Re: 5 days post-op....help!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sounds like you and I had pretty much the same thing done (minus the

lypo for me) (8 MM expansion on top). I am now three days post op

and can talk a little bit but seems only my girl friend can

translate for me. My chin is the most numb. Don't worry about the

surgeon having cut a nerve. You are numb from all the stretching

done during surgery. Getting the feeling back in your face is

different for everyone. It just depends on how you heal. I feel

different sensations in my cheeks and lips at times during the day.

Just be patient. It will return.

As far as everything else, just try to relax. I would recommend not

picking up your son (depending on his weight). I know that you

think that is horrible, but if you want to heal, you need to do it.

Some friends of mine are in town this weekend and they have a three

year old son that I just adore and I usually pick him up and carry

him around. However, this time, I didn't even attempt to. When you

pick up something heavy, you clench your jaw (even if you don't know

this is going on) and that can hurt the heeling process.

Other than that, just take it easy.

Let me know if you have other questions.

> I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon also

> expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to all

of

> that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

wired/banded

> shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

driving

> me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

everything....plus I

> have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

>

> Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a splint?

My

> whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

wondering

> if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my lips.

I'm

> getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although, I

do

> give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has been

> outstanding and so supportive this last week.

>

> Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

tomorrow

> (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

>

> Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I am going to post my pre-op and post-op pictures hopefully today.

I feel like such a freak because I can't talk and I look like a

crazy chipmunk! I think with all of the mess I've put my husband,

my son, and my parents and in-laws through, I am having some

regrets. I'm wondering if this is all worth it. I keep crying, but

then quickly have to stop because then my nose gets stopped up and I

can't breath! And what's to do about all of this drooling?!!! And

my teeth and tongue feel so slimy and gross. I swear I'm not

leaving my house until this is all over. How long is an average

face numb? When will I be able to talk?! I am home today for the

first time by myself and can't answer the phone. It's almost not

even safe. Ahhhh! I didn't realize how extreme of an operation

this was.....what a commitment!

The pain meds I have is hydrocodine and it tastes bad and seems to

make me dizzy and " drunk " . Any suggestions on pain meds?

This panel really helps out a lot though, knowing I'm not alone

emotionally. (It's easy to feel quite alone!)

--

> > I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon

also

> > expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to all

> of

> > that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

> wired/banded

> > shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

> driving

> > me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

> everything....plus I

> > have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

> >

> > Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a splint?

> My

> > whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

> wondering

> > if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my lips.

> I'm

> > getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although,

I

> do

> > give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has been

> > outstanding and so supportive this last week.

> >

> > Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

> tomorrow

> > (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

> >

> > Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi

I can safely say that despite not having gone through jaw surgery

yet, from previous operations that I have had in the past, what you

are feeling is 100 percent normal and by that I mean, feeling like

crap and wanting to cry all the time. It's most probably due to the

anaesthesia still getting out of your system, not to mention not

being able to talk or feel your face. It will pass, I promise! I had

rhinoplasty a few years back and also another operation that involved

removing a cyst from underneath my chin, which at the time I was told

by my doctor would be similar to when one has lipo done in that area

in terms of after effects. Well I can tell you that my chin was numb

for a VERY LONG TIME. I still don't like people touching me in that

area for example, when my boyfriend cups his hand underneath my chin

gently to pull me close to him to kiss me it always feels weird. But

my sensation has come back even though it took a while. I remember

after my rhinoplasty feeling miserable and wondering why I had put

myself through this unnecessary hell. Within two weeks I felt much

better and I think you will find that most of the members on this

board felt better after two weeks of the surgery if not earlier. I

know it's hard but try not to think negatively right now, or at

least, try not to think that doing the surgery was a mistake. No

point in doing that now. It's done and over with and now you have to

look to the future and think positive. I know right now you feel all

swollen and grosse but pretty soon the swelling will start to subside

and every day you will start to feel a little more like yourself. And

presumably you did the surgery because either you were in pain or

there was something about your bite or jaw that you couldn't stand. I

know I am looking forward to getting rid of my migraines and being

able to bite into a big fat sandwhich without spilling all of the

contents on the floor. try to concentrate on two weeks from now, set

urself a target for everyday, even something small like " today I am

going to wash my hair " . I know it sounds stupid but just

accomplishing something as small as that will make you feel better.

And remember, it's only been a short while since the surgery. Hold on

and stay positive. Things will get easier soon.

