My Op Experience (1 Wk on!)

[Guest guest]

Hey guys,

My name's from Lancaster, UK.

I had a Bi-Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw Forward 7mm and Lower Jaw

back 9mm), last Wednesday.

Here's my story....

Had braces since October 2002 to align my teeth for a good bite. Was

given a surgery date back in September 2003. The realisation of what

was happening hit!

* So, last tuesday (9th December came), 1 day pre-op. I was admitted

to hospital in the afternoon (altho this is not really necessary).

Had blood tests etc. Slept ok.

WEDNESDAY 10th December 2003 - Surgery!

* was woken at 6am, took some seditive tablets prescribed to help me

be more relaxed (altho i wasnt too bad, was just routine)

* 8.30am - taken to theatre with cotton wool up my nose, soaked with

cocaine (lol), apparently this expands the nose in order for a

better anaesthetic procedure.

* 1pm - Surgery finishes (altho i dont remember). Was placed in the

recovery room, also dont recall any of this.

*2/3pm - First recollections of things. Was sick into my oxygen mask

(after-effects of anaesthetic) and people around me fussing!

* Not in any pain surprisingly. Altho people are normally given a

self-dosing morphine machine, which helps!

The rest of the day is pretty much a blur, slept ok. Very swollen.

THURSDAY 11th December.

* was sick a couple of times, this was due to an anti-inflammitory

drug i was given but they stopped giving me that.

* Face ached but this is not really surprising!

* Able to speak, altho it was very limited because of swelling of

cheeks, lips and tongue. Drooling lots!

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

*Visitors came, but i found it got quite difficult and very tiring

to speak and communicate, they are very understanding tho!

*Was good to have a shower. Doctors are very pleased that im up and

about so much.

*Left hospital on saturday! Reluctantly (because in hospital there

were personal TVs and nurses all the time - yes, this is only the

British *free* National Health Service aswell!!)

SATURDAY - TODAY (tuesday)

*Face aches alot

*Lots of tingling of cheeks and chin (think this is due to the

nerves coming back)

*Had some porrige-style breakfast this morning, other than that its

been Soup and noutritional drinks!

Whats annoyed me??????

* Drooling all the time!!

* Dry lips (nothing that vaseline cant help tho!)

* No solid foods and im getting really sick of noutritional drinks,

they all taste the same!

* The aching after speaking. Not being able to speak properly is

very frustrating!

* The point just before the next medication dose, this is normally

when you ache the most.

* Taking pills is very laborious

* The constant taste of gunk which builds up in my mouth cos i cant

clean it properly.

I can see how some people get depressed in situations like this.

Luckily, it hasnt happened to me yet. Im quite an optimist and i

know that itll only be a matter of time before i am fit and well

again!

For all those not sure whether to undergo surgery....

....dont hold back, just do it! Yes, its painful for a while, but i

know that the rewards are gonna be just brilliant.

Good luck to all forthcoming surgical dates!

And get well soon to all the people in my boat!

xx