General anaesthetic protection/preparation

[OpenMindOpenHeart]

Just an update. Procedure is done. All wisdom teeth out.

Pain management has been tough post-op. He emerged from the anaesthesia in severe pain and distress – heart rate was 180/95, I’m told. Is that bad? They then gave him 10mg of something like morphine, but it did “nothing” according to my partner.

Last night was rough in terms of pain management (he was in agony) and the fact he couldn’t get his lips/mouth to suck in a cigarette made things harder I think. But - he’s figured out how to smoke now (doing something different with his tongue). They say not to smoke after these procedures but we’re ignoring that! We’re managing pain with
Tapentadol 50mg, Apo-ibruprofen 400m, good ole’ paracetamol and Cefalexin 250mg. Quite a cocktail but hopefully after a few days to a week, we can scale back. He’s at 6/10 pain level at the best of times. His mood is better today than last night.

Thank you for your prayers. I felt overwhelmingly ‘backed’ when I was doing my prayers, brought me to tears. Felt like I had an army around me/my partner. Very grateful.

 

[Olivierlejardinier]

Just an update. Procedure is done. All wisdom teeth out.

I thought to mention the symbolic side of the extraction of wisdom teeth, like always in our realm, there's something to learn/contemplate here for your partner. Found the following, which was about dreams, but the symbolism stands, especially since, in his case, it's hard facts reality. All the best to both of you !

Dreaming of teeth falling out can be a powerful and unsettling experience, and it often carries a spiritual meaning. Here are some interpretations:

Transformation and Growth:

Shedding old beliefs and habits: Teeth symbolize strength, communication, and identity. Losing them can represent letting go of outdated ways of thinking, negative patterns, or aspects of yourself that no longer serve you. This can be a positive step towards personal growth and spiritual evolution.
Death and rebirth: Losing teeth can symbolize the "death" of an old self and the birth of a new one. This could represent a major life transition, spiritual awakening, or a shift in your core values.

Inner Strength and Vulnerability:

Fear of vulnerability: Teeth also represent our ability to bite into life and assert ourselves. Losing them can signify a fear of being vulnerable, expressing your opinions, or taking risks. It could be a call to step into your power and speak your truth.
Loss of control: Teeth can represent our sense of control and power. Losing them can reflect feelings of powerlessness, insecurity, or being out of control in certain aspects of your life. This could be a message to trust the process and let go of the need to control everything.

Other Interpretations:

Loss and grief: Teeth can symbolize loved ones or aspects of life that are precious to us. Losing them can represent fear of loss, grief, or separation anxiety. It could be a message to cherish your loved ones and appreciate what you have.
Communication and self-expression: Teeth are used for speaking and eating. Losing them could symbolize difficulties with communication, expressing yourself, or absorbing new information. It could be a call to improve your communication skills or explore new ways of expressing yourself.

 

[Beau]

But - he’s figured out how to smoke now (doing something different with his tongue). They say not to smoke after these procedures but we’re ignoring that!

Just want to point out that the reason they tell people not to smoke or drink from a straw after that surgery is because the person can develop dry sockets where the wisdom teeth used to be in mouth. Dry sockets are very painful. You can avoid that advice from the dental surgeon at your own peril, but it's not given because of an anti-smoking bias.

 

[karo]

Just an update. Procedure is done. All wisdom teeth out.

Pain management has been tough post-op. He emerged from the anaesthesia in severe pain and distress – heart rate was 180/95, I’m told. Is that bad? They then gave him 10mg of something like morphine, but it did “nothing” according to my partner.

Last night was rough in terms of pain management (he was in agony) and the fact he couldn’t get his lips/mouth to suck in a cigarette made things harder I think. But - he’s figured out how to smoke now (doing something different with his tongue). They say not to smoke after these procedures but we’re ignoring that! We’re managing pain with
Tapentadol 50mg, Apo-ibruprofen 400m, good ole’ paracetamol and Cefalexin 250mg. Quite a cocktail but hopefully after a few days to a week, we can scale back. He’s at 6/10 pain level at the best of times. His mood is better today than last night.

Thank you for your prayers. I felt overwhelmingly ‘backed’ when I was doing my prayers, brought me to tears. Felt like I had an army around me/my partner. Very grateful.

I assume you know this already, but cold compress can be a lot of relief too :) I hope all is going well and that recovery will be smooth and fast. As Beau pointed out smoking soon afterward may cause some unpleasant effects, as the blood cloth forming on the wound can go off and dry socket may appear which is way worst pain (as i've heard, didn't had it though), so maybe some nicotine plasters would be handy? I hope all goes well at yours!

 

[OpenMindOpenHeart]

Thank you everyone!

Yes, he’s aware of the risks but doesn’t have the appetite to stop smoking, it seems. He isn’t smoking as much, and is gargling salt/water after each smoke. I will remind him of the risks and the advice above. It’s good to know the no-smoking post op suggestion is not from anti-smoking bias - I confess, I did assume there was a bias!

Thank you for sharing the symbology too, and the advice about cold compress! I will pass this along for my partner’s consideration for sure!

 

[Jenn]

Just want to point out that the reason they tell people not to smoke or drink from a straw after that surgery is because the person can develop dry sockets where the wisdom teeth used to be in mouth. Dry sockets are very painful. You can avoid that advice from the dental surgeon at your own peril, but it's not given because of an anti-smoking bias.

Yes, a dry socket is not joke! A family member had it a few years back and unfortunately it became infected.

After the tooth is removed, a clot forms over the wound to seal it and protect it from food and bacteria. Any sucking motion can remove the clot leaving the wound open to infection. This can slow down the healing process and cause even more pain.