Molly - Re: Surgery on 10/3/05 to cure OSA and TMJ

September 11, 2005

Hi Molly,

I'm out of town and haven't had access to the Internet lately, but

just wanted to offer some support for your surgery in October.

I had a surgery on 6/23/05 for sleep apnea. I, too, have a small

mouth (my husband might disagree!) and had TMJ problems as a

teenager (now 62).

The surgery cured the sleep apnea (I still haven't gotten brain

retrained not to wake up but hope that will come with time). I

recently got an upper respiratory infection (on my vacation no less)

and luckily since they've opened the airway up and haven't had any

major breathing problems. And for the first time I can sleep on my

back at night without gasping for air.

As far the TMJ's I've had some stiffness, popping but that has all

settled down. Occasionally, I have some stiffness but all in all

I'm doing good.

Eating at the restaurant's is still a bit of a problem as I still

can't bite on front teeth (per surgeon as he doesn't want stress yet

on TMJ's as they have some deterioration). Last night I tried to

eat prime rib (figuring he said no steak, but thought I might be

able to handle it) and chicken - the chicken was much easier to

eat. I wore myself out trying to chew prime rib and gave up after

about half. It was tender, but still trying to get this chewing

down. Figure I'll stick with chicken for a while longer. And

eating rolls, I had to ask for a soft roll, too, and either cut them

up or pull them apart.

Each day I can see and improvement, but learning to chew again is

different as teeth are in totally different alignment. I had a top

movement of 5mm and 13 mm on bottom. Hopefully with time the

chewing will become easier. Only other problem I've had it biting

my lip. I guess it doesn't realize the teeth are farther forward

now.

As far as the dark circles, I think that will depend on skin, etc.

I was hoping it would get rid of my dark circles, but so far it

hasn't.

Good luck on the surgery and feel free to ask any questions.

Shirley

(Lefort 1, BSSO, genio and turbinectomies 6/23/05)

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