Hi! Condiment bottles were a must for liquid food (smoothies, purées) and syringe for water—I just used the syringes I was given from the hospital. In the early days, I would use cheese cloth to strain my smoothies before putting them in my syringe/bottle—this made it easier to syringe and prevents tiny seeds (esp strawberry) from getting into the incisions, might be overkill but that’s just what I did. Yes to baby spoons. Once you graduate from bottles/syringes you won’t be able to fit a regular spoon. I didn’t use my humidifier, I bought it but never needed it. Probably don’t need a pill crusher if you have liquid meds.
The most important part of my comment: get one of these it’s a lifesaver for the weeks of congestion!!! I used this the most out of anything I bought. You do need someone to help you but it’s the most effective to get rid of congestion when you can’t blow your nose
Hey,
If you're worried about losing weight, I'd recommend a mass gainer through recovery instead of a protein powder. Mass gainers will makes sure your caloric deficit isn't too high while still providing a good amount of protein yet protein shakes alone may not help (unless you supplement them with fruit, peanut butter, olive oil, oats, almonds, etc. but these will make your shake really thick sometimes hard to digest). Mass gainers have a bad reputation for causing bloating and being hard to swallow (well-earned in some cases) but my best experience so far has been with Animal Meal. It's easy to drink and easy to digest and with 4 shakes a day you can supplement the average caloric intake for an adult (around 2000 calories). Good luck!
Try buying a cat toothbrush! It’s even smaller than baby toothbrushes and they are cheap on amazon. Plus the handle is very small where baby toothbrushes tend to have huge handles. I had my surgery Wednesday and I have been very gently cleaning my teeth as of yesterday. My doctor just told me to avoid the gums and brush the teeth only. I did not get prescribed mouthwash either but he said salt water is okay to rinse with - maybe you could ask about that? Good luck!
I’m only 8 days out, but I purchased a pillow through Amazon that helped me sleep upright. Actually use it in my bed & when I’m on my couch. Here is the link incase your curious.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097S7GVVB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I’ve heard these ice face masks can be helpful
Also figure out how you’re going to be sleeping upright to reduce your swelling. Some people use wedges. I personally plan on purchasing a very large comfy recliner prior to surgery and will be sleeping in that for a while so I can keep my swelling minimal.
I liked the Korean version better. This was the only one that fit my small lower jaw before surgery. I tried other brands but they were too big.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0848TF834?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_4&amp=&crid=2WVBILTGOTKBT&amp=&sprefix=kf94
Have you tried using something like this? It might help with your discomfort. I wish you the best on your recovery!
Having a recessed jaw is a medical problem that is a result of environmental factors and is only beginning to get mainstream attention. Here are some books to read and give your dad:
https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0735213615
I read on here that people used wedge pillows to sleep elevated. Maybe that combined with an orthopedic cervical pillow to stabilize neck would help.
You’re welcome! If you’re in the US, I ordered two of these so I could constantly have ice packs in the fridge to switch out: Hilph® Jaw Ice Pack Wisdom Teeth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y35X3ZN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I am sleeping better but I think that’s also because I found this amazing pillow that supports my head/neck MemoryFoamPillow,AnvoNeck...
I am now trying to be more conscious of my posture, surgery didn’t fix my posture, but made it easier to hold a correct posture since now I can close my mouth properly
-baby toothbrush
- wedge pillow. I got this one to help sleep upright https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085W4NLZ4/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
-stool softener pills (OTC, anesthesias made me super constipated, these helped)
Awesome, I’m glad he got back to you. If Tylenol pm or similar doesn’t work on you, try these. Best to check with your surgeon to make sure they’re safe for you to take. I know they don’t help with the pain but getting sleep is so important. I also had issues with that for 5 or 6 weeks, it makes recovery so much more difficult than it needs to be. I hope you find some relief, it should get better soon <3
A good pillow wedge for when you're sleeping.
These syringes were a godsend and I wish I had them when I came home from the hospital. They can fit basically an entire ensure in them which ended up being less messy in the end for me.
The items posted are all great. I will add:
-breathe right strips. They helped the first week post op when my nose was clotted.
-baby mouth cleaners. I used these ones from Amazon. They were great for cleaning my tongue before I could open wide enough to fit a baby toothbrush between my teeth.
