Guest guest Posted March 13, 2004 Report Share Posted March 13, 2004 Oh boy - Linette: What a story! You're going through a terrible journey with " getting a tooth pulled " . I'm so sorry it has worked out this way. I hope all the bad news is behind you and that it is smooth sailing going forward. (I hope you love your surgeon now....) I, like you, was banded shut so tightly that only the most watery substances were able to get through my teeth. My favorite recipe was something I kind of cooked up - ----- 1/2 packet of instant oatmeal - and make it normally in the microwave A large scoop of strawberry yogurt Milk Put all of these in a blender and blend until it is a watery substance. I subsisted on this and Ensure for weeks. I liked the oatmeal because it isn't too sweet and the strawberry gave it a nice shot of fruit. Also - even though the oatmeal was blended it still maintained a tiny bit of texture which I craved when I was banded. (And it was a little bit warm which felt good in my mouth). ----- Best of luck in surgery this Wednesday. Take care of yourself and let us know how you're doing. Greta ----- > Hi All! > I have been a member of this board for a few months now, but will > admit I am a lurker. I'm not sure if I belong on this board but > it's the only support/info board that I seem to somewhat be able to > relate to. My problems began last May when I went for what was to > be a routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. At 35 years > old, never even really knowing I even had wisdom teeth, I trusted my > general dentist when he recommended pulling the lower two. I > scheduled the procedure after my spring semester was finished (yes > I am a college student, a very old college student!), as to not > interfer with my studies. I had heard that removing wisdom teeth > later in life was more difficult and with a longer recovery time. I > never imagined that I would end up where I am today. To get to the > point, the dentist ended up fracturing my jaw during the removal. > For more than three weeks the fracture went undiagnoised. I went > back to him (the original dentist) 3 times in less than 2 weeks > because I had never been so miserable or experienced such chronic > excructiating pain in my life (and I have given birth twice!!!). He > blew me off every time. Never took an x-ray, said I was healing > slow > and sent me home with more pain meds. For more than 3 weeks I was > pretty much incapacitated because of the pain. I went to emergency > rooms, other dentists etc. to find out what was going on. I remember > telling God, I didn't think I could live another day like that, > there was no end in site. Finally I drove more than hour away to > a " teaching " hospital with many specialty clinics. They took a full > pan x ray and found the fracture. I wasn't crazy! Surgery was > scheduled for the following week. They put a small metal plate in > my jaw with only 2 small visible incision holes. Before I even went > back for my post-op appointment I developed an infection in the > bone. More surgery and this time they went in below my chin, placed > a > large metal bar and left me with a 4 inch scar. Over the next 2 > months I was hospitalized several times due to infection flare up. > All seemed well for almost 4 months and then I ended up in emergency > surgery where they removed the bar (the screws had loosened and > infection had set in once again) I came out of surgery with my mouth > wired shut for 3 weeks. Also learning that I was facing my fourth > sugary (bone grafting) once they felt the infection was under > control. The surgery will be this coming Weds. I have had plenty > of time to prepare for it, but after going in for my pre-op > appointment today I am really having a hard time. This time I will > be wired shut for 6 weeks minimum. The last time the wires were so > tight, I couldn't even do a milk shake without thinning it out. > I > lived on very thin Lipton, cream of chicken, cup of soup and slim > fast. Please, if anyone could send me recopies/techniques/support > etc., I really need it. Also, as a result of all the surgeries my > bite is really off and my lower lip is distended. It looks like I > have had a stroke! This is the hardest for me. They don't know if > it is something they can ever correct. The joints that would > typically cause this problem are all in tact and it appears to be a > muscle issue. Again, any words of encouragement from those who can > relate would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent! > Linnette > > Please excuse the any spelling/typos..too busy venting/rambling to > care right now! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2004 Report Share Posted March 13, 2004 > Hi All! > I have been a member of this board for a few months now, but will > admit I am a lurker. I'm not sure if I belong on this board but > it's the only support/info board that I seem to somewhat be able to > relate to. My problems began last May when I went for what was to > be a routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. At 35 years > old, never even really knowing I even had wisdom teeth, I trusted my > general dentist when he recommended pulling the lower two. I > scheduled the procedure after my spring semester was finished (yes > I am a college student, a very old college student!), as to not > interfer with my studies. I had heard that removing wisdom teeth > later in life was more difficult and with a longer recovery time. I > never imagined that I would end up where I am today. To get to the > point, the dentist ended up fracturing my jaw during the removal. > For more than three weeks the fracture went undiagnoised. I went > back to him (the original dentist) 3 times in less than 2 weeks > because I had never been so miserable or experienced such chronic > excructiating pain in my life (and I have given birth twice!!!). He > blew me off every time. Never took an x-ray, said I was healing > slow > and sent me home with more pain meds. For more than 3 weeks I was > pretty much incapacitated because of the pain. I went to emergency > rooms, other dentists etc. to find out what was going on. I remember > telling God, I didn't think I could live another day like that, > there was no end in site. Finally I drove more than hour away to > a " teaching " hospital with many specialty clinics. They