Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 For me, the worst of it was the first 48-72 hours post-op. I just felt as if I couldn't breathe at all due to the nasal congestion. My doctor told me to take a shower whenever I felt this way so in the first 4 days I took 27 showers. There were times that I just sat on the floor in my shower because I felt too tired/weak to stand but I just really wanted to get that steam up my nostrils to make my breathing easier! During those first few days, I had a hard time sleeping even with the pain medicine. I think I was subconsciously afraid that I'd stop breathing or something. Anyway, you might ask your doctor for some sleeping pills in addition to the pain medicine. I was also pretty bad about putting ice packs on my face to control the swelling. I would definitely recommend that you tell the person who is going to take care of you to MAKE you put them on your face every 30 mins or so. Because you will not feel like doing it yourself and then before you know it your head will be swollen up like a big basketball. I wish my caregiver had been more forceful with me on this.I probably would not have spent so much time sitting on the floor of my shower! Finally, don't forget that if you are taking children's liquid Tylenol, Advil or some other medicine that you need a much larger dose than what is prescribed on the bottle. My doctor had told me to take 6 spoonfuls of children's tylenol but my caregiver ended up giving me only 2 each time because that was the dosage on the bottle. I had forgotten to tell him what the doctor said and post-op I was too zonked to realize the problem. I had a lot of pain that probably would have been alleviated had we followed the dosage instructions from the doctor, not the ones on the bottle. Good luck with your surgery. After the first 72 hours, you'll feel much better! Sherri > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 Hi Hilary! People always say the waiting is the hardest part - and they are right. I'm a worrier, so it was even harder for me. The swelling is rough physically and emotionally. I found it a little rougher physically than I thought - but it's temporary. The first week after surgery is the worst, but it goes by so fast. Oh, and I hated being on a liquid diet, but the good news is once you get to the point of getting tired of the liquid diet - it means you're feeling better otherwise. Best of luck! Johanne > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 the worst of the surgery for me was being in the hospital for 4 days. most people dont have to go to the hospital.. but i had upper and lower jaw surgery. i just remember not being able to talk and having all these thoughts in my head that needed to come out. my mom gave me some paper and a pen, we still have my notes.. i was so loopy from my drugs i wouldnt even guess that was my handwriting. also, the ice bags on my face broke open one night so i had to call the nurses.. i couldnt talk and they would respond to the " call " by asking me what i needed.. when i couldnt talk. .. and the drooling... i couldnt quit!! the liquid diet isnt too bad.. youll be eating before you know it, and the pain isnt too bad except right after surgery when they woke me up my head was killing me.. but the way my surgeon described the pain thing.. is when something is stabilized it doesnt hurt.. like when you break your arm it hurts, but when they put it up and with a cast.. it is pretty much fine.. thats the same way.. the jaw will be stabilized, so itll be okay.. but there are so many more pros than cons, so good luck.. and i wish i knew about this place before i had my surgery.. i was super scared, but now i am just interested in it.. hope all goes well! > > > > > > > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 the worst of the surgery for me was being in the hospital for 4 days. most people dont have to go to the hospital.. but i had upper and lower jaw surgery. i just remember not being able to talk and having all these thoughts in my head that needed to come out. my mom gave me some paper and a pen, we still have my notes.. i was so loopy from my drugs i wouldnt even guess that was my handwriting. also, the ice bags on my face broke open one night so i had to call the nurses.. i couldnt talk and they would respond to the " call " by asking me what i needed.. when i couldnt talk. .. and the drooling... i couldnt quit!! the liquid diet isnt too bad.. youll be eating before you know it, and the pain isnt too bad except right after surgery when they woke me up my head was killing me.. but the way my surgeon described the pain thing.. is when something is stabilized it doesnt hurt.. like when you break your arm it hurts, but when they put it up and with a cast.. it is pretty much fine.. thats the same way.. the jaw will be stabilized, so itll be okay.. but there are so many more pros than cons, so good luck.. and i wish i knew about this place before i had my surgery.. i was super scared, but now i am just interested in it.. hope all goes well! > > > > > > > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Ok, I'll play... The worst for me was not being able to breathe. I didn't expect it at all, so I guess that made it worse, but yeah, it was pretty panicking at first. But second was the waiting, up to the point when I got a surgery date. It was frustrating not being able to plan anything because I didn't know when I was going to be