it does get better! And haha, yes to *all* the protein (I literally lived off of protein shakes that first week lol). Congrats on making it almost to the one year mark, hope you are doing well! (Also, I will add: I was instructed to only ice for the first 48 hours...apparently too much cold after that point can make the tissue tighter/less mobile or something? Obviously I'm no doctor, but just sharing what my experience was and what the clinic had me do post-op!)
@@meganschall learning to chew with these new choppers took time, and besides the still frozen lip .. that continues to get better slowly, best decision I ever made!
@@elvisisalive2716 Good for you! I've talked to several people who are 50+ and had the surgery - it's never too late to improve your quality of life and/or health :)
Meg, I keep thinking YOU ARE SO BRAVE!! this is such tough stuff and I really admire and I’m impressed by your mental and physical stamina and the many ways you disciplined yourself to prepare for this very challenging surgery. It’s also very fun to see your new beautiful self revealed day by day in your photos. This is going to be so transformative
Hello Megan! I’m Meydi. I am currently on my day 9th of the surgery. I just wanted to thank you for putting this video up. It’s always nice knowing there’s people you can completely relate with in situations like this. I’m going through exactly everything you went through. I hope you’re much better now, and looking back you can say it has been totally worth it. Sending you lots of good energy ✨
Thank you Meydi! I hope your surgery went well and your recovery is going ok so far - the first couple of weeks can be tough! Sending you positive, healing energy as well :)
I second, third, fourth, fifth....you get the idea of everyone expressing how brave you are to not only go through with this, but to post about it! I am so glad the worst is over!
Megan I’ve been impatiently waiting for this video. I’ve been wondering how your surgery is going and thinking positive for you. My situation is very similar to yours and I relate a lot to you. Please keep us posted with consistent video. Love.
This surgery is definitely a strong thing, but I'm glad to see that you stay positive. The worst is over, it only remains to relax and wait for your body to continue healing. I hope you find the process easier and easier.
I'm 9 days post-op from double jaw surgery. I was also sick the night I had the procedure, but the hospital provided morphine during the op. They said it was due to the mix of blood and morphine and the emptying of the stomach that causes you to be sick. I can say the most irritating thing from it all is the nosebleed I had the first night. Apart from this, healing is fast, bruising coming out now and managing some mashed pasta haha!
Congrats on your surgery! Sounds like you got through the worst of it, and so great that your healing is going well so far and you are already eating some soft foods!! 🙌
@Megan Schall Thank you, Megan! It's really interesting how people heal in different ways. My lips and cheeks are still numb and I'm expecting more bruising next week. Currently irritated from changing my first bands and the fact I can't feel my nose is strange. Yes I have a gap that is managing soft foods but trying to stick to liquids as I don't want any infections in first week.
Oh my goodness Megan I admire your courage, I wasn’t expecting it to be this hard for you . I wish you a speedy recovery and a safe flight back home for you and your family.
Thank you! The first week was definitely the worst, but it's really gotten a lot better since then :) I think I was just sort of *hoping* it wouldn't be too bad, but I was also well informed of all the things that could be challenging for the first couple of weeks, and I felt prepared to handle it all. One day at a time!
I hope all goes well for you! I felt the same way beforehand - just wanted to get it over with 🙂 I was also worried about the liquid diet, but honestly it wasn't nearly as hard as I expected...I basically lived off protein smoothies haha. And yes, they should help you with the brushing situation - give you a very soft toothbrush and/or an oral rinse or water flosser for the early days! Best of luck, and let us know how you're doing!!
@@meganschall definitely give an update monday! quick question how long were your ears clogged? i already have an issue with that and that’s also stressing me out
@@heavenli444 I don't remember exactly, but the clogged ears did take a little bit - I was actually worried about flying home but thankfully it was totally not a problem (and actually seemed to help my ears clear a bit)! I would say after the first 10-14 days that became less and less of an issue...
Thank you for watching, and I'm sorry your struggling right now - those first few days are hard!! I can imagine it would be even tougher mentally if you hadn't willingly signed up for this surgery, as it sounds like that is the case for you... One day at a time, you will get through this and it will get easier! I wish you the best with your healing and hope you recovery quickly🙏❤
I had double jaw surgery in 1989. I spent 2 days in ICU then 5 days on surgical floor. My surgery was. 12 hours long. They moved my upper jaw forward , lower jaw back. Split the roof of my moth to open up my nasal passages, and put a silicone implant in my chin. My jaws were wired shut for 12 wks. I lost 35 lbs in those 3 months because it was just so hard to get in the calorie intake through a hole that only a straw fit in. It took about 6 -8 months before all my swelling went away, and I have an area on my chin and some of my bottom lip that is still numb but only notice it if I scratch or rub the areas. The first month was the hardest…dealing with pain, learning to drink my food, getting my energy back but it got easier as each day passed. All & all I was so happy with how my surgery turned out, I finally could breath in and out my nose. People told me my appearance changed but I did not see it as much as they did. So glad you did well.
Wow, that's quite a story!! I'm so glad you had a good outcome and are happy with the result - 12 hours is a LONG time to be in surgery, and I can't even imagine how challenging that would've been to have your mouth wired shut and only be able be able to drink through a straw 😳I hope you are continuing to do well today, and thanks for watching and sharing your journey!
