Re: One Week post-op appt with surgeon- to Fran & everyone

[Guest guest]

Katja,

I am so glad to hear you are feeling better. You did the right thing

with your medicine mishap! Now thankfully because of you the

residents will be more prepared to treat the next patient. An itchy

rash on top of everything else would be awful so I'm glad you're over

that! You sound like you really feel better.

I know what you mean by looking well so the significant other thinks

you must feel fine! Last Friday when I got home from work my husband

had cleaned " part " of the house! I was so happy, then I got to the

kitchen which was a disaster. My husband said, " I was saving that

part for you " . I was so tired I just went and sat on my daughters

bed and nearly started crying! He came in and was shocked. He asked

what was wrong and I told him how tired I felt. He said he was

joking and ran in to finish cleaning. He also was planning for us to

go to a sit down dinner wedding shower. He cancelled that realizing

it wouldn't be so fun for me! I guess when you look great others

assume you can do everything you did before! Hang in there it sounds

like you are healing well and being cautious not to overdo it!

Jane

>

> Hi Everyone,

> This past Thursday, after my miserable breakdown, I had my one

week

> post op appt. with my surgeon. I got the stitches from my cheeks

> removed and I was banded at the appt... one super heavy duty

> rubberband on each side- stretched around like a big square.

> Definitely had a headache that night! Anyway, he said everything

> looked really good and that all the bones are right where they need

> to be. He couldn't believe that I wasn't more swollen and bruised

> than I was. I'm very fair, so he was convinced that I would be

> horribly enlarged and multicolored. I really wasn't and by today

> almost all the obvious swelling and discoloration is gone. Except

for

> those who know me well, you can't really tell I've had surgery

> (unless I open my mouth to speak). Hard because I think people

judge

> how well you're doing by your appearance. Now that I look fine... I

> must feel fine as well, right?!?! Yeah! Sure..... My boyfriend,

in

> all his wonderfulness , asked me today why I was so tired. I had

> gotten a good night's rest the night before, hadn't I?? I asked him

> how many bones in my face were broken?! and how fast did he think

> they would heal?! and if the body is trying to heal itself, isn't

it

> more likely to be very taxed and pretty (damned) tired!?!?!? He was

> very dear and cute- just totally didn't realize cause I APPEAR like

> I'm doing so much better, that why would I be tired and all....

Just

> the same, it is nice to feel human again (for the most part

anyway!)

>

> So I mentioned again to the doctor about the little fiasco with the

> discharge instructions. It WAS, as I suspected, the responsibility

of

> the resident. I guess the resident taking care of my discharge was

a

> first year and not yet up to speed. They didn't know he wasn't up

to

> speed until this all happened, but the doctor had already spoken to

> all his residents about what had happened by the time I had my

appt.

> with him. Because of what happened with me they are putting

together

> a standardized sheet to be given out. I would have thought they

> already had one, but oh well. At least this will help others in the

> future. I was surprised and pleased that he had already discussed

the

> matter with the residents by the time I met with him only two days

> later after it all happened. I'm glad he didn't just put it aside

or

> anything. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

>

> At this point,I'm weaned down to just aleve 3pills twice a day

> granted.... but I'm getting there slowly. Still really numb though-

> Dr said all the nerves are their and intact and fine... just will

> take a while to come back. My nose has stopped running for the most

> part. I can drink out of a glass again. Yea! I'm not drooling

(except

> when I'm sleeping! Then it becomes drool me a river...) My lips

have

> had a lot of discomfort however... I carry around a lip balm jar

> EVERYWHERE. I can't remember what else....

>

> Apparently I am a first for the surgeon too!! After 26 years in

OMFS,

> I am the first person he's had react allergically to the

medication.

> He suspects it was the antibiotic. I don't know! But my ultra-itchy

> rash is FINALLY going away!! Thank goodness!

>

> Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what happened at that

> appointment. Thank you again to everyone who was so supportive.

It's

> finally going a lot better for me. I can't believe it hasn't even

> been two weeks yet! Take care all, Katja

>

> PS How are you doing Bob from 3/8???? Haven't heard from you in a

> while!! Graduated to auto racing??

[Guest guest]

Hi Katja,

I am really glad it went so well for you. And I agree that it is a

good sign that the surgeon has revamped the program so that the meds

fiasco doesn't happen to someone else. And I am glad you are

through that part so that you aren't still having that kind of pain

and discomfort. You are right though, it is good to know that won't

happen to anyone else.

