Hey anonymous reader who left a comment - here are my responses to your questions:
1) How long did your surgery last and did you have to stay over-night?
My upper and lower jaw surgery took exactly four hours. I spent three nights at the hospital. Initially my OS estimated a two-night stay, but he agreed I should stay an extra night because of my breathing difficulties. Don't worry - not everyone experiences those.
2) How long after were you able to talk after having the surgery?
Hmm. Let me think. Maybe 10 days. Through clenched teeth and the splint and four rubber bands. Once my OS allowed me to remove the splint during the day (after two weeks), it became much easier.
3) Do you have any regrets?
Good question. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Well, on a second thought, I proceeded with the whole thing (braces, consultation, et cetera) as soon as I learned about this type of surgery. So I *wish* I'd learned about it sooner, but really, since I acted as soon as I found out, I have no regrets. It's something I can benefit from for the rest of my life. I'm glad I did it. There IS no downside, as far as I can see.
The way I stumbled across jaw surgery was through an ex-colleague/friend, Isabelle. One day we were out shopping at Whole Foods, and very casually she just said, very bluntly, word for word - "Kristen, show me your bite. Do you have a bite problem?" I was floored, and refused to. My bite problem was such an embarrassment to me! She then told me that she had had jaw surgery five years ago herself, to fix an open bite (she couldn't even cut sandwiches or eat noodles). She told me all about her experience - the braces, the surgery, the cost - as we strolled through Whole Foods picking up groceries. Boy, was I shocked! It felt as though a door had suddenly opened for me. The next day, I called her surgeon and orthodontist.... and the rest is history in the making. I'm so grateful that she told me about the whole procedure. It is truly life-changing.
4) How many weeks of work/school did you take off after having the surgery?
Five. It's been almost four, I've got one more week to go. Clarification: Kim makes a good point (see her comment on this post). Five weeks is NOT required. I've "known" people who went back to work after 10 days, two weeks, three weeks, whatever. The length of time off really depends on your speed of recovery, your company/school policy, benefit coverage, et cetera. I took five weeks because I had no idea what to expect, so I wanted to play it safe and not push myself too hard too soon. I'd concur with Kim that at two weeks post op I tired very easily. A couple hours out of bed, and I'd need a nap right away. But after three weeks, my energy level came back almost 70, 80 percent. Again, how much time you should take off really varies from case to case, due to a number of factors.
Showing posts with label talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label talk. Show all posts
Monday, February 26, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Postoperative Instructions
Wow, these post op instructions are really helpful. They cover swelling, jaw joint pains, jaw opening, and recipes, etc. Very nice! Wish I'd come across them earlier. Specifically:
TEN DAYS TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the ten day to four week period after surgery, stand in front of the mirror and open and close your jaw 3-4 times a day when your elastics are off. A good time to do this is after you have eaten and cleaned your mouth. At this point you should be able to get one finger in between your teeth. By four weeks after surgery you should be able to get two fingers in between your teeth.
DO NOT USE FINGER PRESSURE ON YOUR TEETH TO HELP STRETCH YOUR JAW OPENING AT THIS TIME.
Your jaw is weakest ten days following your surgery. Simply move your jaw forward and backward, and side to side, and open and close, while attempting to stretch your jaw muscles. Moist heat placed on the side of your face before and during these exercises may make them more comfortable and effective.
FOUR TO EIGHT WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the fourth to eight weeks after surgery, you should be able to get two fingers between your front teeth very comfortably. Near the eighth week, you should be able to approach placing three fingers between the front teeth. At the sixth week you can begin using GENTLE finger pressure between the front teeth on each side to help gently stretch your jaw muscles, increasing your opening.
EATING
In the past, and occasionally at the present time, teeth are wired together after jaw surgery. This allows the bones to heal while they are being held still. In the majority of cases today, we use small bone plates and screws to hold the bones still to assist in healing. Support is also given by the splint and elastic traction. This allows the jaw to move and function during the healing period of 8-12 weeks. It must be remembered, however, that the bones are not completely healed and are being stabilized only by the screws and plates. Therefore, we encourage a gradual progression of movement and use of the jaws, keeping in mind that adequate healing does not take place until approximately 8-12 weeks. REMEMBER: Your jaws are weakest at 10 days.
DAY 10 TO DAY 28 AFTER SURGERY:
Food during this period does not need to be liquid. It can consist of soft foods that require minimal chewing. This can consist of mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft pasta that is cut into small pieces, soft rice dishes, or soft sandwiches that are cut into small pieces. One can also eat the foods that were eaten during the initial period. Light chewing can start during this period of time.
4 WEEKS TO 8 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
At this point, chewing can be attempted. The food must be initially soft, progressing into softer meats such as hamburger and soft chicken. The portions should be small so as not to place too much force on the healing bones. Soft fish dishes are also excellent. You will find that your jaw will tire easily. This will continue for the first 2-3 months until your jaw muscles have accommodated for your new jaw position. Avoid eating food which requires chewing for prolonged periods of time.
