Preperation for Before and After Surgery

There are many things you're gonna want to stock up on before undergoing jaw surgery. It's vital to be as organised as you can beforehand so that you can sit back and recover to the best of your ability.

• Arnica - In the weeks leading up to the surgery I began taking Arnica pills to help with the potential bruising and swelling. It is a natural plant so there's nothing to worry about. These I can vouch for as the only bruising that appeared on my face was a slight one under my eye which was gone in a day. Even though my swelling was pretty bad, it has definitely been subsiding since day 6.
• The second my bandages came off I began using Arnica cream on my face which I applied twice a day. 

• Manuka Honey - After the surgery your throat is going to be tender because of the tube they insert down it to aid breathing. As soon as your given a cup of tea after the procedure, spoon some of this into it. It soothes and promotes healing. I recommend getting Manuka 50+ even though it is quite expensive.
• One of my stitches was hurting me so I applied some manuka onto it. It worked wonders! 

• Lip Balm - Can't stress it's importance enough. I forgot to apply it religiously in the weeks leading up to the surgery and my lips were so swollen and dry afterwards. We found an excellent lip repair cream called La Roche-Posay Ceralip in a pharmacy. Its especially for lips that have undergone 'trauma' and I found it extremely effective. 

• Ice Packs - My hospital were pretty terrible for ensuring I always had an ice pack. Even if you feel you're annoying the nurses keep asking for them, the more you ice after the surgery, they less severe you'll swell.

• Cotton Buds - I found to be extremely effective for cleaning out the stitches in my mouth. Dip them into warm salt water and gently clean in and around the stitches. 

• iPod - Might be obvious for some but an iPod filled with relaxing soothing music was vital to calm me in the hospital and ensure I got a few hours sleep. I recommend composers like Hans Zimmer and Yan Tiersen.

• Books/Kindle - I thought that I would be too exhausted and weak to read much in the hospital but I was actually very alert and was able to read quite a bit. Make sure you have a light-hearted, easy read picked out for your hospital stay. I put Game of Thrones aside as it was much too heavy for it. Instead I downloaded a humorous book that was able to give me a few laughs.

• Showering - I read somewhere that you should avoid showering as the pressure from the water can hurt the healing bones. I had to gently wash my hair when I got home from the hospital though as I couldnt relax with 'hospital grime' all over me. I waited 7 days until I washed my hair again though to give my bones the best chance of healing. I know it sounds disgusting but just keep your hair tied up and take a bath every evening. It's actually good for your hair to get a chance to produce natural oils :)