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Re: Pre Surgery Shopping List!

Posted by seattlebill on March 23, 2005 at 16:38:49:

In Reply to: Pre Surgery Shopping List! posted by biaxident on March 23, 2005 at 11:35:18:

Hey,

Early post-op I had arch bars and bands; so, your mileage may vary if you're going to have braces instead of arch bars (allowing for earlier feeding and better oral hygeine).

Things that helped me early on were (in no particular order): ice pack with a comfy exterior (did wonders for throbbing & aches), protein powder (to supplement any liquid), medical nutition drinks (Boost, Ensure...find whichever you like or can stand, it will be your best early source of nutrition), favorite DVDs or video game (will help take your mind off your daily situation), small soft childrens' toothbrush, chlorhexidine oral rinse (if allowed by surgeon), favorite juice (apple being not too acidic worked best for me), Benefiber (you won't get too much fiber any other way...and that is the last thing you'll want to worry about).

If you are on a liquid diet for a long time, each 8oz cup will quickly fill you up. Simple water, for example, is a wasted intake. You should optimize every liquid ounce by having high caloric content (fruit juice +/- protein powder for example) even to flush in medications. You can also add protein powder to favorite soups and/or add half & half milk to augment the caloric content. Obviously, this is to prevent extreme weight loss and loss of muscle mass.

The other thing to remember is that after any major surgery (even without a lot of pain meds) you will lack focus and concentration for a while early on (1-4 weeks). Plan in some "brainless" time or activities. For example, I had planned to do continuing education stuff at home...no way...couldn't focus; ended up watching old familiar TV shows or DVDs instead.

Communication will also be a big deal early on. Something to write with, and someone to interpret your "speech" will be helpful for the first week or two.

Eventhough getting out and around is possible and good for morale, plan on hunkering down for a little longer than a few days. Day trips out of your abode for more than a couple hours may exhaust you. Plan on nap-time. Early post-op you can expect to snooze alot. It is your body trying to get downtime to heal.

Many things depend on the method of stabilization. Braces vs arch bars. Example, I was banded shut for 3 weeks tightly, more loosely for 3 additional weeks. During the initial 4 weeks I fed myself with a syringe and catheter between my cheek and gum. I had no way of performing good oral cleaning except of the outside. I think folks with braces can advance diets faster and use straws & small spoons earlier.

Good luck with all this. I'll try to think of other things as they come by.

Bill

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