operated. > > > > > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > > > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > > > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > > > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > > > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Ok, I'll play... The worst for me was not being able to breathe. I didn't expect it at all, so I guess that made it worse, but yeah, it was pretty panicking at first. But second was the waiting, up to the point when I got a surgery date. It was frustrating not being able to plan anything because I didn't know when I was going to be operated. > > > > > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > > > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > > > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > > > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > > > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Ok, I'll play... The worst for me was not being able to breathe. I didn't expect it at all, so I guess that made it worse, but yeah, it was pretty panicking at first. But second was the waiting, up to the point when I got a surgery date. It was frustrating not being able to plan anything because I didn't know when I was going to be operated. > > > > > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > > > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > > > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > > > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > > > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 The worst part for me only being 5 days removed from the surgery is looking in the mirror. I will be back to work next monday, I hope my appearance dramitcally improves from now till then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 " most people dont have to go to the hospital.. " Ummm, not so at all. Most people do spend at least one night in the hospital. A few have the surgery as outpatients in clinics, but that's still pretty rare. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TELL YOUR SURGEON, either face to face, or in a letter, what happened to you with the nurses. That is inexcusable. The ice pack should not have broken. If it did, they should have been there for you and known what to do, right away. To clean you up, dry you off, keep you warm, etc. There is also no excuse for a doc who wires his patients to leave them at the mercy of an electronic " call button " system, nor for a nurse not to know when her patient cannot speak clearly and give better attention. Overworked? Yes, probably. But if you're not there, even when overworked, for the people who need you, you're not doing your job... That is a nightmare. I had a very attentive nurse who was nearby all night long, and cared for me immaculately, to the point of changing my gown, with the greatest sensitivity and dignity, when I managed to spill ice all over it. (Not the bag breaking; my lack of coordination.) I am serious. Tell your doc. A good one will see that this never happens to another patient. Or that the nursing staff (or whoever is in charge) hears about it. I truly believe that the only way we can make improvements for those who follow is to be vocal. I'm not saying to be bitchy, nor to try to make trouble for anybody in particular, but I find that treatment inexcusable. There are too many fine, caring nurses out there for docs and hospitals to put up with the lousy ones. They can't stop the drooling; they can ease the pain. And I agree, even if you have a bummer of a hospital visit, the procedure is well worth undertaking. It is, however, also wise to have a family member or friend with you, if you are the least bit lacking in confidence about the hospital staff. Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 " most people dont have to go to the hospital.. " Ummm, not so at all. Most people do spend at least one night in the hospital. A few have the surgery as outpatients in clinics, but that's still pretty rare. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TELL YOUR SURGEON, either face to face, or in a letter, what happened to you with the nurses. That is inexcusable. The ice pack should not have broken. If it did, they should have been there for you and known what to do, right away. To clean you up, dry you off, keep you warm, etc. There is also no excuse for a doc who wires his patients to leave them at the mercy of an electronic " call button " system, nor for a nurse not to know when her patient cannot speak clearly and give better attention. Overworked? Yes, probably. But if you're not there, even when overworked, for the people who need you, you're not doing your job... That is a nightmare. I had a very attentive nurse who was nearby all night long, and cared for me immaculately, to the point of changing my gown, with the greatest sensitivity and dignity, when I managed to spill ice all over it. (Not the bag breaking; my lack of coordination.) I am serious. Tell your doc. A good one will see that this never happens to another patient. Or that the nursing staff (or whoever is in charge) hears about it. I truly believe that the only way we can make improvements for those who follow is to be vocal. I'm not saying to be bitchy, nor to try to make trouble for anybody in particular, but I find that treatment inexcusable. There are too many fine, caring nurses out there for docs and hospitals to put up with the lousy ones. They can't stop the drooling; they can ease the pain. And I agree, even if you have a bummer of a hospital visit, the procedure is well worth undertaking. It is, however, also wise to have a family member or friend with you, if you are the least