Re: Questions for Tom Pooler

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy. Yes it was a significant change and quite amazing to see

my lower teeth behind my upper teeth where they should be! Most of

the swelling was gone by 6 weeks. By 3 months I was able to eat

everything. I still have a pocket of numbness that puffs up for no

reason from time to time affecting my speech somewhat and others on

this board have comented they have a similar problem. It does force

me to annunciate more to be clearly understood. I was never in any

pain. None, zip, nada.

Well let me take that back. The last two days I was wired (9 days

total) I had a nasty feeling of intense pressure but as soon as I

was unwired that all went away. Also when I was unwired I almost

fainted a couple of times. The Dr said this is a normal reaction.

Overall I was amazed at my recovery and now my teeth fit together so

much better and I am very pleased with the results. My braces will

come off in the next few months and I have a feeling that the

numbness will go away after that. Why I think this I don't know but

just a feeling. I can feel with my hand where the titanium

connectors are on my jaw but they cannot be seen.

Follow your surgeons instructions religiously. Kaiser Oakland has a

wonderful education program where patients attend a one day class

and get educated about their surgery. The information that they

provide about what to do and what to eat were priceless. I also

gleaned a lot of good information from these boards and all the

members who have gone through similar operations. One thing of

importance, do not blow your nose until your surgeon tells you that

you can.

Get zip and squeeze bags. I bought two sets and that was enough. I

lost 12 pounds after surgery but have since gained it all back

(sigh).

My Surgeon, Dr Poor of Kaiser Oakland and his team, did a fantastic

job and I cannot thank him enough. My Orthodontist, Dr of

Sacramento, has done a fantastic job in moving and cajolling my

teeth to where the should be pre and post op.

>

> Hi Tom. I just read one of your posts and noticed that you had

the

> same surgery that I am tentatively scheduled to have this June. I

> looked up your photos and your post-surgery pics look really

great.

> Even through the swelling, I can see a big change in your lower

jaw.

> How long did it take for your swelling to significantly subside?

> Overall, how was your recovery?

>

> Thanks,

>

> Cathy