It is always difficult after any surgery for loved ones to be aware

of just how much recovery takes out of you. I recently had a

cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica (great experience by the way), and

stayed at a recovery retreat for two weeks post op. I went alone,

leaving DH and sons at home. It was the BEST decision I have ever

made! I had people taking care of my needs, but had lots of alone

time to just sleep and rest. I watched oodles of HGTV (my

favorite), and by the time I came home, I looked fine and felt

rested and okay. I wish retreats were available here too! They

would be well worth the money!

But it sounds like you have assertiveness down pat, and can deal

with any annoying mis steps that come up! lol I am really glad

things seem to be brightening up for you. Thanks for getting back

to us too!

Hugs,

Fran

>

> Hi Everyone,

> This past Thursday, after my miserable breakdown, I had my one

week

> post op appt. with my surgeon. I got the stitches from my cheeks

> removed and I was banded at the appt... one super heavy duty

> rubberband on each side- stretched around like a big square.

> Definitely had a headache that night! Anyway, he said everything

> looked really good and that all the bones are right where they

need

> to be. He couldn't believe that I wasn't more swollen and bruised

> than I was. I'm very fair, so he was convinced that I would be

> horribly enlarged and multicolored. I really wasn't and by today

> almost all the obvious swelling and discoloration is gone. Except

for

> those who know me well, you can't really tell I've had surgery

> (unless I open my mouth to speak). Hard because I think people

judge

> how well you're doing by your appearance. Now that I look fine...

I

> must feel fine as well, right?!?! Yeah! Sure..... My boyfriend,

in

> all his wonderfulness , asked me today why I was so tired. I had

> gotten a good night's rest the night before, hadn't I?? I asked

him

> how many bones in my face were broken?! and how fast did he think

> they would heal?! and if the body is trying to heal itself, isn't

it

> more likely to be very taxed and pretty (damned) tired!?!?!? He

was

> very dear and cute- just totally didn't realize cause I APPEAR

like

> I'm doing so much better, that why would I be tired and all....

Just

> the same, it is nice to feel human again (for the most part

anyway!)

>

> So I mentioned again to the doctor about the little fiasco with

the

> discharge instructions. It WAS, as I suspected, the responsibility

of

> the resident. I guess the resident taking care of my discharge was

a

> first year and not yet up to speed. They didn't know he wasn't up

to

> speed until this all happened, but the doctor had already spoken

to

> all his residents about what had happened by the time I had my

appt.

> with him. Because of what happened with me they are putting

together

> a standardized sheet to be given out. I would have thought they

> already had one, but oh well. At least this will help others in

the

> future. I was surprised and pleased that he had already discussed

the

> matter with the residents by the time I met with him only two days

> later after it all happened. I'm glad he didn't just put it aside

or

> anything. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

>

> At this point,I'm weaned down to just aleve 3pills twice a day

> granted.... but I'm getting there slowly. Still really numb though-

> Dr said all the nerves are their and intact and fine... just will

> take a while to come back. My nose has stopped running for the

most

> part. I can drink out of a glass again. Yea! I'm not drooling

(except

> when I'm sleeping! Then it becomes drool me a river...) My lips

have

> had a lot of discomfort however... I carry around a lip balm jar

> EVERYWHERE. I can't remember what else....

>

> Apparently I am a first for the surgeon too!! After 26 years in

OMFS,

> I am the first person he's had react allergically to the

medication.

> He suspects it was the antibiotic. I don't know! But my ultra-

itchy

> rash is FINALLY going away!! Thank goodness!

>

> Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what happened at that

> appointment. Thank you again to everyone who was so supportive.

It's

> finally going a lot better for me. I can't believe it hasn't even

> been two weeks yet! Take care all, Katja

>

> PS How are you doing Bob from 3/8???? Haven't heard from you in a

> while!! Graduated to auto racing??

