Re: 6 days post-op-warning, very long and whiny post!

[Guest guest]

I saw my OS today. He emphasised 's point about heat

- being great

- being MOIST not dry.

D

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> > finally

> > > > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw

reduced

> > > > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> > > brought

> > > > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight

> across).

> > The

> > > > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

> > supposed

> > > to

> > > > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

> > morning

> > > > of

> > > > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

> > this

> > > > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces

> for

> > 9

> > > > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

> > and

> > > > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad

> school

> > > and

> > > > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me

> how

> > > > awful

> > > > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks

> and

> > the

> > > > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> > pain. "

> > > > I

> > > > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I

> have

> > > been

> > > > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

> > now

> > > > that

> > > > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own

> advice

> > and

> > > > I

> > > > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for

> all

> > of

> > > > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

> > those

> > > > who

> > > > > have been there...

> > > > >

> > > > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain

> medicine

> > > and

> > > > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under

my

> > eyes

> > > > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

> > that

> > > > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> > Whenever

> > > > my

> > > > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still

end

> > up

> > > > with

> > > > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb,

> parts

> > > are

> > > > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at

> all

> > > and

> > > > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > > > swelling

> > > > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-

> green

> > > > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally

> look

> > in

> > > > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that

face

> > > > belongs

> > > > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

> > chore

> > > > and

> > > > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore

from

> > the

> > > > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up

> three

> > > > times

> > > > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I

> am

> > > very

> > > > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange

sensation

> > to

> > > > have

> > > > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

> > its

> > > so

> > > > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

> > time.

> > > > Not

> > > > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and

I

> > feel

> > > > so

> > > > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day,

> but

> > I

> > > > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > > > >

> > > > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time

> last

> > > > night

> > > > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and

> that

> > > > went

> > > > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've

> been

> > up

> > > > and

> > > > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I

> know

> > > > that

> > > > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

> > and

> > > > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> > > correctly

> > > > > for the first time ever.

> > > > >

> > > > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook

> going

> > in

> > > > to

> > > > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

> > Does

> > > > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are

> wired

> > > > shut?

> > > > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

> > sneeze

> > > > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

> > know

> > > > if

> > > > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

> > seems

> > > > > like the recovery is easier than most people were

expecting,

> > so I

> > > > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

> > such

> > > an

> > > > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

> > being

> > > > the

> > > > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

> > tone

> > > > in

> > > > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

> > than

> > > > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> > > through.

> > > > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> > written

> > > > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> > advice

> > > > > would be appreciated!

> > > > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

Colleen -- do what you want about Christmas, and you may be tired

enough that you will welcome being alone, relaxing in bed or a

recliner.

But yes, you have many more weeks and months ahead to enjoy

socializing. So I'd say, relax, and use the time for healing -- it

the pups will let you!

C.

> > >

> > > Hi all,

> > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> finally

> > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw reduced

> > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> brought

> > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight across).

> The

> > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

supposed

> to

> > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

morning

> > of

> > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

this

> > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces for

9

> > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

and

> > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad school

> and

> > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me how

> > awful

> > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks and

> the

> > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> pain. "

> > I

> > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I have

> been

> > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

now

> > that

> > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own advice

> and

> > I

> > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for all

> of

> > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

those

> > who

> > > have been there...

> > >

> > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain medicine

> and

> > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under my

> eyes

> > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

that

> > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> Whenever

> > my

> > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still end

up

> > with

> > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb, parts

> are

> > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at all

> and

> > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > swelling

> > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-green

> > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally look

> in

> > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that face

> > belongs

> > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

chore

> > and

> > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore from

the

> > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up three

> > times

> > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I am

> very

> > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange sensation

to

> > have

> > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

its

> so

> > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

time.

> > Not

> > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and I

> feel

> > so

> > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day, but

I

> > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > >

> > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time last

> > night

> > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and that

> > went

> > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've been

up

> > and

> > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I know

> > that

> > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

and

> > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> correctly

> > > for the first time ever.

