Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy and mood, I guess, are both low. It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on losing it at this rate. I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy and mood, I guess, are both low. It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on losing it at this rate. I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 I hear ya...getting pretty sick of this myself and I am just banded. Plus I think no one around me really understands how crappy this is. I can't talk, I can't eat, I don't really want to go anywhere... My other problem is I will probably go back to work and stand in front of 25 teenagers trying to get them to understand me. (I teach high school) Maybe you should get an Xbox That and my computer is what is keeping me going... Hope it gets better for you from here > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 I hear ya...getting pretty sick of this myself and I am just banded. Plus I think no one around me really understands how crappy this is. I can't talk, I can't eat, I don't really want to go anywhere... My other problem is I will probably go back to work and stand in front of 25 teenagers trying to get them to understand me. (I teach high school) Maybe you should get an Xbox That and my computer is what is keeping me going... Hope it gets better for you from here > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 , I understand the frustration that you're feeling right now. I don't know if you can / are allowed to, but I'd say now would be a good time to go out and have some fresh air. Go out, bring a digital camera and shoot some pictures, read a good book, visit some boutiques and shops. And, if you feel strong enough, go and have some drink at Starbuck's. Weight loss will eventually stop as your body's own defense system will not permit it to go beyond a certain weight, providing you're still eating reasonably (regularly and the same amount). I know this because I lost 14 pounds in about 2 weeks. And prior to that, I had lost 65 pounds in 2000 (on a weight loss program). Once you'll start eating normally again, all the weight will get back (and if I may say, some more could also find its way into your body, as an anti-starving measure taken by your body). Rant all that you want, this group is here to listen to you (and everybody else!). However, I suggest you make something positive out of this whole experience. I know, it's not the most easiest thing to do right now, but from my own experience and those of others before me, it's a good suggestion : take the time to do stuff you've consistantly set asside in the past. Clean some stuff that takes time (scaled models, for example), put order in your photos (if you have many), etc. Create your own Blog and post the address here Anything will do. The trick is to get your mind on something positive, which is return will help your body heal faster. If it helps you, feel lucky that you can take pain medication, even in small amount, I am allergic to every pill there is (except tylenol which is of little use for this surgery). While being at the hospital, I was given morphine and, lucky me, I developped an allergic reaction to that stuff as well!! I could take codein, but the dosage I received at home wasn't strong enough, so the hip was keeping me awake regularly. I had upper, lower, genio, bone from my hip transplanted to my upper jaw, and sinus work done at the same time. So, hang in there, the worst is behind, and your new you awaits you right at the next corner ;-) Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 , I understand the frustration that you're feeling right now. I don't know if you can / are allowed to, but I'd say now would be a good time to go out and have some fresh air. Go out, bring a digital camera and shoot some pictures, read a good book, visit some boutiques and shops. And, if you feel strong enough, go and have some drink at Starbuck's. Weight loss will eventually stop as your body's own defense system will not permit it to go beyond a certain weight, providing you're still eating reasonably (regularly and the same amount). I know this because I lost 14 pounds in about 2 weeks. And prior to that, I had lost 65 pounds in 2000 (on a weight loss program). Once you'll start eating normally again, all the weight will get back (and if I may say, some more could also find its way into your body, as an anti-starving measure taken by your body). Rant all that you want, this group is here to listen to you (and everybody else!). However, I suggest you make something positive out of this whole experience. I know, it's not the most easiest thing to do right now, but from my own experience and those of others before me, it's a good suggestion : take the time to do stuff you've consistantly set asside in the past. Clean some stuff that takes time (scaled models, for example), put order in your photos (if you have many), etc. Create your own Blog and post the address here Anything will do. The trick is to get your mind on something positive, which is return will help your body heal faster. If it helps you, feel lucky that you can take pain medication, even in small amount, I am allergic to every pill there is (except tylenol which is of little use for this surgery). While being at the hospital, I was given morphine and, lucky me, I developped an allergic reaction to that stuff as well!! I could take codein, but the dosage I received at home wasn't strong enough, so the hip was keeping me awake regularly. I had upper, lower, genio, bone from my hip transplanted to my upper jaw, and sinus work done at the same time. So, hang in there, the worst is behind, and your new you awaits you right at the next corner ;-) Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 , I understand and feel your pain. Xmas Day was so rough for me. I didn't post because I didn't want to be the grinch with all the positivity on this board at that time, but man did that suck! I was at a family get together for nearly 8 hours that day, and they didn't have one thing I could eat. They are pretty extended family, so they didn't know I had even had surgery, so I don't blame them, but still, it was very hard. I was there with my brother and my dad, who obviously know my situation, and they didn't seem to understand how frustrated I was getting (and hungry too!). And about new years...I have a couple different options for the night at this point, but I'll share a lesson I learned last week. Since surgery