gap has moved to front of mouth
made gap next to false tooth a bit too big as tooth to cover false tooth and gap would look very wide next to other incisor
told mr s bout implantologists we saw and what they said
mr s says people think my bite is off centre as i dont bite with my back teeth, i need to bite properly! i apparently still force my bottom jaw forward! a habit i guess..
I've recently had my braces removed (May 2009) and now have an Essix retainer for my bottom jaw (to wear at night) and an Hawley retainer for my top jaw with false tooth attached (to wear during the day).
Starting in Aug/Sept 2004 I had Damon type 2 brackets, then In-ovation brackets (replaced March and May 2006) and seven In-ovation brackets without clips (with elastic ligatures).
Total time in braces = 4 years and 8 months!
NB: All treatment is through the NHS apart from implant work done by Mr Ziff which is private.
Starting in Aug/Sept 2004 I had Damon type 2 brackets, then In-ovation brackets (replaced March and May 2006) and seven In-ovation brackets without clips (with elastic ligatures).
Total time in braces = 4 years and 8 months!
NB: All treatment is through the NHS apart from implant work done by Mr Ziff which is private.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
(Mr Ziff) & No record of app made?
implant app -
mr ziff in coalville - recommendation by my dentist
took xray
checked bite etc thinks my bite is off centre
went thru options of implant and veneer to cover gap
asked if ok with bone from cow for implant to heal and skin from pig, dad said ok for medical purposes! (cow) hmm.. (we're hindu and don't eat beef)
ortho app -
got there to find we have no app, nicky apologised and booked us in for next day
receptionist had given app and written it on our card but didn't update system
they were fully booked or would have fitted me in today
mr ziff in coalville - recommendation by my dentist
took xray
checked bite etc thinks my bite is off centre
went thru options of implant and veneer to cover gap
asked if ok with bone from cow for implant to heal and skin from pig, dad said ok for medical purposes! (cow) hmm.. (we're hindu and don't eat beef)
ortho app -
got there to find we have no app, nicky apologised and booked us in for next day
receptionist had given app and written it on our card but didn't update system
they were fully booked or would have fitted me in today
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
(Mr Ralston)
mr ralston (dental and cosmetic clinic) in south wigston - 2nd cousin recommendation
he said lil flap of gum over tooth needs removin (called a labial frenectomy) as it may affect implant space
he filled gap with a filler and took photos before and after to show what a big tooth in the gap would look like
he took xrays to check bone etc is okay for implant
asked us to get mr s to move false tooth to the side so i can see gap in middle
this one had to be paid for in advance!
fancy equipment in practise and on site parking
he said lil flap of gum over tooth needs removin (called a labial frenectomy) as it may affect implant space
he filled gap with a filler and took photos before and after to show what a big tooth in the gap would look like
he took xrays to check bone etc is okay for implant
asked us to get mr s to move false tooth to the side so i can see gap in middle
this one had to be paid for in advance!
fancy equipment in practise and on site parking
Friday, November 14, 2008
Gap, please close up!
powerchain moved onto diff teeth to move gap between lateral incisor and canine to between laternal incisor and my false tooth.
had more visible yellow powerchain at front of mouth again :o(
had more visible yellow powerchain at front of mouth again :o(
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Dental Implant difficulties
basically:
got new wires, new banding on bottom jaw
powerchain on top jaw
elastics no longer needed
problem with PCT paying for implant/ bridge (may need to arrange thru dentist)
if gaps close up with powerchain by next app 14 nov, braces shud come off next app after that!
retainer will have false tooth from braces on it
NB - apologies for brief notes, will write up properly when I have more time!
got new wires, new banding on bottom jaw
powerchain on top jaw
elastics no longer needed
problem with PCT paying for implant/ bridge (may need to arrange thru dentist)
if gaps close up with powerchain by next app 14 nov, braces shud come off next app after that!
retainer will have false tooth from braces on it
NB - apologies for brief notes, will write up properly when I have more time!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
In capable hands! (maxillofacial)
Very quick check-up today when I eventually got in.
They were running a bit late with the appointments.
Mr O said he was happy and they basically checked how my bite is, how wide I can open my mouth and where I had sensation.
He asked if Mr S was happy, I said yes, he said we'll leave you in his capable hands then and see you in 6 months!
(They always say if Mr S is happy, that's good as he's fussy and likes things proper!)
He said he'll see me earlier if anything changes but that hopefully it wont.
They were running a bit late with the appointments.
Mr O said he was happy and they basically checked how my bite is, how wide I can open my mouth and where I had sensation.
He asked if Mr S was happy, I said yes, he said we'll leave you in his capable hands then and see you in 6 months!
(They always say if Mr S is happy, that's good as he's fussy and likes things proper!)
He said he'll see me earlier if anything changes but that hopefully it wont.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Hooks off, more elastics
This was a long appointment. I only went back to work yesterday after being off sick for 8 weeks!
Mr S told me I had the puffiest cheeks he's ever seen, dunno if that's good or bad, hehe.
Mr S changed my wires today. This meant I finally got rid of the hooks put on my wires for surgery, they were a pain as they were starting to hurt my gums so I was glad to be rid of them!
Mr S had a lot of problems with some of my brackets and had to pull some off and replace them. This took a while as the new brackets wouldn't stick. After about 3 attempts, Nicky went to get some new equipment and then they stuck, whew!
Once the brackets were sorted, new wires went in (with the lil extra wire on top also), filed down sharp bits etc at the back of mouth and Mr S looked at my bite then after deciding about the elastics he got a mirror to show me what the new elastics set up is going to be like.
I now have to use 4 elastics on each side of my mouth in pairs as before.
2 go diagonally from top back to front bottom and I have boxes around the same hooks again.
It's fiddly but I'm used to it now.
Mr S told me I had the puffiest cheeks he's ever seen, dunno if that's good or bad, hehe.
Mr S changed my wires today. This meant I finally got rid of the hooks put on my wires for surgery, they were a pain as they were starting to hurt my gums so I was glad to be rid of them!
Mr S had a lot of problems with some of my brackets and had to pull some off and replace them. This took a while as the new brackets wouldn't stick. After about 3 attempts, Nicky went to get some new equipment and then they stuck, whew!
Once the brackets were sorted, new wires went in (with the lil extra wire on top also), filed down sharp bits etc at the back of mouth and Mr S looked at my bite then after deciding about the elastics he got a mirror to show me what the new elastics set up is going to be like.
I now have to use 4 elastics on each side of my mouth in pairs as before.
2 go diagonally from top back to front bottom and I have boxes around the same hooks again.
It's fiddly but I'm used to it now.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Elastics are in!
When I went in today, Nicky the nurse commented "Ooo she can open now", when I answered how I was and she saw my teeth opening a bit as I spoke, hehe.
Mr S had a look at my teeth and how much I can open my mouth.
He then got some elastics and fitted them on the hooks (some on brackets, some on hooks attached for surgery).
These I find out are attached to bring my teeth together in a better bite as when my teeth are shut my teeth are not sitting right.
I was hoping the hooks attached for my surgery would be coming out as they were beginning to hurt my gums as my mouth was now free.
He then got a mirror and showed me how he had attached the elastics.
He put one elastic on each side of my mouth in a square shape, going over 4 hooks. Then doubled these up by placing another one on top.
He said I need to make sure I use the same hooks and change the elastics each time I eat, drink etc as they are latex and don't stay strong very long for the pressure needed.
He gave me 3 packs and drew a diagram on one of the packs. He said I may find it easier with tweezers first but should be able to use my fingers once I get used to it.
He said he can see my gum is loose on both sides of my mouth and it should tighten as my mouth loosens up and I can stretch the gum again.
I see him again in 2 weeks.
He asked about my vein and I told him Mr O said it's nothing to worry about.
When I got home, I had a look in my mirror and wrote down the exact location of each elastic on which hook etc. This helped me to find the right hooks easily.
My first elastic change after lunch took me 20 mins!
NB: Yeserday I went to see the doctor for a new sick note and found out my blood test results are fine.
Mr S had a look at my teeth and how much I can open my mouth.
He then got some elastics and fitted them on the hooks (some on brackets, some on hooks attached for surgery).
These I find out are attached to bring my teeth together in a better bite as when my teeth are shut my teeth are not sitting right.
I was hoping the hooks attached for my surgery would be coming out as they were beginning to hurt my gums as my mouth was now free.
He then got a mirror and showed me how he had attached the elastics.
He put one elastic on each side of my mouth in a square shape, going over 4 hooks. Then doubled these up by placing another one on top.
He said I need to make sure I use the same hooks and change the elastics each time I eat, drink etc as they are latex and don't stay strong very long for the pressure needed.
He gave me 3 packs and drew a diagram on one of the packs. He said I may find it easier with tweezers first but should be able to use my fingers once I get used to it.
He said he can see my gum is loose on both sides of my mouth and it should tighten as my mouth loosens up and I can stretch the gum again.
