the clock help, especially if not in the hospital. They should give you plenty of pain meds. While in the hospital, I was on morphine. I would advise you to start to take whatever pain med they intend to send you home with while in the hospital so that you will know how you react to it. I did not react well to Tylenol w/ codeine, so they sent me home with Lortab elixir. It's great. I found it too sticky and gooey, so I dilute it with water. I had surgery on Tuesday 11/23 and came home around 1:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. Thursday night was a little rough, and I was still waking up several times a night until Sunday night, when I slept through for the first time. I was very, very swollen, and a little concerned about being able to breathe. This was probably compounded because I had watched a scary ER episode shortly before surgery, and because I am missing 1/3 of my lungs due to lung cancer a number of years ago. I should not have worried. The nurses at the hospital monitored my oxygen sats carefully, and everything was fine. It is SOOOOO much better now. Even so, it would be very difficult for me to go back to work full time. I intend to go back part time next week. I have been able to do some stuff, but not much reliably. Eating and drinking take a long time and are still kind of messy. I am apparently in the minority, because I did not really like the Zip n Squeeze bags. I do, however, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their cookbook/recovery book. Well worth the money. I am also madly in love with long hot showers letting the water flood over my head. I put a folding aluminum chair in there, put washcloths in the seat, and I'm good. I'm getting over that as I recover. Good luck. You WILL get through it and be glad you did it. > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > of > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > first > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > home > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > they > > give me? > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > do > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > bad > > breath... > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > not > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > the > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > me > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > surgery? " . > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Hi Casey, It's reassuring to think of you having the same thing just after me. Sometimes you get to feel a little bit of a freak throughout this process so it's good to remember just how often this surgery takes place now. and how successful it is. I HATE the hooks! I was looking forward to a big steak on Saturday but now all i really like is soft things already!. Though I can tuck my lip behind the hooks and look really scary! i reckon i know all I need to know now. My surgeon said that I should really invest in a private Duty Nurse for the first day or so in hospital ( i get the sense that care in NYC can be a bit patchy) so I signed up for that today despite the expense. Good luck. Let's keep in contact and compare notes. i am trying out the diet over the next few days so I will let you know any discoveries. i think the support group should publish a Top 10 guide to the things you can ingest through a straw! perhaps that will be my contribution. On that score, anyone know if you can get a protein supplement for shakes that isn't flavored? I HATE chocolate and banana flavors. So guys, any tips on the perfect nutreitionally balanced drink.meal substitute? I had the Carnation one and it didn't do much for me.... D > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > of > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > first > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > home > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > they > > give me? > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > do > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > bad > > breath... > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > not > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > the > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > me > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > surgery? " . > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Hi Casey, It's reassuring to think of you having the same thing just after me. Sometimes you get to feel a little bit of a freak throughout this process so it's good to remember just how often this surgery takes place now. and how successful it is. I HATE the hooks! I was looking forward to a big steak on Saturday but now all i really like is soft things already!. Though I can tuck my lip behind the hooks and look really scary! i reckon i know all I need to know now. My surgeon said that I should really invest in a private Duty Nurse for the first day or so in hospital ( i get the sense that care in NYC can be a bit patchy) so I signed up for that today despite the expense. Good luck. Let's keep in contact and compare notes. i am trying out the diet over the next few days so I will let you know any discoveries. i think the support group should publish a Top 10 guide to the things you can ingest through a straw! perhaps that will be my contribution. On that score, anyone know if you can get a protein supplement for shakes that isn't flavored? I HATE chocolate and banana flavors. So guys, any tips on the perfect nutreitionally balanced drink.meal substitute? I had the Carnation one and it didn't do much for me.... D > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > of > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > first > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > home > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With drinking/pain > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > they > > give me? > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social context > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > do > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > bad > > breath... > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > not > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > the > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least is > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > me > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > surgery? " . > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Kathleen, Thanks for replying. your note gave me real reassurance as - I have had braces for 10 months - I will have upper/lower/genio - I am not exactly a teenager.... I really recommend the ZnS cookbook especially for giving to friends who are looking after you. I have no immediate family but a few really great friends who would do anything for me. reading that book has prepared them as well as me. I am going to buy an aluminium chair tomorrow - sounds like a great tip especially as I know from previous (non ortho) surgery just how a shower helps you feel better. Please keep posting. And thanks for your positivity. d -- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " Kathleen Skambis " <kskambis@y...