Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , Make sure you have a humidifier, nose drops, saline drops etc. for your nose. the first 3 to 4 days are the worst. After that things get better daily. If possible have someone there to take care of you and prepare food for you those first few days. Your diet will depend a lot on if you are wired, or have a splint and bands. Ask your surgeon, if you know ahead of time it makes it a little easier to prepare things. If you are wired you will be on liquids. but with a splint and bands depending on how tight the bands are you can do some soft no chew food. I had scrambled eggs by day 3 and fish on day 5. I have a liquid diet cookbook if you are interested, send me your address and I will send it to you. It has some great ideas. Marsha > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , Make sure you have a humidifier, nose drops, saline drops etc. for your nose. the first 3 to 4 days are the worst. After that things get better daily. If possible have someone there to take care of you and prepare food for you those first few days. Your diet will depend a lot on if you are wired, or have a splint and bands. Ask your surgeon, if you know ahead of time it makes it a little easier to prepare things. If you are wired you will be on liquids. but with a splint and bands depending on how tight the bands are you can do some soft no chew food. I had scrambled eggs by day 3 and fish on day 5. I have a liquid diet cookbook if you are interested, send me your address and I will send it to you. It has some great ideas. Marsha > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , I know how you are feeling. My surgery date is also fast approaching (Oct 12 for me). I can't believe how fast the time for me as flown by. I think the key is to stay postive and not get too stressed out before surgery. I know I am definitly going to ask for valium or something the day of sugery, so I won't be so on edge before going in. Good luck Oct 5. I know you will do fine and keep me posted, so I know what to expect. > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , I know how you are feeling. My surgery date is also fast approaching (Oct 12 for me). I can't believe how fast the time for me as flown by. I think the key is to stay postive and not get too stressed out before surgery. I know I am definitly going to ask for valium or something the day of sugery, so I won't be so on edge before going in. Good luck Oct 5. I know you will do fine and keep me posted, so I know what to expect. > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and Vitamin C on a daily basis. Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have my Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week to get the rest of what I'm lacking. I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me through the last week and the morning of surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and Vitamin C on a daily basis. Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have my Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week to get the rest of what I'm lacking. I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me through the last week and the morning of surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , I'm surprised you said you're taking vitamin e and anti-inflamms prior to surgery. they are on my list of things to avoid for 3 weeks prior to surgery. they thin the blood and promote bleeding. especially with upper jaw surgery that tends to bleed a lot. you should check with the doc to make sure it's ok. I was told by the anaesthesiologist not even to take any herbals. Irritable bowl syndrome can be agravated by the antibiotics so be sure to replace the good bacteria that will get killed along with the bad. the anxiety you are feeling is normal and you will soon find it was all for nothing. so relax, take a deep breath and remember it'll all be in the past before you know it and you'll be on your way to the new and improved ! hang in there! eric - In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " ashdash_99 " <ashdash_99@y...> wrote: > Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . > > Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the > range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking > antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and > Vitamin C on a daily basis. > > Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week > after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have my > Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a > head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week to > get the rest of what I'm lacking. > > I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the > surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask > my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me > through the last week and the morning of surgery. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , I'm surprised you said you're taking vitamin e and anti-inflamms prior to surgery. they are on my list of things to avoid for 3 weeks prior to surgery. they thin the blood and promote bleeding. especially with upper jaw surgery that tends to bleed a lot. you should check with the doc to make sure it's ok. I was told by the anaesthesiologist not even to take any herbals. Irritable bowl syndrome can be agravated by the antibiotics so be sure to replace the good bacteria that will get killed along with the bad. the anxiety you are feeling is normal and you will soon find it was all for nothing. so relax, take a deep breath and remember it'll all be in the past before you know it and you'll be on your way to the new and improved ! hang in there! eric - In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " ashdash_99 " <ashdash_99@y...> wrote: > Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . > > Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the > range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking > antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and > Vitamin C on a daily basis. > > Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week > after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have my > Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a > head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week to > get the rest of what I'm lacking. > > I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the > surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask > my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me > through the last week and the morning of surgery. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , Vits post op are very important as is a fully balanced diet - but liquified to begin with. I took Bromalaine after my op which worked well to reduce swelling but there are lots of other options. I'm sure you'll be OK - the waiting is the hardest part. As eric mentioned good bactiera is vital for gut health. Your IBS will be suffering more from your stress than new diet - I found I was very happy with liquid food to begin with, the thought of solids at that time was not pleasent. Best wishes, B > > Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . > > > > Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the > > range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking > > antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and > > Vitamin C on a daily basis. > > > > Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week > > after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have > my > > Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a > > head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week > to > > get the rest of what I'm lacking. > > > > I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the > > surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask > > my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me > > through the last week and the morning of surgery. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , Vits post op are very important as is a fully balanced diet - but liquified to begin with. I took Bromalaine after my op which worked well to reduce swelling but there are lots of other options. I'm sure you'll be OK - the waiting is the hardest part. As eric mentioned good bactiera is vital for gut health. Your IBS will be suffering more from your stress than new diet - I found I was very happy with liquid food to begin with, the thought of solids at that time was not pleasent. Best wishes, B > > Thanks so much for your replies, Marsha and . > > > > Luckily, I'll be banded. I haven't had to wear a splint because the > > range of motion of my jaw is quite good. Instead, I've been taking > > antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer, Vitamin E and > > Vitamin C on a daily basis. > > > > Both my husband and my mother will be home with me the first week > > after surgery, so I will have constant care and attention. I have > my > > Zip-n-Squeezes ready to go as well as a couple of cookbooks, and a > > head wrap. I plan to do a major grocery/drug store trip next week > to > > get the rest of what I'm lacking. > > > > I think I'm pretty prepared, or I will be prepared by the time the > > surgery rolls around from a physical standpoint. I am going to ask > > my surgeon on Tuesday for some sleeping aids and Valium to get me > > through the last week and the morning of surgery. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , You're 100% normal. and right on schedule...even those of us who were very prepared and ready to go freaked out about 1-2 wks pre-op, so you are ok and right on schedule as to your recovery, diets can be modified, I hate shakes and really can't do a lot of milk, so I blended ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING I wanted to eat and I prob ate more and better then than a normal day...tasty too!! Your nose will be ok, not so bad that you can't get air thru...and you can get a spray, humidifier and keep propped up-those things will aid your brething too. If you are someone who is prone to panic attacks, definitely talk to your dr, as they may want to alter your meds for a while. Going under is no biggie, don't worry about that now...and the hosp, ask to have someone stay over with you...they willusually allow it no matter how old/young you are. esp if you have panic issues! promise. Take it easy and cry when you need to it's a great release, but keep talking even when you think you're being silly...get it out, it's healthy...and remember you're 100% normal in this group. Welcome and good luck...you're going to be smiling before you know it!! JO > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , You're 100% normal. and right on schedule...even those of us who were very prepared and ready to go freaked out about 1-2 wks pre-op, so you are ok and right on schedule as to your recovery, diets can be modified, I hate shakes and really can't do a lot of milk, so I blended ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING I wanted to eat and I prob ate more and better then than a normal day...tasty too!! Your nose will be ok, not so bad that you can't get air thru...and you can get a spray, humidifier and keep propped up-those things will aid your brething too. If you are someone who is prone to panic attacks, definitely talk to your dr, as they may want to alter your meds for a while. Going under is no biggie, don't worry about that now...and the hosp, ask to have someone stay over with you...they willusually allow it no matter how old/young you are. esp if you have panic issues! promise. Take it easy and cry when you need to it's a great release, but keep talking even when you think you're being silly...get it out, it's healthy...and remember you're 100% normal in this group. Welcome and good luck...you're going to be smiling before you know it!! JO > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , It's totally normal to be a little freaked out. I was in the same situation as you...I'd nevver even been to a hospital before...let alone have surgery done! I tried to make myself not think about it, because I know if I did...I'd get myself worked up. But everyone at the hospital really does a great job of easing your anxiety. They were all really reassuring. I think the worst part about the whole experience was the eating thing. I was never in like unbearable pain or anything. I got an infection around one of the incision areas which was painful...but controllable with pain meds. So pain was never really a huge issue. But it got kinda frustrating trying to eat and find things to eat. But if ya just tough it out for the first few weeks or so...it's pretty much downhill after that. Before ya know it, you'll be back to eating pretty much regular food again (no steak or anything for awhile though...haha). And I know everyone probably tells you the same thing, and you think that they are just telling you stuff to make ya feel better...because I thought the same thing before my surgery. But it was not as bad as I was expecting. I got through it just fine. And I have always had kinda a hospital- phobia. You'll be alright. Just don't let yourself worry too much. Tom > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 , It's totally normal to be a little freaked out. I was in the same situation as you...I'd nevver even been to a hospital