I see him again in 2 weeks.
He asked about my vein and I told him Mr O said it's nothing to worry about.
When I got home, I had a look in my mirror and wrote down the exact location of each elastic on which hook etc. This helped me to find the right hooks easily.
My first elastic change after lunch took me 20 mins!
NB: Yeserday I went to see the doctor for a new sick note and found out my blood test results are fine.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wires cut! (maxillofacial)
I was nervous going today as I had weird dreams about having my wires cut and not being able to shut my mouth as my jaw hung open, eek..
Mr O cut my wires today. There were 2 people observing, he showed them my teeth before in the fixed position then got wire cutters and had difficulty cutting the wires open then pulling them out.
It was a bit scary as he was going in with the cutters and I was opening my lips as wide as I could.
After the wires were cut and removed, he asked me to open and close. I could open and close my mouth a small amount. He said the stiffness will go away eventually.
He told me to clean my teeth before seeing Mr S as I have a build up of some gunk on my teeth.
I asked about my vein, telling him that Mr S said I should ask about it as the vein looks like it has a clot and he said it's nothing to worry about.
He said he'll see me again in 6 weeks.
As I came home I was thinking I need to remember my teeth are no longer wired up as I could feel I was still talking with my teeth shut.
I cleaned my teeth the best I could when I got home with a small brush I had. I couldn't clean my teeth very well though as my mouth is quite stiff so I couldn't clean the inside of my teeth. Oh well it all takes time!
Mr O cut my wires today. There were 2 people observing, he showed them my teeth before in the fixed position then got wire cutters and had difficulty cutting the wires open then pulling them out.
It was a bit scary as he was going in with the cutters and I was opening my lips as wide as I could.
After the wires were cut and removed, he asked me to open and close. I could open and close my mouth a small amount. He said the stiffness will go away eventually.
He told me to clean my teeth before seeing Mr S as I have a build up of some gunk on my teeth.
I asked about my vein, telling him that Mr S said I should ask about it as the vein looks like it has a clot and he said it's nothing to worry about.
He said he'll see me again in 6 weeks.
As I came home I was thinking I need to remember my teeth are no longer wired up as I could feel I was still talking with my teeth shut.
I cleaned my teeth the best I could when I got home with a small brush I had. I couldn't clean my teeth very well though as my mouth is quite stiff so I couldn't clean the inside of my teeth. Oh well it all takes time!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Thoughtful Mr S
I went to this orthodontics appointment armed with questions.
Today there was an observer who Mr S was showing and explaining things to.
As Mr S had a look inside my mouth, he was showing the observer how my teeth are all wired together and explained that I had my lower jaw moved back and my upper jaw moved forward and down. He was showing my scar and as he was pressing it, it was causing me pain and he told the observer, that the area is still delicate.
Mr S said all is well and asked if I was hurting anywhere. I told him my left side was hurting on the inside at the back, he has a look and said he can see my gum is starting to gather up as it cannot be stretched and is sitting on my teeth. He said once I can stretch my mouth it will be fine.
I showed him my raised vein and he noted that it looks like a clot as the rest of the vein is no longer in use and my hand is getting blood through a different vein instead. I'd never noticed the vein wasn't being used before, weird!
He said to ask Mr O about it next week and to let him know what they say so he can chase it up for me. Aww how sweet of him! :o)
Mr S asked when my wires are cut. I said next weeks, so they are giving me an appointment on the Thurs to fit elastics in as they are fully booked for next Wed.
Today there was an observer who Mr S was showing and explaining things to.
As Mr S had a look inside my mouth, he was showing the observer how my teeth are all wired together and explained that I had my lower jaw moved back and my upper jaw moved forward and down. He was showing my scar and as he was pressing it, it was causing me pain and he told the observer, that the area is still delicate.
Mr S said all is well and asked if I was hurting anywhere. I told him my left side was hurting on the inside at the back, he has a look and said he can see my gum is starting to gather up as it cannot be stretched and is sitting on my teeth. He said once I can stretch my mouth it will be fine.
I showed him my raised vein and he noted that it looks like a clot as the rest of the vein is no longer in use and my hand is getting blood through a different vein instead. I'd never noticed the vein wasn't being used before, weird!
He said to ask Mr O about it next week and to let him know what they say so he can chase it up for me. Aww how sweet of him! :o)
Mr S asked when my wires are cut. I said next weeks, so they are giving me an appointment on the Thurs to fit elastics in as they are fully booked for next Wed.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Healing well.. (maxillofacial)
At the Maxillofacial department today I got a quick check up to see how I am doing.
Mr O wasn't there today, I got introduced to a new guy today on the team. He had a look inside my mouth and said everything's fine and the stitches in my mouth are healing well.
They also asked to have a look at my hip, he said I don't need the dressings on and that it is healing up fine.
My Dad also told them that I fell down the stairs last week when I fainted after having a shower and they didn't seem worried.
I think my Dad wants someone to show concern as when I went to the doctor last week as an emergency, he said I was fine and just asked me to get some blood tests booked so they could check my cholesterol, blood sugar and whether i'm anaemic etc.
Wires will be cut in 2 weeks!
Mr O wasn't there today, I got introduced to a new guy today on the team. He had a look inside my mouth and said everything's fine and the stitches in my mouth are healing well.
They also asked to have a look at my hip, he said I don't need the dressings on and that it is healing up fine.
My Dad also told them that I fell down the stairs last week when I fainted after having a shower and they didn't seem worried.
I think my Dad wants someone to show concern as when I went to the doctor last week as an emergency, he said I was fine and just asked me to get some blood tests booked so they could check my cholesterol, blood sugar and whether i'm anaemic etc.
Wires will be cut in 2 weeks!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Bruising has gone!
My bruises on my arms have now more or less gone. The only bit which is still painful is the raised vein which hasn't settled down yet.
Today I went to see the nurse as I took the lil dressings off my hip and it looks like I have an infection as one bit looks yellowish.
The nurse said it is fine, I just need to cover it up with dressings to stop it from rubbing against my clothes.
Today I went to see the nurse as I took the lil dressings off my hip and it looks like I have an infection as one bit looks yellowish.
The nurse said it is fine, I just need to cover it up with dressings to stop it from rubbing against my clothes.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Checkups galore and hip stitches taken out (maxillofacial)
Busy day today. Had to go for two appointments in different hospitals.
I had my orthodontic appointment in the morning with Mr S.
I went with my boyfriend to this app.
Mr S had a look around my mouth again and was generally pleased.
He said he won't go to cut the stitches near the back of my mouth as it would be a bit uncomfortable for me as my lips would be pulled around.
He asked me about the whole experience so far and said he'd like it if I wrote down all the good and bad things that have happened to me throughout my operation and stay in hospital. He said this will help future patients as the sheet they gave me are all from previous patients suggestions.
He then asked if I preferred having my lower jaw done in this way (ie cut, no plates used and wired shut for 6 weeks) compared to the other method.
I said I prefer this way as I was told the other way has a higher risk of losing feeling to lip, tongue, chin etc even though I wouldn't be wired up.
He said it's interesting as all the patients he has asked have preferred being wired-up.
I told him my hip stitches were coming out this afternoon.
He wants to see me again after his holiday, so they said two weeks, although the appointment I got is actually in three weeks!
So in the afternoon I went to see Mr O with my Dad.
I was nervous about this app because of my stitches being taken out even though I've been told by lots of people not to worry. I'm a worrier!
We got there and waited a while then got called in by the guy on the surgical team (whose name I really need to find out!)
Mr O asked how I was and had a look inside my mouth. He said the top of my mouth has healed up well where it was cut.
He then asked if it was okay for a young student dentist to have a look, I said sure and they showed the student how my teeth are all wired up and explained what they did.
Mr O then went out of the room and the guy from the surgical team and a nurse told me they were going to remove my stitches.
He put some alcohol on the dressing first to remove that without pulling my skin too much. Then cut the bead higher on my hip and pulled the rest out from the lower end. I made a face and the nurse asked if I was okay. I said "Yeah, I just thought it would hurt". It didn't hurt at all!
The guy told me he's not removing the lil dressing strips on my scar and said they'll come off when I have a shower etc.
Mr O then came back into the room and said my swelling was going down well but my upper swelling would take it's time.
My Dad commented on how we have been taking photos every day to see the swelling progress. Mr O said he'd like to see the progress from our photos, hehe.
I asked him about a lighter mark on the corner of my lip, he had a look and said it looks like pigmentation. I said some skin came off from there after the operation. He said it should go away, I also asked about a raised vein caused by the drip and he said that should go too.
Next app is in two weeks.
I had my orthodontic appointment in the morning with Mr S.
I went with my boyfriend to this app.
Mr S had a look around my mouth again and was generally pleased.
He said he won't go to cut the stitches near the back of my mouth as it would be a bit uncomfortable for me as my lips would be pulled around.
