Posted by spizza on June 07, 2009 at 13:21:53:I almost feel like it's my duty to post an update--I have learned so much from all the posts here and want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. What a great community!
As a short background, I have known I had apnea for about 2 years. Last summer, I had "phase 1" surgery--GA, tonsils out, palatopharyngoplasty (I think!) by Dr KL. Horribly painful surgery--I swore at the time if it didn't work I would use CPAP until I died.
The apnea got better for about 3 months, then I started getting more tired again. Another sleep study--RDI=46. Dr KL recommended jaw surgery.
You don't even know how many times I read that "pre-op panic" article on westernjoe's blog!
Fast forward to May 26th, where I did have the MMA (and deviated septum fixed). I was in Stanford Hosp for 2 days and I think I have had a pretty good recovery. NOT easy, but no real complications, for which I am grateful! I would say about Day 6 or 7 I started thinking I was actually going to survive and recover, and about Day 8 when I realized I could breathe like never before, both during the day and at night.
I continue to take pain meds 1-2 times a day, usually because I have been talking too much or at night, with no distractions, trying to get comfortable enough to sleep.
Speaking of sleep, it's not great, but it is better. I sleep 2-3 hours at a time before waking up--not sure why. The longest stretch has been 4 hrs. From reading posts here and on blogs, I am sure this will get better with time.
My biggest frustration, besides not being able to talk, is the eating thing. It takes so much time to chop, blend, strain, that when I'm halfway through, I'm too tired to finish and I don't care any more! Thankfully I have great caregivers who fix and bring me food--my daughter even made me blended french toast! It's a great way to lose weight because mostly food isn't worth the trouble (ok, except for chocolate peanut butter milkshakes). Although, it does seem that every day I find a way to make eating a little easier, like using sports bottles & a great sippy cup!
Eating and cleaning my mouth/teeth. I was given the ok to use a waterpik, so I put non-alcohol mouthwash and warm water in it several times a day, which seems to help. I will be so glad to brush!
The most important advice, so far, that hasn't been mentioned a whole lot here, would be to keep up with the nasal rinses. I have it down to a science, now, and it has made a world of difference. So whatever way works best for you, do it!
I have all the usual numbness, but it doesn't bother me (yet) My chin was already numb from the previous surgery, and with all this stuff in my mouth, I can't really even tell what else is numb.
All in all, I'm feeling good about the surgery and results so far. If you have read all the way down to here, I hope I have said something worthwhile. And again, thank you so much to those who have gone before me and helped SO much. I don't think I would have made the decision to have the surgery without this site.Spizza
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