before...let alone have surgery done! I tried to make myself not think about it, because I know if I did...I'd get myself worked up. But everyone at the hospital really does a great job of easing your anxiety. They were all really reassuring. I think the worst part about the whole experience was the eating thing. I was never in like unbearable pain or anything. I got an infection around one of the incision areas which was painful...but controllable with pain meds. So pain was never really a huge issue. But it got kinda frustrating trying to eat and find things to eat. But if ya just tough it out for the first few weeks or so...it's pretty much downhill after that. Before ya know it, you'll be back to eating pretty much regular food again (no steak or anything for awhile though...haha). And I know everyone probably tells you the same thing, and you think that they are just telling you stuff to make ya feel better...because I thought the same thing before my surgery. But it was not as bad as I was expecting. I got through it just fine. And I have always had kinda a hospital- phobia. You'll be alright. Just don't let yourself worry too much. Tom > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 Probably you will have some panic. You need to start preparing yourself to deal with it. Mind over matter, and all that. Also, tell your surgeon your fears. Remember, if you don't get enough air, you pass out. Then your body relaxes, and you start breathing again. I don't know of anyone who has ever suffocated during the recovery -- not even those tightly wired with a splint, too. Just let your brain take over from your sensations. You probably will not be satisfied by the diet, especially if you're to be wired. But you will also survive that. As for the IBS, I'm no expert there. If I were you, I'd ask for an advance (as much advance as you can get, anyhow) consult with the hospital dietitians while you can still talk, to find out what to do about this. And no. It is not so bad. You may have some bad days, when you think it is really, really awful. But you will get through them, I promise you. Just keep your eyes on the prize. Cammie > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 24, 2004 Report Share Posted September 24, 2004 Probably you will have some panic. You need to start preparing yourself to deal with it. Mind over matter, and all that. Also, tell your surgeon your fears. Remember, if you don't get enough air, you pass out. Then your body relaxes, and you start breathing again. I don't know of anyone who has ever suffocated during the recovery -- not even those tightly wired with a splint, too. Just let your brain take over from your sensations. You probably will not be satisfied by the diet, especially if you're to be wired. But you will also survive that. As for the IBS, I'm no expert there. If I were you, I'd ask for an advance (as much advance as you can get, anyhow) consult with the hospital dietitians while you can still talk, to find out what to do about this. And no. It is not so bad. You may have some bad days, when you think it is really, really awful. But you will get through them, I promise you. Just keep your eyes on the prize. Cammie > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 Hi -- I wanted to let you know that I am also having upper/lower/genio surgery on October 5. It is nice to know that someone is going through the same thing...at the same time! I am also getting a little nervous as the day approaches...more about waking up in the hospital, the anesthesia (I always get sick as it wears off), the swelling, etc. Having had SARPE last year, I am expecting a similar situation....it was no walk in the park, but wasn't horrible. Good luck with your surgery....try not to be too nervous...and enjoy your last days of solid food for a while!! If you feel up to it, update us on your progress! -- ashdash_99 wrote: Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and each day I grow increasingly petrified. I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading the most. It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? Thanks for any and all advice that you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 Hi -- I wanted to let you know that I am also having upper/lower/genio surgery on October 5. It is nice to know that someone is going through the same thing...at the same time! I am also getting a little nervous as the day approaches...more about waking up in the hospital, the anesthesia (I always get sick as it wears off), the swelling, etc. Having had SARPE last year, I am expecting a similar situation....it was no walk in the park, but wasn't horrible. Good luck with your surgery....try not to be too nervous...and enjoy your last days of solid food for a while!! If you feel up to it, update us on your progress! -- ashdash_99 wrote: Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and each day I grow increasingly petrified. I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading the most. It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? Thanks for any and all advice that you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 Dear , I am sitting here at 3am in the morning reading this message board being 4 days post op from upper being done. I also was a lurker here for the past year and a half, trying to learn everything I could before that day. I became a desperate fool wihtin the last week. I was supposed to originally have upper/lower with possible genio being done. I am swollen up to my eyes. I was in your shoes last week, being petrified out of my mind after never having surgery ever before in my life as well. The night before was the worst, and fell asleep after exhaustion. I was in fear as well of having a panic attack post op and am currently wired shut. They do leave a small amount of give in your jaw even when you are wired shut. I have to carry around with me wire cutters, just in case, and almost thought I was going to have to use them in the hospital. My doctor gave me some benadryl when he thought I was too anxious, and I did feel very anxious in the hospital. Just being kind of claustrophoc-like being wired shut. Learn some deep breathing techniques if you can before you go, and learn to go to another place in your mind along with the breathing. It does help. I am feeling better now, but the first 2 days were the worst. You do fall asleep if you let yourself relax enough. I relied heavily on my suction machine in the hospital, and have even gotten one for home use, because the drooling is annoying. Just keep towels around. The thing that annoys me most now is the pain medicine. Tylenol with codeine exlir is AWFUL!! It feels to me like it burns