-Pill crusher. I hated the liquid meds. I couldn't swallow a pill the first few weeks of recovery.
At first I had one of those husband pillows + a travel neck pillow, but sleeping sitting up vertically while good for swelling was pretty unbearable, I also felt like gravity was pulling my lower jaw open. Not ideal.
So I switched things up:
I put a pillow under my mattress creating an elevated faux tempur-pedic bed situation;
Put a thick pillow on top of that;
Then added one of these silly looking pillows to stop me rolling and 10/10 would buy again. It keeps you very much in one place, and while it's a lil pricey, it's been SO comfy that I might even continue to use it. Apparently it stops you getting facial wrinkles so thats always a bonus.
I am a stomach sleeper who HATES back sleeping and I haven't rolled over once in almost 4 weeks post op.
Good luck!
Oh also! To stop slipping, make sure you wear cotton pyjama pants / have cotton or linen sheets on your bed. Avoid anything silky because thats a recipe for slipping.
I’m sorry - it seems odd for me to raise this. I really think that you all don’t understand what IMDO is. If I could offer some advice, may you can just buy a book on the subject. It’s like a massive best seller. It’s like you all are debating Galileo https://www.amazon.com/6Ways-Design-Face-Corrective-Optimize/dp/0867159669/ref=nodl_
I want to put out there that I have never had jaw surgery. I only have tmj and just started on a splint. But, I've found this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHMLV4T?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
It's been a god-send. Ask your doctor first of course. I don't know if he wouldn't want you touching your face, but the ice roller really helped me with soreness and the ice ought to help the swelling.
I ordered two of these and they were great when I had my wisdom teeth + four others taken out in august.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFW7QBD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
thanks for the feedback!
I'm a bit anxious because I'm afraid that something might go wrong or that it might give problems (I don't know what kind).
But then I think I will speak "well", I will have a nice smile and maybe the headaches I have lately will disappear.
I have another question: before the surgery did you have some headaches because of the jaw? in this last period I really have some headache peaks that also prevent me from studying.
in my opinion it is due to that, even reading on the internet.
next week I have the appointment with the orthodentist and I will ask her, but in the meantime I accept further comments / advice, if only to calm my anxiety :)
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Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
thank you for your response!
was a snoogle good enough or did you feel it was lacking? For example, there are medical wedges where one piece goes behind your back, and another piece goes under your knees, alleviating the pressure from your lower back when sleeping upright. I purchased both a snoogle and that system, but looking to understand how a snoogle was sufficient for you
jawbras are on route!
my friend just lended me their vicks humidifier which I can put vicks vapor pads in! hoping that will be useful. re:arnica I purchased CBD full spectrum balm instead.. hoping that helps similarly
For the neck pillow, do you think this would work? https://www.amazon.com/Trtl-Pillow-Scientifically-Support-Washable/dp/B00LB7REBE
I use these LDP squirt bottles. I also cut the nozzle a little and at an angle. I drank water from them, rinse my mouth with one, and eat with one. https://smile.amazon.com/Squeeze-Medical-Plastic-Cleaning-Washing/dp/B092M5Z6YL?pd_rd_w=OC7au&pf_rd_p=07da9b2f-52f3-4fa6-b605-4458a1e54cf1&pf_rd_r=48XHTP6MY8S7MSSE52H7&pd_rd_r=83395d68-e19d-4d5a-a7c4-ea00f53d0579&pd_rd_wg=gvdeg&...
Thanks for the reply, seeing how brainwashed people are is truly astonishing. Here’s a good book on the topic by a Kennedy if you want to stop being an ignorant moron https://www.amazon.com/Real-Anthony-Fauci-Democracy-Childrens/dp/1510766804 But it barely scratches the surface, I merely link it because ignorant people like you need a big name before believing anything
I recommend wash bottles for liquids as it's less messy than syringes, but syringes are good for thicker liquids later on and also rinsing your mouth. Extra soft toothbrushes for sensitive gums and maybe liquid vitamins to help with healing.
Thinking about surgery. My bottom teeth land almost flush on my top teeth, take ~1mm. I was never told I need braces or surgery until a few years back, I went to one dentist. He tried to re-adjust my just by forcing the bottom jaw back, without telling me what he was doing. After a few unsuccessful attempts, he asked if my teeth alignments were giving me any problems. I told him that I had no issues.
