My BSSO Experience

[Guest guest]

Last Thursday I had my BSSO to correct mandibular prognathism. I've

been dealing with orthodonics for the past 16 months trying to get

prepared for it, which is too bad since I already had braces when I

was younger. First, some background on me:

Condition: Mandibular prognathism (underbite) of only a few

millimeters. The malocclusion wasn't bad, but it was bad enough that

I wanted to get it fixed, as I'm a narcissist.

Age: 21 Sex: M

Physical condition: Very good, college athlete

So I had surgery, performed by Basil A. Schiff in Vienna, VA. He

assured me the surgery was routine and recovery for someone my age in

great physical condition would be swift.

Following the surgery I was told it went great and blood loss was

minimal. Swelling, of course, was very bad, even though my bleeding

was minimal and the jaw movement wasn't too severe. I still have

some swelling in the actual area, but it has gone down considerably

and I just have some chipmunk-cheek effects. I had very little pain

and took no pain medication after I left the hospital.

Now, the numbness. My bottom lip and chin are numb, although I have

pins and needles in both. My bottom gums are numb, no tingling, but

who cares. This is normal, I know. But I also have some numbness on

the left tip of my TONGUE. I do not think this is normal. Its a bit

tingly, but its definitely numb. Before surgery, I figured I could

live without feeling in my chin and lip (and definitely my gums).

But my tongue? No way. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it

cause for concern?

Now, my occlusion. Its not fixed. Actually I have an overbite now,

I'd say by at least 1mm. My bottom teeth are clearly too far behind

my top when I smile. My bite feels worse than before. What's going

on here? My doctor said there was a bit of overcorrection because he

said there is always some relapse and he was allowing for that. My

jaw doesn't seem to be moving though. If I have went through all

this pain, discomfort, and fear and now I am not even going to have a

proper bite, I will be angry to say the least.

So overall, I'm fine. I worked out in the gym the other day, went

light of course, but I can't just sit around the house. I have a ton

of energy. What I recommend for everyone is to invest in a big tub

of whey protein powder, from your local health store. During

recovery you should consume 1g of protein per pound of body weight,

and without a protein supplement you are NOT going to be able to do

this. Aside from ~200g protein daily, I drink a glass of V8, take a

multivitamin (high potency, with extra vitamin c), and supplement

with fish oil for essential fatty acids (also instrumental in

recovery). The past few days I've been eating soup as well, canned

spinach, and oatmeal. Tomorrow I'm finally going on a date with my

girlfriend to see a movie and go to dinner - they better have good

soup!

So while I have some concerns, I am thinking it is probably too early

in my recovery to freak out. Any comments or advice are appreciated.