Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Maxillofacial Surgery: All your questions answered, at last!

I've got this nifty thing called a Stat Counter attached to my blog that tells me some very interesting details about the people reading.

The most interesting thing about reading my stats is that I can see what people search for that leads them to the blog. Not surprisingly, the majority of searches revolve around having your jaw wired shut, and because I appear to be misleading people with my blog's title and subsequent content, I think it's time I answer some of those queries. After all, I am speaking from experience. I had my jaw wired shut.

So let's address all your surgical inquiries!

1. "kissing with my jaw wired"
This will be difficult. During the surgery, many of the nerves in your lower face will be cut, and while the regeneration (regrowth?) time is relatively quick, it does take a while and require some physical therapy (although you may never regain full feeling -- I've got a little numb spot on my chin that I sometimes stroke as though it were a beard or something). Some exercises that speed along the recuperation process are to "pucker" and "smile" which is much more difficult than you might expect. Puckering is especially tough, hence the primary obstacle in any attempt to kiss. I would not recommend trying to kiss anyone if you have your jaw wired shut. Also, anyone you might want to kiss will probably be grossed out by the fact that your face is swollen to the point where you resemble a volleyball and your cheeks are bruised a weird yellow color.

2. "can you talk with your jaw wired shut"
Somewhat. The first few days, especially when I was still in the hospital, I wrote a lot of what I wanted to say in a little notepad. The doctors don't want you to do that, because the sooner you attempt to use your facial muscles the quicker your recovery. However when you are all hopped up on drugs and feel like there's a shard of glass going through your mouth one minute, and that you are floating on a cloud of angel wings the next, talking seems like the last thing in the world you'd want to do. Later on it gets easier to talk, although not everyone can understand you. My dad found it incredibly difficult to figure out what I was saying while some of my friends had no problem (they were already used to hearing me mumble when drunk).

3. "vegan food jaw wired shut"
I recommend against. Look, when you can't open your mouth for two months and are on a liquid diet (and I am talking liquid -- the first month I couldn't even have a Jamba Juice smoothie because it was too thick) with a restriction like being vegan limiting what you can eat on top of your already impaired food intake, getting all the calories and protein you need could prove to be way too difficult, and probably unhealthy. Then again, I did live off of finely strained vegetable soups and vegetable juices, as well as a few protein shakes a day -- I'd say vegetarian is doable, but not vegan. Also, you are going to experience some crazy cravings. One night near the end of the two month liquid diet all I wanted was cheese. The solution? A giant bowl of finely whipped cheesy mashed potatoes. Delicious. It was also during this time that I discovered my deep love for pizza. There was perhaps no other food item I desired more.

4. "wired jaw smoking"
Uh, no? Are people still smoking cigarettes? You can't even use a straw so good luck trying to get a cigarette in between those lips. I am pretty sure that smoking after major reconstructive facial surgery is a very bad idea. Unless you're smoking weed. I still think you're gonna have trouble smoking anything with your mouth all jacked up.

5. "sleeping jaws wired shut"
Yeah, this sucks too. You have to sleep with a few pillows so you can stay propped up... anything to make breathing easier and help decrease the swelling. Thanks to the drugs I slept really weird hours too. This meant a lot of 4 am Oprah viewings which is okay as it's the only time I seem to be able to tolerate Oprah.

6. "dog jaw wired shut"
Huh? Why would you have your dog's jaw wired shut? This makes no sense.

7. "jaw wired avoid panic"
Ahh yes, I recall the severe panic I underwent the last days leading up to my surgery. You'll be fine. It might one of the worst experiences of your life, but it gets better. It's character building! And they give you drugs. Lots of them. All of the drugs.

8. "jaw feels heavy pops shakiness"
Get that shit checked out.

9. "products for jaw wired shut"
Hmm. Morphine, codeine, oxycodone, vicodin... there were more I don't remember the grocery list. Oh and the classic Ibuprofen of course.  All in liquid form, taken with a syringe, so you feel extra sketchy about it. They taste nasty so I mixed everything with fruit juice. Although the morphine made me feel sick (which is odd, because I always had imagined I would have a wonderful relationship with opiates) so I only had that in the hospital via IV drip. The codeine was interesting. I built a weird sleep dependency on it so it caused crazy dreams and my arms would lose feeling in the middle of the night. Very, very strange. But some interesting products, sure. Lots of products.

10. "jaw wiring laguna"
That makes no sense. I suggest redefining your search terms.