I have several other videos on my channel that talk about the recovery process, prep, advice I have etc., if you want to check any of those out here: www.youtube.com/@meganschall In a nutshell, here are some things that helped me: 1) The more she can be mentally prepared to tolerate discomfort for those first 7-14 days, the better. The first few days will be the worst just getting over that initial recovery period, but I really tried to prepare myself to get through the first two weeks - it all gets a lot easier from there! Reminding myself that it was normal and OK to be uncomfortable and that I could handle pretty much anything for a one-to-two-week period made a big difference in being able to get through the first few weeks. 2) Give your body as many nutrients as possible post surgery. It’s obviously a bit difficult given the limited ability to eat at first, but getting enough protein and overall calories is going to help a lot for the body’s ability to recover. I survived on several protein smoothies a day at first, but whatever sounds tolerable or appetizing, just go with it and eat as much as possible. 3) Lots of walking post-op to help with inflammation and lymphatic drainage (being mindful of energy of course, but a few easy/gentle walks per day can help a lot!) 4) Try not to worry too much in the beginning about all of the weird symptoms and sensations - it’s all totally normal and will dissipate with time (or if you are concerned, ask your surgeon/clinic - they are there to help!) The swelling and numbness will feel super weird and it’s easy to feel like it’s never going to go away, but it will. 5) Full recovery is a long process, and there are going to be ups and downs. Each phase brings new challenges, and it is going to be frustrating and mentally/emotionally tough at times. Don’t freak out if you’re not feeling “normal” at 3, 4, or even 6 months post-op. I was still noticing changes and improvements 9-12 months or even later, so you really do have to give it time and have a long haul mentality. 6) If at all possible, find a myofunctional therapist somewhere around the 4-6 month mark. They can help evaluate function and give exercises to improve mobility, speech etc. before any “bad” habits set in. 7) Give yourself grace and compassion, this is truly a journey! It’s hard to know what your own experience will be like until you go through it, but just remember all of the other challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your life - this will eventually just be a blip on the radar and a thing of the past. When you’re feeling especially uncomfortable or going through a difficult phase, remember that you will *not* always feel this way, it will change and it will get better. You can do this! I hope that helps, and if you have other questions, feel free to ask anytime! And best of luck to your daughter with her surgery and recovery, I hope all goes well!❤🙏
Thank you for posting about this! I had surgery yesterday and I feel so miserable already, but watching little timelines like this is giving me a little hope that I won’t be in a few days.
Thanks Jordyn, and congratulations on your surgery! I'm sorry you are feeling miserable at the moment - those first few days are definitely rough 🤕I hope you feel better soon... one day at a time, you got this!
I'm om my 4rd day post op and this is absolute hell 😭 I've been throwing up every day and the pain meds aren't enough to keep the pain away, it hurts so much
Oh no, I'm so sorry you're having a rough time! Those first couple of days really are hard, and hopefully you're through the worst of it and it will get better from here. I hope things improve for you quickly and you heal well!
I am on my 7tg day and I keep having depressing thoughts. Like it's not gonna turn we'll , i lost my face i had . I feel ugly. Did it turn we'll for you
@@nadiyaparvin6245 I'm so sorry you're having a rough time right now! It's really hard in those early days, and totally normal to feel sad or uncertain about the outcome - it will get better! There is a long way to go before you know really what the end result is, and as challenging as it can be, I found it helpful to keep reminding myself that I just had to give it time and that the way I was feeling in that moment was not the way I would feel forever - not to mention that the discomfort of recovery is going to make everything feel worse! Take it one day at a time, and keep reaching out to others here if you need support ❤
@@meganschall thankyou for this and I'll wait. I cry most of the time , but it just added to the swelling . I had an overbite jaw surgery. Even having a surgery on the top jaw is painful, i cant imagine yours . Thankyou so much .
@@nadiyaparvin6245 You're welcome! Those first two weeks are definitely the hardest, and your body has been through a lot - sometimes crying it out is necessary :) I also found it helpful to set mini timeline goals and/or future times to worry about things - like, "I'm going to wait until I get to 14 days and then I can think about/worry about XYZ." (And then once I got there, I'd re-evaluate and set another goal...) Most of the time, once I got to whatever deadline I had set, I felt differently about things and it was much easier to deal with in the meantime knowing I had given myself a specific time to think about it!
i’m gonna get my surgery in a about a week and a half. i’m really nervous but i’m so glad u made this so i know what to really expect. are you allowed to ice it? or is there anything that could help with the swelling?
That's exciting and also totally makes sense you're nervous! I'm glad the video could be helpful, and thanks for watching. Yes you can ice, and I was given this cooling face mask thing to wear for the first 2 days. My clinic recommended to only ice/cool for about 48 hours, but I'm sure your surgeon or team will advise you on this! Best of luck with everything, please check back and let us know how it goes! And if you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to help if I can 🙂
Day 7 for me. I totally feel the drainage part, especially while sleeping it gets worse. I often wake up nausious because of the blood im swallowing. Gosh.. I really hope this will end soon.
Hang in there!! It definitely will get easier - you've probably gotten through the worst of it! One day at a time, soon this will all be a distant memory 🙂
Thanks for this Megan! I’m 9 days post op & I can say it’s getting easier. 😃 Question if I may: how long did it take for you to recognize yourself again? I don’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror and that part is hard for me because I look so horrible right now.
Congratulations on making it through that first week! It definitely took a while for me to feel like my face was somewhat "normal" - but I also thought watching the whole thing unfold was pretty interesting (and it probably helped that I was overseas for those first two weeks and didn't have to seen anyone I knew! And also wearing a mask everywhere...) It probably took close to a month before I felt like I was more comfortable with how my face looked, but really it has been changing a lot even over these past few weeks/months! I'm now close to 8 months post-op and still feel like the new "me" is emerging, so try not to get discouraged if you don't feel like yourself for a while. I just keep telling myself I have to wait until I get my braces off and then also until the one year mark to really know what I'm going to look like :) Hang in there!
@@meganschall hi Megan. Thank you for your response. You’re absolutely right! I can see the difference between each of your videos and I know it will be the same for me in time. I’m just over 3 weeks post-op now (time flies), and each day gets a little more normal. I appreciate you documenting your journey - it has helped a lot 😃
@@Beeaaa08 I'm glad to hear you're feeling better and a bit more normal as your recovery continues, and that these videos have been helpful! I really appreciate the feedback :) Hope you continue to improve - one day at a time!
Hi so I’m having my surgery soon but I’m scared the permanent numbness people are complaining so my question is do you still have the numbness inside your mouth , teeth and the lips . Please answer me back .
Hi, I can totally undertand being nervous about numbness - I was too! I have a few areas that are *slightly* numb, but I do have feeling (it's just not what I would call totally "normal"), and it's certainly not something that affects my everyday life or that I notice regularly. I mostly notice that there is a little less feeling around my upper teeth/gums and some areas of my upper palate, but I also think it has continued to improve over time. I'm not convinced it is permanent or that it won't keep getting better! I hope that helps, and I wish you the best with your surgery and recovery!
When were you able to eat normally again ? I’m 11 days post op from upper jaw surgery and it’s been really hard on my mental. I’ve been regretting it so far as the recovery process is extremely tough.
