30+ and Having Double Jaw Surgery

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#1 Post by **Rodney008** » Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:35 pm

Hey guys,

Quick question. I'm 32 and will be having double jaw surgery around October. I know there's a good chance I'm not going to recover as quickly as an 18 year old would. But, overall I'm athletic and am pretty healthy. I'm wondering if after I'm out of the hospital if I would immediately be able to take care of myself. Would it be foolish to attempt this? Thanks in advance.

#2 Post by **mountaingirl** » Mon Jul 19, 2010 9:45 pm

I'm 36 and can't imagine being by myself for the first week or so, or the 6 days while I was wired shut. I am healthy but the recovery from this surgery was tough. I did make all my own meals but was not able to care for my children at all the first week after surgery. Even if it was just myself, I would have wanted someone there in case I couldn't manage. I was unable to shower for the first week and had to get someone to make sure I didn't drown in the bath because I was so dizzy. Definitely get some help! That's my opinion.

#3 Post by **indecisive1** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 1:48 am

Hi Rodney, I am 40 years old and had upper and lower jaw surgery plus a genioplasty on June 23. I have to agree with mountain girl. The first week for me was a complete write off. I also have two young children which I think made it a little harder. I was so grateful to have both my husband and my mum to help me. I wasn't dizzy or nauseous but just wanted to lie down whether it be on the couch or in bed. Although I could quite easily have prepared my own meals I can assure you it was the last thing on my mind. My mum was in charge of that and let me tell you, the things she made and blended (her "vitamin food" as she called it) really helped. If you're ever going to feel sorry for yourself it would most definitely be the week post op. I too believe that it would be a great help to have someone with you at least for the first week, if for nothing else other than moral support and to remind you that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

#4 Post by **Rodney008** » Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:34 pm

Thank you for the advice. Note taken. I also have two small children and my idea was (which the wife was ok with) to recover at my parents house for that first week after surgery. My 3 year old freaks out when she sees a bandage on me so I can only imagine what her reaction would be if she saw me soon after surgery. The problem there though is that both my parents still work. I'd be able to recover in peace but would be alone. I guess I may need to reconsider my options.

#5 Post by **indecisive1** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 2:11 am

It actually sounds like a good plan, provided you can call some one "just in case". Eventhough your parents work you could probably work around their schedule. If your meals are prepared before hand and you plan your showers etc when they're home you should be fine. I think not having the kids around is a good idea. I actually planned my surgery just before school holidays so for the the first two weeks had both my 6 year old and 4 year old at home. This was a bit challenging because even though they behaved well, it was difficult to rest. I also think its a good idea that your kids don't see you immediately post op. I tried to prepare mine, telling them beforehand that I would look bruised and swollen when I came home but I don't think anything could prepare them for what they saw. When I got home they both started crying. My 4 year old ran away and kept on telling my husband "that's not mummy, she looks disgusting". It took him a good 2 days to realise that I was the same person and that I was ok.

Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:27 pm

I agree with the peace and quiet option. I've not had surgery yet, but when I do I'm planning for my kids (age 5 and 3) to be at their grandparents for the first week. If not for my own sake then to save them having to see me looking like a wreck. I'm worried it'll give them a fear of dentists and hospitals if they see me too soon post-op.

Glad to hear that a week's respite sounds reasonable from you lucky lucky post-op people - I was wondering if I was being optimistic hoping I'd be back on my feet in week two.

#7 Post by **ztm134** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:06 pm

Hi Rodney,

I am recovering on my first week right now from double jaw surgery (day 5!).

I agree with the other posters that supporting yourself is not an option for the first couple of days. I feel like I'd starting to be okay on my own now, but this is the first day that I can say that. Until last night, I hadn't moved much and I would never ever would have wanted to be responsible for administering and timing my own medications. I'd be out cold without someone to wake me up to remind me that it was time for some pain med/antibiotics/etc.

Moms are great to have around for this surgery!

#8 Post by **Rodney008** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 6:55 pm

Thank you for the advice everyone. I think I'll stick with the plan of staying at my parents for a week. I've also talked my mom into taking some time off to help me out. Moms are great aren't they? We'll take it day to day and see how it goes.