Well, for all you "jaw wired shut" searchers, I hope this helps. It's been exactly a year and a half since my surgery, but in a way feels like decades ago. So nice to have that over with. The worst part of the whole thing might the braces. Because no one wants to relive the agony of their puberty years in their twenties. I did that for three years. Terrible. But character building.

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lots of good facts here...

I'm about 1 week into my wired jaw,
and it sucks!
Definitely not a good experience..
Simple things like sneezing and coughing become impossible and painful!
And boy,
do I miss food!

Unknown said...

I am about to get my surgery in 3 weeks and I leave work for 6 weeks after the surgery. To be honest i know some tough days waiting for me being wiredshut. I am still so excited to be away from work for 6 weeks and I am trying to make myself ready and have everything i need, so i am trying to put up a list of thing s i will need. I gotta tell you your page and inputs answered some of the questions i had . Thank you and i will recommend this page who is interesting in learning the daily situation they may face during their post op.

Crystal said...

lol, I found your blog when looking up information on dogs with their jaw's wired shut.

6 weeks ago he was attacked by another dog and had a broken jaw, they wired it shut to allow it to heal. Makes more sense now?

Anonymous said...

24 hours since surgery... and the hardest part for me is the drugs, I'm a recovering alcoholic so the drugs kind of suck in a good way...

Anonymous said...

Ugh...
I have to get my jaw wired shut in two weeks... and two weeks after that I'm doing a stand up comedy about it!

Hanii Puppy said...

Lmao at some of the searches that lead people to your site - post more :P

Unknown said...

this was interesting to read, i actually can use a straw, on the non-swollen side though. Manythings are difficult, I go to college and life is actually really tough now, No one but the people I'm already friends with want to talk to me and I always get strange looks from people...so many people stare, and I know that it shouldn't bother me, but for some reason, I just can't seem to get over it..I haven't gone to any classes yet, because i the codeine makes me sweat so much whenever i do physical stuff, even if its just stairs!
Oh well, only 2 weeks...

Anonymous said...

The true answer

Anonymous said...

ok so my jaw is wired shut now and its the worst!!!!! i gotta new favorite friend THE BLENDER !!!! im throwing lots of foods in there so i dont lose to much weight. got 3 more weeks to go !!!

Anonymous said...

I'm a vegan, and I had my jaw wired shut last year. It was only for three weeks, but I didn't even lose weight. A lot of my calories came from peanut butter in smoothies. I also used a great vegan meal replacer called Vega, which is far more nutritionally complete than the likes of Ensure. I've written about this more extensively at my own blog, which I think should be linked from my name at the top of this comment.

The truth is that there is no shortage of sources of plant protein, even in liquid forms. It's a little bit disappointing to me that you suggest otherwise here.

Anonymous said...

Nice fill someone in on and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you on your information.

stereogirl said...

Okay, I just had to comment. I found your blog by searching for whether or not people can talk with their jaws wired shut and I had to post a comment that has nothing to do with that whatsoever.

I have a horror movie blog (aside from the personal blog URL I used for this comment - didn't want you to think I'm spam) and I put stat counter on it. That this is hilarious! Although... I found out a disturbingly large number of people find my blog searching for 'donkey orgies'. I, however, am not going to make a post to help them find what they're looking for. Some things just shouldn't be found. Eek. Anyway, just had to share.

Oh, your post was very helpful. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

When you had the surgery done, did they use general anesthesia or conscious sedation?

Anonymous said...

To answer the last question yes they use general. My mouth has been wired for 3 days now and ive got a total of 3 weeks then move to rubber bands. This is NOOO fun what so ever I have found that LIQUID is really all you can do. Ive tried some puree soups and just not working for me. I know that when this is done IM GOING TO PIGGGG OUT!! gosh im soooo hungry. The pain is harsh but they do take care of you on the medicine side :)

edgejessica@gmail.com said...

My husband is currently in the hospital, he JUST got out of surgery... He broke his jaw in 3 places and has had his jaw wired shut. So I am looking for some help...
The doctors are saying I've got a long haul ahead of me... I dont know what to feed him or how I'mn going to admimsiter his pain and anti-botic medication..
crush or liquid form?
How to do I stay on top of his pain?
How am I going to keep infection from setting in..

any help would be greatly appriciated...

Najma said...

It's a highly specialized field, and the relationship between your Arizona dentist and your Arizona maxillofacial surgeon can be similar to that of your family physician and your radiologist or cardiologist. Maxillofacial Surgery in Thailand

Jayne. said...

