I thought I would discuss some of my fears about having surgery on my jaw. Anxiety is normal before an operation and by sharing some of my fears, I hope to help you realize you aren't alone in your fears. In general, I would say I have a minor case of claustrophobia. I say minor because it does not interfere with my day-to-day life. But, I do experience anxiety when I am in a small space and my ability to breathe is compromised. This leads me to my biggest fear involved in this operation: my ability to breathe with my mouth banded shut. Another fear stems off of this one. From past operations, I know that anesthesia does not make me nauseous, but the pain killers do. Every operation I have had I experience at least one day of vomiting off and on. While vomiting doesn't bother me, I fear not being able to while my mouth is banded shut. This is not so much a fear, as a concern. But I am a bit afraid of while I am using those syringe things to feed myself, that I will accidentally pierce through or tear the incision site. How awful would that be? And be too numb to even notice... Why am I telling you all my fears? Each person will have his or her own set of fears and, once this is all said and done, I would like to compare the fears I had to the actual experience. Things typically aren't as bad as you initially think they will be.
2 Comments
dee
12/23/2014 11:23:54 am
im at a point where im considering if this is something i should do. I am afraid of having my mouth banded shut as well as the numbness post surgery. I'm afraid I'll loose all my senses below my lower lip...permanently
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Kristin
12/30/2014 03:17:32 pm
Those are completely rational fears. You feel conflicted because on one hand you want to fix your bite and teeth, but on the hand you are afraid of the immediate complications. It is a tough decision to make since there are risks of permanent nerve damage and having your mouth banded shut was my greatest fear as well. Looking back, I found it comforting in a way to have my mouth banded shut. Think of having a broken arm, but no case or splint to stabilize it. Having your mouth banded shut is jaw surgery's version of a cast. It is scary, but it's not as bad you think. The numbness I do have, I never even notice anymore. I am still hopeful that it will fully return though. Seriously though, this is the best decision I have ever made for myself. If you have any questions or other concerns you would like to share please email me at: [email protected]
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