[Guest guest]

Hi Fran,

That recovery retreat sounds great!!! Wow! How nice.... I'm glad that

worked out so smoothly and nicely for you! It IS starting to prove

difficult now not having others understand that I'm not healed yet

and am still very slowed by recovery even though I am looking so much

better. I am tired and my stamina isn't very good right now. And it's

all making me hostile!! Uh oh. I think I need a huge cast on my head

or something so people don't forget! Anyway, I was relieved that

everything worked out ok in the end with the surgeon and all. Things

are brighter than the beginning of last week, but I've hit some kind

of plateau I think. Nothing continues to get even brighter yet....

and today hasn't been the greatest. I guess there are good days and

bad days.... Thanks for writing and keep in touch! :)Katja

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> > This past Thursday, after my miserable breakdown, I had my one

> week

> > post op appt. with my surgeon. I got the stitches from my cheeks

> > removed and I was banded at the appt... one super heavy duty

> > rubberband on each side- stretched around like a big square.

> > Definitely had a headache that night! Anyway, he said everything

> > looked really good and that all the bones are right where they

> need

> > to be. He couldn't believe that I wasn't more swollen and bruised

> > than I was. I'm very fair, so he was convinced that I would be

> > horribly enlarged and multicolored. I really wasn't and by today

> > almost all the obvious swelling and discoloration is gone. Except

> for

> > those who know me well, you can't really tell I've had surgery

> > (unless I open my mouth to speak). Hard because I think people

> judge

> > how well you're doing by your appearance. Now that I look fine...

> I

> > must feel fine as well, right?!?! Yeah! Sure..... My

boyfriend,

> in

> > all his wonderfulness , asked me today why I was so tired. I

had

> > gotten a good night's rest the night before, hadn't I?? I asked

> him

> > how many bones in my face were broken?! and how fast did he think

> > they would heal?! and if the body is trying to heal itself, isn't

> it

> > more likely to be very taxed and pretty (damned) tired!?!?!? He

> was

> > very dear and cute- just totally didn't realize cause I APPEAR

> like

> > I'm doing so much better, that why would I be tired and all....

> Just

> > the same, it is nice to feel human again (for the most part

> anyway!)

> >

> > So I mentioned again to the doctor about the little fiasco with

> the

> > discharge instructions. It WAS, as I suspected, the

responsibility

> of

> > the resident. I guess the resident taking care of my discharge

was

> a

> > first year and not yet up to speed. They didn't know he wasn't up

> to

> > speed until this all happened, but the doctor had already spoken

> to

> > all his residents about what had happened by the time I had my

> appt.

> > with him. Because of what happened with me they are putting

> together

> > a standardized sheet to be given out. I would have thought they

> > already had one, but oh well. At least this will help others in

> the

> > future. I was surprised and pleased that he had already discussed

> the

> > matter with the residents by the time I met with him only two

days

> > later after it all happened. I'm glad he didn't just put it aside

> or

> > anything. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

> >

> > At this point,I'm weaned down to just aleve 3pills twice a day

> > granted.... but I'm getting there slowly. Still really numb

though-

>

> > Dr said all the nerves are their and intact and fine... just will

> > take a while to come back. My nose has stopped running for the

> most

> > part. I can drink out of a glass again. Yea! I'm not drooling

> (except

> > when I'm sleeping! Then it becomes drool me a river...) My lips

> have

> > had a lot of discomfort however... I carry around a lip balm jar

> > EVERYWHERE. I can't remember what else....

> >

> > Apparently I am a first for the surgeon too!! After 26 years in

> OMFS,

> > I am the first person he's had react allergically to the

> medication.

> > He suspects it was the antibiotic. I don't know! But my ultra-

> itchy

> > rash is FINALLY going away!! Thank goodness!

> >

> > Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what happened at that

> > appointment. Thank you again to everyone who was so supportive.

> It's

> > finally going a lot better for me. I can't believe it hasn't even

> > been two weeks yet! Take care all, Katja

> >

> > PS How are you doing Bob from 3/8???? Haven't heard from you in a

> > while!! Graduated to auto racing??

[Guest guest]

Hi Katja,

I haven't had my jaw surgery yet (I see and orthognathic surgeon -

Dr West in Seattle- April 14th), but have had lots of surgical

procedures. The after-effects of the anesthesia can leave you

feeling down and less-than for a few weeks. I actually think the

second week can be more difficult, as you don't have the

obvious " downer " days - like the meds fiasco - and you start to

question if you will EVER feel right again. You will.

Hang in there. As you get generally stronger and the healing

process isn't as much of a shock to your system, life will take hold

again. Just post when you need a cheer-up. Here you have many ears

sympathetic to your situation. You have a place to vent and fume!