I'm having my surgery in 6 weeks, just booked the 6 weeks recovery time off work. Starting to buy a couple of things each week when I go shopping such as fruit juices and soups etc. My orthodontist has suggested blending food, then putting it through the sieve and putting what's left through the syringe... eeww! My main concern at the moment though is I'm asthmatic and I have no idea how I'm going to take my inhalers.

facialsurgery said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
facialsurgery said...

A maxillofacial surgeon was called to help rebuild the face of a patient whose facial bones were fractured in a serious car accident.

facial surgery

Alexandria Rosas said...

Great article. I like your post. I will keep visiting this blog very often. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and your clarity on this important subject on trees can be easily observed.
James Makker Neurosurgery

Heather said...

I've been wired shut for like 3 or 4 weeks now. and ive lost 8 pounds do you have any ideas on how i can try and gain weight and did you get depressed while your jaw was wired?

PeerMurphy said...

This are all nice photos of before and after facial surgery. The facial surgery is one of the best and the most finest for improving the appearance of face.

facial surgery

Ldubb said...

I Just had my jaw wired 4 days ago and I am on the 4-6 week plan. My jaw was broken at my chin where i got a plate and at the hinge. most of my discomfort and pain has gone, although the wires that poke my gums are very irritating. i have found that the best thing to do is to continue to nourish your body; boost, ensure, carnation or anything with plenty of vitamins, calories and protein. also calcium and vitamin D. I am also using Herbalife supplements in all of my smoothies. Nutrition is key. There are plenty of websites dedicated to a straw based diet with plenty of yummy recipes. Last night I had Chunkys Loaded baked potato soup heated up with a little chicken broth and blended till it was smooth. It was delish and filled me up. My best advice is keep that chin up and consume as much as possible!

Anonymous said...

I have been wired shut for 4days now and im going nuts!!!the pain is pretty much gone but the wires are cutting my mouth....any tips

bestselfinprog said...

They should have given you some wax for that. I have been wired for 12 days now. I am adding whey prorein powder to oatmeal and cream of wheat in the mornings. Making lots of soups which I add eggs and tofu to for prorein. Also add lots of spinach and kale as well as the other more basic veggies. Gotta make sure you get that protein though, or the weight you lose will be muscle instead of fat!

Idot11 said...

Hey Sosa

Unknown said...

All the meds they give him will be liquid. All his meals have to be liquid. It SUCKS..I know..I'm going into week two.He's gonna be able to smell every meal around him...McDonald's was torture for me lol. The antibiotics will be liquid and may even come with something for him to take it with. Good Luck and God Bless.

Unknown said...

You should still be able to get the vapors through your teeth

redsox said...

Can you smoke weed after jaw surgery? Or is it bad. How long should you wait untill smoking again? I have elastics now.

Unknown said...

So my jaw was broken and I had surgery a few days ago. I'm concerned because my gums or my lips.. I'm not sure what part, but anyway it's growing overtop of the 4 screws in the upper and lower area, at first I could touch the screws with my fingers no problems. Now it's like there is skin overtop of it and and swollen and feels like if I wanted to I could pull at it to get the skin free but it hurts to bad. I don't think this is normal... Or is it?

amynicole86 said...

Hey,

I wondered what happens if you have the flu or need to vomit while your jaw is wired. Could you potentially choke and die?

Unknown said...

I can assure you that there is nothing funny about this

Unknown said...

I'm am wired too. So awful. I've had jaw surgery before and think I really downplayed it this time and it's the worst... The pain meds aren't helping and I'm almost out of the liquid. Any suggestions?

Unknown said...

They give you emergency wire cutters you are supposed to have at all times

Unknown said...

They give you emergency wire cutters you are supposed to have at all times

Unknown said...

I have my haw wired shut but I dont know of any like food that ace taste good when in a blender! Can ya help me out email me dylans_babie@yahoo. Com

Unknown said...

I have my haw wired shut but I dont know of any like food that ace taste good when in a blender! Can ya help me out email me dylans_babie@yahoo. Com

David Alessi said...

This is nice photos of before and after facial surgery. The facial surgery is one of the best and the most finest for improving the appearance of the face.

cosmetic surgery beverly hills

Unknown said...