bit lacking in confidence about the hospital staff. Cammie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Geez -- that's a quick trip back to work. I think you may find that the hardest part is the fatigue, not the appearance. The latter will improve pretty quickly. The former, at least for this older woman, took a lot more time. Try to go as easily on your body as you can. You've undergone a major trauma there, and you're still healing. I admire your spunk, though! Good wishes to you. Cammie > The worst part for me only being 5 days removed from the surgery is > looking in the mirror. I will be back to work next monday, I hope my > appearance dramitcally improves from now till then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 I agree with you. about all those things. I was told that most patients don't go to the hospital.. maybe that's just at my surgeons, but he made it seem as if it was how things were now. I wasn't wired shut, I had braces on, and really tight rubber bands blocking me from opening my mouth. yes it was hard to use the call button, I just had to keep pressing it and theyd ask what I wanted, and id just press it some more. my mom was with me.. she stayed every night with me and towards the end when all the " bad " stuff happened, she was so tired, when I would moan for her to help me, she was too tired and stressed to wake up. its amazing how much coordination is lost for awhile.. my head was so cloudy for awhile it was hard to do anything with all the surgery done on your face, and all the meds... woo. glad its over, but its well worth it. Re: the worst of it?? " most people dont have to go to the hospital.. " Ummm, not so at all. Most people do spend at least one night in the hospital. A few have the surgery as outpatients in clinics, but that's still pretty rare. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TELL YOUR SURGEON, either face to face, or in a letter, what happened to you with the nurses. That is inexcusable. The ice pack should not have broken. If it did, they should have been there for you and known what to do, right away. To clean you up, dry you off, keep you warm, etc. There is also no excuse for a doc who wires his patients to leave them at the mercy of an electronic " call button " system, nor for a nurse not to know when her patient cannot speak clearly and give better attention. Overworked? Yes, probably. But if you're not there, even when overworked, for the people who need you, you're not doing your job... That is a nightmare. I had a very attentive nurse who was nearby all night long, and cared for me immaculately, to the point of changing my gown, with the greatest sensitivity and dignity, when I managed to spill ice all over it. (Not the bag breaking; my lack of coordination.) I am serious. Tell your doc. A good one will see that this never happens to another patient. Or that the nursing staff (or whoever is in charge) hears about it. I truly believe that the only way we can make improvements for those who follow is to be vocal. I'm not saying to be bitchy, nor to try to make trouble for anybody in particular, but I find that treatment inexcusable. There are too many fine, caring nurses out there for docs and hospitals to put up with the lousy ones. They can't stop the drooling; they can ease the pain. And I agree, even if you have a bummer of a hospital visit, the procedure is well worth undertaking. It is, however, also wise to have a family member or friend with you, if you are the least bit lacking in confidence about the hospital staff. Cammie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 I agree with you. about all those things. I was told that most patients don't go to the hospital.. maybe that's just at my surgeons, but he made it seem as if it was how things were now. I wasn't wired shut, I had braces on, and really tight rubber bands blocking me from opening my mouth. yes it was hard to use the call button, I just had to keep pressing it and theyd ask what I wanted, and id just press it some more. my mom was with me.. she stayed every night with me and towards the end when all the " bad " stuff happened, she was so tired, when I would moan for her to help me, she was too tired and stressed to wake up. its amazing how much coordination is lost for awhile.. my head was so cloudy for awhile it was hard to do anything with all the surgery done on your face, and all the meds... woo. glad its over, but its well worth it. Re: the worst of it?? " most people dont have to go to the hospital.. " Ummm, not so at all. Most people do spend at least one night in the hospital. A few have the surgery as outpatients in clinics, but that's still pretty rare. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TELL YOUR SURGEON, either face to face, or in a letter, what happened to you with the nurses. That is inexcusable. The ice pack should not have broken. If it did, they should have been there for you and known what to do, right away. To clean you up, dry you off, keep you warm, etc. There is also no excuse for a doc who wires his patients to leave them at the mercy of an electronic " call button " system, nor for a nurse not to know when her patient cannot speak clearly and give better attention. Overworked? Yes, probably. But if you're not there, even when overworked, for the people who need you, you're not doing your job... That is a nightmare. I had a very attentive nurse who was nearby all night long, and cared for me immaculately, to the point of changing my gown, with the greatest sensitivity and dignity, when I managed to spill