RE: my son having double jaw surgery

[Guest guest]

Tell your son that I will be thinking of him as I go into surgery the

same day, He will be fine. If he needs anyone to gripe to post-op I

would be glad to trade e-mails with him.

--

>

> Hello,

>

> My 17 year old son is having upper and lower jaw surgery on December

> 22 @ Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He has been in braces for over 3

> years and has had enough! He wants to have this surgery and get on

> with his life. I am hoping that some of you will send me some tips

> on how to make his life more comfortable while he is recovering. Is

> there anything that might make the steroid withdrawal less

> disturbing? I plan to buy a smoothie machine this week and would

> like some ideas for smoothies. Is it likely that he will sleep alot

> the first few days after coming home? How do I help him prepare for

> this? Please send any advice you have even if you think it might be

> minor - nothing is minor about this and every word will get my

> undivided attention.

> Thank you in advance for your help.

> Sincerely,

> Ann

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Tell your son that I will be thinking of him as I go into surgery the

same day, He will be fine. If he needs anyone to gripe to post-op I

would be glad to trade e-mails with him.

--

>

> Hello,

>

> My 17 year old son is having upper and lower jaw surgery on December

> 22 @ Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He has been in braces for over 3

> years and has had enough! He wants to have this surgery and get on

> with his life. I am hoping that some of you will send me some tips

> on how to make his life more comfortable while he is recovering. Is

> there anything that might make the steroid withdrawal less

> disturbing? I plan to buy a smoothie machine this week and would

> like some ideas for smoothies. Is it likely that he will sleep alot

> the first few days after coming home? How do I help him prepare for

> this? Please send any advice you have even if you think it might be

> minor - nothing is minor about this and every word will get my

> undivided attention.

> Thank you in advance for your help.

> Sincerely,

> Ann

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Ann

Up early so here would be a few basic essentials from my experience

(upper/lower/genio - 8 hours surgery, exactly a week ago today)

1. White dry erase board for communicating. It is essential. Carry it

with you at all time.

2. Bell for signalling that you need attention

3. Lots of Pillows to prop you up. I bought a foam wedge that raises

me at the back

4. Hand mirror/little mirror to look in as you feed. I have found my

progress has been really increased by watching what I do as i do it.

(you can also stop the drips more easily!)

5. Lots of plastic cups with a thin edge (not styrofoam). Everyone

finds their own best thing to feed on. I just couldn't work out the

Zip n squeeze bags and FOR ME (clearly not everyone) my morale

improved in using a cup. Ialso think it has helped my lip mobility.

But other options around to help you feed. Syringes, Zip n Squeeze

bags from the site. I would also say that the book from Zip n Squeeze

has been VERY useful both to me and in helping my caregivers

understand what this is about and making them feel confident. I have

realised just the burden on them in terms of responsibility they feel.

6. Water in liter bottles so you can see how much you are drinking

every day

7. I am only just on to blended things (I am wired shut)so other

people will help you with that. I am not really keen on " sweet "

things even before all the liquid meds are in " Cherry " or " Grape "

flavor so for me, I am experimenting with the best soup. For the

first three days I lived on Ensure (you must get that in) and clear

chicken broth that hd been strained. I found carrot juice good (OJ is

too acidic for me and for some reason grapefruit juice is banned - I

think it affects or breaks down medication)

8. Lots of clean T shirts cycling through. Again, my experience, but

I am drooling and when I feed, dripping stuff a lot and I have to

change my shirts regularly. I feel like a 2 year old

9. Baby toothbrushbut only after your surgeon says OK. For me that

was Day 6.

10. Salt water. Rather than buy saline solution, I have now big

bottles of it made up. For rinsing, irrigating etc - I use a lot of

it in a day. You can make it up on a cup by cup basis - it's nice if

it's slightly warm.

11. Pain meds. I can't comment here ( I am not sure my surgeon has

given me enough support in this area....) but sorting out what and

when is essential. Make sure you get this absolutely sorted before

you leave hospital

12. Plastic bowl to feed/rinse over. For me, I wanted to eat in the

family room/kitchen and I set up my area with water, bowl, mirror,

syringes etc.

13. Q tips and hydrogen peroxide. Other people have posted here on

this. I tried it yesterday. It is a good way (water and very diluted

hp) of loosening gently the mucus (which gets mixed with old blood)

in your nose. And when you do, breathing gets clearer.