He asked me about the whole experience so far and said he'd like it if I wrote down all the good and bad things that have happened to me throughout my operation and stay in hospital. He said this will help future patients as the sheet they gave me are all from previous patients suggestions.
He then asked if I preferred having my lower jaw done in this way (ie cut, no plates used and wired shut for 6 weeks) compared to the other method.
I said I prefer this way as I was told the other way has a higher risk of losing feeling to lip, tongue, chin etc even though I wouldn't be wired up.
He said it's interesting as all the patients he has asked have preferred being wired-up.
I told him my hip stitches were coming out this afternoon.
He wants to see me again after his holiday, so they said two weeks, although the appointment I got is actually in three weeks!
So in the afternoon I went to see Mr O with my Dad.
I was nervous about this app because of my stitches being taken out even though I've been told by lots of people not to worry. I'm a worrier!
We got there and waited a while then got called in by the guy on the surgical team (whose name I really need to find out!)
Mr O asked how I was and had a look inside my mouth. He said the top of my mouth has healed up well where it was cut.
He then asked if it was okay for a young student dentist to have a look, I said sure and they showed the student how my teeth are all wired up and explained what they did.
Mr O then went out of the room and the guy from the surgical team and a nurse told me they were going to remove my stitches.
He put some alcohol on the dressing first to remove that without pulling my skin too much. Then cut the bead higher on my hip and pulled the rest out from the lower end. I made a face and the nurse asked if I was okay. I said "Yeah, I just thought it would hurt". It didn't hurt at all!
The guy told me he's not removing the lil dressing strips on my scar and said they'll come off when I have a shower etc.
Mr O then came back into the room and said my swelling was going down well but my upper swelling would take it's time.
My Dad commented on how we have been taking photos every day to see the swelling progress. Mr O said he'd like to see the progress from our photos, hehe.
I asked him about a lighter mark on the corner of my lip, he had a look and said it looks like pigmentation. I said some skin came off from there after the operation. He said it should go away, I also asked about a raised vein caused by the drip and he said that should go too.
Next app is in two weeks.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
No more painkillers! (maxillofacial)
I went to see Mr O my surgeon.
He was pleased with my progress and had a quick look inside my mouth.
He said the stitches on my hip can come out next week. I made a face and my Dad commented that I've been very worried as I thought the stitches were coming out today.
Mr O said "It won't hurt, it'll be like a tickle, they'll just cut one bead and pull the rest through, even you can pull it if you like"
I was thinking, no thanks, lol.
He asked about my numbness and whether I've been having any feeling, I said now and again I get itches on my upper lip and pins and needles sometimes. He said that's good as it means I'm starting to get some feeling back.
The sooner, the better I say.. I'm finding it annoying as my nose still leaks and I can't feel it. I have to always have a tissue with me, hehe.
We asked for some new dressings for my hip as everytime I shower I need to change it as it gets wet. Next app is for next week.
NB: I have now stopped taking painkillers as I'm no longer in so much pain.
He was pleased with my progress and had a quick look inside my mouth.
He said the stitches on my hip can come out next week. I made a face and my Dad commented that I've been very worried as I thought the stitches were coming out today.
Mr O said "It won't hurt, it'll be like a tickle, they'll just cut one bead and pull the rest through, even you can pull it if you like"
I was thinking, no thanks, lol.
He asked about my numbness and whether I've been having any feeling, I said now and again I get itches on my upper lip and pins and needles sometimes. He said that's good as it means I'm starting to get some feeling back.
The sooner, the better I say.. I'm finding it annoying as my nose still leaks and I can't feel it. I have to always have a tissue with me, hehe.
We asked for some new dressings for my hip as everytime I shower I need to change it as it gets wet. Next app is for next week.
NB: I have now stopped taking painkillers as I'm no longer in so much pain.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mouth stitches cut (some of them)
I went to see Mr S today. When Nicky came to get me she commented my swelling had already gone down since my last app 4 days ago.
Mr S asked "So do you want me to cut the stitches or just have a look?"
I said "Have a look" lol, I'm not very brave!
So he had a look at my stitches and cut the ones at the top of my mouth. The also removed a cut that were hanging loose.
He then asked how it felt, I couldn't really feel much difference as my top lip is still numb but he told me it should feel better as I can move my mouth a bit more now without it feeling restrained.
He asked how I was getting on generally and said I'm making good progress.
He wants to see me again next week before he goes on holiday.
Mr S asked "So do you want me to cut the stitches or just have a look?"
I said "Have a look" lol, I'm not very brave!
So he had a look at my stitches and cut the ones at the top of my mouth. The also removed a cut that were hanging loose.
He then asked how it felt, I couldn't really feel much difference as my top lip is still numb but he told me it should feel better as I can move my mouth a bit more now without it feeling restrained.
He asked how I was getting on generally and said I'm making good progress.
He wants to see me again next week before he goes on holiday.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Silly bruises
I went to have my appointment with Mr S my orthodontist.
I was the first appointment in the afternoon.
When Nicky the nurse came to get me, she commented that I wasn't as swollen as she thought I would be.
Mr S had a quick look at my teeth checking the wires, then used a mirror to gently have a look at my stitches at the top of my mouth and around the sides.
He said he usually cuts them as can take a while to dissolve and that he'll give me that option.
He was generally pleased and asked to take some photos of me.
He said it's always nice to see patients on the other side and doing the final run.
I have another appointment next week on Tues.
NB: Bruising on my arms is still there and now I also have a raised vein from the main drip I had when I had my operation. The vein hurts when pressed.
Another vein near the wrist is painful too, my boyfriend said it looks like I have bruising around the vein. Normally you can't see my veins, but this is making it show up clearly.
I was the first appointment in the afternoon.
When Nicky the nurse came to get me, she commented that I wasn't as swollen as she thought I would be.
Mr S had a quick look at my teeth checking the wires, then used a mirror to gently have a look at my stitches at the top of my mouth and around the sides.
He said he usually cuts them as can take a while to dissolve and that he'll give me that option.
He was generally pleased and asked to take some photos of me.
He said it's always nice to see patients on the other side and doing the final run.
I have another appointment next week on Tues.
NB: Bruising on my arms is still there and now I also have a raised vein from the main drip I had when I had my operation. The vein hurts when pressed.
Another vein near the wrist is painful too, my boyfriend said it looks like I have bruising around the vein. Normally you can't see my veins, but this is making it show up clearly.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 3 - freedom!
I slept better last night. Had the usual meds etc.
When I got up I actually went and sat in my chair and generally moved around. I was still limping. I wasn't using the sucker anymore as I was comfortable swallowing my spit now.
The doctors came and saw me in the morning and asked how I was and the guy from the surgical team asked if I wanted to go home today. I said 'Can I?'
He thought I was well enough to go home and that I was progressing well.
So later on the nurses came and cleaned my room etc and gave me some fresh milkshake and water. I had my meds and had water and milkshake now and again and read a book.
I was now keeping a log of my water intake and my milkshake intake.
Another nurse came and cleaned up my nose and changed the bolster.
She said I can get changed now.
I was a bit confused so I pressed the button after pondering for a long time and I asked the guy who came to my room about it. He said I can put my normal clothes on.
So I got my clothes out out of my bag and got changed, it felt weird being out of the hospital gown, my jeans rubbed my stitches a bit as they sat right over my hip so I reasoned I'd change into some joggers when I get home. I wasn't sure if I could remove my stockings so I went to ask and they said yes so I removed them. They were really tight and I can see how the nurse struggled putting them on my legs in the first place.
My boyfriend turned up at 10am.
I told him I was going home today so he thought he'd come earlier as I might need to vacate my room as someone else may need it. I also showed him my log and he was pleased I was drinking more.
I started packing my stuff up with my boyfriends help and then a few mins later the doctor came and asked if I could leave the room as it was needed. So I grabbed my stuff and we went to the TV room to wait.
When my Dad turned up, he found us in the TV room and wasn't happy I'd been chucked out of my room. I was happily still syringing my milkshake etc.
Later a nurse came and spoke to us, they got me my meds etc and fresh dressings for my stitches and nose. They gave us lots of meal drinks and build-up and also some syringes. They also gave me an appointment with the Maxillofacial clinic on the 23rd July (one week today).
Then off we went home, I sat on the sofa at home and relaxed, happy to be home. I changed into my joggers later and found them more comfy then my jeans.
I had a few visitors.
I was taking my medicine with the syringe, but soon found I can drink from a glass.
I now have lovely colourful bruises from all the places the nurses and doctors took or tried to take drips. They are purple and green in colour. They hurt when they are pressed.
When I got up I actually went and sat in my chair and generally moved around. I was still limping. I wasn't using the sucker anymore as I was comfortable swallowing my spit now.
The doctors came and saw me in the morning and asked how I was and the guy from the surgical team asked if I wanted to go home today. I said 'Can I?'
He thought I was well enough to go home and that I was progressing well.
So later on the nurses came and cleaned my room etc and gave me some fresh milkshake and water. I had my meds and had water and milkshake now and again and read a book.