I have very little tolerance for alcohol. It's probably a combination of the weight loss (I'm down to 120) and the liquid diet, but geeeeeeeez. Two drinks and I was out, and I'm not on any pain meds or anything anymore. And they were the same two types of drinks I had like 2 weeks before surgery, and I was fine then! So, be careful surgery buddies! What does your OS say about your weight loss? Mine said he would start to worry if I lost more than 15 pounds, but I'm a small female, so perhaps its different for you. Does he have any suggestions? My swelling is still going down. Looks like I'm more swollen on the right than the left now. And still numb too. Still can't feel the right side of my nose or my palate at all. I think I burned my palate on some mashed potatoes last night, but can't really tell for sure! I don't really have tingles that much in either area anymore. Does feel like a cat hair from one of my two cats is tickling my nose all the time though! As for filling my days, I'm still trying to catch up on all of the magazine reading that piles up during the semester at school for me. I'm up to the December issue of Cosmo now My friend loaned me Cujo and Dreamcatcher by King for when I finish my magazine reading. And video games are great too! I got a few new games for my PC and Playstation that keep me busy. I've gone out to see some movies too, which has been good. And there are still some movies I want to borrow from the video store or library in the next few weeks too. Hang in there...we'll make it through together. Rant away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 , I understand and feel your pain. Xmas Day was so rough for me. I didn't post because I didn't want to be the grinch with all the positivity on this board at that time, but man did that suck! I was at a family get together for nearly 8 hours that day, and they didn't have one thing I could eat. They are pretty extended family, so they didn't know I had even had surgery, so I don't blame them, but still, it was very hard. I was there with my brother and my dad, who obviously know my situation, and they didn't seem to understand how frustrated I was getting (and hungry too!). And about new years...I have a couple different options for the night at this point, but I'll share a lesson I learned last week. Since surgery I have very little tolerance for alcohol. It's probably a combination of the weight loss (I'm down to 120) and the liquid diet, but geeeeeeeez. Two drinks and I was out, and I'm not on any pain meds or anything anymore. And they were the same two types of drinks I had like 2 weeks before surgery, and I was fine then! So, be careful surgery buddies! What does your OS say about your weight loss? Mine said he would start to worry if I lost more than 15 pounds, but I'm a small female, so perhaps its different for you. Does he have any suggestions? My swelling is still going down. Looks like I'm more swollen on the right than the left now. And still numb too. Still can't feel the right side of my nose or my palate at all. I think I burned my palate on some mashed potatoes last night, but can't really tell for sure! I don't really have tingles that much in either area anymore. Does feel like a cat hair from one of my two cats is tickling my nose all the time though! As for filling my days, I'm still trying to catch up on all of the magazine reading that piles up during the semester at school for me. I'm up to the December issue of Cosmo now My friend loaned me Cujo and Dreamcatcher by King for when I finish my magazine reading. And video games are great too! I got a few new games for my PC and Playstation that keep me busy. I've gone out to see some movies too, which has been good. And there are still some movies I want to borrow from the video store or library in the next few weeks too. Hang in there...we'll make it through together. Rant away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 Oh man -- I know how you feel (Oct 5th upper/lower-- tightly banded with splint for 6 weeks!) but I'll give you the advice I got, and althought I didn't believe it, here it goes. Things will get better! I just hope you don't need a second surgery like I do... -Blake > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 Oh man -- I know how you feel (Oct 5th upper/lower-- tightly banded with splint for 6 weeks!) but I'll give you the advice I got, and althought I didn't believe it, here it goes. Things will get better! I just hope you don't need a second surgery like I do... -Blake > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 Hey , The whole eating thing is really frustrating me too, I think everyone hear is with you on that. I am not wired but I am banded (upper and lower) and I cannot open my mouth enough to get in anything but liquids that fall off a spoon into my mouth (this method takes forever!!). I just saw my OS today for my one week checkup and he said I could have anything I didn't have to chew that wouldn't cause me to choke. I was really excited because prior to this visit I was told I could only have clear liquids (boost breeze is really really gross). Unfortunately, when I got home I was soo excited to try to get some pasta ( tiny stars called pastina) down but I just couldn't get it into my mouth. It was very disappointing. Worst of all anytime I do get something in my mouth half of the time it gets stuck under my splint so I spend the next 10 minutes trying to " fish " it out with my toungue. SO, I guess I will just stick to liquids for now until I get my mouth open enough. I hope that you are feeling better tomorrow. I went out to the store today and even though I did get some stares it felt good to get out of the house. Sometimes the being in the same place for long periods of time can make you feel really depressed (I know that I get that way) so you should get out even if it is just for a ride in the car. Take care and feel better, we are all hear for you, > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2004 Report Share Posted December 29, 2004 Hey , The whole eating thing is really frustrating me too, I think everyone hear is with you on that. I am not wired but I am banded (upper and lower) and I cannot open my mouth enough to get in anything but liquids that fall off a spoon into my mouth (this method takes forever!!). I just saw my OS today for my one week checkup and he said I could have anything I didn't have to chew that wouldn't cause me to choke. I was really excited because prior to this visit I was told I