I am going to want that too for my turn! lol

You will do it!

Fran

> > >

> > > Hi Everyone,

> > > This past Thursday, after my miserable breakdown, I had my one

> > week

> > > post op appt. with my surgeon. I got the stitches from my

cheeks

> > > removed and I was banded at the appt... one super heavy duty

> > > rubberband on each side- stretched around like a big square.

> > > Definitely had a headache that night! Anyway, he said

everything

> > > looked really good and that all the bones are right where they

> > need

> > > to be. He couldn't believe that I wasn't more swollen and

bruised

> > > than I was. I'm very fair, so he was convinced that I would be

> > > horribly enlarged and multicolored. I really wasn't and by

today

> > > almost all the obvious swelling and discoloration is gone.

Except

> > for

> > > those who know me well, you can't really tell I've had surgery

> > > (unless I open my mouth to speak). Hard because I think people

> > judge

> > > how well you're doing by your appearance. Now that I look

fine...

> > I

> > > must feel fine as well, right?!?! Yeah! Sure..... My

> boyfriend,

> > in

> > > all his wonderfulness , asked me today why I was so tired. I

> had

> > > gotten a good night's rest the night before, hadn't I?? I

asked

> > him

> > > how many bones in my face were broken?! and how fast did he

think

> > > they would heal?! and if the body is trying to heal itself,

isn't

> > it

> > > more likely to be very taxed and pretty (damned) tired!?!?!?

He

> > was

> > > very dear and cute- just totally didn't realize cause I APPEAR

> > like

> > > I'm doing so much better, that why would I be tired and

all....

> > Just

> > > the same, it is nice to feel human again (for the most part

> > anyway!)

> > >

> > > So I mentioned again to the doctor about the little fiasco

with

> > the

> > > discharge instructions. It WAS, as I suspected, the

> responsibility

> > of

> > > the resident. I guess the resident taking care of my discharge

> was

> > a

> > > first year and not yet up to speed. They didn't know he wasn't

up

> > to

> > > speed until this all happened, but the doctor had already

spoken

> > to

> > > all his residents about what had happened by the time I had my

> > appt.

> > > with him. Because of what happened with me they are putting

> > together

> > > a standardized sheet to be given out. I would have thought

they

> > > already had one, but oh well. At least this will help others

in

> > the

> > > future. I was surprised and pleased that he had already

discussed

> > the

> > > matter with the residents by the time I met with him only two

> days

> > > later after it all happened. I'm glad he didn't just put it

aside

> > or

> > > anything. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

> > >

> > > At this point,I'm weaned down to just aleve 3pills twice a day

> > > granted.... but I'm getting there slowly. Still really numb

> though-

> >

> > > Dr said all the nerves are their and intact and fine... just

will

> > > take a while to come back. My nose has stopped running for the

> > most

> > > part. I can drink out of a glass again. Yea! I'm not drooling

> > (except

> > > when I'm sleeping! Then it becomes drool me a river...) My

lips

> > have

> > > had a lot of discomfort however... I carry around a lip balm

jar

> > > EVERYWHERE. I can't remember what else....

> > >

> > > Apparently I am a first for the surgeon too!! After 26 years

in

> > OMFS,

> > > I am the first person he's had react allergically to the

> > medication.

> > > He suspects it was the antibiotic. I don't know! But my ultra-

> > itchy

> > > rash is FINALLY going away!! Thank goodness!

> > >

> > > Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what happened at

that

> > > appointment. Thank you again to everyone who was so

supportive.

> > It's

> > > finally going a lot better for me. I can't believe it hasn't

even

> > > been two weeks yet! Take care all, Katja

> > >

> > > PS How are you doing Bob from 3/8???? Haven't heard from you

in a

> > > while!! Graduated to auto racing??

[Guest guest]

Fran,

Be sure to let us know how it goes with Dr. West. I met with him November 4

and now have so many more questions for him after reading this board.

Especially with banding vs. wiring shut, how long w/lower only (I'm hopeful

for lower only), etc.

Good luck!

Diane

>

>Reply-To: orthognathicsurgerysupport

>To: orthognathicsurgerysupport

>Subject: [Orthognathic Surgery Support ] Re: One Week post-op appt with

>surgeon- to Fran & everyone

>Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 18:47:34 -0000

>