so soon.
any questions? do you want me to post something in particular?
And would you all be interested in a couple videos throughout this process?
IF you have had this surgery... what should I bring to the hospital? Anything and Everything.... because I don't know.
thanks.
-makay
Hi Makay -
ReplyDeleteI have not had the surgery...but like you I have poured over the web for things to expect etc. I thought this was pretty good advice from someone that had their son have the surgery...forgive me if you have seen it..here it is:
Things You'll Need:
Before the day of surgery, find liquids for your patient to live on while their jaw is closed. Preview one of every kind of protein-rich drink you can find. Once you know what you liked, then stocked up on it.
Before the day of surgery, have crushed ice, ice packs and paper towels ready. Assembling several packs the day before surgery assures there will be no delay when your patient needs a new one.
Have the post-surgery pain medications in hand when you go in for surgery. We had the prescription medications with us, and the operating room nurse recommended that we buy liquid Tylenol while our son was in surgery. It was a valuable tip: he didn't need full doses of the narcotic pain medications -- he preferred a half dose of normal liquid Tylenol, and a half dose of Tylenol with codeine.
Wear something with buttons or zippers, or that has a generous opening to slip over the patient's head. It needs to be big enough to pass a basketball through. Your skin will be very tender.
Make sure you have something to puke in on the way home! (I hope this does not happen to you)
For our son, the most uncomfortable aspect of the swelling was cracked lips that were too tender. Find somekind of lip balm that works for you.
Have enough pillows to let the patient sleep with head propped up -- the swelling and drainage can make it difficult to breathe.
Expect some bleeding the first 24 hours -- use old bedding instead of that brand new snowy white dryclean-only duvet cover.
I will be praying for you all week! You are very brave and how exciting for you to almost be done!
Cheers,
Brent
Makay -- No words of wisdom (you're several months ahead of me in the process) . . . but sending lots of positive, healthy thoughts. Go get 'em! - Shaye
ReplyDeleteAren't you excited! I just picked up my medications over the weekend, wooza! There was lots of stuff, but something my surgeon suggested which wasn't prescribed to me was afrin (which is a nasal spray. You can get this at any pharmacy, over the counter and it is suppose to really help with nasal congestion. I also picked up some arnica (which is a cream/or tablet that helps minimize swelling and bruising.)My surgeon said it would help me look like a small pumpkin instead of a big pumpkin hehe. Apply it 24 hrs before or take a pill, it will set you up going in. Other than that, a positive attitude will take you a long way! Go in happy and remember why you are going through all this. Keep thinking of the end result. I'll be thinking of you!
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