Hang in there! The beginning part is really hard, and you're still very early on in the process - it will get better! As for eating, it probably took a few months before it was totally "normal" again, but I'd say it got a lot easier around 2 months or so? (I have several other vidoes that go through my recovery month by month where I'm sure I talked about this, those may be helpful to watch if you want more specifics!) I'm sorry you're feeling like you regret it right now, and I totally understand - I went through *a lot* of ups and downs along the way, and really had to remind myself to wait for the final results to judge things. This article was also helpful to read: www.institutomaxilofacial.com/en/2021/03/23/i-dont-like-my-face-after-my-orthognathic-surgery/ Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions or just need some support along the way - one day at a time, you'll get through it :)
Ugh, I'm sorry you're in that rough stretch right now, but congrats on your surgery and getting through the worst of the recovery!! I definitely remember that day 6 or so the breathing and swelling was really difficult, and then it started to get better... One day at a time, you'll get through it! 👊
@@meganschall yep, just finished day 6 and i think i’m through the worst of the facial swelling because it’s all migrating to my jawline and neck and lymph nodes 😅
@@ENnbY ah, yes - and if you have bruising you also turn a lovely shade of green lol 😆I also remember how my whole body felt sensitive and swollen, like even my ankles were retaining fluid and all my lymph nodes were super sore. Makes sense, but that was definitely not something I had considered ahead of time!
@@christosrizos461 I just remember that chewing/eating got better slowly over time - I would notice that it was getting easier and taking me less time to eat, but it was a process! I remember reading also that it might not feel totally normal to chew until after all the orthodontics are finished and your bite is aligned etc. (assuming you are doing orthodontic treatment). But in a couple more weeks I'm sure it'll all feel much better!
I was wondering how long did it take for you numbness to go away? It’s week two for me and one side of my face is numb in a little area and my tongue is cold on one side
Thanks! I have a video about this (ruclips.net/video/VeCAAFD0GOc/видео.html) but basically it was to fix bite/jaw function problems I've had since I was a kid...at this point, surgery was really the only way to completely fix the issues!
GIRLLLL!!!!! talk about pain im on my 6th tmj surgery and im waiting for my replacement surgery hopefully next month! it SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs i always feel like i have ear infections. Specially when im stressed my ears inflame, my jaw pops out of the socket, etc. GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL i feel you
Oh my, 6 TMJ surgeries sounds not very fun!! I'm so sorry you are going through that, and I hope your next procedure helps you get some relief! I can't even imagine what it would be like to feel like you always have an ear infection ☹ Sending healing vibes, and let me know how things go with the next surgery!
@Megan Schall ya I've been fighting with Mass general to squeeze me in December because this dumb surgical coordinator was supposed to schedule me for December last month and didn't so it's been hell trying to get in
@@Jazzybear67andBearBear omg that sucks! good for you for continuing to push and advocate for yourself - I know what a hard and frustrating process that can be! One step at a time, you got this :)
Did your surgeon provide any photos on what you may look like after the surgery? Or any illusions of before and after what your profile would look like?
There was a kind of computer mock up of the advancement with my face superimposed on top (it was pretty weird actually, haha), but because they can't predict how the soft tissue will adapt, it's really only a general idea of what you might look like after. I don't remember that being particularly accurate - I mean, it was cool to see at least sort of what would happen with my jaw, but it wasn't totally realistic and the end result was still different in person. Plus, with how long it takes for all the swelling and stuff to go down, I feel like you don't truly know what you're going to look like for a while!
Hi Megan Thanks for posting this video My orthodontist has referred me for this surgery and I had some questions if that’s OK? Was it done for orthodontic reasons? Also, without meaning to offend, did all the swelling cause you to snore? Thanks 😊
Hi, thanks for the questions! Yes the surgery was done for orthodontic/functional reasons - I had bite issues that had gotten worse over time, and the only way to really resolve it at this point was with surgery. (Check out this video for more info: ruclips.net/video/VeCAAFD0GOc/видео.html) And no, the swelling did not cause me to snore. But it was definitely difficult to breathe through my nose for a bit due to the inflammation :) If you have other questions, feel free to ask anytime!
I had my double jaw surgery and nose surgery 6 days ago together I have laces on my brace and I'm in so much pain and I can't eat The pain killers won't help at all I don't know what to doooo😭😭
Oh no, I'm so sorry!! I do remember that right around day 6 was really the hardest, and then it started to get better - but even though I was quite uncomfortable, I wasn't in a lot of actual pain because I was so numb... If you are feeling a lot of pain and the meds aren't helping, I'd definitley suggest getting in touch with your doctor or surgery clinic to get their advice! I hope things starting improving for you asap 🙏
Thank you for sharing, and I can totally understand how scary it feels to consider this surgery! Is there anything in particular that makes you nervous when you think about whether you might want to do it?
@@meganschall I'm afraid of anethesia and needles and idk, just an overall surgery, its a major surgery and I saw it online.. it looks scary and I'm afraid something might go wrong or I will not fully recover or something bad will happen. I also do sports.
@@solivagant.desiderium that all makes sense, and I definitely had some of those same concerns! A few things that helped me make the decision to do it were: 1) considering the downsides of *not* doing the surgery - which for me meant possible sleep apnea later in life, worsening bite, more head/neck pain etc...I decided I'd rather take on the potential downsides of doing the surgery (long recovery, small possibility of longer term side effects) than keep dealing with the issues I had and that could get worse over time. 2) talking to several people who had also had the surgery and hearing about their experience (and watching a lot of people's YT videos about it!). After a while I realized I was hearing the same thing over and over - that yes, the recovery is hard, and you might have some small downsides or issues along the way, but that overall people are very glad they did it and in many cases it was life changing. Any issues that did come up were not a big deal in the long run. and 3) reminding myself that I've done a lot of other hard things in my life and that I could tolerate the discomfort of being nervous about the surgery/the discomfort of the recovery process. Ultimately, I was willing to go through a few hard months to experience the lifetime of positive benefits that it was going to bring. If you play sports, I'm sure you've learned how to handle physically/mentally uncomfortable situations, and I think mindset plays a *huge* part in getting through this surgery if you do decide to pursue it. The last thing that I think can feel helpful is to realize how many people are doing this surgery now - the clinic I went to sees like 5-6 cases per week! It is a major surgery, but I think if you find a surgeon you feel really comfortable with and confident in, it eases a lot of fears :)
@@meganschall thank you for your kind words, i will consider it more! And thanks for sharing your story, I started seeing youtube videos already so it helps a little.☺
Don't you have tubes to help you avoid swallowing blood?! Also how can you breathe? How many meds? 3:55 I didn't realise it would be hard to swallow too
During the surgery, yes, they are suctioning the blood. But afterwards I think you just end up swallowing some from all the drainage... For the first couple of weeks you have to breathe through your mouth quite a bit since your nasal passages are pretty inflamed! As for meds, it may vary at different clinics, but I had anti-inflammatory meds, pain meds, antibiotics, probiotics, and a gastric protector. I think that was all of them! And yes, I was surprised by how challenging it was to swallow with all the numbness and swelling! It definitely took a little bit to figure out how to navigate that, but you do get the hang of it :)
While I am definitely well recovered at this point, it is still an ongoing process! I have a 1-year update (ruclips.net/video/uLrG54D4AyY/видео.html) and several other videos explaining where I'm at now and what is next :)
@@meganschall the Surgery was very stressful experience. My recovery is going well, don't feel any pain just pressure. The biggest problem is definetly the hunger.