14. Plastic garden chair for the shower. Not an essential but an idea

that worked for me. Following another post, I tried this and sitting

in the shower does feel good. The steam also loosens everything

gently (see above).

15. Little cloths you can use as a bib. I got very cheap white dinner

napkins and I use them at every feed. Still have to change the shirts

though.

16. Blender and a sieve. You say you are going to buy a blender.

Great. I found yesterday that the chowder also needed to be sieved to

make sure that all bits were out. I am sure you have one in the

kitchen.

17. Pad of paper kept as a diary of each day. I know this id gonna be

useful but every day i record

- meals

- drinks

- meds

- temperature

- pain level

- mood

and so on. From now I can alreday see that evenings are the worst for

me and knowing or seeing the pattern helps you understand more

18. Treats. I couldn't concentrate on anything much the first few

days but now I can, I have a store of DVDs which I am going to look

forward to and music, books etc. This whole thing is a big deal and

you need some rewards

19. Lots of encouragement. Sounds like your son will get this from

his mom but having my friends tell me I look better, am doing great

etc has really been important. I am not sure you can do much about

the steroid effect. t happems, it's well-documentted and in a way, at

least i had something to " blame " for my extreme emotionality. Lots of

patience with communication too. I know this is another area where

experience differs but, wired shut, I really can't speak and it takes

people time to listen to my attempts. You need to concentrate, lip

read and feed back what you think you've heard until you get there.

Also, I have found that lots of my friends almost think that because

I can't speak, I can't hear. I can! And I still want to be involved

in conversations. even on the phone where I can listen to them and

answer question ( " One grunt for yes....! " )

20. A few " flashcards " with core messages written on them. I worked

out therre were some things i was writingover and over and just wrote

each of them on a card. I am in a different situation to your son

(single, living alone, 40s) but having a card which said " I have

just had surgery and cannot speak at the moment " to show someone in a

store instantly got me help yesterday. I will post on this separately

but postcards with core messages you want to say are helpful. My

white board has an area I don't erase with the key things on it I

always want to say (water, meds, etc).

I guess I got to my top 20 for you. I bought much more stuff but this

is really the stuff I have used and found essential. as i read it

through, I guess I see there's nothing much new here (if you have

been on the site for a while). which really proves another importsnt

point. Lots of people have been/are going through this surgery every

day. There's no better place to have it (I am a Brit so I can say

that!). The first week is really rough (no-one can deny it) but you

will make progress. I just wish I had had the option to do this

earlier but at least, after years of difficulties, I will have this

solution for all of the rest of my life.

Good luck. he's lucky to have such a mom. Sorry if the post is long

but it's early and I got some speed up. And like the other guy, if

you or your son want to trade emails or if you have very specific

questions, whatever, let me know.

Just hope this has been of help to you

PS. The book from Zip n Squeeze is called The Healing Jaw and a

liquid Diet. My friend is now up and she said " recommend it highly.

it has given me so much information and confidence in looking after

you

In orthognathicsurgerysupport , Gallagher

<scottfly27@c...> wrote:

> Tell your son that I will be thinking of him as I go into surgery

the

> same day, He will be fine. If he needs anyone to gripe to post-op

I

> would be glad to trade e-mails with him.

> --

>

>

> >

> > Hello,

> >

> > My 17 year old son is having upper and lower jaw surgery on

December

> > 22 @ Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He has been in braces for over 3

> > years and has had enough! He wants to have this surgery and get

on

> > with his life. I am hoping that some of you will send me some

tips

> > on how to make his life more comfortable while he is recovering.

Is

> > there anything that might make the steroid withdrawal less

> > disturbing? I plan to buy a smoothie machine this week and would

> > like some ideas for smoothies. Is it likely that he will sleep

alot

> > the first few days after coming home? How do I help him prepare

for

> > this? Please send any advice you have even if you think it might

be

> > minor - nothing is minor about this and every word will get my

> > undivided attention.

> > Thank you in advance for your help.

> > Sincerely,

> > Ann

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Dear Ann

Up early so here would be a few basic essentials from my experience

(upper/lower/genio - 8 hours surgery, exactly a week ago today)

1. White dry erase board for communicating. It is essential. Carry it

with you at all time.

2. Bell for signalling that you need attention

3. Lots of Pillows to prop you up. I bought a foam wedge that raises

me at the back

4. Hand mirror/little mirror to look in as you feed. I have found my

progress has been really increased by watching what I do as i do it.

