Thank you, everyone, for your support. I know it is easier to deal with pain and to heal faster when you are a youngster, so I'm really glad she's getting it done now. Especially since it is also affecting her neck (it gets stuck), she gets migraines, and her jaw cracks constantly. Plus, the fact, of course, that she can't really eat. And she's never been able to make the "S" sound....sounds like a lisp....but it's just the way her jaw is shaped. Poor thing. The surgeon said that he normally wouldn't do this type of surgery on someone this young, but she seemed very mature for her age (physicaly and mentally), and he wasn't concerned for her.

Pat, I can't imagine getting a bull's horn in my mouth!!! WOW!!! Talk about an experience that this guy will be able to talk about until he's an old man in the senior's home. Lol. It's a story that certainly catches people's attention. I'm glad everything turned out okay for him and your other friend.

By the way, what type of pain meds did everyone use? She can't take pills, and she isn't even allowed anything viscous (thick) to drink. (I was thinking of Yop for a snack, too, but I thought that might be too thick. I'll find out). Anyways, I would imagine the pain meds will be liquid and quite strong? I've seen picture of wired jaws, and oh my gosh!!! You can't tell me that doesn't hurt more than getting a tooth pulled! Lol! Plus they said she's going to look like a Mack truck hit her in the face. We won't even recognize her at first. Oh, my baby. But I trust the hospital to treat her great (thank goodness she's still young enough to go to the Children's Hospital rather than the Adult's.....I think the kids get special treatment. *smile*). And my family and I are going to do the best that we can to encourage her and keep her comfy. I'm even setting it up with her school that she can get most of her coursework over the school's internet site.....so she doesn't miss too much work. I don't know how much energy she'll have to keep at it, but at least she can give it a try.

Oh, the doctor said that her throat would be sore and it would be hard to swallow for the first while. Any ideas why? I can't imagine she'll be intubated because her jaws will be closed down at some point. Is it just from the oxygen being forced down her nose through the cannulas during surgery?

I'm sooooo glad some of you know people who have been through this. I'm sure I'll have lots more questions, especially once she comes home. I may need a few extra clonazepams to help me through the first week or so! Lol.

God bless,
Sandy