> wrote: > > Okay. My first post. I am one week and two days post-op for upper, > lower and genio. I had my braces for 10 months before surgery, so I > had plenty of time to adjust to them ahead of time. > > First of all, I am MUCH better. Here's some info on what to expect. > The first 2-3 days post surgery, you will need round the clock help, > especially if not in the hospital. They should give you plenty of > pain meds. While in the hospital, I was on morphine. I would advise > you to start to take whatever pain med they intend to send you home > with while in the hospital so that you will know how you react to > it. I did not react well to Tylenol w/ codeine, so they sent me home > with Lortab elixir. It's great. I found it too sticky and gooey, so > I dilute it with water. > I had surgery on Tuesday 11/23 and came home around 1:00 p.m. on > Thanksgiving day. Thursday night was a little rough, and I was still > waking up several times a night until Sunday night, when I slept > through for the first time. > I was very, very swollen, and a little concerned about being able to > breathe. This was probably compounded because I had watched a scary > ER episode shortly before surgery, and because I am missing 1/3 of my > lungs due to lung cancer a number of years ago. I should not have > worried. The nurses at the hospital monitored my oxygen sats > carefully, and everything was fine. > It is SOOOOO much better now. Even so, it would be very difficult > for me to go back to work full time. I intend to go back part time > next week. I have been able to do some stuff, but not much > reliably. Eating and drinking take a long time and are still kind of > messy. I am apparently in the minority, because I did not really > like the Zip n Squeeze bags. I do, however, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their > cookbook/recovery book. Well worth the money. > I am also madly in love with long hot showers letting the water flood > over my head. I put a folding aluminum chair in there, put > washcloths in the seat, and I'm good. I'm getting over that as I > recover. Good luck. You WILL get through it and be glad you did > it. > > > > > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > > of > > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > > first > > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > > home > > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With > drinking/pain > > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > > they > > > give me? > > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social > context > > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > > do > > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > > bad > > > breath... > > > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > > not > > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > > the > > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least > is > > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > > me > > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > > surgery? " . > > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 2, 2004 Report Share Posted December 2, 2004 Kathleen, Thanks for replying. your note gave me real reassurance as - I have had braces for 10 months - I will have upper/lower/genio - I am not exactly a teenager.... I really recommend the ZnS cookbook especially for giving to friends who are looking after you. I have no immediate family but a few really great friends who would do anything for me. reading that book has prepared them as well as me. I am going to buy an aluminium chair tomorrow - sounds like a great tip especially as I know from previous (non ortho) surgery just how a shower helps you feel better. Please keep posting. And thanks for your positivity. d -- In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " Kathleen Skambis " <kskambis@y...> wrote: > > Okay. My first post. I am one week and two days post-op for upper, > lower and genio. I had my braces for 10 months before surgery, so I > had plenty of time to adjust to them ahead of time. > > First of all, I am MUCH better. Here's some info on what to expect. > The first 2-3 days post surgery, you will need round the clock help, > especially if not in the hospital. They should give you plenty of > pain meds. While in the hospital, I was on morphine. I would advise > you to start to take whatever pain med they intend to send you home > with while in the hospital so that you will know how you react to > it. I did not react well to Tylenol w/ codeine, so they sent me home > with Lortab elixir. It's great. I found it too sticky and gooey, so > I dilute it with water. > I had surgery on Tuesday 11/23 and came home around 1:00 p.m. on > Thanksgiving day. Thursday night was a little rough, and I was still > waking up several times a night until Sunday night, when I slept > through for the first time. > I was very, very swollen, and a little concerned about being able to > breathe. This was probably compounded because I had watched a scary > ER episode shortly before surgery, and because I am missing 1/3 of my > lungs due to lung cancer a number of years ago. I should not have > worried. The nurses at the hospital monitored my oxygen sats > carefully, and everything was fine. > It is SOOOOO much better now. Even so, it would be very difficult > for me to go back to work full time. I intend to go back part time > next week. I have been able to do some stuff, but not