Your words are so sweet and so smooth, I could just eat 'em up with a spoon.

[nullalux]

I go under the knife a week from today. I'm getting so many packages from my list of surgery resources that I feel like it's my birthday! (Well, sort of. If my birthday present were getting my skull sawed open. Um.) Thank you to winterredwood for the Preparing for Surgery CD, which I've been listening to every evening. I'm finding it quite helpful, although I had to laugh when, at one point in the initial relaxation exercise, the narrator beseeches the listener to "notice the intelligence in your feet." shoutingboy sent a DVD about lymphatic massage, which is supposed to reduce swelling after surgery. shaix ordered some books on tape and one of the special pillows for sleeping upright. karenbynight provided the other pillow [and the shower stool!]. makellan added a mini white board, so that I can communicate right away after the surgery. My grandparents loaded up a Jamba Juice card with smoothie goodness. And, according to my Amazon list, I still have soy protein powder and the shower seat on their way. [EDIT: They've arrived! Many thanks to iterum for the protein powder. I can only assume there was no bacon flavor option.] Again, I really appreciate the support, and I'm confident that the surgery will go smoothly.

I had the pre-op appointment with my surgeon last week, and it went really well. She showed us a practice surgery on my super-cool maxillofacial models, and answered most of my burning questions. She confirmed that I'll only have to stay in the hospital for two days, if all goes as planned. On the other hand, the procedure itself will take four hours, longer than we'd thought, meaning recovery will go a bit more slowly. The bone graft will actually be synthetic (made from coral). There'll be some physical therapy afterwards, both to lengthen my jaw muscles and to prevent any intra-oral scar tissue from getting in my way. My maxillofacial surgical team seems competent, which bodes well, since my head is, you know, where I keep all my stuff.

Comments

[dicedork.livejournal.com]

Sounds like an excellent support structure. If any of them need any bolstering The Cheat and her monkey are here to help!

[teawiththecheat.livejournal.com]

It's twue.

[cuddlycthulhu.livejournal.com]

Heh, I go in for outpatient surgery on Friday.

Good luck with yours.

[chalepa-ta-kala.livejournal.com]

You too!

[ayoub.livejournal.com]

Good luck!

[makellan.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you're in good hands.
At least you won't have to have scars on your hip for the jaw surgery.

[chalepa-ta-kala.livejournal.com]

And it won't be a bovine bone graft, or from a cadaver. Whew.

On the other hand, I was hoping for a bionic chin or something.

[makellan.livejournal.com]

A friend once walked into my shadowrun game and announced that he was part cyborg and part undead. As he was playing a cyborg, I understood that part, but I questioned him on the undead part while reaching for his character sheet. He then mentioned that he wasn't talking about his character and got our full attention.
Apparently he'd just had knee surgery where they added metal screws and cadaver ligament. I gave him XP.

[chalepa-ta-kala.livejournal.com]

Your gift in action: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shoutingboy/2591661699/.

Thanks again!

[jedusor.livejournal.com]

Wow. Good luck!

[serenejournal.livejournal.com]

My maxillofacial surgical team seems competent, which bodes well, since my head is, you know, where I keep all my stuff.

*grin*

Best of luck, and I hope your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.

[juverna.livejournal.com]

I just know that all will go smoothly. And you have the support of a loving family around you. Yay! *hugs*

[scazon.livejournal.com]

Best of luck to you! I hope to see you when I'm in the Bay Area in not too long.

(Unsolicited) Advice from a Former Patient

[as2.livejournal.com]

1. Be sure you have a cool mist humidifier for post op.
2. Be sure you have oodles of QTips and peroxide. My nostrils were ick post op and this was a lifesave (sorry to be gross - but really, it's among the most valuable advice I can give you).

Re: (Unsolicited) Advice from a Former Patient

[as2.livejournal.com]

Oh - and of course, best of luck to you. Look for me online if you're home and stir crazy post op. Contact me with any questions.

Re: (Unsolicited) Advice from a Former Patient

[chalepa-ta-kala.livejournal.com]

Excellent advice, thank you! I'm finding it very helpful to talk with those who've been through a similar procedure.

[winterredwood.livejournal.com]

Good luck! We like your head and all its stuff- the doctors better treat you well! :)