Ok so I am finally on the other side of it all! Can't help but feel proud of myself.
Here is a journal in chronological order from the Day of Surgery onwards. This page will constantly change as time goes by.
*More photos from the clinic and x rays etc can be found in the gallery section
Day 0 [Surgery Day]
-Woke up in the ward itself, can't recall the recovery room.
- Surgery took 3 and a half hours
-Pretty much in and out of consciousness in the ward. Just remember Dad snapping photos with his phone from every angle
-No breathing tubes/no catheter
- Not much pain just minor discomfort
Day 1
- Can't sit up without mucus pouring out of my mouth. Nose bleeds as well
- GA causing urination problems, probably the worst side effect I experienced throughout. Only on Day 7 did my body functions actually return to normal.
- Phlegm causing some difficulty in breathing
Day 2
- Phlegm still causing me some problems.
Day 3
- Discharged from hospital
- Very weak still.
- Phlegm still giving problems...coughed out a whole blob of phlegm covered in blood. Yuck! If this happens don't panic. It's normal due to the breathing tube they send into your lungs during surgery. Once that blob came out breathing became way easier!
-Daily clinic check. X rays taken. First time seeing my new bone structure, wow!
Day 4
- Gastric pain worse than jaw pain. I suggest maybe slowly minimizing your food intake a week or so before surgery so your stomach will be better prepared for the suddenly lack of substantial food. My stomach problems lasted till Day 6 =(
-Swelling peaked on this day i think.
-Daily clinic check. Rubber bands inserted on left and right sides to help train muscles.
Day 5
- Gastric pain.
- Right side of face more swollen than left side.
- Stomach pain and jaw pain made it difficult to sleep
- Rubber band on right side snapped. *
- Daily clinic check - Doc says my oral hygiene is very bad and I have to start brushing properly. Difficult at first but soon you will get the hang of it. Get a tiny toothbrush, makes things easier.
Day 6
- Gastric pain
-Jaw pain / sharp throbbing pain at right temple
- Sunday so no clinic check.
Day 7
- Gastric finally subsided!
- Toilet troubles are over!
- Appetite returns and I can eat anything blended without feeling like I may throw up.
- *Reason for sharp throbbing headache like pain revealed. Visit to Doc on Day 7 revealed it was due to the rubber band snapping. Once it was back in, no more pain!
- Started drinking from a cup. V messy but it's the fastest way to consume a lot of liquid. For days I dribbled.
Day 8
- Eating more, still liquid diet of course.
- Drinking more
- Comfortable
Day 9
- Swelling notably reducing, Cheeks and upper lip still swollen, will take months for all swelling to reduce.
Day 10
-Clinic check shows my muscles are adapting well to my new bite. Yay!
- Dribbling continues. Numb spot on left side of chin makes it all the more worse as I am totally oblivious I am drooling.
Day 11
- Swelling reducing. Decent enough to take first proper selfie! Quite a difference!
Upper lip still quite swollen
- One tooth started developing a 'sensitive' kind of shooting pain. The pain you get when you sometimes bite something very cold although this time the pain is happening for no reason at all! Hopefully will subside.
Day 14
Day 16
- Developed a bad ulcer on lower left lip due to my upper canine tooth that seems to rest on my lip when in a bite position.
Contacted Dr. He said the lips and facial muscles need time to achieve an equilibrium and he wasn't to concerned about it. Let's hope my lip learns it's new place!
Day 17
-Visited my orthodontist in Bangsar for the first time after surgery.
-Changed the rubber band configuration to some 'triangle' shaped configurations to help fine tune the bite and also to help move the canine tooth that is sitting on my lip right now
Day 28
-Back to Singapore for check up
-Things looking good, got the green light to chew soft things like buttered bread, soft fish etc, but think i will hold off for another week
- I was told that week 4 post surgery is the point where the jaw is at it's weakest...hmm...interesting but alarming lol!
Day 32
- Started chewing for the first time! albeit at a ridiculously cautious and slow pace.
- Small chunks of soft bread with a lot of butter. Heaven!
Day 35 (16th June)
-Back to work!
-Can open my mouth much wider and can consume slightly bigger chunks of food.
-Published my first photo since surgery on social media...LOL
Day 40
-Back to Singapore for my 6 week post check-up
- Everything is looking fantastic and docs have given me the green light to start chewing chicken/beef etc. Whoohoo!
- Feeling really happy right now.
- On a side note, tried using a straw with some success as my lips close just enough to create some decent suction!
Day 44
Day 46
- Just realized that all the stitches in my mouth seem to have completely dissolved!
- Slowly chewing more and more tougher foods!
Day 50
- Had an appointment with my orthodontist. Supposed to put on braces/wires however this didn't happen as docs felt I still could not get my mouth open enough. They recommended I exercise my jaw more often and massage the upper area. Will see them again in 2 weeks.
Day 51 (July 2nd)
- Started developing a pain on my right side, close to the jaw joint every time I swallow. Probably overdid the muscle?