much > reliably. Eating and drinking take a long time and are still kind of > messy. I am apparently in the minority, because I did not really > like the Zip n Squeeze bags. I do, however, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their > cookbook/recovery book. Well worth the money. > I am also madly in love with long hot showers letting the water flood > over my head. I put a folding aluminum chair in there, put > washcloths in the seat, and I'm good. I'm getting over that as I > recover. Good luck. You WILL get through it and be glad you did > it. > > > > > > > > I will have upper/lower/genio on Tuesday. So I am fairly anxious. > > > > > > I am trying to understand more about > > > 1. Support after hospital release. I am single, with a good bunch > > of > > > friends who are going to rotate coming to stay with me for the > > first > > > two weeks. Yesterday, a doctor mentioned i might think about in- > > home > > > nursing to help me in the first couple of days. With > drinking/pain > > > management etc I guess. Any views on how useful this might be? > > > 2. How pain management works at home. What should I ask for/will > > they > > > give me? > > > 3. Oral care post-op. I am in a job that has a very social > context > > > and quite apart from the embarrassment of feeding etc (just what > > do > > > I do at a business lunch?!) I am concerned that i will have very > > bad > > > breath... > > > > > > (Quite apart from the general worry, I have become paranoid about > > not > > > getting a cold before the op). > > > > > > reading this back, I see a bit of a whine.... Excuse the moan but > > the > > > surgery dominates my mind at the moment and this group at least > is > > > one environment who ets it. All i get from people who don't know > > me > > > well is " Are you sure you need this? " or 'Is this cosmetic > > surgery? " . > > > not very helpful when yesterday they put the lugs on my braces.... > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Hello, Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon full time. I am feeling much better. Shauna > > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Hello, Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon full time. I am feeling much better. Shauna > > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Hi Shauna- I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, and my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much to do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole different level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery and when did you start regaining your strength? Molly > Hello, > Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon full time. I am feeling much better. > Shauna > > > > From: " datlamb " <datlamb@y...> > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 Hi Shauna- I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, and my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much to do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole different level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery and when did you start regaining your strength? Molly > Hello, > Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon full time. I am feeling much better. > Shauna > > > > From: " datlamb " <datlamb@y...> > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 > Hello Molly, I had my surgery Oct 26. I was in the hospital two days. I was eating from a syringe for about a week, then to soft foods. I tried my hardest to eat to keep my strengty up. I took a lot of naps. I went back to work part time at week 3, but was still pretty tired. It is now week 6 and I am going back to work full time. I feel pretty good. I would say at about week five I was feeling pretty good. Shauna > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri PM 03:07:53 GMT > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2004 Report Share Posted December 3, 2004 > Hello Molly, I had my surgery Oct 26. I was in the hospital two days. I was eating from a syringe for about a week, then to soft foods. I tried my hardest to eat to keep my strengty up. I took a lot of naps. I went back to work part time at week 3, but was still pretty tired. It is now week 6 and I am going back to work full time. I feel pretty good. I would say at about week five I was feeling pretty good. Shauna > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri PM 03:07:53 GMT > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2004 Report Share Posted December 4, 2004 Molly, honey -- you'll bounce back as soon as your body and jaws are ready, but there are some things you can do to help keep the process going. (I had surgery at 56, nearly 57. It took me a long time to get back, I admit, and I tried to do everything right. But that doesn't mean that you will need as much time, nor that you won't need more.) Soooo, the odds being what they are, do the best you can. Drink lots of fluids. Move around -- gentle walks, maybe -- but don't go running a big race, or trying to work out. Take the meds you're prescribed, and get as much rest as you can. Tend to your nutrition well, and be sure to nourish the healing. Stay in touch with your doc if you have problems, and just, in general, be careful! Not that you're really fragile -- one of my docs told me the only way I was apt to hurt myself was in a fall (and I am prone to falls for reasons not related to surgery)-- Hire some professional folks to help pack up and move your household -- and be sure that they (and you!) have good insurance that you can collect on. (You don't want to know how i know about that one.) Then you can supervise and free yourself for other responsibilities, including those to yourself! Cammie - In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " Molly " <jminchile@y...