RECOMMENDATIONS

 

White board, paper and pen, crayons, whatever will help you communicate without talking. Some fancy people use their phones to text, but my brain wasn't up for that level of activity. 

I had a Kate Farms Coffee flavored shake every day for 10 days because I bought a case of it. I LOVED it. If you have nutritional needs beyond surgery, they probably have you covered, too. Insurance will cover it with a script from your doctor. 
https://www.katefarms.com/

After surgery I didn't want any sweet stuff. I craved savory, salty flavors. Lots of chicken and beef broths, Miso flavors.  Zero desire for sweet shakes. Yuck. 

OMG - This stuff is life after surgery while your nose is blocked! Also, get several bottles of saline nasal spray to put in the shower and near your bed to help clear blood clots from your nose. You won't be allowed to blow your nose for a couple of weeks, so the saline nasal spray is a godsend. 

I did daily light therapy for weeks after surgery. 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. I found this online for like $50. Link here: https://www.amazon.com/LifePro-Face-Mask-Light-Therapy/dp/B09Z6Z5KGK?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

The first week I slept sitting up per surgeons directions. I used my Bcozzy travel neck pillow

 paired with a jaw ice bra. Two thumbs up for neck pillow, not so much for the jaw bra. Too small for my whole face swelling.  Bags of frozen peas laid across my face worked much better. 

I used this cream on my face from day one post-surgery. I credit it for keeping my eyes from swelling completely shut and getting the scary swelling down very fast. 

Rob is a big believer in walking. Before surgery he regularly dragged me around the marina for exercise. Post surgery, as long as I had my floppy summer hat to hide my face, I was cool with taking a walk. Watching the seals and sea lions at the marina is always entertaining. At least twice a day, take a walk to get your lymph system moving. It will aid in reducing the swelling.