Orthognathic Surgery - speedy recovery

August 17, 2005

I had orthognathic surgery on lower jaw with chin augmentation on

August 2nd and returned to work this past Sunday, August 14. I was

well informed of the process, which was placing titanium plates with

screws & had complete faith in the dr. who was

highly recommended by my ortho dr. Even though the ortho dr. was 70

miles away, it was well worth the trip.

Operation was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. I was released the following

day at 5:00 p.m. The discomfort was the pressure bandage from under

chin, across cheeks. I could only take in fluids with a syringe

provided by the nurse which worked for 2 days until I went back to

the dr. to have the pressure bandage removed. After that was

removed, the swelling went down and each day only got better. I

definitely have the numbness in lower jaw and chin, I get the

tingling - mostly at night. I found that taking two tylenol or

motrin before going to bed helps me sleep better. I am still on

very soft foods/liquids; the smoothie maker helps tremendously. I

had absolutely no depression but I think having my best friend with me

through the entire process was the answer to that. The hospital

allowed her to stay in a lounge chair the entire night so that she

would not have to drive back & forth the 70 miles from the hospital.

I do believe that having a familiar face there all of the time and

being able to have someone that you know assist you, when needed,

helps a lot. The ride home was a little rough but we made it with

one " pit " stop. I also stayed with her the first few days to eliminate

having to go up & down stairs. After that, I was on my own; within

one week I was driving and looked forward to getting back to work.

Yesterday I went to the orthodontist and the entire office staff was

amazed at the difference. So do I have any regrets? Absolutely not,

and I'm 59 years old!! I am now looking forward to visiting my

grandchildren next month. " Grammy " will have a new face.

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