> wrote: > > Hi Shauna- > I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't > bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being > transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, and > my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much to > do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole different > level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery > and when did you start regaining your strength? > Molly > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 4, 2004 Report Share Posted December 4, 2004 Molly, honey -- you'll bounce back as soon as your body and jaws are ready, but there are some things you can do to help keep the process going. (I had surgery at 56, nearly 57. It took me a long time to get back, I admit, and I tried to do everything right. But that doesn't mean that you will need as much time, nor that you won't need more.) Soooo, the odds being what they are, do the best you can. Drink lots of fluids. Move around -- gentle walks, maybe -- but don't go running a big race, or trying to work out. Take the meds you're prescribed, and get as much rest as you can. Tend to your nutrition well, and be sure to nourish the healing. Stay in touch with your doc if you have problems, and just, in general, be careful! Not that you're really fragile -- one of my docs told me the only way I was apt to hurt myself was in a fall (and I am prone to falls for reasons not related to surgery)-- Hire some professional folks to help pack up and move your household -- and be sure that they (and you!) have good insurance that you can collect on. (You don't want to know how i know about that one.) Then you can supervise and free yourself for other responsibilities, including those to yourself! Cammie - In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " Molly " <jminchile@y...> wrote: > > Hi Shauna- > I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't > bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being > transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, and > my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much to > do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole different > level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery > and when did you start regaining your strength? > Molly > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 5, 2004 Report Share Posted December 5, 2004 Thanks Cammie for the kind and encouraging words. I am 10 days pre surgery and am having swings from being totally calm and looking forward to this being behind me, to panic (and thinking why did I start this in the first place?) But have to say that when I read posts on this board, I feel much better. With only few exceptions, it seems that everyone's experiences have been good. I guess my advantage here in Chile is that they are very conservative- I will be in the hospital 2-5 days (or longer if that's what I want- which I don't). I will be in a private room with private nurses assigned to me 3 shifts a day. This country doesn't have the medical care cost problems that the states is experiencing. In terms of care, they are patient-need driven, not insurance-coverage driven. So I'm really relieved that my worst days will be spent with a nurse attending to me. > > > > Hi Shauna- > > I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't > > bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being > > transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, > and > > my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much > to > > do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole > different > > level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery > > and when did you start regaining your strength? > > Molly > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 5, 2004 Report Share Posted December 5, 2004 Thanks Cammie for the kind and encouraging words. I am 10 days pre surgery and am having swings from being totally calm and looking forward to this being behind me, to panic (and thinking why did I start this in the first place?) But have to say that when I read posts on this board, I feel much better. With only few exceptions, it seems that everyone's experiences have been good. I guess my advantage here in Chile is that they are very conservative- I will be in the hospital 2-5 days (or longer if that's what I want- which I don't). I will be in a private room with private nurses assigned to me 3 shifts a day. This country doesn't have the medical care cost problems that the states is experiencing. In terms of care, they are patient-need driven, not insurance-coverage driven. So I'm really relieved that my worst days will be spent with a nurse attending to me. > > > > Hi Shauna- > > I am having this done at 46 and my main concern is that I won't > > bounce back as quickly as someone in their 20's. We are being > > transferred back to the US (we live in Chile) the middle of Jan, > and > > my surgeon said I would be fine to travel. BUT, we have so much > to > > do in preparation for the move (Int'l moves are on a whole > different > > level, afraid that I won't be up for this.) When was your surgery > > and when did you start regaining your strength? > > Molly > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2004 Report Share Posted December 6, 2004 Molly, I moved back to the States from latin america a few years ago and it was easier than I thought Do you have a moving company? are you moving furniture or just personal items? If you have movers it will be a piece of cake. Marsha > > Hello, > > Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told > me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I > had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon > full time. I am feeling much better. > > Shauna > > > > > > From: " datlamb " <datlamb@y...> > > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > > > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > > > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2004 Report Share Posted December 6, 2004 Molly, I moved back to the States from latin america a few years ago and it was easier than I thought Do you have a moving company? are you moving furniture or just personal items? If you have movers it will be a piece of cake. Marsha > > Hello, > > Don't worry about not being a teenager. Neither am I. My OS told > me people in their 60's have this done. I am 43. The main problem I > had was tiredness. I am still part time at work, but go back Mon > full time. I am feeling much better. > > Shauna > > > > > > From: " datlamb " <datlamb@y...> > > > Date: 2004/12/03 Fri AM 02:59:53 GMT > > > To: orthognathicsurgerysupport > > > Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: Imminent surgery > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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