Re: & for upper surgery

October 2, 2004

I just had a LeFort 1 osteotomy about 2 weeks ago. I got my wires

off last week (8 days post op), and have been banded since, but can

take them off to eat and to brush my teeth (thank goodness, they were

getting pretty hairy back there..lol!). I had an NG tube in my nose

for 2 days draining out all of the blood (yuck). They stitched it to

my nose, which was pretty painful when I moved. I guess I vomitted

up a lot of blood post op, but it wasn't enough that I had to have a

blood transfusion or anything. I had my dh donate blood for me pre

op (we have the same blood type), and I tried to donate for myself

but they couldn't get any blood (need dracula, I guess). I have been

on a liquid diet since then, I can eat liquified real food too after

I liquify it in the blender. I have even had liquified pizza and

turkey, with mashed potatoes and stuffing (not at one time), so it is

possible to eat the things you like.

My bite is limited still, and my ears ache as my ligaments are

stretched for my upper bite. I feel like the bands hurt worse than

the wires I had on. They pull tighter and it hurts to put them on

when I have to lift up my upper lip to do it. I still have numbness

from under my lower eyelids to my upper lip. The swelling has gone

down quite a bit, but there is still quite a bit left.

One thing I learned is that I liked using the syringes with the Zip N

Squeeze tubing on it better than the Zip N Squeeze themselves. They

were easier to control I think and easier to clean. I have moved

beyond needing them anymore and have been able to drink from a cup a

little better and eat off of a spoon (kind of messy like a baby

eating for the first time), but it is possible. It just takes a long

time to eat, but I think I eat faster this way than through a tube,

and I feel more satisfied. The first 2 days I had no appetite,

especially with the NG tube in, even when they would clamp it off.

I feel like my face has changed and looks different even though I

can't see the end result yet, due to the swelling. If you guys have

any more questions, just ask any. Good luck, Lyn

> Hi ... I'm so excited to have a surgery buddy

>

> My surgeon says I may have a splint depending on how stable my bite

> is after the plates are attached. I think what I'm having (excuse my

> spelling) is a LeFort 1 osteotomy ... moving forward as well as

> tipping the front down. I spoke to my surgeon today and he said he

> would leave the " diet " up to what I felt I could handle. I know I

> will be on liquids for a short while ... but I'm already dreaming of

> mashed potatoes lol. I told him that I have a " surgery buddy " and he

> asked where you live. I told him and he wanted to know who your

> surgeons are because he knows many from that area. I'm in San

> and my surgeons are Dr. Schmitz and Dr. Lemke. I call them

> my tag team and the surgery the main event lol. My ortho will also

> be there during my surgery just in case his input is needed.

>

> Nerves ... got those a plenty. I have generalized anxiety disorder

> and am having to come off all my meds for the surgery. So if you

> want to share nervousness I'll probably have plenty to spread

> around Feel free to email me directly if you want or we can

> chatter in the open and maybe help some people with the info.

>

> I go in on the 7th to have my surgical posts attached to my braces.

> My surgery will be on the 12th at 1pm CST. I'll be thinking of you

> and waiting to see how thing are going for you as well.

>

> Take care,

October 2, 2004