Greetings this Morning & Hi to rest of the Caboose for June

[Guest guest]

Well, I'm feeling a little better this am. Slept in two hour

increments, with fresh ice every two hours. I'm still swollen, but

have been told I can go to heat now & took off the lower bandage.

Any ideas on how best to position the " Bed Buddy " for maximum effect?

I'm black and blue from chest to chin, the rest isn't too bad. It

looks like I might have stitches on sides of jaw. I'm still quite

swollen. Some the black & blue is probably a result of my having to

have the jugular vein IV. And because I can't get that wet until

tomorrow I have to hold up on a nice warm shower today. OH...I was

looking forward to that hot shower today & washing my hair.

I found two things to be immensely helpful - the whiteboard (small

about 6 x 10 inches) and pen was indispensable when I came out of

recovery. That first night when I was still intubated (with both NG

tube and airway tube), it was the only way I could communicate my

problems. The pulmonologist was calling the shots as to when they

would pull the airway tube which didn't occur till next morning. I

had 6 people present for pulling of tubes including 2 oral surgeons,

pulmonologist, his resident, nurse, and another doctor actually

pulling tubes.

The other item found very helpful is the Zip n Squeeze ice/heat

wrap. The ones at the hospital were too big, but had to use them as

the nurses didn't want to keep putting the zip n squeeze ice packets

in freezer. Now I'm out of hospital I am using it especially for

the heat.

Other hints: Taking the hydrocodone & liquid antibiotic with Boost

Breeze (comes in a berry or tropical fruit)- that allows more

protein while I'm trying to take meds. Followed by a water chaser.

Makes it more tolerable. Walgreen's has the Boost Breeze. I'm

taking the Boost High Calcium Chocolate which seems to hit the

spot. I also chase it with water to keep the mucous less thick in

my throat.

Since they worked on my nose, too, I take the Afrin 2x a day and

Ocean Spray any time I want.

I didn't need the syringe, as I've been able to drink from cup from

the beginning (albeit messy at times). I'm not wired shut, have no

splint, just banded and can open my mouth about a fingers width.

Numbness isn't too bad, still very numb around left nostril and

above. (They worked on the turbinates). The lower lip is swollen,

but feeling is returning the lower jaw and palate, etc.

I've been told to start rinsing with peridex and brushing outside of

teeth (not that should be fun with rubber bands on). Tomorrow I see

the surgeon again. Today the asst. surgeon is suppose to call and

see how I'm doing.

, just wanted you to know I'm thinking you all on the caboose.

Shirley