Guest guest Posted February 28, 2005 Report Share Posted February 28, 2005 Hi all, I just had my surgery three weeks ago. I just want to give some tips for those going for surgery so that my mistakes wouldn't be repeated. So here goes: - Following surgery, your body will weaken and you will be more susceptible to diseases (in my case, flu). Being flu season now, protect yourself (it's awful enough after surgery, if you add the flu, you'd be in hell). - Cleaning - watch what you eat the few days after surgery. Try sticking to pure liquid diet (maybe the terms " pure liquid diet " is not so appropriate. What I mean is, try food that can pass through your mouth easily, avoid sticky and mucusy food). This is because cleaning is difficult with the splint in place, the pain when you open your jaw, minimal jaw opening, and possible new blisters forming on the inside of the cheeks. So, when you eat things like a thick soup, there will be remaining food on your splint and it would be difficult to clean. It's best to avoid such food until a couple of days when you can open your mouth more and clean it. Also, get a special brush that looks like little Christmas trees - it is INDISPENSABLE in cleaning your splint. Also, after one week following the surgery, you can try rinsing with Fluorinse (fluoride rinse). Since your cleaning power is reduced, Fluorinse can help you fight plague. But consult with your doctor first on Fluorinse. Cleaning is very important, you don't want to have remaining food stuck in your splint. You want to clean your mouth after each time you eat. Salt water rinse is also a must to prevent infections and maintain a healthy gum. - Have someone close by for the first week following the surgery to assist you with things. - For the first few days, you might be unable to sleep. This is normal. - Drooling will occur so keep your head straight when sleeping. - Keep a mirror handy when you eat. - Use moist heat therapy when icing no longer works (that is, when your jaw feels stiffened). Try using towel dipped in warm water. - Tiger Balm is nice to have when your jaw feels numb. - Maintain caloric intake and drink lots of water to help you heal. There are but a few tips but which I think are important. If you can, get a copy of " The Healing Jaw and a Liquid Diet " by Beaudette R.N. for more tips and info. Remember, you'll be in hell for the first two weeks but HANG IN THERE and keep your mouth clean. Best wishes, humble_carp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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