Pep talk needed - surgery next Wednesday!

[redfoxjo]

I'm just freaking out now. I have been lurking on this board for nearly three years now and always find the advice helpful.

I'm having upper and lower jaw surgery next Weds in Liverpool on the NHS. I'm 25 and I'm having a palate expansion to correct a narrow palate and lower jaw moving forward and up slightly to correct an open bite, over bite and long face.

I'm SCARED!! I will be in hospital for nearly a week as I'm having a bone graft from my hip to fill in the gaps for the expansion. Then I'll have an acrylic splint in my mouth for the next two weeks and well basically unable to speak, eat anything.

I'm at a healthy weight - 5ft3 and 9st6 but am wondering how much I will lose of that (not that I mind bring it on) and also how difficult it will be for me to get about and blend foods, etc.

I'm thinking of drinking Complan from Boots - the meal replacement shakes to boost myself up.

I'm scared about the actual surgery having never had an op before.

Has anyone got any advice for me/words of comfort?

Thanks so much!

[WoodWillow]

Sounds like you're having an involved surgery, but you'll be in the hands of professionals and it will all be done and you'll be in recovery before you know it!!

The tone of your post sounds positive so I would guess this is something you are ready and prepared for!

I never tried Complan when I was in the UK but I Googled it and it sounds like the Boost and Ensure we can buy here in North America. It will likely be a good option if you don't want to blend anything but remember you can blend most fruits and veggies to get good complete nutrition! So long as you keep hydrated and sufficiently nourished you should do allright. We are the same height I did the stone/pounds converstion and you are a bit lighter than me and I am not terribly concerned about weight loss, though I know some will happen.

Do you live with someone who could help you out after surgery? One of my friends said she used a syringe to eat for the first few days after her surgery, then she used baby spoons to feed herself. I plan on trying both methods!

[Aviv16]

You will be absolutely fine. It will be over before you know it. In a way, being scared is a good thing because it's unlikely the reality will live up to your expectations. My experience certainly wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be - and I had double jaw too. Just be prepared to be very tired, sleepy, and lacking energy - even after 3-4 weeks I still felt exhausted.

Make the most of your time in hospital - in many ways this is the easier time as there are nurses/medical experts constantly at your beck and call and you don't need to worry about anything. You can relax. On the other hand, once you feel ready to go home you know you are feeling much better, because it means you're fine without all the extra medical care that comes from being in hospital.

Remember it's possible to puree many different foods - make sure you have a good blender! Blended spaghetti bolognese was one of my favourite post-surgery meals!

The few post-op weeks might seem a long time (I'm 5 weeks post-op today), but in the scheme of your life, it's nothing really. You'll look back and be so glad you did it!

Wishing you all the best and keep us posted

[redfoxjo]

Wow thanks for your replies! They are comforting!

I am glad I'll be in hospital for so long actually - hopefully it will improve my recovery. But obviously I'd like to get home as soon as possible too.

I am definitely going to try blending my favourite foods too ha ha. I guess I'm under the impression at the moment that I won't be able to eat anything nice - so will just be blending veg and having the Complan to get all my nutrients, etc.

I'm also worried about what my nose will look like after as I dislike it already (it's got a bump and is a-symmetrical) so am wondering if the upper jaw work will improve/worsen it?

Am looking forward to getting it all over and done with which this time next week it will be.

**Aviv16 - do you have to sleep upright?

I'm worried about that too! I don't want to keep my boyfriend awake all night with snoring, etc and having to sleep upright too so thought the sofa might be the better option?

Thanks both - really helpful advice/words of comfort

[Aviv16]

Hi redfoxjo,

Happy to help! I did have to sleep upright for the first 6 nights or so. One thing that was very helpful was a neck pillow - supporting my neck made all the difference and actually allowed me to sleep. I hardly slept the first 3-4 nights though. I woke up every couple of hours for painkillers etc. It's useful having someone there who can bring you your medication when you need it! Also to bring you fresh ice-packs etc.