Day 60
- The leavel of pain for the muscle pain I developed decreased significantly to 'bearable' on this day.
-However it still lingers on after this day [I will mention when it completely goes away], I am cautious when i yawn because if I yawn wide, the soreness comes back again for a while.
Day 71 ( July 22nd)
-Appointment with my orthodontist to fit braces for my upper set of teeth. Apparently my teeth are edge to edge now so they don't want it to end up in a crossbite (due to slight relapse? I am not sure!).
- Fitting lower set of braces next week!
Here is a journal in chronological order from the Day of Surgery onwards. This page will constantly change as time goes by.
*More photos from the clinic and x rays etc can be found in the gallery section
Day 0 [Surgery Day]
-Woke up in the ward itself, can't recall the recovery room.
- Surgery took 3 and a half hours
-Pretty much in and out of consciousness in the ward. Just remember Dad snapping photos with his phone from every angle
-No breathing tubes/no catheter
- Not much pain just minor discomfort
Day 1
- Can't sit up without mucus pouring out of my mouth. Nose bleeds as well
- GA causing urination problems, probably the worst side effect I experienced throughout. Only on Day 7 did my body functions actually return to normal.
- Phlegm causing some difficulty in breathing
'Very first photo after surgery. Pretty swollen already! but swelling peaked on Day 3 and 4 I think'
Day 2
- Phlegm still causing me some problems.
Day 3
- Discharged from hospital
- Very weak still.
- Phlegm still giving problems...coughed out a whole blob of phlegm covered in blood. Yuck! If this happens don't panic. It's normal due to the breathing tube they send into your lungs during surgery. Once that blob came out breathing became way easier!
-Daily clinic check. X rays taken. First time seeing my new bone structure, wow!
Day 4
- Gastric pain worse than jaw pain. I suggest maybe slowly minimizing your food intake a week or so before surgery so your stomach will be better prepared for the suddenly lack of substantial food. My stomach problems lasted till Day 6 =(
-Swelling peaked on this day i think.
-Daily clinic check. Rubber bands inserted on left and right sides to help train muscles.
Day 5
- Gastric pain.
- Right side of face more swollen than left side.
- Stomach pain and jaw pain made it difficult to sleep
- Rubber band on right side snapped. *
- Daily clinic check - Doc says my oral hygiene is very bad and I have to start brushing properly. Difficult at first but soon you will get the hang of it. Get a tiny toothbrush, makes things easier.
Day 6
- Gastric pain
-Jaw pain / sharp throbbing pain at right temple
- Sunday so no clinic check.
Day 7
- Gastric finally subsided!
- Toilet troubles are over!
- Appetite returns and I can eat anything blended without feeling like I may throw up.
- *Reason for sharp throbbing headache like pain revealed. Visit to Doc on Day 7 revealed it was due to the rubber band snapping. Once it was back in, no more pain!
- Started drinking from a cup. V messy but it's the fastest way to consume a lot of liquid. For days I dribbled.
Day 8
- Eating more, still liquid diet of course.
- Drinking more
- Comfortable
Day 9
- Swelling notably reducing, Cheeks and upper lip still swollen, will take months for all swelling to reduce.
Day 10
-Clinic check shows my muscles are adapting well to my new bite. Yay!
- Dribbling continues. Numb spot on left side of chin makes it all the more worse as I am totally oblivious I am drooling.
Day 11
- Swelling reducing. Decent enough to take first proper selfie! Quite a difference!
Upper lip still quite swollen
- One tooth started developing a 'sensitive' kind of shooting pain. The pain you get when you sometimes bite something very cold although this time the pain is happening for no reason at all! Hopefully will subside.
Day 14
- Developed a bad ulcer on lower left lip due to my upper canine tooth that seems to rest on my lip when in a bite position.
Contacted Dr. He said the lips and facial muscles need time to achieve an equilibrium and he wasn't to concerned about it. Let's hope my lip learns it's new place!
Day 17
-Visited my orthodontist in Bangsar for the first time after surgery.
-Changed the rubber band configuration to some 'triangle' shaped configurations to help fine tune the bite and also to help move the canine tooth that is sitting on my lip right now
Day 28
-Back to Singapore for check up
-Things looking good, got the green light to chew soft things like buttered bread, soft fish etc, but think i will hold off for another week
- I was told that week 4 post surgery is the point where the jaw is at it's weakest...hmm...interesting but alarming lol!
Day 32
- Started chewing for the first time! albeit at a ridiculously cautious and slow pace.
- Small chunks of soft bread with a lot of butter. Heaven!
Day 35 (16th June)
-Back to work!
-Can open my mouth much wider and can consume slightly bigger chunks of food.
-Published my first photo since surgery on social media...LOL
First 'public' photo since I did my operation...haha!
Day 40
-Back to Singapore for my 6 week post check-up
- Everything is looking fantastic and docs have given me the green light to start chewing chicken/beef etc. Whoohoo!
- Feeling really happy right now.
- On a side note, tried using a straw with some success as my lips close just enough to create some decent suction!