@@gainzbreh6834 I hear you about the pressure! And yeah, it can be tough to feel satisfied when all your food is liquid...Hang in there! And keep eating :)
Oh no, I'm sorry you're having doubts!! I've always thought this would be much harder if it was a "have to" procedure vs. "choose to," so I can definitely understand that you'd be feeling unsure about all of it. Is there anything in particular that you are most worried about? How long do you have until your surgery?
@@RegentofArrako I think it's smart to be aware of and mentally prepared for dealing with that stuff - but also to remember that in the big picture, it's like 2 weeks of discomfort and then things start getting better! And if the outcome is really going to benefit your life in the long run, it's so worth it to deal with the short term pain. Yes, you will have numbness and you'll probably throw up the night after your surgery (everyone does), and it will kind of suck for a bit, but think of all the things in your life that have been really challenging that you've gotten through. This is just another one of those things, and pretty soon you'll be able to look back on it and be proud of yourself for doing it! My best advice would be to imagine yourself at your most uncomfortable after the procedure and think about how you can handle it in the moment so you have "practiced" - then just take it one day at a time. You got this!
@@meganschall YOU ARE AWESOME! You are right this will be worth it. I NEED THIS. This is something I need and I’ll be ready now due to your words!! THANK YOU SO MUCH
@@RegentofArrako You are so welcome! I hope all goes well with your surgery and prep, and I'd love to hear an update afterwards! If you have any other questions or need anything, feel free to reach out - happy to help in any way I can!
Hi, I have mostly regained sensation in my teeth. I'd say that my upper palate is still a little bit numb, so the back of my upper teeth do not yet have all feeling back (at this point I am almost six months post-op).
It's definitely a challenge at the beginning! At first, I was just using a mouthwash/rinse and then a water flosser that the clinic provided for me after the surgery. That and a very small, very soft toothrush :)
@@meganschallhats off to you babe, I wouldn’t do that except just get whatever drugs they give out for pain relief 😂 I hope you’re happy with the results x
If I remember correctly, I had liquid tylenol and ibuprofen that I alternated...and I believe I also had some kind of stronger med available but I didn't use it. Also was on an IV pain med (morphine?) for that first night in the hospital. Sorry I don't remember exactly, hope that helps!
It really depends on your surgery and whether or not insurance will cover any of it, so it's hard to say what the cost for any indidual will be...but from my experience with a few different surgeons/estimates, it can be around $30,000 for double jaw surgery (before any insurance adjustments).
Oh man, yes - that is definitely a challenge!! I hope all is going well for you otherwise though, and that you are able to start incoporating more foods soon :) It will get better!
You are not supposed to use your jaws until the bones heal. Only for food. It is not a good idea to speak so early. Day by day you will feel much better. I wish you the best. Maybe you should not fly so early. But your doctor knows better.
Thank you, I agree that it gets better day by day! My surgeon very much encouraged me to start speaking and using my mouth as much as possible right away to get range of motion back and help the muscles and soft tissue adapt, without putting any stress on the bones (since I was on a liquid diet), and to help with nerve regeneration, blood flow, etc. I've definitely noticed a difference over the last week or so in terms of how much mobility I have!
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11 months post double jaw surgery here! it gets better fast folks! eat double your protein and ice like crazy
it does get better! And haha, yes to *all* the protein (I literally lived off of protein shakes that first week lol). Congrats on making it almost to the one year mark, hope you are doing well!
(Also, I will add: I was instructed to only ice for the first 48 hours...apparently too much cold after that point can make the tissue tighter/less mobile or something? Obviously I'm no doctor, but just sharing what my experience was and what the clinic had me do post-op!)
@@meganschall learning to chew with these new choppers took time, and besides the still frozen lip .. that continues to get better slowly, best decision I ever made!
@@elvisisalive2716 that's awesome! 🙌
@@meganschall forgot to mention I'm over 40 so double whammy!
@@elvisisalive2716 Good for you! I've talked to several people who are 50+ and had the surgery - it's never too late to improve your quality of life and/or health :)
Meg, I keep thinking YOU ARE SO BRAVE!! this is such tough stuff and I really admire and I’m impressed by your mental and physical stamina and the many ways you disciplined yourself to prepare for this very challenging surgery. It’s also very fun to see your new beautiful self revealed day by day in your photos. This is going to be so transformative
Thanks Mo! I really appreciate the support :)
Hello Megan! I’m Meydi. I am currently on my day 9th of the surgery. I just wanted to thank you for putting this video up. It’s always nice knowing there’s people you can completely relate with in situations like this. I’m going through exactly everything you went through. I hope you’re much better now, and looking back you can say it has been totally worth it.
Sending you lots of good energy ✨
Thank you Meydi! I hope your surgery went well and your recovery is going ok so far - the first couple of weeks can be tough! Sending you positive, healing energy as well :)
I second, third, fourth, fifth....you get the idea of everyone expressing how brave you are to not only go through with this, but to post about it! I am so glad the worst is over!
I have to admit, re-watching some of these clips of me talking was kind of painful haha! I don't even remember half of it!
Megan I’ve been impatiently waiting for this video. I’ve been wondering how your surgery is going and thinking positive for you. My situation is very similar to yours and I relate a lot to you. Please keep us posted with consistent video. Love.