Sending you a big virtual hug and lots of positive vibes.

Sara

> > > I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon

> also

> > > expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to

all

> > of

> > > that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

> > wired/banded

> > > shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

> > driving

> > > me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

> > everything....plus I

> > > have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

> > >

> > > Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a

splint?

> > My

> > > whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

> > wondering

> > > if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my

lips.

> > I'm

> > > getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although,

> I

> > do

> > > give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has

been

> > > outstanding and so supportive this last week.

> > >

> > > Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

> > tomorrow

> > > (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

> > >

> > > Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I had upper/lower and genio done 7 weeks ago. I can relate to your

frustration... it's what led me to my first post on this message

board 4 days post-op.

Just to elaborate on what's already been said, patience is the key.

The healing process is long, but you'll very soon feel

improvements. I used a notepad at first because all I could do was

grunt. Your mouth feels very alien and the splint seems to take too

much room. Add the numbness and stiffness in there and it's

basically a big mess... it's a rotten feeling, but that part doesn't

last long. Just try to fit a few words in or mumble when you're

alone. My OS kept telling me to start talking right away and not

rely on a notepad... it's all about practice and learning how to

form words around all the crap in your mouth. Eventually, my fiancee

learned to ask yes/no questions.

Most importantly, don't panic. There are so many symptoms involved

that make it hard not to freak out and start crying or wanting to

throw ice packs across the room, but it gets better fairly quickly,

so hang in there and try to distract your mind. Next thing you

know, you're going to start feeling better. It usually happens in

spurts, so don't be surprised if you suddenly feel better the next

morning. Try singing a silly song through your splint to put you in

a positive mood. Smiling will hurt physically, but it feels so good

inside.

Yann

> I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon also

> expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to all

of

> that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

wired/banded

> shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

driving

> me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

everything....plus I

> have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

>

> Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a splint?

My

> whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

wondering

> if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my lips.

I'm

> getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although, I

do

> give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has been

> outstanding and so supportive this last week.

>

> Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

tomorrow

> (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

>

> Thanks,

[Guest guest]

,

Don't worry about what you " are putting " your husband, son, and

family though. Right now should be all about YOU. You need to just

relax and get better. Being worried about everyone else is just

going to tense you up and make your jaw hurt... In a few weeks you

will be smiling more and the feelings you have now will be forgotton.

As far as being at home alone, today is my first day at alone too.

I am actually enjoying it. There were a bunch of people at my house

this weekend for a friend's wedding reception (that I didn't go to)

so it nice to have some peace and quiet.

I have read that drooling will stop in a couple of days. I am

having the same issues.

I have not taken any pain meds yet. I have a big bottle of liquid

Codeine but am not going to take any unless I really need to. I

have read about feelings after it and would rather go with the

little amount of pain I am feeling rather than have nausia (I do not

want to throw up!).

Hang in there!

> > > I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon

> also

> > > expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to

all

> > of

> > > that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

> > wired/banded

> > > shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It

is

> > driving

> > > me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

> > everything....plus I

> > > have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

> > >

> > > Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a

splint?

> > My

> > > whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

> > wondering

> > > if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my

lips.

> > I'm

> > > getting to a pretty low point and need some support.

Although,

> I

> > do

> > > give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has

been

> > > outstanding and so supportive this last week.

> > >

> > > Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

> > tomorrow

> > > (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

> > >

> > > Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hey ...

If you are available in December, you're hired! I hope you like

animals! ;-)

Kate

> ,

>

> Don't worry about what you " are putting " your husband, son, and

> family though. Right now should be all about YOU. You need to

just

> relax and get better. Being worried about everyone else is just

> going to tense you up and make your jaw hurt... In a few weeks you

> will be smiling more and the feelings you have now will be

forgotton.

>

> As far as being at home alone, today is my first day at alone too.

> I am actually enjoying it. There were a bunch of people at my

house

> this weekend for a friend's wedding reception (that I didn't go to)

> so it nice to have some peace and quiet.

>

> I have read that drooling will stop in a couple of days. I am

> having the same issues.

>

> I have not taken any pain meds yet. I have a big bottle of liquid

> Codeine but am not going to take any unless I really need to. I

> have read about feelings after it and would rather go with the

> little amount of pain I am feeling rather than have nausia (I do

not

> want to throw up!).

>

> Hang in there!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

It looks like you've gotten lots of responses ... but I thought it

couldn't hurt to throw in my two cents.