(you can also stop the drips more easily!)

5. Lots of plastic cups with a thin edge (not styrofoam). Everyone

finds their own best thing to feed on. I just couldn't work out the

Zip n squeeze bags and FOR ME (clearly not everyone) my morale

improved in using a cup. Ialso think it has helped my lip mobility.

But other options around to help you feed. Syringes, Zip n Squeeze

bags from the site. I would also say that the book from Zip n Squeeze

has been VERY useful both to me and in helping my caregivers

understand what this is about and making them feel confident. I have

realised just the burden on them in terms of responsibility they feel.

6. Water in liter bottles so you can see how much you are drinking

every day

7. I am only just on to blended things (I am wired shut)so other

people will help you with that. I am not really keen on " sweet "

things even before all the liquid meds are in " Cherry " or " Grape "

flavor so for me, I am experimenting with the best soup. For the

first three days I lived on Ensure (you must get that in) and clear

chicken broth that hd been strained. I found carrot juice good (OJ is

too acidic for me and for some reason grapefruit juice is banned - I

think it affects or breaks down medication)

8. Lots of clean T shirts cycling through. Again, my experience, but

I am drooling and when I feed, dripping stuff a lot and I have to

change my shirts regularly. I feel like a 2 year old

9. Baby toothbrushbut only after your surgeon says OK. For me that

was Day 6.

10. Salt water. Rather than buy saline solution, I have now big

bottles of it made up. For rinsing, irrigating etc - I use a lot of

it in a day. You can make it up on a cup by cup basis - it's nice if

it's slightly warm.

11. Pain meds. I can't comment here ( I am not sure my surgeon has

given me enough support in this area....) but sorting out what and

when is essential. Make sure you get this absolutely sorted before

you leave hospital

12. Plastic bowl to feed/rinse over. For me, I wanted to eat in the

family room/kitchen and I set up my area with water, bowl, mirror,

syringes etc.

13. Q tips and hydrogen peroxide. Other people have posted here on

this. I tried it yesterday. It is a good way (water and very diluted

hp) of loosening gently the mucus (which gets mixed with old blood)

in your nose. And when you do, breathing gets clearer.

14. Plastic garden chair for the shower. Not an essential but an idea

that worked for me. Following another post, I tried this and sitting

in the shower does feel good. The steam also loosens everything

gently (see above).

15. Little cloths you can use as a bib. I got very cheap white dinner

napkins and I use them at every feed. Still have to change the shirts

though.

16. Blender and a sieve. You say you are going to buy a blender.

Great. I found yesterday that the chowder also needed to be sieved to

make sure that all bits were out. I am sure you have one in the

kitchen.

17. Pad of paper kept as a diary of each day. I know this id gonna be

useful but every day i record

- meals

- drinks

- meds

- temperature

- pain level

- mood

and so on. From now I can alreday see that evenings are the worst for

me and knowing or seeing the pattern helps you understand more

18. Treats. I couldn't concentrate on anything much the first few

days but now I can, I have a store of DVDs which I am going to look

forward to and music, books etc. This whole thing is a big deal and

you need some rewards

19. Lots of encouragement. Sounds like your son will get this from

his mom but having my friends tell me I look better, am doing great

etc has really been important. I am not sure you can do much about

the steroid effect. t happems, it's well-documentted and in a way, at

least i had something to " blame " for my extreme emotionality. Lots of

patience with communication too. I know this is another area where

experience differs but, wired shut, I really can't speak and it takes

people time to listen to my attempts. You need to concentrate, lip

read and feed back what you think you've heard until you get there.

Also, I have found that lots of my friends almost think that because

I can't speak, I can't hear. I can! And I still want to be involved

in conversations. even on the phone where I can listen to them and

answer question ( " One grunt for yes....! " )

20. A few " flashcards " with core messages written on them. I worked

out therre were some things i was writingover and over and just wrote

each of them on a card. I am in a different situation to your son

(single, living alone, 40s) but having a card which said " I have

just had surgery and cannot speak at the moment " to show someone in a

store instantly got me help yesterday. I will post on this separately

but postcards with core messages you want to say are helpful. My

white board has an area I don't erase with the key things on it I

always want to say (water, meds, etc).