> > >

> > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook going

in

> > to

> > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

Does

> > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are wired

> > shut?

> > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

sneeze

> > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

know

> > if

> > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

seems

> > > like the recovery is easier than most people were expecting,

so

> I

> > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

such

> an

> > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

being

> > the

> > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

tone

> > in

> > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

than

> > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> through.

> > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> written

> > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> advice

> > > would be appreciated!

> > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

Colleen -- do what you want about Christmas, and you may be tired

enough that you will welcome being alone, relaxing in bed or a

recliner.

But yes, you have many more weeks and months ahead to enjoy

socializing. So I'd say, relax, and use the time for healing -- it

the pups will let you!

C.

> > >

> > > Hi all,

> > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> finally

> > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw reduced

> > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> brought

> > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight across).

> The

> > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

supposed

> to

> > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

morning

> > of

> > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

this

> > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces for

9

> > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

and

> > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad school

> and

> > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me how

> > awful

> > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks and

> the

> > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> pain. "

> > I

> > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I have

> been

> > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

now

> > that

> > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own advice

> and

> > I

> > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for all

> of

> > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

those

> > who

> > > have been there...

> > >

> > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain medicine

> and

> > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under my

> eyes

> > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

that

> > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> Whenever

> > my

> > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still end

up

> > with

> > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb, parts

> are

> > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at all

> and

> > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > swelling

> > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-green

> > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally look

> in

> > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that face

> > belongs

> > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

chore

> > and

> > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore from

the

> > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up three

> > times

> > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I am

> very

> > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange sensation

to

> > have

> > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

its

> so

> > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

time.

> > Not

> > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and I

> feel

> > so

> > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day, but

I

> > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > >

> > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time last

> > night

> > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and that

> > went

> > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've been

up

> > and

> > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I know

> > that

> > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

and

> > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> correctly

> > > for the first time ever.

> > >

> > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook going

in

> > to

> > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

Does

> > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are wired

> > shut?

> > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

sneeze

> > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

know

> > if

> > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

seems

> > > like the recovery is easier than most people were expecting,

so

> I

> > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

such

> an

> > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

being

> > the

> > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

tone

> > in

> > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

than

> > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> through.

> > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> written

> > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> advice

> > > would be appreciated!

> > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

Are Fresh Direct soups something you can purchase online? I am

living in rural Missouri and have only Walmart to purchase

groceries - I was really hoping to find some good soups there

because I LOVE bisques - I am very jealous of your Christmas dinner

and you've got me thinking . Unfortunately we just don't have it

out here, so I am stuck with good old 's. I am going to buy

the Cheddar Cheese soup next time. I saw it in the store but thought

it sounded kind of gross, but I'll take your recommendation and give

it a try, I do like cheese. Anyway, let me know if the Fresh Direct

is something you buy online, thank you!

P.S. how'd it go with your tuna soup today and ranch dressing?

> > > >

> > > > Hi all,

> > > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> > finally

> > > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw reduced

> > > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> > brought

> > > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight

across).

> > The

> > > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

supposed

> > to

> > > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

> morning

> > of

> > > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

> this

> > > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces

for 9

> > > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

and

> > > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad

school

> > and

> > > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me

how

> > > awful

> > > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks

and

> > the

> > > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> > pain. " I

> > > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I

have

> > been

> > > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

now

> > > that

> > > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own

advice

> > and I

> > > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for

all

> > of

> > > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

those

> > who

> > > > have been there...

> > > >

> > > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain

medicine

> > and

> > > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under my

> > eyes

> > > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

that

> > > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> > Whenever

> > > my

> > > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still end

up

> > > with

> > > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb,

parts

> > are

> > > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at

all

> > and

> > > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > > swelling

> > > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-

green

> > > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally

look

> > in

> > > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that face

> > > belongs

> > > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

> chore

> > > and

> > > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore from

> the

> > > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up

three

> > times

> > > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I

am

> > very

> > > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange sensation

to

> > > have

> > > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

its

> > so

> > > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

> time.

