1 week to go....

Well here we are just 1 week to go till day of surgery. I'm still feeling ok about it, not nervous yet. I suppose it helps that I've been trying to keep as busy as possible. We've had some decorating done, (as you do before major surgery) ! Why is it that, women especially, have to get their house in order before anything significant happens. I'm the same when going on holiday, at christmas etc  The house has to be clean and tidy with nice clean bedding. I think it will make sure that I can relax after the operation so it's got to be a good thing.

Lists are appearing everywhere. Lists for hospital, medication, things to do, things to take...the list goes on, excuse the pun !! I've been searching the internet for information and tips to aid my preparation and recovery. I find it helps me to have as much information as possible.

I have my last Methotrexate injection tonight until after surgery, when if there are no complications I can restart. I'm hoping not to have a big flare whilst not taking my main medications but I can up my steroids and anti-inflammatories if I need to. I'm a bit nervous about handing over control of my meds to the nurses whilst in hospital. Having managed my own arthritis drugs and pain relief for the last 22 years, in a busy hospital environment it's always difficult to stick to the same regime. Also hoping I will be able to take my tablets ok as I'm not sure how wide I will be able to open my mouth.

Writing this now it still hasn't sunk in yet that this time next week the surgery will be over and I will have 2 new jaw joints. I'm sure as the 23rd gets closer the nerves will increase. I've usually been pretty laid back with my surgeries although none have been as big as this. I will try and update before the big day.

2 weeks to go...

Well here I am 2 weeks prior to surgery. How am I feeling ? Ok so far. I think the practical side of things has taken over and stopped me thinking too much about the reality. My husband had a knee arthroscopy a fortnight ago and I think looking after him has taken my mind off things. It's been strange being the carer for a change....not that I've been very good at it. He will tell you about the times I have fallen asleep on the 'patient' because I've been so tired. Trying to work out why there weren't many beans in his 3 bean soup when I'd actually given him tomato and basil ...oops ! He's now on the mend with his first time back driving going ok, his knee is healing well and getting stronger day by day. Now it's time to turn my attention back onto my little adventure !


I've got all my nighties, slippers, dressing gown etc ready for hospital and when I get home. Also straws, baby spoons, plenty of pillows, ice packs etc  I have been searching the internet for tips of what I may need and what to expect after surgery. As everyone is different it's hard to know what it's going to be like but at least I have a good idea of the basics. I am one of those people that like to know everything about what's going to happen including looking at surgery photos, knowing about side effects, success rates, complications etc


I can't say I'm nervous about it yet. The only real thing that concerns me most at present is the thought of being sick immediately after surgery, not good with 2 new jaw joints. I have had problems with nausea and vomiting with most of my anaesthetics. Fortunately my anaesthetist is going to be the same one who got me through my arthrocentesis without any sickness so fingers crossed for a good 'sleep' and post op experience.


I missed my first anti-TNF injection last night as I have to come off these 2 weeks before surgery because of an increased risk of infection and can go back on 2 weeks after if everything is healing well. I also have my last weekly Methotrexate injection tonight so now it's all starting to become real.


Let the countdown commence !

Total Concepts Implants

These are the implants that will replace my jaw joints. They are custom made so they fit the patients anatomy the best they can. Mine will be all titanium as I am allergic to the alloys normally used. This was determined using patch testing which found out that I am allergic to nickel and cobalt.