as it goes down, and I have avoided it if I can. My pain level is not that bad. It has only been about a 3 at the most on a pain scale of 0-10. Most of the time it has been a 1 or a 2, due to the numbness. It really does get numb, and you don't feel a lot of discomfort. I had a PCA of Morphine for 2 days post op, but didn't really use it that much, mostly just to make me relax so I could go to sleep. Vomitting was my biggest worry post op. Of course, I did it probably 8 times in the first 12 hours. It worried me so much pre-op about vomitting. My dh didn't tell me about how I vomitted up the blood immediately post op until today, when we came home. I don't even remember doing that, which is a good thing. Go slow with the liquids. I didn't even start eating till 2nd day post op, and really didn't have an appetite until then anyways. I was on clear liquids at that point and am still continuing that now, but can introduce foods that are already liquified, as my OS doesn't want me to start pureed foods yet. It takes forever to eat, but don't get discouraged, just keep plugging away. Taking a shower really helped post op day 3 to make me feel better. I am still recovering and have questions even now. I hope that this information helps. Pretty soon you will be on the other side, and everything will be ok. Trust in yourself and your OS, and soon you will be posting your experiences. Keep a journal. Good luck, Lyn > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 Dear , I am sitting here at 3am in the morning reading this message board being 4 days post op from upper being done. I also was a lurker here for the past year and a half, trying to learn everything I could before that day. I became a desperate fool wihtin the last week. I was supposed to originally have upper/lower with possible genio being done. I am swollen up to my eyes. I was in your shoes last week, being petrified out of my mind after never having surgery ever before in my life as well. The night before was the worst, and fell asleep after exhaustion. I was in fear as well of having a panic attack post op and am currently wired shut. They do leave a small amount of give in your jaw even when you are wired shut. I have to carry around with me wire cutters, just in case, and almost thought I was going to have to use them in the hospital. My doctor gave me some benadryl when he thought I was too anxious, and I did feel very anxious in the hospital. Just being kind of claustrophoc-like being wired shut. Learn some deep breathing techniques if you can before you go, and learn to go to another place in your mind along with the breathing. It does help. I am feeling better now, but the first 2 days were the worst. You do fall asleep if you let yourself relax enough. I relied heavily on my suction machine in the hospital, and have even gotten one for home use, because the drooling is annoying. Just keep towels around. The thing that annoys me most now is the pain medicine. Tylenol with codeine exlir is AWFUL!! It feels to me like it burns as it goes down, and I have avoided it if I can. My pain level is not that bad. It has only been about a 3 at the most on a pain scale of 0-10. Most of the time it has been a 1 or a 2, due to the numbness. It really does get numb, and you don't feel a lot of discomfort. I had a PCA of Morphine for 2 days post op, but didn't really use it that much, mostly just to make me relax so I could go to sleep. Vomitting was my biggest worry post op. Of course, I did it probably 8 times in the first 12 hours. It worried me so much pre-op about vomitting. My dh didn't tell me about how I vomitted up the blood immediately post op until today, when we came home. I don't even remember doing that, which is a good thing. Go slow with the liquids. I didn't even start eating till 2nd day post op, and really didn't have an appetite until then anyways. I was on clear liquids at that point and am still continuing that now, but can introduce foods that are already liquified, as my OS doesn't want me to start pureed foods yet. It takes forever to eat, but don't get discouraged, just keep plugging away. Taking a shower really helped post op day 3 to make me feel better. I am still recovering and have questions even now. I hope that this information helps. Pretty soon you will be on the other side, and everything will be ok. Trust in yourself and your OS, and soon you will be posting your experiences. Keep a journal. Good luck, Lyn > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 I also wanted to tell you that I have found the syringe with the Zip N Squeeze tubing on it to work the best for me post op. I just took the tubing off the bags and it worked great! It gave me more control over how much I was putting in my mouth compared to the zip n squeeze bags themselves. I use the 20 and 35 ML syringes. The nurses were really good at giving me more syringes to take home and the zip n squeeze bags. I really haven't used the bags much though, because the syringe worked better. Good luck again, Lyn > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 25, 2004 Report Share Posted September 25, 2004 I also wanted to tell you that I have found the syringe with the Zip N Squeeze tubing on it to work the best for me post op. I just took the tubing off the bags and it worked great! It gave me more control over how much I was putting in my mouth compared to the zip n squeeze bags themselves. I use the 20 and 35 ML syringes. The nurses were really good at giving me more syringes to take home and the zip n squeeze bags. I really haven't used the bags much though, because the syringe worked better. Good luck again, Lyn > Hi, everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite some time, but my > upper/lower/genio surgery date of October 5 is fast approaching, and > each day I grow increasingly petrified. > > I fear having a panic attack the first few days when I'm not able to > breathe through my nose. I fear not being satisfied by the diet that > I must follow. It's not so much an issue of growing hungry but the > issue of not enjoying what I am able to eat. I fear my Irritable > Bowel Syndrome symptoms will flare up causing my stomach to feel > horrible. I think the first few days to a week are what I'm dreading > the most. > > It just brings me to tears to think of how scared I am. I know the > end results will be well worth it, but having never been in the > hospital and never even been under anesthesia for surgery just has me > all in knots. Is it all so bad? Am I working myself up over nothing? > > Thanks for any and all advice that you have. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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