> > > Not

> > > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and I

> > feel

> > > so

> > > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day,

but I

> > > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > > >

> > > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time

last

> > night

> > > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and

that

> > went

> > > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've

been

> up

> > > and

> > > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I

know

> > that

> > > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

and

> > > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> > correctly

> > > > for the first time ever.

> > > >

> > > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook

going

> in

> > to

> > > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

Does

> > > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are

wired

> > shut?

> > > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

sneeze

> > > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

> know

> > if

> > > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

> seems

> > > > like the recovery is easier than most people were expecting,

so

> > I

> > > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

such

> > an

> > > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

> being

> > > the

> > > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

> tone

> > in

> > > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

than

> > > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> > through.

> > > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> > written

> > > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> > advice

> > > > would be appreciated!

> > > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

Are Fresh Direct soups something you can purchase online? I am

living in rural Missouri and have only Walmart to purchase

groceries - I was really hoping to find some good soups there

because I LOVE bisques - I am very jealous of your Christmas dinner

and you've got me thinking . Unfortunately we just don't have it

out here, so I am stuck with good old 's. I am going to buy

the Cheddar Cheese soup next time. I saw it in the store but thought

it sounded kind of gross, but I'll take your recommendation and give

it a try, I do like cheese. Anyway, let me know if the Fresh Direct

is something you buy online, thank you!

P.S. how'd it go with your tuna soup today and ranch dressing?

> > > >

> > > > Hi all,

> > > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> > finally

> > > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw reduced

> > > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> > brought

> > > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight

across).

> > The

> > > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

supposed

> > to

> > > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

> morning

> > of

> > > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

> this

> > > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces

for 9

> > > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

and

> > > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad

school

> > and

> > > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me

how

> > > awful

> > > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks

and

> > the

> > > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> > pain. " I

> > > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I

have

> > been

> > > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

now

> > > that

> > > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own

advice

> > and I

> > > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for

all

> > of

> > > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

those

> > who

> > > > have been there...

> > > >

> > > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain

medicine

> > and

> > > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under my

> > eyes

> > > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

that

> > > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> > Whenever

> > > my

> > > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still end

up

> > > with

> > > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb,

parts

> > are

> > > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at

all

> > and

> > > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > > swelling

> > > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-

green

> > > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally

look

> > in

> > > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that face

> > > belongs

> > > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

> chore

> > > and

> > > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore from

> the

> > > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up

three

> > times

> > > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I

am

> > very

> > > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange sensation

to

> > > have

> > > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

its

> > so

> > > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

> time.

> > > Not

> > > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and I

> > feel

> > > so

> > > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day,

but I

> > > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > > >

> > > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time

last

> > night

> > > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and

that

> > went

> > > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've

been

> up

> > > and

> > > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I

know

> > that

> > > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

and

> > > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> > correctly

> > > > for the first time ever.

> > > >

> > > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook

going

> in

> > to

> > > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

Does

> > > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are

wired

> > shut?

> > > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

sneeze

> > > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

> know

> > if

> > > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

> seems

> > > > like the recovery is easier than most people were expecting,

so

> > I

> > > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

such

> > an

> > > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

> being

> > > the

> > > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

> tone

> > in

> > > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

than

> > > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> > through.

> > > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> > written

> > > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> > advice

> > > > would be appreciated!

> > > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

I am not sure whether Fresh Direct (a grocery delivery service) is

national but there must be soup on line somewhere. the bisque is

great. Clam chowda (whizzed, strained, diluted) is my other standby.

The tuna and avocado experiment looked just like that - something

that would get you a straight A in chemistry. But i looked at the

calories in Ranch dressing and they're so high I might slip them in

when i can.

I am now managing without protein drinks.

My problem at the moment is low body temperature. at times 9is this

as a result of low cal intake) it plummets to below 35. I will ask

the doctor about it but it just makes me feel a little tired.

david

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> > > finally

> > > > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw

reduced

> > > > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> > > brought

> > > > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight

> across).

