Comments on: Recovery timeline

By: Adam Merberg

Adam Merberg — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:53:13 +0000

Hi Cherie,

Sorry to hear about your injury, as well as your recent setback. I’m glad you a least have public health care. (Here in the US, we’ve at least taken a baby step in that direction since my accident, but we also have one party determined to repeal that change.)

I know I would have been very frustrated if I’d partway through the recovery that learned that my fracture hadn’t healed properly. (Curiously, though, my oral surgeon didn’t take any X-rays after the date of the surgery.) Anyway, I hope you get some answers when you have your next appointment.

Best wishes on your recovery.

Adam

By: Cherie

Cherie — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:12:50 +0000

Thank you for this blog, especially your tips on keeping your mouth clean.

I currently have a titanium plate and my mouth wired shut for three fractures to my jaw. I fainted and fell on my face after giving blood.

I found the days after surgery very challenging. Though I was making good progress with the pain and psychologically for the first 10 days.

Yesterday however my follow up xray showed that the surgery wasn’t successful in aligning my right jaw joint and is sitting strangely. Why the doctor didn’t pick it up on the xray after the operation I have yet to find out. I have to see another specialist in the new year.

Despite all the pain and frustration I am so thankful that I live in a time where skilled people are able to fix me. And I am so glad that I live in a country that provides its people with free public health care (I’m not usually so patriotic, but having gone through this, I do love Australia more)

All the best with your recoveries

Cherie

By: Adam Merberg

Adam Merberg — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:28:27 +0000

I’d definitely defer to your oral surgeon on that question. I was able to talk with my mouth wired shut, even teaching a few classes, but I’ve heard from people who have been advised to avoid all talking.

Best of luck!

By: Leslie

Leslie — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:37:51 +0000

My job also requires a lot of talking on the phone. I stayed home the first week because I had stitches in my face and was self-conscious about that. Once they were out, I went back to work. You very quickly get used to talking with your teeth clamped shut. Most people don’t even notice when you are on the phone. It’ll be better in about 3-4 weeks when they removed the wires. Once you have just the rubberbands, you will be able to move your teeth when you talk. This’ll pass……

By: C

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:47:53 +0000

this was so good to know — recently fractured my left jaw. I am now just waiting for an appointment with my oral surgeon.

my work involves talking on the phone alot — would you advise me to stay home during the time my jaw is wired?

By: becky

becky — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:50:03 +0000

I broke my jaw on May 26th when a softball hit me, so I understand completely what you are talking about! I personally was sleeping in a recliner, because it was so sore to sleep in any other position, it felt as though my jaw would slide and cause intense pain. I was not comfortable enough to sleep on my side because I am a light sleeper and move alot during the night. Try different things out, it is tough, but it too will be over before you know it. The worst part for me has been the mental aspect, hunger, and plain feeling sorry for myself. I have good days and bad, my family has been very supportive. I don’t feel like going overboard on preparing meals for myself, I would just prefer to drink and be done. Carnation breakfast drinks have been very good, might keep that up once this is all over! Best of luck to you!

By: Adam Merberg

Adam Merberg — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:52:39 +0000

Sorry I’ve been slow to reply here.

For sleeping, I would suggest whatever is most comfortable to you. After my bike accident, I had so many bruises and scrapes, and so much swelling that every position was at least a little bit uncomfortable.

I doubt having wires in your mouth will ever be particularly comfortable, but you’ll at least get used to it before too long.

Best of luck with your recovery.

Adam

By: Leslie Wood

Leslie Wood — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:43:32 +0000

Just Me – Sorry about your situation. As far as sleeping, whatever feels good to you is fine. No limitations except those set by your own comfort level lying on the side of your face. My jaw was wired (as I assume most are) with my teeth completely shut. My molars were against each other. You will be surprised how liquids will just find its way around the spaces. I was also able to suck applesauce and and yogurt through a straw. Many people are much more interested in being creative about what food they can make and put in a blender. Not me…. I pretty much lived on protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, McDonald’s milk shakes and berry smoothie, milk, Gatorade and tomato soup. I figured as long as I getting a pretty solid dose of protein in those bodybuilder protein shakes that I was getting enough nourishment to get through 6 weeks. There was no enjoyment to eating, just a job to get done. Fortunately I only lost 5 lbs which is great since I started at 122. I know it is mentally exhausting to contemplate this journey, but it will pass. You will get through it. Bear in mind that other folks get through much worse things. I think that is what kept me sane. I knew this would end. Some other people don’t get to be “done” with their ailment. Keep your chin up! You’ll get there. My jaw was broken last fall (Sept 2010) and is fine. My teeth are all fixed and I’m back on my bike.

By: Just Me

Just Me — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:01:47 +0000

I fractured my jaw on May 29th. Because of my injury my mouth had to be wired shut on May 31st. My doctors advised me that I would be wired shut for 6-8 weeks. Of course I’m hoping that the wires are removed before then. My biggest challenge is eating. The shut is so tight to where there is hardly no room for even a liquid to enter. It is mentally exhausting. How long will my gums be sore? When sleeping, what position do you advise?

By: Sean Clohisy

Sean Clohisy — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:29:09 +0000

This is an amzing recovery. I had broken my jaw august 13th and now im all fixed. Except for the fact i cant play sports. I see you coped well and i was looking for some help. Im also a freshman so it doesnt help me very much.