I had upper/lower on 5/5 and had my upper expanded a couple of years

ago. I can't imagine having all three at once. You are quite a

trooper!

As I understand it, the anethesia can leave you quite emotional. So,

just know that part of the feeling is chemical ... and all of it is

completely normal! This board has been a great place for me to vent

when I'm losing my mind and to try and comfort others when they are

going crazy. It also helps to have someone by your side that can

care for you ... and be supportive unconditionally. It sounds like

you have that in your Husband ... so yay for him and yay for you!

So, I'm wired shut with a splint - for 8 weeks total. I'm also numb

from my lower eyelids over my cheeks, nose, between my nose and lip,

upper lip and chin. I'm told that it can take many months to get

complete feeling back. I've begun to feel the tingling and popping

and such - so I think the regeneration has begun.

I don't think that a nerve has to be severed for you to be numb. I

think just the way that the nerves are handled during surgery is

enough trauma to cause that effect. Hang in there ... it won't last

forever!

When you see your doctor ... be honest. Tell him how you're feeling

and ask all the questions that run through your mind between now and

then. I found it very helpful to have a list with me so I didn't

forget - and so he could read it, 'cause I couldn't talk at all!

Have someone with you if you can. They can help remember what your

doctor says ... in case you forget some things.

Hang in there ... think positive ... and write if/when you need to.

Know that you are NOT ALONE!!!

All the best,

Carol

> I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon also

> expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to all of

> that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

wired/banded

> shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

driving

> me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about everything....plus

I

> have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

>

> Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a splint? My

> whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

wondering

> if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my lips.

I'm

> getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although, I

do

> give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has been

> outstanding and so supportive this last week.

>

> Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

tomorrow

> (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

>

> Thanks,

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sure your family loves you ... and they don't feel like you

are " putting them through " anything. They are most likely just glad

to be able to support you. And I'm sure they are all proud of you

for being so brave and taking care of yourself. It will make you a

better wife, mother and daughter in the long run!

I had one day, about 3 days post-op where I started to cry ... and

just like you said it made me all stuffy and then I couldn't

breathe. I panicked. It was the worst feeling ever. But, I can

tell you this - I'm now 18 days post-op ... and it gets better each

day. The crying dwindles and the confidence returns. Not to say

that it doesn't falter sometimes, but I'm human, and that's ok. And

you're going to be ok too!

Do you have an answering machine? Screen your calls. Only answer

when it's someone that knows what you've just been through. Plan

ahead so that people only ask you yes or no questions until you get

more comfortable with speaking. It's do-able. It just takes

planning and patience.

Numbness is different for each person. I've heard from a month to

six months on average - with some folks going longer, but with

minimal numbness at that point.

My Surgeon gave me Acetaminophen w/Codeine at first and just put me

on Tramadol. I don't know about the second one - I haven't taken it

yet but the Codeine sure did the trick - helped me sleep and took

away the pain. I'm hoping the Tramadol takes away the pain too.

It's less these days ... more nagging than hurting, really.

Ok, I'm rambling ... sorry about that. Something about your posts

hit a nerve with me. I promise, you're not alone!

One day at a time ... heck, one hour at a time,

Carol

> > > I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon

> also

> > > expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to

all

> > of

> > > that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

> > wired/banded

> > > shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

> > driving

> > > me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

> > everything....plus I

> > > have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

> > >

> > > Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a

splint?

> > My

> > > whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

> > wondering

> > > if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my

lips.

> > I'm

> > > getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although,

> I

> > do

> > > give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has

been

> > > outstanding and so supportive this last week.

> > >

> > > Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

> > tomorrow

> > > (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

> > >

> > > Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Carol -

Thanks so much for your comments and support. It really means a lot to have

such a great group of people who are going through these same

things....especially when life can get very lonely when you can't talk! :-)

I am usually the person who will make fun of myself and then laugh about it to

cover my lack of confidence.....and this surgery has just made the way I feel

about myself worse (at least at 1 week post op). I just keep thinking....what

did I do?! These procedures were considered " cosmetic " although there is a lot

of doctor speculation about my migraines and headaches. So if I did it for

vanity....what have I done?! These are just things going through my emotional

self right now. Looking back even 3 days ago, I can see how I have gotten a

little better. I keep loosing weight, which I know is bad for the healing (but

good for me!) because it is just so exhausting and time consuming to syringe

yucky protein drinks through. Plus, it makes the inside of my mouth even

yuckier.