I guess I got to my top 20 for you. I bought much more stuff but this

is really the stuff I have used and found essential. as i read it

through, I guess I see there's nothing much new here (if you have

been on the site for a while). which really proves another importsnt

point. Lots of people have been/are going through this surgery every

day. There's no better place to have it (I am a Brit so I can say

that!). The first week is really rough (no-one can deny it) but you

will make progress. I just wish I had had the option to do this

earlier but at least, after years of difficulties, I will have this

solution for all of the rest of my life.

Good luck. he's lucky to have such a mom. Sorry if the post is long

but it's early and I got some speed up. And like the other guy, if

you or your son want to trade emails or if you have very specific

questions, whatever, let me know.

Just hope this has been of help to you

PS. The book from Zip n Squeeze is called The Healing Jaw and a

liquid Diet. My friend is now up and she said " recommend it highly.

it has given me so much information and confidence in looking after

you

In orthognathicsurgerysupport , Gallagher

<scottfly27@c...> wrote:

> Tell your son that I will be thinking of him as I go into surgery

the

> same day, He will be fine. If he needs anyone to gripe to post-op

I

> would be glad to trade e-mails with him.

> --

>

>

> >

> > Hello,

> >

> > My 17 year old son is having upper and lower jaw surgery on

December

> > 22 @ Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He has been in braces for over 3

> > years and has had enough! He wants to have this surgery and get

on

> > with his life. I am hoping that some of you will send me some

tips

> > on how to make his life more comfortable while he is recovering.

Is

> > there anything that might make the steroid withdrawal less

> > disturbing? I plan to buy a smoothie machine this week and would

> > like some ideas for smoothies. Is it likely that he will sleep

alot

> > the first few days after coming home? How do I help him prepare

for

> > this? Please send any advice you have even if you think it might

be

> > minor - nothing is minor about this and every word will get my

> > undivided attention.

> > Thank you in advance for your help.

> > Sincerely,

> > Ann

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it as

a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken soup

that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend the

night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery. I

can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the tips

were useful, ALL of them.

Love,

Ann

[Guest guest]

Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it as

a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken soup

that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend the

night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery. I

can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the tips

were useful, ALL of them.

Love,

Ann

[Guest guest]

Glad to be of help.

My view (but only mine) is that I would stay in the room with him. I

did not have a mom or partner there so I hired a private nurse. I was

on a step down ward with 5 patients to every nurse so there wasn't a

lot of constant attention and it was just great to have someone who

was there all the time, redoing my ice-packs, adjusting the oxygen

mask but really just there. Not sure you'll get a lot of sleep at

home anyway!!

What a great Mom you must be.

D

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

Glad to be of help.

My view (but only mine) is that I would stay in the room with him. I

did not have a mom or partner there so I hired a private nurse. I was

on a step down ward with 5 patients to every nurse so there wasn't a

lot of constant attention and it was just great to have someone who

was there all the time, redoing my ice-packs, adjusting the oxygen

mask but really just there. Not sure you'll get a lot of sleep at

home anyway!!

What a great Mom you must be.

D

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

About the docs: For one thing, they do so many of these surgeries

that I think some see them as routine. I had lower advancement, which

was certainly not child's play to me, but I believe my surgeon thinks

it's among thesimplest procedures he does in orthognathic surgery.

I'm sure he does many more complicated procedures every day.

Fortunately for me, though, he did brief me fully on what to expect.

Then, too -- I think some docs are afraid of creating self-fulfilling

prophecies. One doctor in another specialty even used that (or

something like it) as an explanation for his lack of extensive candor

in a rigorous but unrelated procedure. He was afraid that if we knew

what was ahead, we'd just give up! (I repeat, this had nothing to do

with orthognathic surgery.)

Some folks do lose a large amount of blood, but that's not

universally true. I lost very little. I think it is more likely with

procedures on the upper jaw.

And one other wonderful thing, I agree, is that no matter what time

of day or night you get frightened, frustrated, or just plain have a

question, we all have the internet now and you can just come online!

Usually there will be somebody around to give you an answer and

encouragement.

Honestly, I know how frightening and anxiety making the anticipation

of the surgery is. And it must be even moreso when the patient is

your child. But most people -- at least after recovery -- honestly

say that the anticipation was far worse than the actual surgery.

May this be the case for you and yours, as well.

Cammie

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

About the docs: For one thing, they do so many of these surgeries

that I think some see them as routine. I had lower advancement, which

was certainly not child's play to me, but I believe my surgeon thinks

it's among thesimplest procedures he does in orthognathic surgery.

