Posted by Captin Cannuck on August 30, 2008 at 22:43:19:In Reply to: Top 10 MMA tips? posted by swordz on August 28, 2008 at 04:25:42:
1. Be patient. Change happens slowly. Everybody who goes into this get jittery after surgery wondering if they have really improved or not. As you may know, it takes time for swelling to go down. Also, you should mentally prepare yourself for a situation where you are much improved, but not fully cured. This is a very normal outcome that many people will experience. Sometimes there a "hype" about this operation that leads to people being discouraged at only achieving a significant reduction in apnea occurances. These folks were expecting a full cure (e.g. an AHI stat below 5), even though that is not usually the typical outcome. So, please set modest goals and when they are achieved be pleased with them. If your reasonable expectations are exceeded, then you will be extatic.
2. Another piece of advice I have for you: Relax. It is not as big a deal as you might think. Of course, you will experience some dull aching pain. It will be unpleasant for the first three days especially, but will subside.
3. Stock up on Ensure. It tastes pretty good.
4. Get a large capacity syringe for feeding the ensure.
5. Call your TV provider. Arrange for all the channels.
6. The thing that I found most difficult was having my jaw wired shut. At one point, my doctor's resident told me that I would likely get my braces off in only one more week. But, when I saw the doc, he said that I would have to wait several more weeks. I felt really depressed. I guess what I am trying to say is to prepare yourself mentally for having your jaws wired shut for a long time. It is not fun.
Best of luck.