could only have clear liquids (boost breeze is really really gross). Unfortunately, when I got home I was soo excited to try to get some pasta ( tiny stars called pastina) down but I just couldn't get it into my mouth. It was very disappointing. Worst of all anytime I do get something in my mouth half of the time it gets stuck under my splint so I spend the next 10 minutes trying to " fish " it out with my toungue. SO, I guess I will just stick to liquids for now until I get my mouth open enough. I hope that you are feeling better tomorrow. I went out to the store today and even though I did get some stares it felt good to get out of the house. Sometimes the being in the same place for long periods of time can make you feel really depressed (I know that I get that way) so you should get out even if it is just for a ride in the car. Take care and feel better, we are all hear for you, > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2004 Report Share Posted December 30, 2004 I am really sorry you're feeling so rotten, . I imagine when you're wired shut the length of time you are, you stay in the immediate post-op state of mind much longer. I was miserable for the first week and a half when I was banded, bruised, and swollen. Things turned around considerably when I was switched to looser bands and could start eating soft food. I have put back 4 of the 10 lbs I lost and can sleep through the night on most nights. You'll get there. It will just take a little longer. On the bright side, your jaw will be the most stable of any of us. And if you need a laugh, check out my photos. Days 2 & 3 are particularly hilarious! take care, Maddie > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2004 Report Share Posted December 30, 2004 I am really sorry you're feeling so rotten, . I imagine when you're wired shut the length of time you are, you stay in the immediate post-op state of mind much longer. I was miserable for the first week and a half when I was banded, bruised, and swollen. Things turned around considerably when I was switched to looser bands and could start eating soft food. I have put back 4 of the 10 lbs I lost and can sleep through the night on most nights. You'll get there. It will just take a little longer. On the bright side, your jaw will be the most stable of any of us. And if you need a laugh, check out my photos. Days 2 & 3 are particularly hilarious! take care, Maddie > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > losing it at this rate. > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2004 Report Share Posted December 30, 2004 Thanks maddie, I think I am having all my bad days at once. Day started well as my OS said that in his opinion, I am well ahead of where I should be. Also, he said he was entirely happy with my oral hygiene (I have been paranoid about this). All good stuff. Then I came home and got stuck in the elevator (I live in a house with 4 apartments). Everyone else was away so no immediate response when I pressed the alarm. There's a phone in there but I can't speak comprehensibly and I couldn't remember people's numbers. Waited 1 hr 45 before someone came home. Underlines the need to carry a mobile (I didn't) and have some short-code emergency response so that friends know you need help. Anyhow, made me a little shaky. So, I have decided these are just the closing moments of a bad year....! D > > > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > > losing it at this rate. > > > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 2004 Report Share Posted December 30, 2004 Thanks maddie, I think I am having all my bad days at once. Day started well as my OS said that in his opinion, I am well ahead of where I should be. Also, he said he was entirely happy with my oral hygiene (I have been paranoid about this). All good stuff. Then I came home and got stuck in the elevator (I live in a house with 4 apartments). Everyone else was away so no immediate response when I pressed the alarm. There's a phone in there but I can't speak comprehensibly and I couldn't remember people's numbers. Waited 1 hr 45 before someone came home. Underlines the need to carry a mobile (I didn't) and have some short-code emergency response so that friends know you need help. Anyhow, made me a little shaky. So, I have decided these are just the closing moments of a bad year....! D > > > > I am three weeks and one day after upper, lower and genio. And > > completely miserable. Wired shut so I can only manage liquids that > > have been strained. And (they never told me this part...) still with > > almost no ability to speak; good friends kind of " get it " by > > recognising speech inflexions but silence is the norm. On Xmas Day, I > > just sat around the table. I guess New Year's isn't going to be great. > > > > From the beginning, my surgeon has been very strict on pain meds. As > > in nothing stronger than Children's Ibuprofen... I am not in real > > pain now but the aching and tingling, together with the sleeping > > position combine to give me very poor quality of sleep. So my energy > > and mood, I guess, are both low. > > > > It is a struggle to maintain great oral hygiene but I go through all > > the stages after each meal (I am trying to eat 6 small things a day). > > But the whole prcess means that during the day I am never far from > > some aspect of the ritual. I have lost 18 lbs in slightly fewer days > > and whilst I consciously bulked up before surgery, I can't go on > > losing it at this rate. > > > > I know (endless people tell me) that I have been lucky because my > > swelling was low and subsided quickly. But I am worried (as everyone > > is, I guess) about the areas where I have very little sensation. My > > gums, my chin (it's very difficult to shave). And my lips which are > > very asymmetrical - I think the muscles must be healing/relaxing in > > different ways as my mouth is pulled open to one side slightly. > > > > My friends all go back to work next week so my days are going to be > > long. It's impossible for me to go back to my work wired shut (I work > > in the media) - there would only be a fraction of my job that I could > > do and people's patience would wear pretty thin. > > > > No questions here, just one long rant. I know I should be thinking > > that I am half-way through the 6 weeks of being wired but 3 more > > weeks is the only thing I can think today. Guess I just hit the wall. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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