Thank you! I will definitely keep posting more about my recovery process!
This surgery is definitely a strong thing, but I'm glad to see that you stay positive. The worst is over, it only remains to relax and wait for your body to continue healing. I hope you find the process easier and easier.
I'm 9 days post-op from double jaw surgery. I was also sick the night I had the procedure, but the hospital provided morphine during the op. They said it was due to the mix of blood and morphine and the emptying of the stomach that causes you to be sick.
I can say the most irritating thing from it all is the nosebleed I had the first night. Apart from this, healing is fast, bruising coming out now and managing some mashed pasta haha!
Congrats on your surgery! Sounds like you got through the worst of it, and so great that your healing is going well so far and you are already eating some soft foods!! 🙌
@Megan Schall Thank you, Megan! It's really interesting how people heal in different ways. My lips and cheeks are still numb and I'm expecting more bruising next week. Currently irritated from changing my first bands and the fact I can't feel my nose is strange.
Yes I have a gap that is managing soft foods but trying to stick to liquids as I don't want any infections in first week.
Oh my goodness Megan I admire your courage, I wasn’t expecting it to be this hard for you .
I wish you a speedy recovery and a safe flight back home for you and your family.
Thank you! The first week was definitely the worst, but it's really gotten a lot better since then :) I think I was just sort of *hoping* it wouldn't be too bad, but I was also well informed of all the things that could be challenging for the first couple of weeks, and I felt prepared to handle it all. One day at a time!
having my jaw surgery thursday and im so scared but i can’t wait to get it over with! the liquid diet is going to be the worst part for me😭
also brushing my teeth will be hard 🥲 hopefully they’ll show me how to do it without messing up anything
I hope all goes well for you! I felt the same way beforehand - just wanted to get it over with 🙂
I was also worried about the liquid diet, but honestly it wasn't nearly as hard as I expected...I basically lived off protein smoothies haha.
And yes, they should help you with the brushing situation - give you a very soft toothbrush and/or an oral rinse or water flosser for the early days!
Best of luck, and let us know how you're doing!!
@@meganschall definitely give an update monday! quick question how long were your ears clogged? i already have an issue with that and that’s also stressing me out
@@heavenli444 I don't remember exactly, but the clogged ears did take a little bit - I was actually worried about flying home but thankfully it was totally not a problem (and actually seemed to help my ears clear a bit)!
I would say after the first 10-14 days that became less and less of an issue...
I'm only on day 3 after jaw surgery for bilateral mandible fractures and suffering mentally physically so much. thank you for your vid.
Thank you for watching, and I'm sorry your struggling right now - those first few days are hard!! I can imagine it would be even tougher mentally if you hadn't willingly signed up for this surgery, as it sounds like that is the case for you...
One day at a time, you will get through this and it will get easier! I wish you the best with your healing and hope you recovery quickly🙏❤
I had double jaw surgery in 1989. I spent 2 days in ICU then 5 days on surgical floor. My surgery was. 12 hours long. They moved my upper jaw forward , lower jaw back. Split the roof of my moth to open up my nasal passages, and put a silicone implant in my chin. My jaws were wired shut for 12 wks. I lost 35 lbs in those 3 months because it was just so hard to get in the calorie intake through a hole that only a straw fit in. It took about 6 -8 months before all my swelling
went away, and I have an area on my chin and some of my bottom lip that is still numb but only notice it if I scratch or rub the areas.
The first month was the hardest…dealing with pain, learning to drink my food, getting my energy back but it got easier as each day passed.
All & all I was so happy with how my surgery turned out, I finally could breath in and out my nose. People told me my appearance changed but I did not see it as much as they did.
So glad you did well.
Wow, that's quite a story!! I'm so glad you had a good outcome and are happy with the result - 12 hours is a LONG time to be in surgery, and I can't even imagine how challenging that would've been to have your mouth wired shut and only be able be able to drink through a straw 😳I hope you are continuing to do well today, and thanks for watching and sharing your journey!
Meg - I could just cry for all you’ve been through. You are SO BRAVE and filled with optimism. Love you so much! xoanchanny ♥️
Aww, thanks Anchanny! It helps to have such a supportive and loving family :)
My daughter will soon have low jaw surgery.
Anyone that has went through this have any advise.
I have several other videos on my channel that talk about the recovery process, prep, advice I have etc., if you want to check any of those out here: www.youtube.com/@meganschall
In a nutshell, here are some things that helped me:
1) The more she can be mentally prepared to tolerate discomfort for those first 7-14 days, the better. The first few days will be the worst just getting over that initial recovery period, but I really tried to prepare myself to get through the first two weeks - it all gets a lot easier from there! Reminding myself that it was normal and OK to be uncomfortable and that I could handle pretty much anything for a one-to-two-week period made a big difference in being able to get through the first few weeks.
2) Give your body as many nutrients as possible post surgery. It’s obviously a bit difficult given the limited ability to eat at first, but getting enough protein and overall calories is going to help a lot for the body’s ability to recover. I survived on several protein smoothies a day at first, but whatever sounds tolerable or appetizing, just go with it and eat as much as possible.
3) Lots of walking post-op to help with inflammation and lymphatic drainage (being mindful of energy of course, but a few easy/gentle walks per day can help a lot!)
4) Try not to worry too much in the beginning about all of the weird symptoms and sensations - it’s all totally normal and will dissipate with time (or if you are concerned, ask your surgeon/clinic - they are there to help!) The swelling and numbness will feel super weird and it’s easy to feel like it’s never going to go away, but it will.
5) Full recovery is a long process, and there are going to be ups and downs. Each phase brings new challenges, and it is going to be frustrating and mentally/emotionally tough at times. Don’t freak out if you’re not feeling “normal” at 3, 4, or even 6 months post-op. I was still noticing changes and improvements 9-12 months or even later, so you really do have to give it time and have a long haul mentality.
6) If at all possible, find a myofunctional therapist somewhere around the 4-6 month mark. They can help evaluate function and give exercises to improve mobility, speech etc. before any “bad” habits set in.
7) Give yourself grace and compassion, this is truly a journey! It’s hard to know what your own experience will be like until you go through it, but just remember all of the other challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your life - this will eventually just be a blip on the radar and a thing of the past. When you’re feeling especially uncomfortable or going through a difficult phase, remember that you will *not* always feel this way, it will change and it will get better. You can do this!