Now, I have been noticing how when most people smile, you only see their top teeth. However, when I smile really big, sometimes all my teeth show.
But, sometimes, when I smile, mainly my top teeth are visible.
It'll move both your upper jaws forward, plus if you get a genioplasty would look really good as it would get rid of the "retruded chin" look. Here's an example of the kind of change you can expect:
Ok then, here's a different extraction study that measured incisor differences. There was a 1.1mm average difference in maxillary incisor position between extraction and non-extraction. You have yet to cite any evidence that suggests moving incisors inwards aggravates OSA. Hilarious you consider 1 millimeter of difference an aggravating factor of OSA.
https://sci-hub.do/10.1093/ejo/cjy056 "In extraction cases, crowding was initially alleviated by retraction of canines, then the remaining space was closed by reciprocal traction" In figure 5 its clear there is retraction of alveolar bone, but the difference is not statistically significant compared to non-extraction, and there's no evidence this minute amount of alveolar change in anyway predisposes to OSA.
"I just don't care" they say as they push pseudoscience that'll negatively impact uncritical peoples wellbeing.
I was given this kind of syringe when I was just on clear/pure liquids: Dental Syringe 8pcs 12cc Disposable Curved Syringe Irrigation Syringe with Curved Tip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746H8M15/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V3QD2F11CJB8WP30Z72A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
and then was given catheter bags & tubing for thicker liquids later on!
Sure, I use Retainer brite but there‘re also some formulas Persulfate-free for whose who are allergic to this ingredient. I just submerge the retainer into a glass with the tablet and warm water for 15 min and rinse after.
Just ask your ortho if the retainer you are getting can be cleaned this way.
No worries, ask away! I’m glad to help. Day 3 and 4 were peak swelling and my face was literally a square. The pain was tolerable with Tylenol and ibuprofen. I missed a few doses because I’d be sleeping, and when I woke up there would be some pain like 6/10, then I’d take the meds immediately and the pain would be gone. 1st week eating was hard bc I’d be scared to open my mouth and crack something lol. I made it unnecessarily hard on myself and barely ate or drank. But Right after the surgery they told me to start opening and stretching my mouth, drink as much liquid as possible, which I didn’t listen bc I was scared to mess something up ?? I was an idiot. So def listen to them.
By week 2 I was out and about to a semi-normal routine, driving, walking around, seeing friends. They encourage you to do light physical activity like walking as soon as possible.
At the 1 month mark about 80% swelling was gone. 2nd month I was back to my normal routine, working and etc but I just had to eat slowly.
At the 3rd month swelling is still slowly going down, most of the numbness is gone. I feel great and chewing with a properly aligned jaw is a whole new world.
Highly recommend this scissor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013WH4TN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FBSFR3T08QB6DD3X8FEA I cut all my food with it, to make it easier to chew and swallow. Pizza, fries whatever. I was eating whatever I wanted and not confined to a liquid diet which helps the recovery.
Regarding food, if you have a blender, it is going to be your best friend for the next 2-4 weeks.
I second the Soylent (chocolate) in bottles format. I also did a lot of shakes. My go-to was: almond milk, protein powder, banana, oatmeal, peanut butter. I also had quite a few soft snacks around (puddings, yogourt, Apple sauce) for extra calories.
Regarding pain, I barely got any pain.
Surprisingly, the most annoying part of the recovery was the congestion and swelling. If you take Tylenol, Advil or a stronger prescribed anti-inflammatory, you will be fine. I did not have to take any of my prescribed oxycodone.
Recovery: If you can get one of these to apply ice the first 3 days (then switch to heat), it's a godsend: https://www.amazon.com/Face-Pack-Wisdom-Teeth-WORLD-BIO/dp/B07NRFBBD3
Expect total numbness in your upper gums for a few months. No way around that one.
After a month, I still have some numbness on my left side of my face, below the eye all the way down to the corner of my lip. It's barely noticeable now so I'm confident it's going to fully heal in the next few weeks.
