Jaw Bra, Really?

 

Jaw Bra

Yes, really!  That is what this item is called and that's what the label says!  I might have called it a chin strap or a jaw sling, myself.  It goes under your chin and fastenes on top of the head and behind your head and there are pockets on either side to accommodate ice packs.  I was instructed to wear this for 36 hours after my oral surgery to minimize the swelling, including at night when I am sleeping!  The ice pack which was also given to me must be worn for 20 minutes at a time, then, kept in the freezer for 20 minutes, and worn again for another 20 minutes, alternating the wearing and the freezing as long as I am awake.  I have the timer on for 20 minutes and I am amazed at how quickly 20 minutes seem to pass!

My appointment with the oral surgeon was at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.  In order to accommodate moing commute traffic (I took surface streets, but, they are main roads leading to two main freeways and always congested) we left the house just after 7:15 a.m.  However, traffic was moving fairly quickly and we got to the dental office just after 8:00 a.m.  I was glad because I hate rushing and I got to sit and relax a bit, working on a crossword puzzle until I was called in.

Of course, first there were papers to sign and payments to be made (I am using an out-of-network oral surgeon) prior to any work being done.  Some of those forms I had to sign to give consent for treatment were scary!  Then, I was given some preemptive antibiotics, provided with a tooth brush, a small tube of toothpaste, and a small cup with mouthwash and told to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth.  Then, I was taken into the treatment room.

The oral surgeon checked my blood pressure, drew some blood, kept the catheter in, in case I needed some intravenous treatment during the procedure, I suppose, and gave me the local anesthesia prior to the surgery.  However, when he started the procedure, I still felt pain and so, I needed to have more anesthesia, after which, the procedure went smoothly.  I had a very impacted tooth that needed to be extracted, which required cutting into the jaw bone.  I was also given some kind of pain medication that was supposed to remain in my system for 96 hours and was fitted with a wrist band with that information on it.  If I need to be seen by any medical personnel before those 96 hours, I am to show that wrist band so they are aware of it.

After the procedure, which took a little over an hour, I was taken to a small recovery area and my daughter was allowed to rejoin me while the nurse put the jaw bra on me and went over the after care and diet, etc.  They were very thorough and explained possible side effects and what was normal (a slight fever) and when to be concerned (if the fever went up to 101F) with a number to call 24 hours a day, etc.  I have a follow up appointment for next Friday.

They were going to prescribe a antibiotic mouthwash to be used in addition to rinsing my mouth with warm salt water, however, the pharmacy says they didn't receive that prescription. I have called and left messages for the oral surgeon to see what happened to that prescription.  But, in the meantime, I am rinsing with warm salt water, every 4 hours and after meals.  So far, I have been on a clear liquid diet.  Today, I might have some soft food like a scrambled egg for dinner.  

I was told to sleep sitting upright, in a recliner or propped up on pillows.  Since we don't have a recliner, I propped myself up on pillows and slept on one of the family room sofas with daughter sleeping on the other sofa.  I did tell her she could sleep in her bedroom, but, she wanted to be on hand if I needed anything in the night.  Fortunately, I didn't need to call on her, although she woke up when I got up to take my Tylenol (I was told to take 2 regular strength Tylenol every 4-6 hours; for pain management; I'm taking them every 5 hours).

I drove us to the dental clinic in the morning and daughter drove us back.  Afterwards, she went to the pharmacy to pick up the Tylenol and to inquire about the mouthwash that was supposed to have been prescribed.  

In the evening, gardener friend M came and brought us four more rescued potted plants, two of which he rescued from the yard waste bin of one of his other clients!  One is a variegated fountain grass (just a tiny plug), one is a small potted Christmas tree type conifer (which might be too far gone), one is a small ficus benjamina (mostly dried up, but, there is one small green branch), and an aspidistra. with just two leaves.  They are all sitting out on the back steps and we will see if they revive and do well.

Today, Saturday, I'm taking it easy and recovering from yesterday's procedure.  M stopped by in the late afternoon to pick up an item he had forgotten and left behind, yesterday.  

I am grateful for:

- Access to dental care
- Being able to pay for the treatment
- Daughter being there to drive me home and to take care of me during recovery
- Pain management medications
- My friend's prayers for me

My joyful activities include reading and playing sudoku.