I was now keeping a log of my water intake and my milkshake intake.
Another nurse came and cleaned up my nose and changed the bolster.
She said I can get changed now.
I was a bit confused so I pressed the button after pondering for a long time and I asked the guy who came to my room about it. He said I can put my normal clothes on.
So I got my clothes out out of my bag and got changed, it felt weird being out of the hospital gown, my jeans rubbed my stitches a bit as they sat right over my hip so I reasoned I'd change into some joggers when I get home. I wasn't sure if I could remove my stockings so I went to ask and they said yes so I removed them. They were really tight and I can see how the nurse struggled putting them on my legs in the first place.
My boyfriend turned up at 10am.
I told him I was going home today so he thought he'd come earlier as I might need to vacate my room as someone else may need it. I also showed him my log and he was pleased I was drinking more.
I started packing my stuff up with my boyfriends help and then a few mins later the doctor came and asked if I could leave the room as it was needed. So I grabbed my stuff and we went to the TV room to wait.
When my Dad turned up, he found us in the TV room and wasn't happy I'd been chucked out of my room. I was happily still syringing my milkshake etc.
Later a nurse came and spoke to us, they got me my meds etc and fresh dressings for my stitches and nose. They gave us lots of meal drinks and build-up and also some syringes. They also gave me an appointment with the Maxillofacial clinic on the 23rd July (one week today).
Then off we went home, I sat on the sofa at home and relaxed, happy to be home. I changed into my joggers later and found them more comfy then my jeans.
I had a few visitors.
I was taking my medicine with the syringe, but soon found I can drink from a glass.
I now have lovely colourful bruises from all the places the nurses and doctors took or tried to take drips. They are purple and green in colour. They hurt when they are pressed.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 2 - more drips
I didn't really sleep very well the first night as I still kept having to use the sucker to get rid of blood/spit build-up in my mouth.
At about 6am, the nurse came to administer meds through my new drip. This one hurt a lot like the old one and the nurse said this one would also need removing too. She didn't finish giving me the meds because of the pain.
She came back and removed the drip a few mins later.
Later a doctor came and looked for new veins on my arms, he got me to pump my arms and open and close my hands to raise veins up. He tried one spot at the back of my right hand. This didn't go in properly so he took it out again. He then tried one lower on my right arm, this also wasn't any good so it was removed again.
He then asked to look at my left arm and tried one on my lower arm. This also didn't work so he gave up.
At this point, I have 5 points drips have tried to inserted!
Later in the morning, two doctors came to see how I was getting on and said they were going to remove the tubes from my nose.
I wasn't looking forward to that!
First they removed the smaller tube, then they went to remove the longer tube which one of the doctors said would be uncomfortable as it was in the stomach. It turned out not to be too bad.
They told me I'll still be leaking blood and plasma from my nose as my sinuses are full of blood.
Once they had gone, a nurse came and cleaned up my nose as it had lots of dried blood in and around the nostrils. She then applied a bolster (sterile dressing under my nose) for the leakage and got me to sit in the chair. She tidied up the bed.
The nurse later a jug of iced water.
My Dad turned up at half 10 to see me and my boyfriend came at eleven. They both said I looked better now I no longer had the tubes.
To be honest I felt better too as most of the blood in my stomach had gone, so I no longer felt ill and it was mainly saliva I had now sucking from my mouth.
Later the nurse came with my painkillers to take by syringe and told my Dad and my boyfriend that I had to go to the clinic for a checkup and that a porter would take me but they could accompany me.
Now when I wanted a wee I was expected to walk to the toilet. I was limping because of my hip but managed to walk to the loo with my Dad with much determination.
The light in the first toilet wasn't working, so a nurse showed me a different one.
When I went back to my room, I started to slowly take my medicine.
The soluble paracetamol was the worst tasting.
he anti-biotics tasted like banana and the stronger painkiller tasted like orange.
When it was nearly time to go the the clinic, the nurse said that a porter wasn't coming and gave a wheelchair for them to take me down to the Maxillofacial clinic in.
When I sat on the wheelchair, the nurse put a blanket over my legs to cover me up more snugly. I still had my dressing gown on.
I felt self-conscious as my boyfriend pushed my wheelchair and my Dad led the way. I felt like people were looking at me.
When we got to the Maxillofacial, we were taken to a room called the "recovery room" to wait. There were lots of people waiting and they looked at me, swollen face and all as I was wheeled past.
We waited for a while and a lady came and asked me to walk next door to be x-rayed. I slowly limped next door and then the lady asked if I had any jewelery on etc. For the first x-ray (front view of teeth), she asked me to keep my mouth closed for the x-ray which I found funny as I couldn't move it.
For the next x-ray (side view of teeth), she asked me to keep my back teeth closed, (again wondering how they think I can actually move my teeth!).
After that was done, I limped back to wait with my Dad and boyfriend again.
We were then called and got seen by Mr O my surgeon who asked me how I was feeling etc. He had the x-ray photo up and it showed I have 4 metal plates on my top jaw.
He asked if my lower lip was numb, I said no, I could just about talk. I said my top lip is numb. He was pleased with this as usually when lower jaw surgery is performed, there is numbness in the lower jaw, but I don't have any. He told me the nerve was stretched in my upper jaw and so it could take a while for it to recover.
He said the swelling will go down gradually.
We then went back up to the ward where I had some water and later some milkshake.
I wasn't really hungry or thirsty. A food selection list had been left in my room for me to choose food for Wed and Thurs. I looked at the list and there was nothing suitable for someone who's wired up.
Later my Dad left to go and get my Mum.
My Mum and Dad came back later and kept me company until they left at 9.30pm.
The nurse came in at about 10pm and asked when my boyfriend would be leaving, he said in a few mins, she said he can stay for a lil longer, but not too long. She asked me how much water etc I'd been having, she wasn't pleased when she realised I hadn't been drinking much, once she had gone, my boyfriend said we'll keep a log of how much water I have tomorrow and try and increase it.
Later my boyfriend went and the nurse came in a while later with more meds.
I had the meds and went to sleep.
At about 6am, the nurse came to administer meds through my new drip. This one hurt a lot like the old one and the nurse said this one would also need removing too. She didn't finish giving me the meds because of the pain.
She came back and removed the drip a few mins later.
Later a doctor came and looked for new veins on my arms, he got me to pump my arms and open and close my hands to raise veins up. He tried one spot at the back of my right hand. This didn't go in properly so he took it out again. He then tried one lower on my right arm, this also wasn't any good so it was removed again.
He then asked to look at my left arm and tried one on my lower arm. This also didn't work so he gave up.
At this point, I have 5 points drips have tried to inserted!
Later in the morning, two doctors came to see how I was getting on and said they were going to remove the tubes from my nose.
I wasn't looking forward to that!
First they removed the smaller tube, then they went to remove the longer tube which one of the doctors said would be uncomfortable as it was in the stomach. It turned out not to be too bad.
They told me I'll still be leaking blood and plasma from my nose as my sinuses are full of blood.
Once they had gone, a nurse came and cleaned up my nose as it had lots of dried blood in and around the nostrils. She then applied a bolster (sterile dressing under my nose) for the leakage and got me to sit in the chair. She tidied up the bed.
The nurse later a jug of iced water.
My Dad turned up at half 10 to see me and my boyfriend came at eleven. They both said I looked better now I no longer had the tubes.
To be honest I felt better too as most of the blood in my stomach had gone, so I no longer felt ill and it was mainly saliva I had now sucking from my mouth.
Later the nurse came with my painkillers to take by syringe and told my Dad and my boyfriend that I had to go to the clinic for a checkup and that a porter would take me but they could accompany me.
Now when I wanted a wee I was expected to walk to the toilet. I was limping because of my hip but managed to walk to the loo with my Dad with much determination.
The light in the first toilet wasn't working, so a nurse showed me a different one.
When I went back to my room, I started to slowly take my medicine.
The soluble paracetamol was the worst tasting.
he anti-biotics tasted like banana and the stronger painkiller tasted like orange.
When it was nearly time to go the the clinic, the nurse said that a porter wasn't coming and gave a wheelchair for them to take me down to the Maxillofacial clinic in.
When I sat on the wheelchair, the nurse put a blanket over my legs to cover me up more snugly. I still had my dressing gown on.
I felt self-conscious as my boyfriend pushed my wheelchair and my Dad led the way. I felt like people were looking at me.
When we got to the Maxillofacial, we were taken to a room called the "recovery room" to wait. There were lots of people waiting and they looked at me, swollen face and all as I was wheeled past.
We waited for a while and a lady came and asked me to walk next door to be x-rayed. I slowly limped next door and then the lady asked if I had any jewelery on etc. For the first x-ray (front view of teeth), she asked me to keep my mouth closed for the x-ray which I found funny as I couldn't move it.
For the next x-ray (side view of teeth), she asked me to keep my back teeth closed, (again wondering how they think I can actually move my teeth!).
