Hi Sada, I just return from Chicago where I had work done by Dr.Z less than 2 weeks ago. I am thrilled with the results, but have underestimated how hard the "massages" are that Dr.Z recommends after the surgery.
The single best thing I brought with me was my girl friend. I don't know how I would have been able to get through the process without her. She took wonderful care of me and made many analogies of taking care of me to that of a baby (although I grew up quick
) I also hired a nurse to help me out for about 4 hours on day 3, who was great.
I had a lists of things to pick up from the pharmacy, from eye drops, q-tips, antibiotic gel, etc. I am sure Dr. O gave you a similar list and how the kind of regiment he recommends to use. Now I am still cleaning my nose and sutures constantly. I also had a list of prescriptions. My girl friend charted everything I did the first 3 days after surgery which was really helpful (especially if problems do arise), like when I ate, when I pee'd, and when I took the drugs. It was hard to remember at times which drugs I took when.
I was surprised at how hard it was to use my eyes post surgery and even now. I still find I can only read about 20min until I started getting a head ache and the computer is even worse. I barely looked at my computer the days following surgery. I was lucky that my eyes didn't swell shut, but we were very diligent of keeping iced gauzes on my eyes whenever possible (ie. not eating) to control the swelling. Sleeping at 45 degrees is getting old too. I have been using different pillow combinations and it is never comfortable. But not sleeping at 45 degrees gives me headaches fast.
After surgery I ate lots of cottage cheese, apple sauce and ice cream. For a couple of days following surgery I was even spoon fed, a bit of a luxury but still very nice. I had no jaw work done, so foods might differ with work on the jaw.
Good luck on your surgery, any specific questions don't hesitate to ask here or PM.
Jenna
