Deviated Septum Surgery is Tomorrow

Thought I would start posting again.  Much to our surprise, I received a call from Brian's surgeon's office stating our insurance had approved Brian for a Deviated Septum surgery.  We hadn't been in touch with the doctor in months.  Brian finished up his classes so he can graduate this year.  Earlier this month he had even landed his first job.  We just were not expecting this to come through.

Brian is excited to get the surgery done.  His work has even agreed to give Brian 3 weeks off to recover.  Most of the swelling should be gone before his graduation - so the timing was amazing.

The surgery is tomorrow at noon and takes about 2 hours.  After a couple hours in recovery, we should be able to bring him home,  I am very happy about that.  Brian will have a nose pack in for 5 days after the surgery and he will need to wear a nose splint (24 hrs a day) for two weeks.  After that he will wear the splint at night for 4 more weeks.

It should be easier than the jaw surgery.  I will post some updated pictures from this year and some pictures of his recovery after this next adventure.  We are both hopeful this will be much easier than the last one.

Day 17 (July 2, 2012) - Bottom Jaw Unwired

Brian had his bottom jaw unwired after 17 days.  The splint remained in place on the upper jaw - this will be removed Wednesday, July 18th.

When Brian's jaw was unwired, he was very sore.  The splint has a lip on it that prevents Brian from closing his mouth unless he pushes his bottom jaw forward about an inch.  His lower jaw was wired in this position, so this explains the soreness.

With the bottom jaw unwired, Brian has moved on to a soft diet - pasta, oatmeal and anything he can swallow whole.  The splint prevents chewing.

The swelling is almost completely gone and already Brian and I can see difference.  Even with the splint inside his mouth, one can see the back part of the roof of Brian's mouth and it is much wider.  Amazing!

Day 9 (Sunday) - Life returns to normal

Tomorrow I will return to work.  Doug will spend next week with Brian as needed.  I have been completely amazed how well all of this has gone.  Brian is doing so great.  The swelling is down and the pain level has remained low through the entire time.

Our biggest issue is how to keep Brian fed and watered =)  But even that has been less of a challenge than we initially anticipated.

I will probably not blog daily anymore.  Brian does have another surgery coming up in a few months - a deviated septum and possible cheek reconstruction. 

Brian has mentioned he will add a blog closer to the end of this - to recap the things I may have missed.  I am thankful to our friends and family for helping us through this.  More pictures to come.

Day 8 (Saturday) - Brian Goes Out

Brian's friend from middle school had a birthday party in Surprise.  I struggled letting him go, but he really wanted to be able to attend.  Remember, I haven't left Brian's side since the surgery (except for Saturday night, Doug stayed with Brian at the hospital).

Brian's recovery has been remarkably smooth.  There had been no problems.  The pain has been minimal.  Brian has fully adjusted to having his jaw wired shut - and manages his nutrition and hydration exceptionally.  All of this contributed to my decision to let Brian go - but Ronnie and I stayed on that side of town.  I couldn't be too far away.

Ronnie and I went to lunch - then shopping - and finally to see a movie.  Five and a half hours later, I was back to pick Brian up.  He had a blast with his friends - and everything was fine.

Day 7 (Friday) - One full week

It's hard for me to believe I will return to work on Monday.  Doug will be here with Brian next week.  Today I will take Booger to the groomer and things are very normal.

Brian is sketching and finding ways to pass the time.  Sunday dinner is at my parents' house - I think we will go over for a while.

Day 6 (Thursday) - Drinking from a Cup

Pain level remains at a 1.

Brian was thrilled to find he has enough feeling in his lips now to drink from a cup.  The sofa bed is put away - Brian has moved back into his room at night.  His spirit is up and recovery seems to be going extremely well for him.

He asked to go to a friend's house on Saturday.  I am hesitant because I still feel the need to be with him, but he appears up to the challenge.  Brian has been going with me to the store and to run errands.  I worry that people will stare at him, but Brian is just thankful to be out of the house.  He is an amazing son.  I love him! 

More pictures to follow.  Brian has the cutest smile ever - if I can catch it on camera.

Day 5 (Wednesday) - 1st Follow-Up Appt

Pain is still at a 1.

Brian had his first follow-up appointment today with the surgeon.  The surgeon was pleased with his progress so far.  Brian is down to 120 pounds - from 128 on surgery day.  It is to be expected, the surgeon said.  He just needs to try an maintain this weight.

Brian was cleared to use a waterpik - so I bought him one today.  Ron and Brian had a good time trying to figure out how to work the darn thing in the bathroom - small mess, but lots of laughs too.

We also went to a smoothie shop and spent $20 on 3 drinks - lol.  I think I will listen to Beth and just make them at home.  =)  I have that fancy Bullet blender - that has proven to be worth its weight in gold.

It was a good day for Brian - he smiled so much his cheeks are sore tonight.  Brian even put up the sofa bed - I think he wants to be done, but there is still recovery time to be had.  We will get there.