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Posted by JLM on June 05, 2000 at 19:35:42:In Reply to: post op day 5 posted by depsy on June 04, 2000 at 19:22:55:
I admire your efforts to get out, I couldn't or didn't even try for 2 weeks. I hope someone was with you. My bottom jaw and front teeth ached and I also felt the stiches pulling. You might try rinsing and swooshing your mouth with warm salt water rinses once an hour. I didn't need it, but you could try something like Anbesol(get you put on gums and teeth to numb the pain). I just realized the more I talked the worse my mouth felt. Icing the outside helps too. My lower lip and chin were numb and still is, also my four lower front teeth. Evidently the numbness in the teeth may be forever my surgeon said. I think it has to do with all the nerve endings below them being cut. I also felt the stiches pull in my throat and upper palate. Your muscles in your throat and tongue have been tighten and it takes a while to get use to. Everything was stretched while your mouth was clamped in place during surgery, so muscles respond. I'm still having problems with my jaw muscles, they are tight and go into spasm. Because of past TMJ therapy I knew how to ice(ice cube held with washcloth). And directly rub ice over facial, neck, and around ear, and temporal area; then place your other hand(warm) over the area after rubbing 3-4 times. Anyway this releases the spasm which is most the time the pain. Or try moist heat. But with all the swelling yet I think ice is best.
Hope your appt with the doc went well and you have a good relationship with him. It makes all the difference especially when you need stronger pain meds. Most doctors are extremely hesitate about giving out that stuff, afraid your going to get addicted to it and rely on it. If they only realized that for a short period of time it really helps the patient cope. But it is also up to us to know when to start weaning so you can get back to the occasional aspirin or tylenol.
Lee answered your other post and the gatorade is a good idea, it gives you back your electrolytes. Let us know how you are doing.
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