I hope that helps, and if you have other questions, feel free to ask anytime! And best of luck to your daughter with her surgery and recovery, I hope all goes well!❤🙏
Thank you for posting about this! I had surgery yesterday and I feel so miserable already, but watching little timelines like this is giving me a little hope that I won’t be in a few days.
Thanks Jordyn, and congratulations on your surgery! I'm sorry you are feeling miserable at the moment - those first few days are definitely rough 🤕I hope you feel better soon...
one day at a time, you got this!
I'm om my 4rd day post op and this is absolute hell 😭 I've been throwing up every day and the pain meds aren't enough to keep the pain away, it hurts so much
Oh no, I'm so sorry you're having a rough time! Those first couple of days really are hard, and hopefully you're through the worst of it and it will get better from here. I hope things improve for you quickly and you heal well!
I am on my 7tg day and I keep having depressing thoughts. Like it's not gonna turn we'll , i lost my face i had . I feel ugly. Did it turn we'll for you
@@nadiyaparvin6245 I'm so sorry you're having a rough time right now! It's really hard in those early days, and totally normal to feel sad or uncertain about the outcome - it will get better!
There is a long way to go before you know really what the end result is, and as challenging as it can be, I found it helpful to keep reminding myself that I just had to give it time and that the way I was feeling in that moment was not the way I would feel forever - not to mention that the discomfort of recovery is going to make everything feel worse!
Take it one day at a time, and keep reaching out to others here if you need support ❤
@@meganschall thankyou for this and I'll wait. I cry most of the time , but it just added to the swelling . I had an overbite jaw surgery. Even having a surgery on the top jaw is painful, i cant imagine yours . Thankyou so much .
@@nadiyaparvin6245 You're welcome! Those first two weeks are definitely the hardest, and your body has been through a lot - sometimes crying it out is necessary :)
I also found it helpful to set mini timeline goals and/or future times to worry about things - like, "I'm going to wait until I get to 14 days and then I can think about/worry about XYZ." (And then once I got there, I'd re-evaluate and set another goal...)
Most of the time, once I got to whatever deadline I had set, I felt differently about things and it was much easier to deal with in the meantime knowing I had given myself a specific time to think about it!
i’m gonna get my surgery in a about a week and a half. i’m really nervous but i’m so glad u made this so i know what to really expect. are you allowed to ice it? or is there anything that could help with the swelling?
That's exciting and also totally makes sense you're nervous! I'm glad the video could be helpful, and thanks for watching.
Yes you can ice, and I was given this cooling face mask thing to wear for the first 2 days. My clinic recommended to only ice/cool for about 48 hours, but I'm sure your surgeon or team will advise you on this!
Best of luck with everything, please check back and let us know how it goes! And if you have any other questions, I'm more than happy to help if I can 🙂
@@meganschall okay thank you so much! 🙏
Day 7 for me. I totally feel the drainage part, especially while sleeping it gets worse. I often wake up nausious because of the blood im swallowing. Gosh.. I really hope this will end soon.
Hang in there!! It definitely will get easier - you've probably gotten through the worst of it! One day at a time, soon this will all be a distant memory 🙂
Thanks for this Megan! I’m 9 days post op & I can say it’s getting easier. 😃
Question if I may: how long did it take for you to recognize yourself again? I don’t recognize myself when I look in the mirror and that part is hard for me because I look so horrible right now.
Congratulations on making it through that first week! It definitely took a while for me to feel like my face was somewhat "normal" - but I also thought watching the whole thing unfold was pretty interesting (and it probably helped that I was overseas for those first two weeks and didn't have to seen anyone I knew! And also wearing a mask everywhere...)
It probably took close to a month before I felt like I was more comfortable with how my face looked, but really it has been changing a lot even over these past few weeks/months! I'm now close to 8 months post-op and still feel like the new "me" is emerging, so try not to get discouraged if you don't feel like yourself for a while. I just keep telling myself I have to wait until I get my braces off and then also until the one year mark to really know what I'm going to look like :)
Hang in there!
@@meganschall hi Megan. Thank you for your response. You’re absolutely right! I can see the difference between each of your videos and I know it will be the same for me in time. I’m just over 3 weeks post-op now (time flies), and each day gets a little more normal. I appreciate you documenting your journey - it has helped a lot 😃
@@Beeaaa08 I'm glad to hear you're feeling better and a bit more normal as your recovery continues, and that these videos have been helpful! I really appreciate the feedback :) Hope you continue to improve - one day at a time!
had mine for underbite 5 days ago, terribly swollen but thanks to you for the vdo
You're welcome, and thank you for the support! Congrats on your surgery - I hope your recovery goes well and you heal quickly 🙂❤
One of the bravest women I know! ;)
Hi so I’m having my surgery soon but I’m scared the permanent numbness people are complaining so my question is do you still have the numbness inside your mouth , teeth and the lips . Please answer me back .
Hi, I can totally undertand being nervous about numbness - I was too! I have a few areas that are *slightly* numb, but I do have feeling (it's just not what I would call totally "normal"), and it's certainly not something that affects my everyday life or that I notice regularly.
I mostly notice that there is a little less feeling around my upper teeth/gums and some areas of my upper palate, but I also think it has continued to improve over time. I'm not convinced it is permanent or that it won't keep getting better!
I hope that helps, and I wish you the best with your surgery and recovery!
Thanks for this
You're welcome! Thanks for watching and for the comment :)
When were you able to eat normally again ? I’m 11 days post op from upper jaw surgery and it’s been really hard on my mental. I’ve been regretting it so far as the recovery process is extremely tough.
Hang in there! The beginning part is really hard, and you're still very early on in the process - it will get better!
As for eating, it probably took a few months before it was totally "normal" again, but I'd say it got a lot easier around 2 months or so? (I have several other vidoes that go through my recovery month by month where I'm sure I talked about this, those may be helpful to watch if you want more specifics!)
I'm sorry you're feeling like you regret it right now, and I totally understand - I went through *a lot* of ups and downs along the way, and really had to remind myself to wait for the final results to judge things. This article was also helpful to read: www.institutomaxilofacial.com/en/2021/03/23/i-dont-like-my-face-after-my-orthognathic-surgery/
Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions or just need some support along the way - one day at a time, you'll get through it :)
i just had double jaw surgery 5 days ago and i’m REALLY struggling with my breathing and swelling 😭 this is such a hard surgery
Ugh, I'm sorry you're in that rough stretch right now, but congrats on your surgery and getting through the worst of the recovery!! I definitely remember that day 6 or so the breathing and swelling was really difficult, and then it started to get better...