After that was done, I limped back to wait with my Dad and boyfriend again.
We were then called and got seen by Mr O my surgeon who asked me how I was feeling etc. He had the x-ray photo up and it showed I have 4 metal plates on my top jaw.
He asked if my lower lip was numb, I said no, I could just about talk. I said my top lip is numb. He was pleased with this as usually when lower jaw surgery is performed, there is numbness in the lower jaw, but I don't have any. He told me the nerve was stretched in my upper jaw and so it could take a while for it to recover.
He said the swelling will go down gradually.
We then went back up to the ward where I had some water and later some milkshake.
I wasn't really hungry or thirsty. A food selection list had been left in my room for me to choose food for Wed and Thurs. I looked at the list and there was nothing suitable for someone who's wired up.
Later my Dad left to go and get my Mum.
My Mum and Dad came back later and kept me company until they left at 9.30pm.
The nurse came in at about 10pm and asked when my boyfriend would be leaving, he said in a few mins, she said he can stay for a lil longer, but not too long. She asked me how much water etc I'd been having, she wasn't pleased when she realised I hadn't been drinking much, once she had gone, my boyfriend said we'll keep a log of how much water I have tomorrow and try and increase it.
Later my boyfriend went and the nurse came in a while later with more meds.
I had the meds and went to sleep.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Operation day!
On my operation day, I got up early in the morning, (I was nil-by-mouth from 12am in the morning) and got ready to go.
My Dad drove me there and my boyfriend met us there.
I got to Leicester Royal Infirmary at 7.15.
We had to be there for admission at 7.30.
After we met my boyfriend, we went to the admission ward and sat and waited.
First a nurse came and saw me and after confirming my name, address, DOB etc, asked me questions about my health. She also took my blood pressure and read my temperature from my ear.
Later the anaesthetist came to see me and after confirming my name, address, DOB etc, she asked me some questions. She asked for me to explain in my own words what they are doing today. I said I am having jaw surgery, she said okay, that's fine, she also asked if it would be okay to use a suppository painkiller up my back passage.
I hesitantly agreed, then I asked if I could have numbing cream applied to my wrists as I hate needles (it should stop me from feeling the needle going in) and she said I can have it later after I have showered.
My Dad questioned this as I'm only having surgery to my face, but they said everyone has to shower with a special gel to stop the spread of MRSA.
Then a guy from the surgical team came and saw me and explained to me what they were going to do.
He said I was second in line, (eek!) and should go down about half 9.
He talked me through what they would do again and said my hip will be the most sore compared to my face. He said I'll have stitches and a scar.
He asked which hip, I didn't know so he said the right hip as the monitoring equipment is on the left so it's easier for them.
He said I should be in theatre for 2 hours and then in recovery for a few hours so should be back at my ward for 4pm.
The nurse came back about 9 and said it's time for me to shower, she asked if I had a dressing gown, I said yes, so I grabbed my dressing gown and slippers and followed her to get showered.
She supplied me with a bag for my belongings, a hospital gown, towel and showed me how to use the shower room. She said I need to use the gel all over, but I can leave my hair. She showed the shower control saying this way is for cold, and this way is for luke warm, it doesn't get hot.
I asked if I need to remove my bra, she said yes and I asked if I needed to remove my pants explaining about the suppository painkiller. She said she'd get me some paper pants.
She said once I've showered put the hospital gown on and my slippers and dressing gown.
After she'd given me the paper pants and gone, I locked the door and turned the shower on, it was cold not luke warm.
I washed myself as quickly as I could, it was a bit hard doing my back as my hair wasn't tied up. I struggled using one hand to hold my hair, and one to rub my back, then switched hands.
After I was done I dried myself off with the towel and got dressed into the hospital gown and paper pants.
I couldn't do the back of the gown up so rang the bell for help and a nurse came and tied it up for me. I put on my dressing gown, picked up my belongings and went to wait again shivering because of the cold shower.
Later the nurse came again to put the numbing cream called EMLA on my arms. She applied two patches to the top of my hands, and two on my wrists. She also put some stockings on my legs, these are to stop blood clots from developing and are similar to flight socks.
About 10 mins later they said it was time for me to go down, so my Dad, my boyfriend and I went down with the nurse to the waiting bit for the surgery.
We waited a few mins there and then a nurse came and took me away to talk to. She just asked for me to confirm my details again and whether I was ready.
I said kinda, then we went back, got my Dad and my boyfriend and I hugged them both as it was time for me to go.
They left and I went to the bit before you go into the operating theatre.
I was told to remove my slippers and dressing gown and get on the bed.
My surgeon Mr O said hello and asked how I was, he did a quick check of my teeth, he asked which hip, I said right (as advised by the guy on the team earlier).
There was a whole team around the bed, a nurse got me to lie down and loosened the ties on the back of my hospital gown.
She then attached the monitoring equipment to my chest.
The anaesthetist came and said hello then she got an assistant to remove the cream from my arms.
They then put the drip in on my left hand (it hurt! it wasn't numbed at all) and talked to me about what I do etc to try and relax me.
She asked if I was feeling sleepy, I said yes and I remember slow blinking and opening and closing one eye for a while and then I was gone.
Next thing I remember is the anaesthetist calling my name and me taking a while to gain consciousness in the recovery room.
My mouth was all wired up and I could feel I was swollen.
I also had two tubes in my nose (one in each nostril).
One went into my stomach, The other was to allow the suction pipe to get to my throat.
I wondered where my boyfriend and Dad were.
I was in recovery from about 2 - 7pm!!
All I can remember is waking up and choking on my blood and spit.
I had an oxygen mask on which kept steaming up my glasses so I left them off.
I also had a dressing on my right hip covering up my stitches.
They managed to work out that sucking the blood out straight from my stomach helped sometimes, but I also needed blood sucking from my mouth too.
I was also given a pen and paper to communicate with them when I needed to.
I had a nurse left in charge of me, but she wasn't always there.
I slept most of the time I was there in between waking up and coughing up blood.
I remember once waking up and coughing lots of blood out which I was spitting out as I didn't want to swallow it and it dripped all on my hospital gown, down my chest and settled to dry on my stomach. I was looking at other nurses around, but none of them came to help me and I felt helpless.
Later when they decided it was time to get rid of me, they came and cleaned me up. They didn't do a great job though as they didn't clean up the dry blood on my stomach.
They did give me a new gown though and cleaned up my face.
Two nurses came from my new ward and took my bed up to the ward where my anxious parents and boyfriend were waiting.
I got to spend some time with them and it was nice to see them. My mum had come to the hospital from work and they were all worried sick as I wasn't out of recovery for a long time.
The first night wasn't great.
I kept coughing up more blood from my stomach and my parents and boyfriend were worried. They kept holding me up.
The nurses later came to clean me up (after asking my parents and boyfriend to vacate the room).
I tried to tell them about the dry blood on my stomach and after a few attempts at speaking I showed them and accidentally exposed myself as the paper pants had been cut on the right side so they could take some bone and so I wasn't covered up.
Two nurses gave me a bed bath. (The younger nurse joked with me "it's like preparing for old age" as she could probably see I was embarrassed).
They took the pants off me and gave me a hospital nightie instead of a hospital gown.
Later I told the nurse I needed a wee and she asked if I wanted a bed pan or commode.
I said bed pan, she brought it back for me but I couldn't use it as I'm bladder shy so she got the commode. The commode is basically a wheelchair with a removable seat which has a hole and bed pan set in the centre.
I got helped onto it (because of my hip) and while I was on it they changed my bed sheets.
When I was done I got back into bed and my parents and boyfriend came back into the room to sit with me.
Later the nurse came to give me painkillers in my drip and when she was putting it in she could see it was causing me pain. She said it would have to be removed and a new one put in.
At 11pm my parents and boyfriend were asked to leave and they didn't want to go as they knew I hated drips etc. My Mum was reluctant to go as she was worried about me over night.
By this time I had my own sucker tool so I could suck out blood/spit buildup from my mouth myself.
They reluctantly left and my Dad and my boyfriend (they both have the week off) said they'd be in around 11 when visiting hours start.
After they went I had a nurse come and try to find a vein for a new drip, she put a new one on my right hand.
Forgot to add that during the night (before and after my parents and boyfriend left), the nurses kept checking my blood pressure and temperature regularly and I eventually got rid of the oxygen mask so I could put my glasses on and see!
I then went to sleep (or at least tried to...)
Photos my boyfriend took will follow soon..
My Dad drove me there and my boyfriend met us there.
I got to Leicester Royal Infirmary at 7.15.
We had to be there for admission at 7.30.
After we met my boyfriend, we went to the admission ward and sat and waited.
First a nurse came and saw me and after confirming my name, address, DOB etc, asked me questions about my health. She also took my blood pressure and read my temperature from my ear.