Yep this is what I got to drink water and meals. Then I just bought smaller ones to help drink my meds since it was hard drinking out of the small measuring cup that comes with the medicine bottles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C71C1LH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_46ZND637YDHZZF5YKQHA
Sad to hear you are having such a hard time.
Perhaps you already know all this but I just mention it just in case…
I heard some people found that the steam from hot showers, saline nasal sprays, and humidifiers helped them with the breathing. But probably you’ve already have them.
Nose strips are also good https://www.amazon.com/InstaClear-Extra-Strength-Drug-Free-Breathing-Strips/dp/B07D1BRM7V/ref=sr\_1\_5?dchild=1&keywords=Nose+strips&qid=1628555705&rdc=1&s=hpc&sr=1-5
Someone mentioned heating pads for the back were very helpful. I imagine they meant something like this https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Enrichment-PureRelief-Heating-Charcoal/dp/B01KVYTV86
Hang in there, it will pass! 🙂
I have mild lactose intolerance and have been using Dymatize ISO 100 to supplement my weightlifting (was recommended by one of the fitness subreddits). It dissolves easily and have not experienced any bloating/gas! Have heard the birthday cake flavor is delish but it's always sold out for me. 😭
The inside of my mouth felt super gross too. I was able to use dental "pipe cleaners" like these to stick between the tooth gaps to scrub away some of the build up off my tongue & teeth. You could also probably use gum picks or any other narrow dental tool
Arm and hammer saline rinse Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Mist Giant Size: 6 Packs of 4.25 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6FC7VQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KC60PTZZZH8X8C0QZJW3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I used a really large version of this contraption:
The first several days. I'd take the tube and push it down my mouth between my cheek and teeth, all the way to my molars, then I would tip my head all of the way back and drink water/ whatever from the syringe that way.
My nurse was actually a trauma nurse who was assigned to the recovery ward for a night, and she told me she used that trick all of the time for her facial trauma patients (particularly if they had trauma resulting in oral obstruction).
I don't know if you'll find that helpful but it really helped me get some fluids in the first few days.
This is what I have. I also got an ice face mask like OP is talking about but it was far too uncomfortable for me to wear when icing was crucial. It feels good now though!
I recommend setting alarms of when to take meds and to use these squirt bottles for drinking, super handy. Safe recovery!
Hopefully the below link works
Have you asked for more pain medication? I ended up getting a refill for my hydrocodone, and it was the only thing that would allow me to sleep.
Also, I'd recommend getting this foam wedge:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HHLBKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It comes with a tiny pillow and I slept with this for 3 months. Probably a lot longer than I should have, but after a few weeks or so I was completely comfortable while sleeping elevated and didn't want to get rid of the wedge.
I bought a lot of stuff only for it not to be that useful. Here's what I really used & found useful: - Baby toothbrush - Aquaphor (chapped lips and dry skin!) - Ocean nasal spray - Jaw bra ice pack (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FSCLPPI) - 3 bottles of Soylent - Squeeze bottles (I bought a 6 pack on Amazon but only needed 2, so would recommend you look for one) - Blender
What I bought but didn't find that useful: - Ice face mask - Gatorade - Jade roller - Arnica gel - Arnica tablets - Humidifier
I feel ya sister! This might sound silly, but I was still eating in front of a mirror most of the time when I was a month post-OP. It helped. I see your shears, so I am betting you've got one of these Conair mirrors. I left it on the table so I could avoid eating my lip.
The ice only helps with swelling until a certain point. It's actually recommended to only use ice for 48 hours, but I used ice for longer than that. I was very adamant about icing my face almost 24/7, and then remember waking up one day and naturally craving the heat sensation!
Buy this, it's amazing! You can heat it up in the microwave. I used this for a long time.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N49F73N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Platypus Orthodontic Flossers for Braces – Unique Structure Fits Under Arch Wire, Floss Entire Mouth in Less Than Two Minutes, Increases Flossing Compliance Over 84% - 30 Count Bag (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D0DQVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XD8pFb28D3HQS
**2 mini ice packs inside tubular stockinettes (I forgot the name yesterday but they weren’t ordinary stockings) Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Medline-MSC9506YDH-Medigrip-Tubular-Bandages/dp/B009I383TK/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=tubular+stockinettes&qid=1569889682&s=gateway&sr=8-11
Put ice inside and tie it around your head