Hello, jaw surgery.

The biggest event on our horizon is the long awaited orthognatic (double jaw and chin) surgery to correct my obstructed airway and TMJ disorder. We hope it will lead to better sleep and health, as well as less pain and fatigue both now and in the long term.

Braces are a necessary step for proper teeth alignment prior to orthognatic surgery.
My resemblance to the Incredibles' babysitter is uncanny. #iamKari

The procedure has been scheduled for March 7th (seven weeks away!). I'm meeting with my dentist, orthodontist, and maxillofacial surgeon in a few weeks for my final checks before surgery. Then it's Go Time.

(This video below is a great explanation of the procedure, and includes a patient testimonial if you are curious or interested in learning more.)



Something about having a set procedure date made things feel a lot more real this week. In an effort to quell anxiety (nervousness = busyness), I've started making preparations for post-op care.

Here a list of the recovery supplies I've collected so far:

- Wedge Pillow to stay elevated after surgery
- Nutri Ninja blender
- Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer
- Homegeek Water Pik (for keeping braces/teeth clean since flossing will be impossible)
- Essential oil diffuser/humidifier (interesting article by Mayo Clinic on EOs and post-op recovery)
- Ice packs and heating pad
- Dry erase board/markers (to communicate for first couple of weeks)
- DVDs and comfy pajamas

One of the trickiest considerations with jaw surgery recovery is nutrition: the jaws are banded shut for 4-6 weeks while the bones heal, which means everything going in must be in liquid/pureed form. I've begun experimenting with various recipes for soups, smoothies, juices, and basically anything that can be consumed through a condiment squeeze bottle. I hope to write another post soon with some of the best recipes I've gleaned from cookbooks, YouTube, and the interwebs.

EDITED 2/13/19: I was told at my pre-op appt last week that I will NOT be wired/banded shut after surgery (YAY) but will still be on a liquid diet for about a month (BOO).

Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

Rinse. Repeat.

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Some may be wondering if this procedure is medically necessary to correct my issues, or if more conservative and holistic treatments have been tried first to help improve my airway and long list of medical issues. The answer is yes and yes.

I've been battling poor health for several years now, and it has been gradually worsening over time. Over the last four years, I've been treated by several great chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, and doctors with only limited success. Manual manipulations, daily physical therapy exercises, dry needling, craniosacral and therapeutic massage, splints, essential oils, supplements, eliminating huge categories of inflammatory foods from my diet - you name it, I've tried it. All with little/no lasting relief, I'm sorry to say. It is now clear that there are no other viable alternatives left, and so we can proceed with confidence knowing that this is the best option for my long term health. (I will also be having a small outpatient procedure later to correct a tongue tie, but the tie is minimal and the recovery will be much, much easier.) 

If you believe you are suffering with significant jaw issues, contact a dentist or orthodontist who specializes in airway/TMJ disorders for a consult. They are the best place to start in getting an assessment, and they will likely have several conservative and effective treatments to try first before considering surgery (according to my orthodontist, 85% of people he treats with TMJ/jaw issues can resolve their problems without surgical intervention).

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Thank you all for your support, prayers, and encouragement as we take this crucial and necessary step. I will try to share details as I'm able throughout the process in case it is helpful to others who are considering or needing orthognatic surgery.