Hi all, I'm 6 weeks post-op from double jaw surgery. Actually, I'm 7 weeks post-op from the first operation, but the screws came loose on my lower left side, so I had to have a second operation a few days after.
Anyway, I'm looking to see if anyone has a similar issue to mine. Last week, I saw my surgeon and he said that I could try eating whatever I could manage. So I did try to chew some things (soft things), but I was feeling a sharp ache on my lower left side. It also happens when I try to contain a yawn. To be honest, I've stopped chewing now, because I'm concerned I might not be ready for it.
Also, if I sleep on my left side, my lower jaw moves to my left, and sort of locks into an odd place because the teeth are held so tightly together with elastics. If I sleep on my back, or on my right side, there are no issues.
Has anyone experienced something similar? I'm assuming it's just a case of that the bones have not connected on my lower left side yet, causing the movement and pain when aggravated.
6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
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Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
Any movement you think you feel needs to be looked at straight away. Go see your surgeon and also get a second opinion. Alot of surgeons say that it's nerves giving altered sensations but if you can physically see it get it looked at straight away. It maybe that some internal support needs putting in place to prevent any biting forces deflecting the jaws. The sooner you act, the sooner the chain of getting the bones to fully knit together.
I had non union lefort 1. Not knowing myself I had to approach my surgeon/ortho team on month 3 who fed me rubbish saying it's fine and your still early in recovery. 10 months later I had to have the same operation again with grafting.
I had non union lefort 1. Not knowing myself I had to approach my surgeon/ortho team on month 3 who fed me rubbish saying it's fine and your still early in recovery. 10 months later I had to have the same operation again with grafting.
Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
Good God. I already had two surgeries, now I might need a third? This certainly hasn't been a great success.
How was your operation for the non-union? I presume everything has worked out fine for you now. Thanks for the reply.
How was your operation for the non-union? I presume everything has worked out fine for you now. Thanks for the reply.
Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
I see your thread now. Sorry to hear about that, sounds like a stressful journey. Apparently we are in that small % of things going wrong ...how small that actually is I seriously do wonder.
Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
Stressful doesn't even come close. I just need answers as to why after 2 surgeries they can't get it right! My 1st surgeon I think took too much bone away which messed things up and was always going to cause issues. The second surgeon just made it heal where it is(even if it was done wrong in the first place).
I'd definitely get yours seen as soon as possible though. If I was to give you any tips for now I would say stay on soft food, don't mash stuff with your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just mash it with a fork, don't drink from a straw as this causes negative pressure in the mouth. Try sleep a bit more upright if you can to limit the weight on the face/jaws. If you have elastics just wear them in the day as subconsciously don't know if it forces you to clench at night. Also don't fight against them. Just try and not do anything to disturb the joins.
I hope it works out for you. I don't think that half these consultants/surgeons/orthodontists know how damaging problems can be to someone. Someone's face is a lot more personal than a knee, shoulder, foot etc.....
I'd definitely get yours seen as soon as possible though. If I was to give you any tips for now I would say stay on soft food, don't mash stuff with your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just mash it with a fork, don't drink from a straw as this causes negative pressure in the mouth. Try sleep a bit more upright if you can to limit the weight on the face/jaws. If you have elastics just wear them in the day as subconsciously don't know if it forces you to clench at night. Also don't fight against them. Just try and not do anything to disturb the joins.
I hope it works out for you. I don't think that half these consultants/surgeons/orthodontists know how damaging problems can be to someone. Someone's face is a lot more personal than a knee, shoulder, foot etc.....
Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
What a nightmare for you. I hope you get those answers. Apparently my screws came loose after I vomited after the first surgery, but going into the surgery I thought 99% of people vomited. The surgeon said everything was tightened big time in the second op...and even both sides to be sure. I would be stunned now if something has come loose again. But, it's a possibility.
Thanks for your advice. I've been sticking to soft foods mainly, but have been mashing things with my tongue on the roof of my mouth at times. I thought I should be doing this! I was told that I used to swallow and push my tongue against my teeth, but now instead I should push my tongue against the roof of my mouth when I swallow, and possibly divert the pressure there.
I told my surgeon that when I take off all my elastics, my lower jaw moves slightly so that the center line is about a half tooth length out of line. Surgeon advised me that things are still healing and the elastics needs to train the jaw joints to the correct bite position. I am worried now that something may not be right on the left side, as that is where I get the movement at night and also the occasional low pain spasm. I'll arrange to get it checked out asap.
Thanks for your advice. I've been sticking to soft foods mainly, but have been mashing things with my tongue on the roof of my mouth at times. I thought I should be doing this! I was told that I used to swallow and push my tongue against my teeth, but now instead I should push my tongue against the roof of my mouth when I swallow, and possibly divert the pressure there.
I told my surgeon that when I take off all my elastics, my lower jaw moves slightly so that the center line is about a half tooth length out of line. Surgeon advised me that things are still healing and the elastics needs to train the jaw joints to the correct bite position. I am worried now that something may not be right on the left side, as that is where I get the movement at night and also the occasional low pain spasm. I'll arrange to get it checked out asap.
Re: 6 weeks post-op. Need advice.
I was really close to being sick after op number 1 as I had 4 wisdom teeth out at the same time and had swallowed alot of blood. I remember my throat being really soar for ages from where they pulled the breathing tube out too.
Follwing the second op all I ate was soups and stuff that almost looked pre chewed (gross I know) to stop any type of pressure within my mouth. It was made easier as I didn't have elastics in the way and fighting against against their pull to eat.
I see my orthodontist in a few weeks so hopefully I can explain that i'm not happy and threaten to go down the complaints precedure. But fear all he'll say is at least it's solid, that's all he's bothered about.
Ive been told here's a hormone (sorry forgot the name) that floods the trauma area to help it heal hence why they use elastics so early - just some info off a different orthodontist I was told, it may have something to do with the "training" of the bite.
Follwing the second op all I ate was soups and stuff that almost looked pre chewed (gross I know) to stop any type of pressure within my mouth. It was made easier as I didn't have elastics in the way and fighting against against their pull to eat.
I see my orthodontist in a few weeks so hopefully I can explain that i'm not happy and threaten to go down the complaints precedure. But fear all he'll say is at least it's solid, that's all he's bothered about.
Ive been told here's a hormone (sorry forgot the name) that floods the trauma area to help it heal hence why they use elastics so early - just some info off a different orthodontist I was told, it may have something to do with the "training" of the bite.