ice all over it. (Not the bag breaking; my lack of coordination.) I am serious. Tell your doc. A good one will see that this never happens to another patient. Or that the nursing staff (or whoever is in charge) hears about it. I truly believe that the only way we can make improvements for those who follow is to be vocal. I'm not saying to be bitchy, nor to try to make trouble for anybody in particular, but I find that treatment inexcusable. There are too many fine, caring nurses out there for docs and hospitals to put up with the lousy ones. They can't stop the drooling; they can ease the pain. And I agree, even if you have a bummer of a hospital visit, the procedure is well worth undertaking. It is, however, also wise to have a family member or friend with you, if you are the least bit lacking in confidence about the hospital staff. Cammie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 I agree with you. about all those things. I was told that most patients don't go to the hospital.. maybe that's just at my surgeons, but he made it seem as if it was how things were now. I wasn't wired shut, I had braces on, and really tight rubber bands blocking me from opening my mouth. yes it was hard to use the call button, I just had to keep pressing it and theyd ask what I wanted, and id just press it some more. my mom was with me.. she stayed every night with me and towards the end when all the " bad " stuff happened, she was so tired, when I would moan for her to help me, she was too tired and stressed to wake up. its amazing how much coordination is lost for awhile.. my head was so cloudy for awhile it was hard to do anything with all the surgery done on your face, and all the meds... woo. glad its over, but its well worth it. Re: the worst of it?? " most people dont have to go to the hospital.. " Ummm, not so at all. Most people do spend at least one night in the hospital. A few have the surgery as outpatients in clinics, but that's still pretty rare. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, TELL YOUR SURGEON, either face to face, or in a letter, what happened to you with the nurses. That is inexcusable. The ice pack should not have broken. If it did, they should have been there for you and known what to do, right away. To clean you up, dry you off, keep you warm, etc. There is also no excuse for a doc who wires his patients to leave them at the mercy of an electronic " call button " system, nor for a nurse not to know when her patient cannot speak clearly and give better attention. Overworked? Yes, probably. But if you're not there, even when overworked, for the people who need you, you're not doing your job... That is a nightmare. I had a very attentive nurse who was nearby all night long, and cared for me immaculately, to the point of changing my gown, with the greatest sensitivity and dignity, when I managed to spill ice all over it. (Not the bag breaking; my lack of coordination.) I am serious. Tell your doc. A good one will see that this never happens to another patient. Or that the nursing staff (or whoever is in charge) hears about it. I truly believe that the only way we can make improvements for those who follow is to be vocal. I'm not saying to be bitchy, nor to try to make trouble for anybody in particular, but I find that treatment inexcusable. There are too many fine, caring nurses out there for docs and hospitals to put up with the lousy ones. They can't stop the drooling; they can ease the pain. And I agree, even if you have a bummer of a hospital visit, the procedure is well worth undertaking. It is, however, also wise to have a family member or friend with you, if you are the least bit lacking in confidence about the hospital staff. Cammie ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Hilary, I hated the swelling! Everything else was fine. Smooches the worst of it?? wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a month! thx!!!! hilary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Hilary, I hated the swelling! Everything else was fine. Smooches the worst of it?? wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a month! thx!!!! hilary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 Hilary, I hated the swelling! Everything else was fine. Smooches the worst of it?? wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a month! thx!!!! hilary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2004 Report Share Posted January 19, 2004 The worst for me is the feeling of not being able to breathe from the congestion and swelling. No doubt about it. But also, and I don't think anyone mentioned it, is the fear. I wasn't really nervous before the operation, but now, every little thing that happens I think that I have shifted my bones, or screwed something up. If my teeth move or scrape against one another, or an elastic seems to shift, I'm convinced I've ruined the operation and thrown the bone alignment off. I even had a horrible dream last night that my whole upper jaw just fell out of my mouth. And I was running around trying to stuff my teeth back in my mouth. I can't wait until my 1 week appointment and have an x-ray and hopefully then can stop worrying about it. > wondering what everyone thought the worst part of the whole > experience was....the swelling, the liquid diet, the pain, the > braces, the waiting before the surgery???? i would love some post > oppers input, as i am getting ready for surgery in less than a > month! thx!!!! hilary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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