REMEMBER: IT TAKES 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR INITIAL HEALING OF YOUR JAW OR JAWS AND 3 TO 4 MONTHS FOR A FULL BODY HEALING. If the jaw is hit or bumped early after your surgery, this may cause some shifting in the jaw and bite, SO BE CAREFUL!
This is also an excellent site for information:
WILL IT BE DIFFICULT TO TALK AFTER THE SURGERY?
You should expect some soreness in lengthy conversations; however, the more you talk, the more you exercise your weakened muscles and aid your recovery. You may be sore but try not to depend on writing notes to communicate. Go ahead and say it!
HOW SOON AFTER SURGERY WILL I GET MY BRACES OFF?
This depends on the complexity of the procedure and type of problem you have. Studies show that people grow very impatient with the braces at 6 months postoperatively and can become depressed if the braces are not off by then. You can insure that your braces come off as soon as they can by keeping appointments and wearing elastics as prescribed.
WHAT IS LEFT TO BE DONE ORTHODONTICALLY AFTER SURGERY?
With the use of elastics and different archwires, we will complete final bite detailing. There is often some space closure and final root positioning left to be done the last few months as well. Cooperation from the patient during this time will play a large part in the completion of treatment.
TEN DAYS TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the ten day to four week period after surgery, stand in front of the mirror and open and close your jaw 3-4 times a day when your elastics are off. A good time to do this is after you have eaten and cleaned your mouth. At this point you should be able to get one finger in between your teeth. By four weeks after surgery you should be able to get two fingers in between your teeth.
DO NOT USE FINGER PRESSURE ON YOUR TEETH TO HELP STRETCH YOUR JAW OPENING AT THIS TIME.
Your jaw is weakest ten days following your surgery. Simply move your jaw forward and backward, and side to side, and open and close, while attempting to stretch your jaw muscles. Moist heat placed on the side of your face before and during these exercises may make them more comfortable and effective.
FOUR TO EIGHT WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
During the fourth to eight weeks after surgery, you should be able to get two fingers between your front teeth very comfortably. Near the eighth week, you should be able to approach placing three fingers between the front teeth. At the sixth week you can begin using GENTLE finger pressure between the front teeth on each side to help gently stretch your jaw muscles, increasing your opening.
EATING
In the past, and occasionally at the present time, teeth are wired together after jaw surgery. This allows the bones to heal while they are being held still. In the majority of cases today, we use small bone plates and screws to hold the bones still to assist in healing. Support is also given by the splint and elastic traction. This allows the jaw to move and function during the healing period of 8-12 weeks. It must be remembered, however, that the bones are not completely healed and are being stabilized only by the screws and plates. Therefore, we encourage a gradual progression of movement and use of the jaws, keeping in mind that adequate healing does not take place until approximately 8-12 weeks. REMEMBER: Your jaws are weakest at 10 days.
DAY 10 TO DAY 28 AFTER SURGERY:
Food during this period does not need to be liquid. It can consist of soft foods that require minimal chewing. This can consist of mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft pasta that is cut into small pieces, soft rice dishes, or soft sandwiches that are cut into small pieces. One can also eat the foods that were eaten during the initial period. Light chewing can start during this period of time.
4 WEEKS TO 8 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
At this point, chewing can be attempted. The food must be initially soft, progressing into softer meats such as hamburger and soft chicken. The portions should be small so as not to place too much force on the healing bones. Soft fish dishes are also excellent. You will find that your jaw will tire easily. This will continue for the first 2-3 months until your jaw muscles have accommodated for your new jaw position. Avoid eating food which requires chewing for prolonged periods of time.
REMEMBER: IT TAKES 6 TO 8 WEEKS FOR INITIAL HEALING OF YOUR JAW OR JAWS AND 3 TO 4 MONTHS FOR A FULL BODY HEALING. If the jaw is hit or bumped early after your surgery, this may cause some shifting in the jaw and bite, SO BE CAREFUL!
This is also an excellent site for information:
WILL IT BE DIFFICULT TO TALK AFTER THE SURGERY?
You should expect some soreness in lengthy conversations; however, the more you talk, the more you exercise your weakened muscles and aid your recovery. You may be sore but try not to depend on writing notes to communicate. Go ahead and say it!
HOW SOON AFTER SURGERY WILL I GET MY BRACES OFF?
This depends on the complexity of the procedure and type of problem you have. Studies show that people grow very impatient with the braces at 6 months postoperatively and can become depressed if the braces are not off by then. You can insure that your braces come off as soon as they can by keeping appointments and wearing elastics as prescribed.
WHAT IS LEFT TO BE DONE ORTHODONTICALLY AFTER SURGERY?
With the use of elastics and different archwires, we will complete final bite detailing. There is often some space closure and final root positioning left to be done the last few months as well. Cooperation from the patient during this time will play a large part in the completion of treatment.
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