One day at a time, you'll get through it! 👊
@@meganschall yep, just finished day 6 and i think i’m through the worst of the facial swelling because it’s all migrating to my jawline and neck and lymph nodes 😅
@@ENnbY ah, yes - and if you have bruising you also turn a lovely shade of green lol 😆I also remember how my whole body felt sensitive and swollen, like even my ankles were retaining fluid and all my lymph nodes were super sore. Makes sense, but that was definitely not something I had considered ahead of time!
@@meganschall yeah! my neck is bright green 😭😭
@@ENnbY 😆
3rd week post double jaw surgery I can feel you 😊
Oh man, I hope you're doing ok! Those first few weeks are rough...one day at a time :)
@@meganschall yes, I totally agree with you. I wish I could chew again like before. how was the fourth week?
@@christosrizos461 I just remember that chewing/eating got better slowly over time - I would notice that it was getting easier and taking me less time to eat, but it was a process! I remember reading also that it might not feel totally normal to chew until after all the orthodontics are finished and your bite is aligned etc. (assuming you are doing orthodontic treatment). But in a couple more weeks I'm sure it'll all feel much better!
@@meganschall ❤️
I was wondering how long did it take for you numbness to go away? It’s week two for me and one side of my face is numb in a little area and my tongue is cold on one side
I think I missed why you needed surgery.
Hope you are recovering fine.
Thanks! I have a video about this (ruclips.net/video/VeCAAFD0GOc/видео.html) but basically it was to fix bite/jaw function problems I've had since I was a kid...at this point, surgery was really the only way to completely fix the issues!
GIRLLLL!!!!! talk about pain im on my 6th tmj surgery and im waiting for my replacement surgery hopefully next month! it SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSs i always feel like i have ear infections. Specially when im stressed my ears inflame, my jaw pops out of the socket, etc. GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL i feel you
Oh my, 6 TMJ surgeries sounds not very fun!! I'm so sorry you are going through that, and I hope your next procedure helps you get some relief! I can't even imagine what it would be like to feel like you always have an ear infection ☹ Sending healing vibes, and let me know how things go with the next surgery!
@Megan Schall ya I've been fighting with Mass general to squeeze me in December because this dumb surgical coordinator was supposed to schedule me for December last month and didn't so it's been hell trying to get in
@@Jazzybear67andBearBear omg that sucks! good for you for continuing to push and advocate for yourself - I know what a hard and frustrating process that can be! One step at a time, you got this :)
@@meganschall thanks!
Did your surgeon provide any photos on what you may look like after the surgery? Or any illusions of before and after what your profile would look like?
There was a kind of computer mock up of the advancement with my face superimposed on top (it was pretty weird actually, haha), but because they can't predict how the soft tissue will adapt, it's really only a general idea of what you might look like after.
I don't remember that being particularly accurate - I mean, it was cool to see at least sort of what would happen with my jaw, but it wasn't totally realistic and the end result was still different in person.
Plus, with how long it takes for all the swelling and stuff to go down, I feel like you don't truly know what you're going to look like for a while!
Hi Megan
Thanks for posting this video
My orthodontist has referred me for this surgery and I had some questions if that’s OK?
Was it done for orthodontic reasons?
Also, without meaning to offend, did all the swelling cause you to snore? Thanks 😊
Hi, thanks for the questions! Yes the surgery was done for orthodontic/functional reasons - I had bite issues that had gotten worse over time, and the only way to really resolve it at this point was with surgery. (Check out this video for more info: ruclips.net/video/VeCAAFD0GOc/видео.html)
And no, the swelling did not cause me to snore. But it was definitely difficult to breathe through my nose for a bit due to the inflammation :)
If you have other questions, feel free to ask anytime!
did you use the anti nausea patch behind the ear for the surgery?
No, I did not! I was quite nauseated I believe from the pain meds I was given during the hospital stay, but as soon as I was off those I was fine :)
I had my double jaw surgery and nose surgery 6 days ago together
I have laces on my brace and I'm in so much pain and I can't eat
The pain killers won't help at all
I don't know what to doooo😭😭
Oh no, I'm so sorry!! I do remember that right around day 6 was really the hardest, and then it started to get better - but even though I was quite uncomfortable, I wasn't in a lot of actual pain because I was so numb...
If you are feeling a lot of pain and the meds aren't helping, I'd definitley suggest getting in touch with your doctor or surgery clinic to get their advice!
I hope things starting improving for you asap 🙏
I have an overbite and my dentist suggested me to consider surgery as it can align my jaw and also my teeth but I'm scared.
Thank you for sharing, and I can totally understand how scary it feels to consider this surgery! Is there anything in particular that makes you nervous when you think about whether you might want to do it?
@@meganschall I'm afraid of anethesia and needles and idk, just an overall surgery, its a major surgery and I saw it online.. it looks scary and I'm afraid something might go wrong or I will not fully recover or something bad will happen. I also do sports.
@@solivagant.desiderium that all makes sense, and I definitely had some of those same concerns! A few things that helped me make the decision to do it were:
1) considering the downsides of *not* doing the surgery - which for me meant possible sleep apnea later in life, worsening bite, more head/neck pain etc...I decided I'd rather take on the potential downsides of doing the surgery (long recovery, small possibility of longer term side effects) than keep dealing with the issues I had and that could get worse over time.
2) talking to several people who had also had the surgery and hearing about their experience (and watching a lot of people's YT videos about it!). After a while I realized I was hearing the same thing over and over - that yes, the recovery is hard, and you might have some small downsides or issues along the way, but that overall people are very glad they did it and in many cases it was life changing. Any issues that did come up were not a big deal in the long run.
and 3) reminding myself that I've done a lot of other hard things in my life and that I could tolerate the discomfort of being nervous about the surgery/the discomfort of the recovery process. Ultimately, I was willing to go through a few hard months to experience the lifetime of positive benefits that it was going to bring. If you play sports, I'm sure you've learned how to handle physically/mentally uncomfortable situations, and I think mindset plays a *huge* part in getting through this surgery if you do decide to pursue it.
