Just over a week anyway, until I have upper, lower and genio. I met with my anesthetist today and the magnitude of what's going to happen has sort of hit me!
He said the surgery will probably last at least 7 hours, and I'll be in hospital for 4-5 days. Somehow I didn't realise the surgery would take so long, or that I'd be in hospital so long... Was everyone else in for this length of time?
Also, I'm a bit upset that I'm just being told now that I needed to donate my own blood four weeks before the surgery. Now if I need a blood transfusion, I'll have to have someone else's blood and it's really worrying me.
I guess I'm just having second thoughts... It all suddenly seems to be happening too quickly.
A week to go...
Moderator: bbsadmin
Yup it feels pretty monumental, doesn't it?
I wouldn't worry about the blood transfusion too much. As I understand it, blood transfusions are required very rarely in jaw surgeries, and it may even be to your advantage that you didn't donate, because it is just one more stress on your body.
I also had a long surgery - about 6 hours. You will feel pretty weak after being under anaesthesia for that long, so be prepared for that.
I was only in the hospital for one night. They wanted me to stay for 2, but I had the option of leaving, so I did. Maybe you will have a similar situation - there will be a point where they recommend that you stay, but you can leave if you want. I think 1 or 2 nights is pretty standard, but many people have stayed longer. I guess the one advantage is that you will have professional care, and you won't have to do a thing for yourself. You may want to bring books, magazines, music, or whatever to keep yourself occupied.
I wouldn't worry about the blood transfusion too much. As I understand it, blood transfusions are required very rarely in jaw surgeries, and it may even be to your advantage that you didn't donate, because it is just one more stress on your body.
I also had a long surgery - about 6 hours. You will feel pretty weak after being under anaesthesia for that long, so be prepared for that.
I was only in the hospital for one night. They wanted me to stay for 2, but I had the option of leaving, so I did. Maybe you will have a similar situation - there will be a point where they recommend that you stay, but you can leave if you want. I think 1 or 2 nights is pretty standard, but many people have stayed longer. I guess the one advantage is that you will have professional care, and you won't have to do a thing for yourself. You may want to bring books, magazines, music, or whatever to keep yourself occupied.
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Figamentation
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:12 pm
My surgeon recommended it for me because of the complexity of my surgery, but I refused because I do not tolerate blood donations well (tried to do my civic duty and it was a disaster). I know there's a little more risk in getting someone else's blood but I think it would have been much harder on my body. But the good thing is I didn't need it anyways, so I wouldn't fret about it.
Thanks for the comments and well-wishes 
I'm getting my head around the length of stay at the hospital now, it's actually kind of nice to know that they'll be keeping a close eye on me for that long!
It's good to hear that not many people need the transfusion, Unfortunately, I tend to have low hemoglobin levels which increases the risk. But I'm taking my iron supplements diligently and crossing my fingers, so hopefully I won't need one.
Thanks again, and I will keep you posted!
I'm getting my head around the length of stay at the hospital now, it's actually kind of nice to know that they'll be keeping a close eye on me for that long!
It's good to hear that not many people need the transfusion, Unfortunately, I tend to have low hemoglobin levels which increases the risk. But I'm taking my iron supplements diligently and crossing my fingers, so hopefully I won't need one.
Thanks again, and I will keep you posted!
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crazybeautiful
- Posts: 745
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 2:20 am
- Location: Yorkshire, England
I don't know how people manage to be up and away the same day with these surgeries. It does seem a more common thing in America though, for some reason.
My mum works for a physio who specialises in TMJ issues and he says that I'll be surprised at how quickly I bounce back. I'm sure he's saying that to make me feel better, but I'm choosing to believe him!Thanks rty7186 It's good to hear that you are doing well.
The surgery is at 7:30 tomorrow morning so I'm staying at the hospital overnight. I'm leaving in 15 mins for a final appointment with the surgeon. I'm not sure of the exact numbers but I think my ortho said my upper jaw is moving up about 4 mm and forward 5 mm, and the lower jaw forward about 12mm!
Not sure when I will have internet access, but I'll try to get on in the next few days to let you all know I survived
Thanks for the support everyone, it's made these last few weeks much easier... See you on the other side!
It's good to hear that you are doing well. The surgery is at 7:30 tomorrow morning so I'm staying at the hospital overnight. I'm leaving in 15 mins for a final appointment with the surgeon. I'm not sure of the exact numbers but I think my ortho said my upper jaw is moving up about 4 mm and forward 5 mm, and the lower jaw forward about 12mm!
Not sure when I will have internet access, but I'll try to get on in the next few days to let you all know I survived
Thanks for the support everyone, it's made these last few weeks much easier... See you on the other side!