Before I had this done, I consulted with a lot of people and all said they would

do it again and/or it was easier than going through labor. As of now, I would

have to disagree with both. I am so hopefully that in 5 or so weeks I will be

on this board saying how worth it everything is.

This is such a great thing to have....people can read and post and find others

going through exactly (or close to it) what you're feeling. How did they make

it back in the no computer days? :-) Thanks for all your help.....I love it!

--

miss_redagain2005 <no_reply > wrote:

,

I'm sure your family loves you ... and they don't feel like you

are " putting them through " anything. They are most likely just glad

to be able to support you. And I'm sure they are all proud of you

for being so brave and taking care of yourself. It will make you a

better wife, mother and daughter in the long run!

I had one day, about 3 days post-op where I started to cry ... and

just like you said it made me all stuffy and then I couldn't

breathe. I panicked. It was the worst feeling ever. But, I can

tell you this - I'm now 18 days post-op ... and it gets better each

day. The crying dwindles and the confidence returns. Not to say

that it doesn't falter sometimes, but I'm human, and that's ok. And

you're going to be ok too!

Do you have an answering machine? Screen your calls. Only answer

when it's someone that knows what you've just been through. Plan

ahead so that people only ask you yes or no questions until you get

more comfortable with speaking. It's do-able. It just takes

planning and patience.

Numbness is different for each person. I've heard from a month to

six months on average - with some folks going longer, but with

minimal numbness at that point.

My Surgeon gave me Acetaminophen w/Codeine at first and just put me

on Tramadol. I don't know about the second one - I haven't taken it

yet but the Codeine sure did the trick - helped me sleep and took

away the pain. I'm hoping the Tramadol takes away the pain too.

It's less these days ... more nagging than hurting, really.

Ok, I'm rambling ... sorry about that. Something about your posts

hit a nerve with me. I promise, you're not alone!

One day at a time ... heck, one hour at a time,

Carol

> > > I had upper and lower jaw surgery last Tuesday. The surgeon

> also

> > > expanded my upper jaw to fit over my bottom. In addition to

all

> > of

> > > that I had some lypsuction done under my neck/chin. I am

> > wired/banded

> > > shut with a splint and cannot talk. I can barely grunt! It is

> > driving

> > > me CRAZY. I keep getting really emotional about

> > everything....plus I

> > > have a 9 month old son who isn't hearing my voice!

> > >

> > > Has anyone else had this done? How long did you wear a

splint?

> > My

> > > whole face is completely numb, how long will that last? I'm

> > wondering

> > > if he cut a nerve or something since I can't even feel my

lips.

> > I'm

> > > getting to a pretty low point and need some support. Although,

> I

> > do

> > > give incredible thanks for such a wonderful husband who has

been

> > > outstanding and so supportive this last week.

> > >

> > > Any advise??? I see him for a 1 week post-op the day after

> > tomorrow

> > > (Tues). What should I say? I just want to talk!

> > >

> > > Thanks,

---------------------------------

[Guest guest]

,

How DID we manage back in those days?!

If you can look back 3 days and see even the slightest difference in

yourself ... trust that in 3 weeks the difference will be easier to

see and well worth what you're going through now.

Hang in there! Keep reading and posting!

All the best,

Carol

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > Sounds like you and I had pretty much the same thing done

(minus

> > the

> > > lypo for me) (8 MM expansion on top). I am now three days post

> op

> > > and can talk a little bit but seems only my girl friend can

> > > translate for me. My chin is the most numb. Don't worry about

> > the

> > > surgeon having cut a nerve. You are numb from all the

stretching

> > > done during surgery. Getting the feeling back in your face is

> > > different for everyone. It just depends on how you heal. I

feel

> > > different sensations in my cheeks and lips at times during the

> > day.

> > > Just be patient. It will return.

> > >

> > > As far as everything else, just try to relax. I would

recommend

> > not

> > > picking up your son (depending on his weight). I know that you

> > > think that is horrible, but if you want to heal, you need to do

> > it.

> > > Some friends of mine are in town this weekend and they have a

> > three

> > > year old son that I just adore and I usually pick him up and

> carry

> > > him around. However, this time, I didn't even attempt to.

When

> > you

> > > pick up something heavy, you clench your jaw (even if you don't

> > know

> > > this is going on) and that can hurt the heeling process.

> > >

> > > Other than that, just take it easy.

> > >

> > > Let me know if you have other questions.

> > >

> > >