I decided to begin a blog about my orthognathic jaw surgery. I thought perhaps it would benefit myself as well as anyone who happens to read it. I realize there are so many of these out there, but maybe mine will be unique for someone. So here goes nothing...
Before my jaw surgery I had a deep overbite that I had previously attempted to fix as a teenager with braces. Because braces alone failed to work and I relapsed, here I am as an adult with a new set of orthodontics and on my seventh day of my orthognathic jaw surgery.
My surgery entailed of correcting my overbite with lower jaw movement alone, as well as manipulating my chin into a more cosmetically pleasing position.
Day 1-5 were pretty typical. I spent day 1 in the hospital. I was extremely swollen. The biggest things that I noticed were that I was not in as much pain as I thought I would be (perhaps the morphine?) and that my biggest complaint was the swelling, numbness, and chapped lip. I'm not sure why my lip got so chapped, I just know that it had something to do with the swelling. I put chapstick on constantly and still today it is very chapped. Yesterday, day 6, I was very tired and worn out. I was trying to focus at work, but found myself checking out around 2 pm. Also, I could not move my neck far enough back to wash my hair, nor could I lean forward enough in the sink to wash my face. This is much better today, and was the worst yesterday.
The symptoms I am experiencing today are frequent tingling and continued numbness in my chin and lip. However, I've noticed that today for the first time there is one tiny patch of feeling that has returned on my chin. That is something to celebrate! I've also had this awful sensation that something is stuck in my throat, ALL DAY. I do not know if this is related or not, but it sure has been a pain.
I had my first follow up appointment with my oral surgeon today. Much to my dismay and disappointment, he decided that my bite was at risk for shifting either to the right or left, and so he banded my mouth shut. I trust him, and so I let him do it. That doesn't mean that it isn't miserable though! I can't talk to coworkers or family members very well at all.
If I had to pick one thing that stinks the most about this whole ordeal other than the cosmetic appearance that is just embarassing, I'd pick the hunger. I have been craving my favorite foods, favorite restaurants, and anything salty that I can get my hands on. I have begun making plans and lists for the things I will eat when my 8 weeks are up. I have mastered the art of swallowing whole spaghettios, rice, and scrambled eggs in a desperate and always failed attempt to satisfy my cravings. I am not allowed to chew, but who said that I couldn't swallow? ;)
Now that I am wired shut, I have to liquify everything and eat through a syringe. I just attempted to eat puree'd soup with a syringe for the first time tonight, now that I can no longer enjoy what I now consider a luxury. It truly was disgusting. Not only was it nearly impossible to get the food into the syringe, but when I was done I had so many tiny bits and pieces in my braces. I rinsed my mouth about 10 times to get it all out. It's hard to rinse when you can't spit!! I think I've decided I am going to stick with milkshakes (halfway melted) and chicken broth. At least the weight loss will be expected!
My biggest advice to anyone that is planning the surgery are the following things:
1) Plan more than 1 week off from work. You are going to be exhausted from recovering and won't have the energy to put into work that you need to
2) Buy lots of straws, dietary supplemental drinks, chicken broth, and lots and lots of soups
3) Set aside some money for many unexpected runs to the grocery store, local fast food joint for milkshakes, and pharmacy
4) DON'T EXPECT to look amazing one week after surgery. I didn't think I would still look this WEIRD, and it's been somewhat of a hurdle trying to get me down today. Expect to look strange for a long time...I'm hoping it's going to be worth it. :) Please share your experiences and post your comments. I will try to update often!
Even though I didn't want to, here are my photos from today. Ignore the giant pimple on my head. It's very difficult to wash your face after jaw surgery. :) You'll notice one side is much more swollen than the other, which is normal from what the surgeon told me. My jaw looks like it is clenched though...I am hoping that is just an effect of being banded shut.
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