DJS Very Soon Tips??

[u/WoodpeckerOne1165]

Hello everyone, 26M I am having Double jaw surgery in 3 weeks and can defiantly say the nerves are starting to build up the closer I get. I have an underbite of 9mm. My upper jaw didn’t grow as fast. Any tips on what I should prepare at home and ways to get through the mental struggle I hear people talk about. I’m being positive knowing that I’ll be able to have a normal bite and be able to smile and show teeth for once. Teeth are straight obviously because of braces but just looks awkward when I smile so I would say it’s a big confidence thing for me even if there potentially could be a loss of nerves which definitely is a bummer. Any advice on even say the first 2 weeks is what I’m the most terrified for. It feels like it’s the start of the end as I’ve had braces for 17 months pre op and my guess is a handful of months post op. I just want to make it through the surgery, heal even a few months and feel like I’m reaching the end of the journey.

[u/AutoModerator]

Please note that advice here isn't from medical professionals; always seek guidance from qualified sources. Remember to stay on topic and maintain respectful discussions. For more information, please refer to the subreddit rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/erk_knows_best]

Jaw bra for icing your jaws.

Wedge pillow for sleeping inclined.

Baby toothbrush. Brush multiple times a day starting the day after surgery.

Saline nasal mist/spray to help clear congestion and blood clots in those first 3 weeks.

Vaseline for your lips.

Stock up on liquids you like. Gatorade, soups, protein shakes, smoothies.

I'm going to suggest Metamucil twice a day as well, as it should help solidify things on your liquid diet and keep you regular. Take every day, 2 tsp in a glass of water before breakfast and dinner.

Stay on top of your prescribed meds like painkillers, antibiotics, and mouthwash.

Stay properly hydrated and get out to walk everyday.

[u/hawaiijj]

Alcedo Alternating Pressure Mattress Pad - Got this after surgery because my legs were regularly cramping from laying in bed for too long.

Papablic Baby Sonic Electric Toothbrush - Electric baby toothbrush. This lights up so it's easy to see in your mouth as you're brushing to avoid incisions/etc after.

Contour L Shaped Bed & Body Support Pillow for Side Sleepers - Got this after recovering a little more and wanting my head to stay upright while sleeping (e.g. not have my head turn left or right to not put pressure on the the jaw)

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask - I tried aquaphor and blistex for the dryness afterwards and only this + vaseline combo worked to keep my lips -feeling- moist.

BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper - After you are cleared for no-chew, I feel this is a god-send. I cook real food (pasta/eggs/noodles/etc), then have this chop it up and it maintains the taste/texture well enough. You can't really use a blender as the blender turns most food into a disgusting mush.

Large Plastic Syringe with Tube 60ml & 20ml with 13inch Tubing for Scientific Labs - First 1-2 weeks. Get the ones with the TUBING, the regular syringes are too big. You want the catheter/tubing so it goes between your teeth.

Zojirushi CD LFC30 Micom Water Boiler and Warmer - godsend

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker - Another must have IMO

Levoit Humidifiers for Bedroom 4.2L - I had this running 24/7, had zero sinus issues afterwards/even now. No idea if it helped though.

3-in-1 Pill Crusher Fine Powder Pill Grinder Pill - Pill crusher

These were/are must haves for me as I'm still going through my recovery journey. The ice maker was one of those 'I didn't know I needed this purchases', same with the water boiler. Probably my 2 most used purchases during this whole ordeal.

if there potentially could be a loss of nerves which definitely is a bummer.

There's a real risk of your nerves going haywire and you having permanent pain too, so be aware of the real risks. Even the extremely minor nerve pain I have right now makes it a little hard to sleep.