Day 44
Day 46
- Just realized that all the stitches in my mouth seem to have completely dissolved!
- Slowly chewing more and more tougher foods!
Day 50
- Had an appointment with my orthodontist. Supposed to put on braces/wires however this didn't happen as docs felt I still could not get my mouth open enough. They recommended I exercise my jaw more often and massage the upper area. Will see them again in 2 weeks.
Day 51 (July 2nd)
- Started developing a pain on my right side, close to the jaw joint every time I swallow. Probably overdid the muscle?
Day 60
- The leavel of pain for the muscle pain I developed decreased significantly to 'bearable' on this day.
-However it still lingers on after this day [I will mention when it completely goes away], I am cautious when i yawn because if I yawn wide, the soreness comes back again for a while.
Day 71 ( July 22nd)
-Appointment with my orthodontist to fit braces for my upper set of teeth. Apparently my teeth are edge to edge now so they don't want it to end up in a crossbite (due to slight relapse? I am not sure!).
- Fitting lower set of braces next week!
Fixed appliance braces
Not very flattering!
-Oh, and the muscle pain on my right side has completely disappeared on this day too!
Day 80
-Fitted on my lower braces
Day 399 (or 1yr 1 month and 3 days since surgery)
- I regret not updating in between Day 80 and now.
- Today is the day my braces finally come off!
Dr Stephanie Chong, me and Dato Dr How Kim Chuan
-Such a strange feeling to be completely free of any appliance! Teeth surface feels too smooth, almost unreal.
-I am wearing a clear type retainer which I have to wear all the time (day and night) except when eating, for 6 months. If all goes well after 6 months I only need to wear it at night only!
26th December 2016 (2yrs and a half since surgery)
-Time flies!
-Well things have been great, no pain, no jaw lock, nothing of that sort.
- I have a permanent small numb patch on left side of my face just below my lip, doesn't really bother me.
-I have switched to a Vivera retainer. The normal plastic type cracked slightly but it managed to last for about a year. The normal plastic type cost RM300 back then, they now cost RM600 (inflation!). Vivera's cost RM1800 for 3 sets (you must buy a set of 3). There are tougher material, supposedly they will last 2-3 years each so it made sense to get those since retainers are a lifetime investment. I wear them only at night, every night.
-I know live in the United Kingdom, the cold weather made my face ache for a few weeks, but its been ok for about 2 months now.
This should be the last entry here, thanks for reading! Don't give up, no pain no gain guys.
Day 80
-Fitted on my lower braces
Day 399 (or 1yr 1 month and 3 days since surgery)
- I regret not updating in between Day 80 and now.
- Today is the day my braces finally come off!
Dr Stephanie Chong, me and Dato Dr How Kim Chuan
-Such a strange feeling to be completely free of any appliance! Teeth surface feels too smooth, almost unreal.
-I am wearing a clear type retainer which I have to wear all the time (day and night) except when eating, for 6 months. If all goes well after 6 months I only need to wear it at night only!
26th December 2016 (2yrs and a half since surgery)
-Time flies!
-Well things have been great, no pain, no jaw lock, nothing of that sort.
- I have a permanent small numb patch on left side of my face just below my lip, doesn't really bother me.
-I have switched to a Vivera retainer. The normal plastic type cracked slightly but it managed to last for about a year. The normal plastic type cost RM300 back then, they now cost RM600 (inflation!). Vivera's cost RM1800 for 3 sets (you must buy a set of 3). There are tougher material, supposedly they will last 2-3 years each so it made sense to get those since retainers are a lifetime investment. I wear them only at night, every night.
-I know live in the United Kingdom, the cold weather made my face ache for a few weeks, but its been ok for about 2 months now.
This should be the last entry here, thanks for reading! Don't give up, no pain no gain guys.
Hey Shoban! I have dropped you an email few days ago at jawsurgerymalaysia@gmail.com, I hope you get notified! =)
ReplyDeleteSorry! Forgot to check my new mailbox =) all the best and really hope all works out for you!
DeleteHow long do u stay in Singapore? N why do u need braces again after surgery? Didn't you wear invisalign for the pre surgery.
ReplyDelete2 weeks...nearly all jaw surgery cases require braces to be worn after surgery for a short period to fine tune and adjust your new bite...if you google other blogs you will see this is the case for 99% of people
Deletegreat sharing site about jaw surgery, happy for you!
ReplyDeleteGreat sharing, you are looking great! Congrats on every hardwork! I wish i have the endurance too, still too scared to start, huhu
ReplyDeleteNurul
Take it step by step =)
DeleteI know it seems impossible, i did small things each time, first step pulled out 2 teeth, then I moved from there. Good luck, sorry for the late reply!
hi shoban i ve email you...hope you will reply me soon
ReplyDeleteHey ,does it feel weird to eat or talk after the surgery since you were used to with double jaw ?
ReplyDeleteyea it does for a while of course, after 2 months or so you get used to it...first 2 weeks i couldnt talk at all, my tongue was confused...
Delete