Later the anaesthetist came to see me and after confirming my name, address, DOB etc, she asked me some questions. She asked for me to explain in my own words what they are doing today. I said I am having jaw surgery, she said okay, that's fine, she also asked if it would be okay to use a suppository painkiller up my back passage.
I hesitantly agreed, then I asked if I could have numbing cream applied to my wrists as I hate needles (it should stop me from feeling the needle going in) and she said I can have it later after I have showered.
My Dad questioned this as I'm only having surgery to my face, but they said everyone has to shower with a special gel to stop the spread of MRSA.
Then a guy from the surgical team came and saw me and explained to me what they were going to do.
He said I was second in line, (eek!) and should go down about half 9.
He talked me through what they would do again and said my hip will be the most sore compared to my face. He said I'll have stitches and a scar.
He asked which hip, I didn't know so he said the right hip as the monitoring equipment is on the left so it's easier for them.
He said I should be in theatre for 2 hours and then in recovery for a few hours so should be back at my ward for 4pm.
The nurse came back about 9 and said it's time for me to shower, she asked if I had a dressing gown, I said yes, so I grabbed my dressing gown and slippers and followed her to get showered.
She supplied me with a bag for my belongings, a hospital gown, towel and showed me how to use the shower room. She said I need to use the gel all over, but I can leave my hair. She showed the shower control saying this way is for cold, and this way is for luke warm, it doesn't get hot.
I asked if I need to remove my bra, she said yes and I asked if I needed to remove my pants explaining about the suppository painkiller. She said she'd get me some paper pants.
She said once I've showered put the hospital gown on and my slippers and dressing gown.
After she'd given me the paper pants and gone, I locked the door and turned the shower on, it was cold not luke warm.
I washed myself as quickly as I could, it was a bit hard doing my back as my hair wasn't tied up. I struggled using one hand to hold my hair, and one to rub my back, then switched hands.
After I was done I dried myself off with the towel and got dressed into the hospital gown and paper pants.
I couldn't do the back of the gown up so rang the bell for help and a nurse came and tied it up for me. I put on my dressing gown, picked up my belongings and went to wait again shivering because of the cold shower.
Later the nurse came again to put the numbing cream called EMLA on my arms. She applied two patches to the top of my hands, and two on my wrists. She also put some stockings on my legs, these are to stop blood clots from developing and are similar to flight socks.
About 10 mins later they said it was time for me to go down, so my Dad, my boyfriend and I went down with the nurse to the waiting bit for the surgery.
We waited a few mins there and then a nurse came and took me away to talk to. She just asked for me to confirm my details again and whether I was ready.
I said kinda, then we went back, got my Dad and my boyfriend and I hugged them both as it was time for me to go.
They left and I went to the bit before you go into the operating theatre.
I was told to remove my slippers and dressing gown and get on the bed.
My surgeon Mr O said hello and asked how I was, he did a quick check of my teeth, he asked which hip, I said right (as advised by the guy on the team earlier).
There was a whole team around the bed, a nurse got me to lie down and loosened the ties on the back of my hospital gown.
She then attached the monitoring equipment to my chest.
The anaesthetist came and said hello then she got an assistant to remove the cream from my arms.
They then put the drip in on my left hand (it hurt! it wasn't numbed at all) and talked to me about what I do etc to try and relax me.
She asked if I was feeling sleepy, I said yes and I remember slow blinking and opening and closing one eye for a while and then I was gone.
Next thing I remember is the anaesthetist calling my name and me taking a while to gain consciousness in the recovery room.
My mouth was all wired up and I could feel I was swollen.
I also had two tubes in my nose (one in each nostril).
One went into my stomach, The other was to allow the suction pipe to get to my throat.
I wondered where my boyfriend and Dad were.
I was in recovery from about 2 - 7pm!!
All I can remember is waking up and choking on my blood and spit.
I had an oxygen mask on which kept steaming up my glasses so I left them off.
I also had a dressing on my right hip covering up my stitches.
They managed to work out that sucking the blood out straight from my stomach helped sometimes, but I also needed blood sucking from my mouth too.
I was also given a pen and paper to communicate with them when I needed to.
I had a nurse left in charge of me, but she wasn't always there.
I slept most of the time I was there in between waking up and coughing up blood.
I remember once waking up and coughing lots of blood out which I was spitting out as I didn't want to swallow it and it dripped all on my hospital gown, down my chest and settled to dry on my stomach. I was looking at other nurses around, but none of them came to help me and I felt helpless.
Later when they decided it was time to get rid of me, they came and cleaned me up. They didn't do a great job though as they didn't clean up the dry blood on my stomach.
They did give me a new gown though and cleaned up my face.
Two nurses came from my new ward and took my bed up to the ward where my anxious parents and boyfriend were waiting.
I got to spend some time with them and it was nice to see them. My mum had come to the hospital from work and they were all worried sick as I wasn't out of recovery for a long time.
The first night wasn't great.
I kept coughing up more blood from my stomach and my parents and boyfriend were worried. They kept holding me up.
The nurses later came to clean me up (after asking my parents and boyfriend to vacate the room).
I tried to tell them about the dry blood on my stomach and after a few attempts at speaking I showed them and accidentally exposed myself as the paper pants had been cut on the right side so they could take some bone and so I wasn't covered up.
Two nurses gave me a bed bath. (The younger nurse joked with me "it's like preparing for old age" as she could probably see I was embarrassed).
They took the pants off me and gave me a hospital nightie instead of a hospital gown.
Later I told the nurse I needed a wee and she asked if I wanted a bed pan or commode.
I said bed pan, she brought it back for me but I couldn't use it as I'm bladder shy so she got the commode. The commode is basically a wheelchair with a removable seat which has a hole and bed pan set in the centre.
I got helped onto it (because of my hip) and while I was on it they changed my bed sheets.
When I was done I got back into bed and my parents and boyfriend came back into the room to sit with me.
Later the nurse came to give me painkillers in my drip and when she was putting it in she could see it was causing me pain. She said it would have to be removed and a new one put in.
At 11pm my parents and boyfriend were asked to leave and they didn't want to go as they knew I hated drips etc. My Mum was reluctant to go as she was worried about me over night.
By this time I had my own sucker tool so I could suck out blood/spit buildup from my mouth myself.
They reluctantly left and my Dad and my boyfriend (they both have the week off) said they'd be in around 11 when visiting hours start.
After they went I had a nurse come and try to find a vein for a new drip, she put a new one on my right hand.
Forgot to add that during the night (before and after my parents and boyfriend left), the nurses kept checking my blood pressure and temperature regularly and I eventually got rid of the oxygen mask so I could put my glasses on and see!
I then went to sleep (or at least tried to...)
Photos my boyfriend took will follow soon..
Monday, July 07, 2008
Pre-operative assessment
I went for my pre-op to the Leiceser Royal Infirmary's (LRI) Maxillofacial department.
First I got called in for an x-ray.
When I went back to wait to be called again, my boyfriend told me another nurse had called me and that he'd told her I was having x-rays taken.
After a while I got called again and the nurse asked me questions to fill in some forms. I had my blood pressure, height and weight checked.
Then I went to speak to someone else who had the consent form for me to sign. The x-ray taken earlier was already up and he had had a chance to look at it.
He went through the risks etc with me, then he had a quick look in my mouth and took notes.
He basically told me everything I knew, my top jaw will be brought forward and lowered, a hip graft is needed to fill the gap when the jaw is lowered.
The bottom jaw will be taken back.
He also told me how they do it.
The top jaw is broken clean and once moved is fixed with metal plates and screws. A slice of bone is taken from my hip and put in.
The bottom jaw is cut in straight vertical lines at the back and then moved back.
Because of the awkwardness of the operation all done from inside my mouth, they can't use metal plates to heal it, so the only way for my bottom jaw to heal is to wire my teeth shut as soon as I'm out of the operation!
He explained that they used to do bottom jaw operations differently and that that way had a 1 in 10 chance of patients having permanent lose of feeling to the chin, cheeks, lips, tongue etc.
The way they are doing it only has a 1 in 3 chance of lose of feeling.
I asked if they will cut from the outside of my face and he said they will only cut inside the mouth so I will have no scars.
He asked if I had a preference to which hip they remove bone from.
I said I don't. He said as I am having bone taken fro my hip I won't be able to walk properly for a few days.
After that I was just asked to go to the Blood Test Centre to have blood taken before I left the hospital and I would be done.
So my boyfriend and I went to the Blood Test Centre. We saw that there was an hour wait. My boyfriend got the number (they call numbers out so we know who's next) and we got a bite to eat and waited.
After just over an hour, my number got called and I had blood taken.
After that I went back to work.
First I got called in for an x-ray.
When I went back to wait to be called again, my boyfriend told me another nurse had called me and that he'd told her I was having x-rays taken.
After a while I got called again and the nurse asked me questions to fill in some forms. I had my blood pressure, height and weight checked.
Then I went to speak to someone else who had the consent form for me to sign. The x-ray taken earlier was already up and he had had a chance to look at it.