> > > The

> > > > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

> supposed

> > > to

> > > > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

> > morning

> > > of

> > > > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

> > this

> > > > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces

> for 9

> > > > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

> and

> > > > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad

> school

> > > and

> > > > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me

> how

> > > > awful

> > > > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks

> and

> > > the

> > > > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> > > pain. " I

> > > > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I

> have

> > > been

> > > > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

> now

> > > > that

> > > > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own

> advice

> > > and I

> > > > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for

> all

> > > of

> > > > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

> those

> > > who

> > > > > have been there...

> > > > >

> > > > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain

> medicine

> > > and

> > > > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under

my

> > > eyes

> > > > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

> that

> > > > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> > > Whenever

> > > > my

> > > > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still

end

> up

> > > > with

> > > > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb,

> parts

> > > are

> > > > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at

> all

> > > and

> > > > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > > > swelling

> > > > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-

> green

> > > > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally

> look

> > > in

> > > > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that

face

> > > > belongs

> > > > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

> > chore

> > > > and

> > > > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore

from

> > the

> > > > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up

> three

> > > times

> > > > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I

> am

> > > very

> > > > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange

sensation

> to

> > > > have

> > > > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

> its

> > > so

> > > > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

> > time.

> > > > Not

> > > > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and

I

> > > feel

> > > > so

> > > > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day,

> but I

> > > > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > > > >

> > > > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time

> last

> > > night

> > > > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and

> that

> > > went

> > > > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've

> been

> > up

> > > > and

> > > > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I

> know

> > > that

> > > > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

> and

> > > > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> > > correctly

> > > > > for the first time ever.

> > > > >

> > > > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook

> going

> > in

> > > to

> > > > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

> Does

> > > > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are

> wired

> > > shut?

> > > > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

> sneeze

> > > > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

> > know

> > > if

> > > > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

> > seems

> > > > > like the recovery is easier than most people were

expecting,

> so

> > > I

> > > > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

> such

> > > an

> > > > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

> > being

> > > > the

> > > > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

> > tone

> > > in

> > > > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

> than

> > > > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> > > through.

> > > > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> > > written

> > > > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> > > advice

> > > > > would be appreciated!

> > > > > -Colleen

[Guest guest]

I am not sure whether Fresh Direct (a grocery delivery service) is

national but there must be soup on line somewhere. the bisque is

great. Clam chowda (whizzed, strained, diluted) is my other standby.

The tuna and avocado experiment looked just like that - something

that would get you a straight A in chemistry. But i looked at the

calories in Ranch dressing and they're so high I might slip them in

when i can.

I am now managing without protein drinks.

My problem at the moment is low body temperature. at times 9is this

as a result of low cal intake) it plummets to below 35. I will ask

the doctor about it but it just makes me feel a little tired.

david

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi all,

> > > > > I posted to this site a few times before my surgery and I

> > > finally

> > > > > had it last Tuesday, December 14. I had my lower jaw

reduced

> > > > > (osteotomy)and LeFort on my upper jaw (it was tipped so OS

> > > brought

> > > > > down the right side so that my upper jaw is straight

> across).

> > > The

> > > > > surgery was outpatient and the OS said that everything went

> > > > > beautifully and couldn't have gone better. Surgery was

> supposed

> > > to

> > > > > have taken 3 1/2 hours, and only took 2. I felt good the

> > morning

> > > of

> > > > > surgery, not too nervous and I was completely ready to have

> > this

> > > > > surgery (I've been planning on it for 5 years now, braces

> for 9

> > > > > months) and was just ready to get it over with. I was ready

> and

> > > > > prepared to be wired shut-its my winter break from grad

> school

> > > and

> > > > > have four weeks off from my job. When people would tell me

> how

> > > > awful

> > > > > it sounded, I'd just reply " oh well, its just a few weeks

> and

> > > the

> > > > > rest of my life will be that much better with so much less

> > > pain. " I

> > > > > was actually looking forward to some down time because I

> have

> > > been

> > > > > so busy for so many months now with no breaks at all. Well,

> now

> > > > that

> > > > > its time for recovery I don't seem to be taking my own

> advice

> > > and I

> > > > > feel a lot worse than I thought I would! Unfortunately for

> all

> > > of

> > > > > you reading this, I am taking this opportunity to vent to

> those

> > > who

> > > > > have been there...