took a full > pan x ray and found the fracture. I wasn't crazy! Surgery was > scheduled for the following week. They put a small metal plate in > my jaw with only 2 small visible incision holes. Before I even went > back for my post-op appointment I developed an infection in the > bone. More surgery and this time they went in below my chin, placed > a > large metal bar and left me with a 4 inch scar. Over the next 2 > months I was hospitalized several times due to infection flare up. > All seemed well for almost 4 months and then I ended up in emergency > surgery where they removed the bar (the screws had loosened and > infection had set in once again) I came out of surgery with my mouth > wired shut for 3 weeks. Also learning that I was facing my fourth > sugary (bone grafting) once they felt the infection was under > control. The surgery will be this coming Weds. I have had plenty > of time to prepare for it, but after going in for my pre-op > appointment today I am really having a hard time. This time I will > be wired shut for 6 weeks minimum. The last time the wires were so > tight, I couldn't even do a milk shake without thinning it out. > I > lived on very thin Lipton, cream of chicken, cup of soup and slim > fast. Please, if anyone could send me recopies/techniques/support > etc., I really need it. Also, as a result of all the surgeries my > bite is really off and my lower lip is distended. It looks like I > have had a stroke! This is the hardest for me. They don't know if > it is something they can ever correct. The joints that would > typically cause this problem are all in tact and it appears to be a > muscle issue. Again, any words of encouragement from those who can > relate would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent! > Linnette > > Please excuse the any spelling/typos..too busy venting/rambling to > care right now! Dear Linnette You vent all u want Babe u have every right to. You been through an unnecessary hell. Urs is probably one of the saddest stories of jaw surgery I heard. I was wondering if u are suing the Dr that fractured ur jaw. I wd be suing him for millions. If u can prove he was at fault you have a hell of a case. Pain and suffering alone!!!!! My other suggestion to you if there is a muscle issue. Try looking into holistic approaches such as accupunture and massage therapy. I have seen accupunture do some amazing healing for muscle problems. You know what this should tell people is how the wrong Dr can screw up ur life big time. When u do this surgery u must make sure that u are in excellent hands. My cousin's father-inlaw went for routine hip surgery replacement. They put in the wrong type of replacement a joint that dosent move. Needless to say he was an extremely vital man and now a year later he can hardly walk. Linette u seem to be a strong person to go through this and remain focused. Try to remain strong. My prays go out to you. Best Wishes, PS. You are never too old to go to school. U should never stop learning. I got my last year at 39. So I am right there with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2004 Report Share Posted March 13, 2004 > > Hi All! > > I have been a member of this board for a few months now, but will > > admit I am a lurker. I'm not sure if I belong on this board but > > it's the only support/info board that I seem to somewhat be able to > > relate to. My problems began last May when I went for what was to > > be a routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. At 35 years > > old, never even really knowing I even had wisdom teeth, I trusted > my > > general dentist when he recommended pulling the lower two. I > > scheduled the procedure after my spring semester was finished (yes > > I am a college student, a very old college student!), as to not > > interfer with my studies. I had heard that removing wisdom teeth > > later in life was more difficult and with a longer recovery time. I > > never imagined that I would end up where I am today. To get to the > > point, the dentist ended up fracturing my jaw during the removal. > > For more than three weeks the fracture went undiagnoised. I went > > back to him (the original dentist) 3 times in less than 2 weeks > > because I had never been so miserable or experienced such chronic > > excructiating pain in my life (and I have given birth twice!!!). > He > > blew me off every time. Never took an x-ray, said I was healing > > slow > > and sent me home with more pain meds. For more than 3 weeks I was > > pretty much incapacitated because of the pain. I went to emergency > > rooms, other dentists etc. to find out what was going on. I > remember > > telling God, I didn't think I could live another day like that, > > there was no end in site. Finally I drove more than hour away to > > a " teaching " hospital with many specialty clinics. They took a > full > > pan x ray and found the fracture. I wasn't crazy! Surgery was > > scheduled for the following week. They put a small metal plate in > > my jaw with only 2 small visible incision holes. Before I even went > > back for my post-op appointment I developed an infection in the > > bone. More surgery and this time they went in below my chin, > placed > > a > > large metal bar and left me with a 4 inch scar. Over the next 2 > > months I was hospitalized several times due to infection flare up. > > All seemed well for almost 4 months and then I ended up in > emergency > > surgery where they removed the bar (the screws had loosened and > > infection had set in once again) I came out of surgery with my > mouth > > wired shut for 3 weeks. Also learning that I was facing my fourth > > sugary (bone grafting) once they felt the infection was under > > control. The surgery will be this coming Weds. I have had plenty > > of time to prepare for it, but after going in for my pre-op > > appointment today I am really having a hard time. This time I will > > be wired shut for 6 weeks minimum. The last time the wires were so > > tight, I couldn't even do a milk shake without thinning it out. > > I > > lived on very thin Lipton, cream of chicken, cup of soup and slim > > fast. Please, if anyone could send me recopies/techniques/support > > etc., I really need it. Also, as a result of all the surgeries my > > bite is really off and my lower lip is distended. It looks like I > > have had a stroke! This