He went through the risks etc with me, then he had a quick look in my mouth and took notes.
He basically told me everything I knew, my top jaw will be brought forward and lowered, a hip graft is needed to fill the gap when the jaw is lowered.
The bottom jaw will be taken back.
He also told me how they do it.
The top jaw is broken clean and once moved is fixed with metal plates and screws. A slice of bone is taken from my hip and put in.
The bottom jaw is cut in straight vertical lines at the back and then moved back.
Because of the awkwardness of the operation all done from inside my mouth, they can't use metal plates to heal it, so the only way for my bottom jaw to heal is to wire my teeth shut as soon as I'm out of the operation!
He explained that they used to do bottom jaw operations differently and that that way had a 1 in 10 chance of patients having permanent lose of feeling to the chin, cheeks, lips, tongue etc.
The way they are doing it only has a 1 in 3 chance of lose of feeling.
I asked if they will cut from the outside of my face and he said they will only cut inside the mouth so I will have no scars.
He asked if I had a preference to which hip they remove bone from.
I said I don't. He said as I am having bone taken fro my hip I won't be able to walk properly for a few days.
After that I was just asked to go to the Blood Test Centre to have blood taken before I left the hospital and I would be done.
So my boyfriend and I went to the Blood Test Centre. We saw that there was an hour wait. My boyfriend got the number (they call numbers out so we know who's next) and we got a bite to eat and waited.
After just over an hour, my number got called and I had blood taken.
After that I went back to work.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Admission date changed
Today I finally managed to confirm my pre-op which is on Mon 3rd July.
I rang for over a week trying to confirm as it says if you don't confirm your operation will get cancelled.
When I rang up the lady said since you have a pre-op where they will get all the info from you, you don't need to come in on the 13th for your admission, you can come in on the morning of the operation.
She said it'll save me from just waiting around.
I'm much happier being admitted on the morning as I think I would have worried too much staying in hospital overnight and probs wouldn't have slept very well.
She said she'll sent me a letter to confirm.
I rang for over a week trying to confirm as it says if you don't confirm your operation will get cancelled.
When I rang up the lady said since you have a pre-op where they will get all the info from you, you don't need to come in on the 13th for your admission, you can come in on the morning of the operation.
She said it'll save me from just waiting around.
I'm much happier being admitted on the morning as I think I would have worried too much staying in hospital overnight and probs wouldn't have slept very well.
She said she'll sent me a letter to confirm.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Hooks and measurements galore!
At this appointment I had a lot done.
First Mr S wanted to remove my wires, so he set about the lengthy task of trying to open my stubborn brackets.
Nicky the nurse got sent to get a water jet to help unclog my brackets.
The first jet wasn't very good and Mr S wasn't very happy with it.
So they experimented on me with a new spray which was much more powerful.
It vibrated the brackets open as it was so powerful!
He used it with warm water which felt much better then cold water.
The ony bad thing was all the spray that went on my face as it was very powerful!
Mr S asked how it felt from my point of view and whether it had caused discomfort.
I said it was fine.
Once the brackets were open, Mr S marked on the wires the gaps between the brackets and then removed the wires.
This felt weird as my false tooth is attached to my top wire so I had my gap back.
Mr S then attached hooks for my operation onto the wires he had earlier marked.
Once he'd finished that, he closed my brackets up (without the wires in) and prepared me for some molds/impressions.
I needed to have 3 sets done. Mr S said this is so the surgeon Mr O can cut them up and play around with them to figure out what the best way to move my jaw is.
After the impressions were done, he then got me to bite on a piece of wax to show my bite, then he got another piece of wax which I bit and he attached it to an appliance which measures how my jaw is held together.
It looks kinda like this.. (<< see link)
After that I rinsed and Mr S reopened my brackets to put the wires with the hooks attached back in.
He then gave me a small mirror to hold in my mouth on each side while he took photos.
Nicky then handed me a mirror and damp cloth so I could clean my face up.
Mr S then wished me well and said he's looking forward to seeing me after the operation. They also gave me an appointment for the 18th, 4 days after my operation.
Nicky said that as I'll be groggy I will always be the first one in.
She said if I'm not up to it, I can ring or get someone else to ring to cancel it.
Photos of new wiring and hooks: (click images to see close-ups)
Open bite
Closed bite
Top
Bottom
Left
Right
Hooks in detail!
First Mr S wanted to remove my wires, so he set about the lengthy task of trying to open my stubborn brackets.
Nicky the nurse got sent to get a water jet to help unclog my brackets.
The first jet wasn't very good and Mr S wasn't very happy with it.
So they experimented on me with a new spray which was much more powerful.
It vibrated the brackets open as it was so powerful!
He used it with warm water which felt much better then cold water.
The ony bad thing was all the spray that went on my face as it was very powerful!
Mr S asked how it felt from my point of view and whether it had caused discomfort.
I said it was fine.
Once the brackets were open, Mr S marked on the wires the gaps between the brackets and then removed the wires.
This felt weird as my false tooth is attached to my top wire so I had my gap back.
Mr S then attached hooks for my operation onto the wires he had earlier marked.
Once he'd finished that, he closed my brackets up (without the wires in) and prepared me for some molds/impressions.
I needed to have 3 sets done. Mr S said this is so the surgeon Mr O can cut them up and play around with them to figure out what the best way to move my jaw is.
After the impressions were done, he then got me to bite on a piece of wax to show my bite, then he got another piece of wax which I bit and he attached it to an appliance which measures how my jaw is held together.
It looks kinda like this.. (<< see link)
After that I rinsed and Mr S reopened my brackets to put the wires with the hooks attached back in.
He then gave me a small mirror to hold in my mouth on each side while he took photos.
Nicky then handed me a mirror and damp cloth so I could clean my face up.
Mr S then wished me well and said he's looking forward to seeing me after the operation. They also gave me an appointment for the 18th, 4 days after my operation.
Nicky said that as I'll be groggy I will always be the first one in.
She said if I'm not up to it, I can ring or get someone else to ring to cancel it.
Photos of new wiring and hooks: (click images to see close-ups)
Open bite
Closed bite
Top
Bottom
Left
Right
Hooks in detail!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Pre-op cancelled
Today while I was at work, I had an answerphone message on my mobile.
I listened to it at lunchtime and found out that it was the Maxillofacial waiiting list calling me.
I rang them back and the lady told me my pre- op appointment for tomorrow is not on as they don't hsve a clinic day on Thursdays.
She said she's changing it to the Monday and will send me a letter to confirm.
I listened to it at lunchtime and found out that it was the Maxillofacial waiiting list calling me.
I rang them back and the lady told me my pre- op appointment for tomorrow is not on as they don't hsve a clinic day on Thursdays.
She said she's changing it to the Monday and will send me a letter to confirm.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
All is well!
This was the first time I went my bus to my appointment, it took nearly an hour!
My boyfriend wasn't able to take me but met me there.
Luckily he told them I was running late.
The first thing Mr S asked was if I had any problems, e.g. broken brackets etc.
He said the last thing you need at this point is anything delaying my surgery.
He set about having a look at my teeth, but had problems with the chair and tool controls, so he said to Nicky his nurse to grap a torch as he wanted to get me sorted and could cancel any other appointments.
Mr S eventually got the controls working, then changed my elastic ligatures.
(He missed a few though :o(
I still have some emerald green looking ones, oh well...)
Just when I thought I was done, he said hold on, got some lip separators out and tried to find the correct size.
After three pairs he found some small enough for my mouth, got me to hold them in position and he took photos of my teeth.
Appointment over, I'll see them in July for my hour long appointment for measurements etc. Joy!
My boyfriend wasn't able to take me but met me there.
Luckily he told them I was running late.
The first thing Mr S asked was if I had any problems, e.g. broken brackets etc.
He said the last thing you need at this point is anything delaying my surgery.
He set about having a look at my teeth, but had problems with the chair and tool controls, so he said to Nicky his nurse to grap a torch as he wanted to get me sorted and could cancel any other appointments.
Mr S eventually got the controls working, then changed my elastic ligatures.
(He missed a few though :o(
I still have some emerald green looking ones, oh well...)
Just when I thought I was done, he said hold on, got some lip separators out and tried to find the correct size.
After three pairs he found some small enough for my mouth, got me to hold them in position and he took photos of my teeth.
Appointment over, I'll see them in July for my hour long appointment for measurements etc. Joy!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Operation date is set!
I got my operation date through the post today.
I was a bit annoyed to receive it just 2 days before my 25th birthday, but oh well... it made me all nervous.
The admission date for my operation is Sunday July 13th at 2pm at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The operation is scheduled on the following day.
It says on the letter:
PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS LETTER IMMEDIATELY AS FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR OPERATION.
That made me even more nervous!
It also has a date for my pre-operative assessment (June 26th 10am)
I also need to ring up on the day of my admission to confirm a bed is available!