> > > > >

> > > > > Where should I start? For one, I am still taking pain

> medicine

> > > and

> > > > > thought I wouldn't need it by now. Pretty much from under

my

> > > eyes

> > > > > and down hurts. There are times when I have a searing pain

> that

> > > > > feels like a stabbing in the jaw joint on the left side.

> > > Whenever

> > > > my

> > > > > body tries to yawn, I try to make it go away but I still

end

> up

> > > > with

> > > > > a shooting pain on that side. Parts of my face are numb,

> parts

> > > are

> > > > > sore, my skin seems to be peeling, I can't feel my nose at

> all

> > > and

> > > > > just can not beleive how fat and swollen my face looks. The

> > > > swelling

> > > > > is just huge and I feel like I'm carrying a giant yellow-

> green

> > > > > bowling ball around on my body. Every time I accidentally

> look

> > > in

> > > > > the mirror (something I try to avoid) I am shocked that

face

> > > > belongs

> > > > > to me. Because my jaw is wired shut, eating is just such a

> > chore

> > > > and

> > > > > requires so much effort. My throat is still really sore

from

> > the

> > > > > breathing tube and I am extremely congested. I threw up

> three

> > > times

> > > > > the second day after surgery and it was so horrible that I

> am

> > > very

> > > > > nervous it will happen again. It is such a strange

sensation

> to

> > > > have

> > > > > my jaw wired shut and I hate that I can never relax my jaw,

> its

> > > so

> > > > > uncomfortable with the muscles so tightly clenched all the

> > time.

> > > > Not

> > > > > being able to talk well is worse than I was expecting, and

I

> > > feel

> > > > so

> > > > > lazy just sitting around watching TV and napping all day,

> but I

> > > > > don't feel like I have the energy to do anything else.

> > > > >

> > > > > On the bright side, I slept in my bed for the first time

> last

> > > night

> > > > > (I've been sleeping on a reclining chair on the sofa) and

> that

> > > went

> > > > > pretty well, and this is actually the first morning I've

> been

> > up

> > > > and

> > > > > around before 9:00 am, so I guess I am making progress. I

> know

> > > that

> > > > > I will be extremely happy with the results when all is said

> and

> > > > > done, I can see how good my teeth look and my teeth meet

> > > correctly

> > > > > for the first time ever.

> > > > >

> > > > > I am wondering if anyone else had a very bright outlook

> going

> > in

> > > to

> > > > > this and then were suprised how difficult it actually was?

> Does

> > > > > anyone have any tips for relaxing your jaw when you are

> wired

> > > shut?

> > > > > Has anyone sneezed with their jaw wired shut? I've had a

> sneeze

> > > > > coming for days now and I keep willing it away, but I don't

> > know

> > > if

> > > > > it will stay away forever. From reading all these posts it

> > seems

> > > > > like the recovery is easier than most people were

expecting,

> so

> > > I

> > > > > feel like I'm being the world's biggest baby. I am usually

> such

> > > an

> > > > > optimistic, upbeat, active person and I am struggling with

> > being

> > > > the

> > > > > opposite right now. Anyway, I do apologize for the negative

> > tone

> > > in

> > > > > this post, it is unlike me but I'd rather vent to you guys

> than

> > > > > those around me who can't fully understand what I'm going

> > > through.

> > > > > Oddly enough, I am already feeling a little better having

> > > written

> > > > > this. Anyway, thanks for your time in reading this and any

> > > advice

> > > > > would be appreciated!

> > > > > -Colleen