The last thing that I think can feel helpful is to realize how many people are doing this surgery now - the clinic I went to sees like 5-6 cases per week! It is a major surgery, but I think if you find a surgeon you feel really comfortable with and confident in, it eases a lot of fears :)
@@meganschall thank you for your kind words, i will consider it more! And thanks for sharing your story, I started seeing youtube videos already so it helps a little.☺
@@solivagant.desiderium You're so welcome, thank you for the support as well!
Do you mind me asking where you went for surgery. I am thinking to go Barcelona to see Dr Birbie
I went to Instituto Maxilofacial, my surgery was done by Dr. Hernández Alfaro.
@@meganschall thank you
Don't you have tubes to help you avoid swallowing blood?! Also how can you breathe?
How many meds?
3:55 I didn't realise it would be hard to swallow too
During the surgery, yes, they are suctioning the blood. But afterwards I think you just end up swallowing some from all the drainage...
For the first couple of weeks you have to breathe through your mouth quite a bit since your nasal passages are pretty inflamed!
As for meds, it may vary at different clinics, but I had anti-inflammatory meds, pain meds, antibiotics, probiotics, and a gastric protector. I think that was all of them!
And yes, I was surprised by how challenging it was to swallow with all the numbness and swelling! It definitely took a little bit to figure out how to navigate that, but you do get the hang of it :)
When will you be posting another video?
Next update should be ready tomorrow or Tuesday!
Hey, I’m about to have my jaw surgery soon. Can you let me know how many mm did the surgeon cut your bottom jaw?
Hi! I don't actually know how many mm, I'm sorry! Good luck with your surgery, I hope everything goes well for you :)
i can see you more pretty now(even whit swalen face)
Looks like this was a year ago. Are you still recovering now?
While I am definitely well recovered at this point, it is still an ongoing process! I have a 1-year update (ruclips.net/video/uLrG54D4AyY/видео.html) and several other videos explaining where I'm at now and what is next :)
How are you doing now? It's my day 4 post op today.
I'm doing pretty well, thanks! Things get a little easier each day, although I still feel tired...how are you doing?? How did your surgery go?
@@meganschall the Surgery was very stressful experience. My recovery is going well, don't feel any pain just pressure. The biggest problem is definetly the hunger.
@@gainzbreh6834 I hear you about the pressure! And yeah, it can be tough to feel satisfied when all your food is liquid...Hang in there! And keep eating :)
I have to get this and I’m having second doubts. It’s driving me mad!! Idk what to do
Oh no, I'm sorry you're having doubts!! I've always thought this would be much harder if it was a "have to" procedure vs. "choose to," so I can definitely understand that you'd be feeling unsure about all of it. Is there anything in particular that you are most worried about? How long do you have until your surgery?
@@meganschall January 20th. I think it’s just dealing with pain, numbness, vomiting. Or permanent damage. I’m overthinking this right? 😩
@@RegentofArrako I think it's smart to be aware of and mentally prepared for dealing with that stuff - but also to remember that in the big picture, it's like 2 weeks of discomfort and then things start getting better! And if the outcome is really going to benefit your life in the long run, it's so worth it to deal with the short term pain. Yes, you will have numbness and you'll probably throw up the night after your surgery (everyone does), and it will kind of suck for a bit, but think of all the things in your life that have been really challenging that you've gotten through. This is just another one of those things, and pretty soon you'll be able to look back on it and be proud of yourself for doing it! My best advice would be to imagine yourself at your most uncomfortable after the procedure and think about how you can handle it in the moment so you have "practiced" - then just take it one day at a time. You got this!
@@meganschall YOU ARE AWESOME! You are right this will be worth it. I NEED THIS. This is something I need and I’ll be ready now due to your words!! THANK YOU SO MUCH
@@RegentofArrako You are so welcome! I hope all goes well with your surgery and prep, and I'd love to hear an update afterwards! If you have any other questions or need anything, feel free to reach out - happy to help in any way I can!
have you regained sensation of your teeth?
Hi, I have mostly regained sensation in my teeth. I'd say that my upper palate is still a little bit numb, so the back of my upper teeth do not yet have all feeling back (at this point I am almost six months post-op).
Ouch.
How did you brush your teeth?
It's definitely a challenge at the beginning! At first, I was just using a mouthwash/rinse and then a water flosser that the clinic provided for me after the surgery. That and a very small, very soft toothrush :)
@@meganschallhats off to you babe, I wouldn’t do that except just get whatever drugs they give out for pain relief 😂
I hope you’re happy with the results
x
@@thegeminiclub 😆 thank you! I would 100% do it again, all worth it in the end!
What pain meds were you given?
If I remember correctly, I had liquid tylenol and ibuprofen that I alternated...and I believe I also had some kind of stronger med available but I didn't use it. Also was on an IV pain med (morphine?) for that first night in the hospital. Sorry I don't remember exactly, hope that helps!
@@meganschall thanks for the quick reply; I’m gonna be having mine in about 6-9 months.
@@syumassh I hope all goes well for you!!
Cost?
It really depends on your surgery and whether or not insurance will cover any of it, so it's hard to say what the cost for any indidual will be...but from my experience with a few different surgeons/estimates, it can be around $30,000 for double jaw surgery (before any insurance adjustments).
Damn I’m always hungry👹this is the worst part of surgery
Oh man, yes - that is definitely a challenge!! I hope all is going well for you otherwise though, and that you are able to start incoporating more foods soon :) It will get better!
@@meganschall I just had surgery 2 days ahead but I'm already longing for solid foods. Thank you for video🙏🏻
@@iamleonardinia You're welcome, and congrats on your surgery! Take it day by day and you'll be eating solid foods in no time :)
@@iamleonardinia☹️
BoaLimpeza
You are not supposed to use your jaws until the bones heal. Only for food.
It is not a good idea to speak so early.
Day by day you will feel much better.
I wish you the best.
Maybe you should not fly so early. But your doctor knows better.
Thank you, I agree that it gets better day by day! My surgeon very much encouraged me to start speaking and using my mouth as much as possible right away to get range of motion back and help the muscles and soft tissue adapt, without putting any stress on the bones (since I was on a liquid diet), and to help with nerve regeneration, blood flow, etc. I've definitely noticed a difference over the last week or so in terms of how much mobility I have!