I'm sure he does many more complicated procedures every day.

Fortunately for me, though, he did brief me fully on what to expect.

Then, too -- I think some docs are afraid of creating self-fulfilling

prophecies. One doctor in another specialty even used that (or

something like it) as an explanation for his lack of extensive candor

in a rigorous but unrelated procedure. He was afraid that if we knew

what was ahead, we'd just give up! (I repeat, this had nothing to do

with orthognathic surgery.)

Some folks do lose a large amount of blood, but that's not

universally true. I lost very little. I think it is more likely with

procedures on the upper jaw.

And one other wonderful thing, I agree, is that no matter what time

of day or night you get frightened, frustrated, or just plain have a

question, we all have the internet now and you can just come online!

Usually there will be somebody around to give you an answer and

encouragement.

Honestly, I know how frightening and anxiety making the anticipation

of the surgery is. And it must be even moreso when the patient is

your child. But most people -- at least after recovery -- honestly

say that the anticipation was far worse than the actual surgery.

May this be the case for you and yours, as well.

Cammie

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

And I forgot your two questions. For me, a stick blender and a Pyrex

measuring cup, in combination with a microwave, were all I needed. I

was not wired, nor tightly banded, though.

And about staying in the hospital: I also suggest that any patient

needs an advocate, at least until you discover the lie of the land.

We have had good experiences and bad ones, and everyone knows that

nurses and aides are harried, overworked and have to handle far too

much paper work. It may be that you will size up the situation and

conclude that all is fine. In that case, go home enough to get your

rest. But be sure before you leave that you do know the situation.

And if you have any doubts, stay!

Cammie

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann

[Guest guest]

And I forgot your two questions. For me, a stick blender and a Pyrex

measuring cup, in combination with a microwave, were all I needed. I

was not wired, nor tightly banded, though.

And about staying in the hospital: I also suggest that any patient

needs an advocate, at least until you discover the lie of the land.

We have had good experiences and bad ones, and everyone knows that

nurses and aides are harried, overworked and have to handle far too

much paper work. It may be that you will size up the situation and

conclude that all is fine. In that case, go home enough to get your

rest. But be sure before you leave that you do know the situation.

And if you have any doubts, stay!

Cammie

>

> Oh you are a wonderful group of people! I was not even through the

> first reply when I suddenly found myself reading through tears, I

> still am. I feel so much better after hearing from you all and you

> know who you are. I am wondering why the doctors did not give me

> more advice, maybe the are leaving it up to the nurses. Thanks to

> you all, I will be much more prepared to deal with this and be the

> best assistant I possibly can for Myles. He is 17 and a junior in

> high school, he does not want to miss much school so has decided

> that if he has to do this, now is the time. I hope he does not have

> negative feelings about Christmas for the rest of his life. It

> sounds as though almost everyone is thankful that they had the

> surgery and that is hopeful for me, maybe he will look back on it

as

> a positive turning point in his life. What is best, a smoothie

> machine or a blender? I am planning to buy a smoothie machine, but

> have a blender on hand (for my pina colada's, hee hee). We have a

> fantastic natural foods store here in Virginia Beach that I plan to

> visit for protein shake powder and soups. I make a mean chicken

soup

> that I think will taste just fine after being strained. He will not

> have his jaw wired shut, but will have plastic splints with

> additional support from rubber bands on his brackets. These are to

> be in place for six weeks. I am a wildlife rehabber (currently on

> leave) and am quite good with a syringe an/or eyedropper with a

> multitude of patience as well. I am also wondering about something

> else. I have asked and have been told that I am allowed to spend

the

> night in his room the first night after surgery;however, it is not

> recommended because I will need all the sleep I can get before he

> gets home. He will spend at least two days in the hospital, in fact

> the doctor said he may be able to come home the day after surgery.

I

> can't thank you all enough for your support - I feel 100% better

> than I did yesterday. The fact that there are so many of you that

> have done it, survived it and are happy you did it means so much.

> He has been getting procrit injections for two weeks and gets his

> last one tomorrow. This is to make his body produce more red blood

> cells as there is alot of blood loss during this surgery.

> I am off to buy supplies! Thank goodness we already have a lazy boy

> recliner! Keep on writing, I will be checking back with my new

> family, the orthognaticsurgery family on a daily basis. All the

tips

> were useful, ALL of them.

> Love,

> Ann