Shouldn't they keep one for me as they know I'll be coming in? Hmm...
So I confirmed both my operation and pre-operative assessment and got that sorted.
Now i've just got to wait.
I also received my orthodontist appointment for the measurements etc needed before my operation. That's on July 3rd.
I was a bit annoyed to receive it just 2 days before my 25th birthday, but oh well... it made me all nervous.
The admission date for my operation is Sunday July 13th at 2pm at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The operation is scheduled on the following day.
It says on the letter:
PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS LETTER IMMEDIATELY AS FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR OPERATION.
That made me even more nervous!
It also has a date for my pre-operative assessment (June 26th 10am)
I also need to ring up on the day of my admission to confirm a bed is available!
Shouldn't they keep one for me as they know I'll be coming in? Hmm...
So I confirmed both my operation and pre-operative assessment and got that sorted.
Now i've just got to wait.
I also received my orthodontist appointment for the measurements etc needed before my operation. That's on July 3rd.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Joint Clinic
I was accompanied by my Dad and my boyfriend to this appointment.
There was the surgeon Mr O, My orthodontist Mr S and his nurse Nicky and someone else with the surgeon present.
I sat on the dental chair in the middle and felt like I was on show!
Well there was 6 other people excluding myself in the room.
Anyway I basically got asked questions about why I want the surgery etc and Mr O also told what they will do in the operation.
My top and bottom jaws will both be moved.
My bottom jaw will be moved back and my top jaw will be moved down and forwards.
At the moment although my top front teeth are straight, you can't see them when I talk, so moving the jaw down will make the teeth visible.
Mr O said although it doesn't matter too much now as I'm young enough, it will make me look as though I haven't got my top dentures in when I'm older!
I think he meant figuratively about the dentures as if I'm having this much work done hopefully my teeth will last!
As the top jaw is being moved down, I will also be having a hip graft where they'll take bone from the inside of the hip bone.
It's taken from the inside so when the bone grows back lumpy it won't show externally, I'll just have a scar.
The bone taken from my hip will be used to fill the gap left when lowering the top jaw.
I'll get surgery my date through the post and they think it should be around mid July.
Nicky then told me I'll need an orthodontics appointment around 3 weeks before my operation so they can take measurements etc.
Scary stuff!
There was the surgeon Mr O, My orthodontist Mr S and his nurse Nicky and someone else with the surgeon present.
I sat on the dental chair in the middle and felt like I was on show!
Well there was 6 other people excluding myself in the room.
Anyway I basically got asked questions about why I want the surgery etc and Mr O also told what they will do in the operation.
My top and bottom jaws will both be moved.
My bottom jaw will be moved back and my top jaw will be moved down and forwards.
At the moment although my top front teeth are straight, you can't see them when I talk, so moving the jaw down will make the teeth visible.
Mr O said although it doesn't matter too much now as I'm young enough, it will make me look as though I haven't got my top dentures in when I'm older!
I think he meant figuratively about the dentures as if I'm having this much work done hopefully my teeth will last!
As the top jaw is being moved down, I will also be having a hip graft where they'll take bone from the inside of the hip bone.
It's taken from the inside so when the bone grows back lumpy it won't show externally, I'll just have a scar.
The bone taken from my hip will be used to fill the gap left when lowering the top jaw.
I'll get surgery my date through the post and they think it should be around mid July.
Nicky then told me I'll need an orthodontics appointment around 3 weeks before my operation so they can take measurements etc.
Scary stuff!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Ready to go!
Check up on the impressions.
I sat down on the chair as usual and Mr S looked at the impressions taken at my last appointment, he showed me how they fit together quite nicely apart from small gaps between my top and bottom molars.
He said he can sort that out after the operation.
I was a bit stunned when he said this as it seems I am finally ready for my operation. I must say I am starting to feel nervous and excited now.
Mr S had a look at my teeth, gave them a quick clean to remove some plaque and changed my 7 elastic ligatures which had gone a emerald colour again.
Mr S also took some photos of my face.
Facing him I had a normal shot with my mouth closed. Then one with my lips slightly open and one with me smiling showing teeth (which I never do).
Another with me facing towards the corner so he has my face at an angle on the photo.
And he took one more with my face facing to the right.
He then sent me for an X-ray and said my next appointment will be a joint clinic with the surgeon Mr O and Mr S. Eek!
I went and sat outside to wait for my X-ray and removed my earrings in anticipation.
For the X-ray I had to sit on a chair and a machine was behind my head.
It had ear plugs which go into my ears (presumably to hold my head steady)
I was told to look ahead and hold my teeth together but keep my lips relaxed.
I had my teeth and lips closed and the X-ray lady wasn't sure if my lips were supposed to be open or not, so she left me and went and asked.
Mr S's nurse came back with her and told me to just close my teeth and keep my lips relaxed as closing my lips may change the position of my jaw.
I eventually managed to keep my lips in the relaxed position which for me means they do stay open slightly. It feels weird though as I guess I'm used to closing my lips all the time.
I had the X-ray taken and then waited to make sure it came out okay.
After waiting for about 10 mins I was told I can go.
I'll see the X-ray at my next appointment with the surgeon and Mr S.
I sat down on the chair as usual and Mr S looked at the impressions taken at my last appointment, he showed me how they fit together quite nicely apart from small gaps between my top and bottom molars.
He said he can sort that out after the operation.
I was a bit stunned when he said this as it seems I am finally ready for my operation. I must say I am starting to feel nervous and excited now.
Mr S had a look at my teeth, gave them a quick clean to remove some plaque and changed my 7 elastic ligatures which had gone a emerald colour again.
Mr S also took some photos of my face.
Facing him I had a normal shot with my mouth closed. Then one with my lips slightly open and one with me smiling showing teeth (which I never do).
Another with me facing towards the corner so he has my face at an angle on the photo.
And he took one more with my face facing to the right.
He then sent me for an X-ray and said my next appointment will be a joint clinic with the surgeon Mr O and Mr S. Eek!
I went and sat outside to wait for my X-ray and removed my earrings in anticipation.
For the X-ray I had to sit on a chair and a machine was behind my head.
It had ear plugs which go into my ears (presumably to hold my head steady)
I was told to look ahead and hold my teeth together but keep my lips relaxed.
I had my teeth and lips closed and the X-ray lady wasn't sure if my lips were supposed to be open or not, so she left me and went and asked.
Mr S's nurse came back with her and told me to just close my teeth and keep my lips relaxed as closing my lips may change the position of my jaw.
I eventually managed to keep my lips in the relaxed position which for me means they do stay open slightly. It feels weird though as I guess I'm used to closing my lips all the time.
I had the X-ray taken and then waited to make sure it came out okay.
After waiting for about 10 mins I was told I can go.
I'll see the X-ray at my next appointment with the surgeon and Mr S.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Impressions... same old, same old
Impressions time again!
Mr S and his dental nurse were talking about which size tray to use.
I interrupted saying "last time you used the small trays but had to redo them with the big trays as they were too small".
Mr S thanked me and said "At least someone remembers". Lol.
Well I didn't exactly want to go through 5 trays again, did I?!
Anyway so the top and bottom impressions were done using the big trays in the usual way without removing my wires first. (You know the procedure by now, putty stuff is put in your mouth on a U shaped plastic tray which sits on the teeth. you then bite down hard on it and when it has hardened, it is then eased it off the teeth).
Bottom impression almost got messed up like the last time.
He asked me to adjust the opening of my mouth then remembered as I did it that it messes up the mold so asked me to close again.
My 7 silver elastic ligs were changed again, (they'd become discoloured and gone a weird emerald colour), the powerchain put in at the last appointment was removed and I got to clean the putty bits on my face using a dampened cloth and mirror handed to me by the nurse.
I also asked Mr S to have a look at my top wire as it was sticking into my gum right at the back on the left, painful!
He cut and filed it down for me, much better!
Next app we get to see the new changes if any.
Mr S and his dental nurse were talking about which size tray to use.
I interrupted saying "last time you used the small trays but had to redo them with the big trays as they were too small".
Mr S thanked me and said "At least someone remembers". Lol.
Well I didn't exactly want to go through 5 trays again, did I?!
Anyway so the top and bottom impressions were done using the big trays in the usual way without removing my wires first. (You know the procedure by now, putty stuff is put in your mouth on a U shaped plastic tray which sits on the teeth. you then bite down hard on it and when it has hardened, it is then eased it off the teeth).
Bottom impression almost got messed up like the last time.
He asked me to adjust the opening of my mouth then remembered as I did it that it messes up the mold so asked me to close again.
My 7 silver elastic ligs were changed again, (they'd become discoloured and gone a weird emerald colour), the powerchain put in at the last appointment was removed and I got to clean the putty bits on my face using a dampened cloth and mirror handed to me by the nurse.
I also asked Mr S to have a look at my top wire as it was sticking into my gum right at the back on the left, painful!
He cut and filed it down for me, much better!
Next app we get to see the new changes if any.
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