I was in a bad car wreck which caused what is called a Lafort fracture resulting in my "mid face" and upper jaw being broken, tmj as well. Once the original swelling, etc from the ER fixing was gone and waiting for insurance to approve (which they did not so private pay, OUCH!) I finally found a most wonderful and talented doctor who did surgery on Sept. 3 of this year. Everything went well for the first 3 weeks, pain wasn't even TOO bad and I made friends with soups I ordinarily don't eat. Then something happened and movement started in the upper jaw, resembling an upper denture plate going up and down. This was explained to me by the surgeon that there was so much original damage done that there wasn't a lot of good material to adhere to. It wasn't in danger of coming off which it appeared to be trying to do but still needed a solution so the non aggressive path was to band my mouth tighter then it already was. Well that invoked much pain and headaches and as they say, squeaky wheel gets the grease and after a crying break down due to weakness and pain, I emailed the doctor after 4 days and he immediately had me come in and they IV sedated me and again went in and added more plates to attach the jaw to. It was then that they wired my jaw shut. Well that was less then 24 hours ago and I've only had 2 nutrition drinks and am doing nothing to antagonize the situation and low and behold I felt this poking and looked and the wire on one side came off! I'm beginning to think that I've learned the art of talking too well through all this and that the doctor will want to weld my mouth shut! :) So I will see whether he wants me to band the one side, go to a local dentist to see if he can wire it or if I have to drive the two hours to his office to have the darned thing put back on. There were other things involved with the original surgery as they had to "pull out" my mid face and put back to where it was and also add cheek implants and within a couple of months I'll have to go in and get my nose re-done. On top of the fact that I had to get braces when I've always had good teeth was aggravating enough, to go through the pain and discomfort of this is a challenge but not undoable! The good news was for me that so far I've lost 20 lbs and that at least I'm one step closer to looking more like I did before the accident! I don't know about the rest of you but my pain is in the form of feeling like a big toothache and I can feel the nerves starting to wake back up. Pain meds and advil have become good companions for me for now. One other thing I haven't read that others have had to deal with but I also have a plastic "splint" on the roof of my mouth that is helping to support things while it heals. The few things that I've been able to slurp down get all over in the braces and creep their way up between the splint and roof of mouth so I'm glad that I have a water pik to help keep things debris free. So good luck to all of you, stay strong, follow doctors orders and drink any form of protein and calorie filled things that you can find. It will be worth it all in the end I am hoping and it's also great to have a doctor that you have faith in and has multiple people and hospital ratings to back his work!

Calalilly87 said...

Hi there, Rebecca here. I fractured my jaw in 4 places and broke it as well. I'm at 4 weeks now with elastics. Luckily wiring me shut was opted out. Wanted to share ideas for nutritional maintenance. I am health conscious normally so I found these to

Food Ideas:

- Drinkable low-fat greek yogurts. I love Dannon Light n Fit! I then add chia seeds and ground flaxseed to add calories and nutritional value. (Add a blendes banana too)

- Tomato soup and block of tofu in a blender makes a filling tasty high protein meal.

- Ground turkey or chicken cooked then add fresh spinach (any veggies you like) and low-fat ricotta cheese. Food processor works best until it has a blended polenta like consistency. (Blender-use a little milk) It's high in protein, other vitamins and easily swallowable.

-Fresh squeezed pressed juices are great for keeping hydrated and nutrient fortified.

- Banana, almond or cashew butter, plain greek yogurt, and splash of milk and cubes of ice is a favorite.

- Chick peas, tahini, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil blended makes homemade hummus and high fiber snack.

- Boiled sweet potatoes blended with fresh spinach with honey make a healthier mashed potatoes. (Add vanilla greek yogurt and milk if you are wired shut)

- Graham crackers or vanilla wafers with milk easily soften for eating. Great alternative for you sweet tooths ��


Hope this gives you some enjoyable food alternatives. Thank you for this blog. I now have a better idea of what is to come next.

Good luck everyone and God speed to our recoveries ❤

Calalilly87 said...

Hi Tora, read my comment below...

Unknown said...

Is it always a surgical procedure?

Unknown said...

Why do you need it done?

CK West said...

Thanks for this, researching for a novel, and loved your style. Also, better than looking at images of people with broken jaws! Ew.

CK West said...

You must have a terrible job!

Unknown said...

Can anyone comment on how painful getting the wires removed is? I broke my jaw in a car accident(plus broken back and ribs!) and am one week into having my mouth wired shut. Thankfully I only need this for two weeks and after a difficult first few days I am coping Ok, if hungry! My surgeon has said he can remove the wires in his office but that some people cant tolerate the pain and have to go back onto the operating table to get the bolts in the gums removed? Can anyone say how they found the pain?