is the hardest for me. They don't know if > > it is something they can ever correct. The joints that would > > typically cause this problem are all in tact and it appears to be a > > muscle issue. Again, any words of encouragement from those who can > > relate would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent! > > Linnette > > > > Please excuse the any spelling/typos..too busy venting/rambling to > > care right now! > Dear Linnette > You vent all u want Babe u have every right to. You been through an > unnecessary hell. Urs is probably one of the saddest stories of jaw > surgery I heard. I was wondering if u are suing the Dr that fractured > ur jaw. I wd be suing him for millions. If u can prove he was at > fault you have a hell of a case. Pain and suffering alone!!!!! > My other suggestion to you if there is a muscle issue. Try looking > into holistic approaches such as accupunture and massage therapy. I > have seen accupunture do some amazing healing for muscle problems. > You know what this should tell people is how the wrong Dr can screw > up ur life big time. When u do this surgery u must make sure that u > are in excellent hands. My cousin's father-inlaw went for routine > hip surgery replacement. They put in the wrong type of replacement a > joint that dosent move. Needless to say he was an extremely vital man > and now a year later he can hardly walk. > Linette u seem to be a strong person to go through this and remain > focused. Try to remain strong. My prays go out to you. > Best Wishes, > PS. You are never too old to go to school. U should never stop > learning. I got my last year at 39. So I am right there with you. < Meant to say MA at 39. Good Luck on Wed. Keep us informed on how ur doing. God Bless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2004 Report Share Posted March 13, 2004 Ouch, that's a rough story. I didn't even know " general " dentists could extract wisdom teeth - I thought only oral surgeons did. Bone infections are very nasty - I hope everything is under control now. I'm not a litigious person, but I would certainly be thinking " lawsuit " in your shoes. Pain, suffering, lost wages, and a little extra so your dentist will actually listen to his patients in the future. It's not the fracture that would piss me off, since stuff happens but blowing you off afterwards is unforgiveable. I had an unintended break during my own surgery. The first thing my surgeon talked about when I woke up was the break, followed by much apologizing and groveling, and extremely attentive followup for the next 6 months. That's the right way to handle an unintended consequence, but what your dentist did is an example of the absolute wrong way to handle a problem. --Neil > Hi All! > I have been a member of this board for a few months now, but will > admit I am a lurker. I'm not sure if I belong on this board but > it's the only support/info board that I seem to somewhat be able to > relate to. My problems began last May when I went for what was to > be a routine third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction. At 35 years > old, never even really knowing I even had wisdom teeth, I trusted my > general dentist when he recommended pulling the lower two. I > scheduled the procedure after my spring semester was finished (yes > I am a college student, a very old college student!), as to not > interfer with my studies. I had heard that removing wisdom teeth > later in life was more difficult and with a longer recovery time. I > never imagined that I would end up where I am today. To get to the > point, the dentist ended up fracturing my jaw during the removal. > For more than three weeks the fracture went undiagnoised. I went > back to him (the original dentist) 3 times in less than 2 weeks > because I had never been so miserable or experienced such chronic > excructiating pain in my life (and I have given birth twice!!!). He > blew me off every time. Never took an x-ray, said I was healing > slow > and sent me home with more pain meds. For more than 3 weeks I was > pretty much incapacitated because of the pain. I went to emergency > rooms, other dentists etc. to find out what was going on. I remember > telling God, I didn't think I could live another day like that, > there was no end in site. Finally I drove more than hour away to > a " teaching " hospital with many specialty clinics. They took a full > pan x ray and found the fracture. I wasn't crazy! Surgery was > scheduled for the following week. They put a small metal plate in > my jaw with only 2 small visible incision holes. Before I even went > back for my post-op appointment I developed an infection in the > bone. More surgery and this time they went in below my chin, placed > a > large metal bar and left me with a 4 inch scar. Over the next 2 > months I was hospitalized several times due to infection flare up. > All seemed well for almost 4 months and then I ended up in emergency > surgery where they removed the bar (the screws had loosened and > infection had set in once again) I came out of surgery with my mouth > wired shut for 3 weeks. Also learning that I was facing my fourth > sugary (bone grafting) once they felt the infection was under > control. The surgery will be this coming Weds. I have had plenty > of time to prepare for it, but after going in for my pre-op > appointment today I am really having a hard time. This time I will > be wired shut for 6 weeks minimum. The last time the wires were so > tight, I couldn't even do a milk shake without thinning it out. > I > lived on very thin Lipton, cream of chicken, cup of soup and slim > fast. Please, if anyone could send me recopies/techniques/support > etc., I really need it. Also, as a result of all the surgeries my > bite is really off and my lower lip is distended. It looks like I > have had a stroke! This is the hardest for me. They don't know if > it is something they can ever correct. The joints that would > typically cause this problem are all in tact and it appears to be a > muscle issue. Again, any words of encouragement from those who can > relate would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent! > Linnette > > Please excuse the any spelling/typos..too busy venting/rambling to > care right now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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