Maxillo Facial Surgery

[divertim]

I see that got your attention!

Last week I had my jaw surgically broken, moved forward and pinned with titanium. This is to correct a large overbite following a couple of years of wearing braces.

Ok, so I feel terrible at the moment, and have a face that resembles Marlon Brando chewing a pillow. But it will improve.

I intend to continue diving, and have trips booked towards the end of March and beyond. Has anybody else had this surgery, and disregarding the obvious question of holding a regulator in my mouth, am I putting myself at risk by returning to diving 'too early'?

Helpful opinions please.

Tim

[intothebigblue]

In a previous career, I was a Maxillo Facial Technician and worked on cases such as yours. I would be suprised if you were recovered enough to dive by the end of March, to be honest. The only person really qualified to advise you is the surgeon, so I'd contact them.

[triplefin]

Originally Posted by divertim

Last week I had my jaw surgically broken, moved forward and pinned with titanium.
Tim

Sounds horrible. Hope your not in too much discomfort. I dont know anything about it but the end of March sounds a little optimistic for diving after surgery such as this.

[BigHairyAl]

Hmmm, my brothers partner has recently had a similar operation to remedy a jaw abnormality and was signed off work for 6 weeks and informed that it would be months 'afore things returned to normal.

I'm with the previous poster - speak to the big cheese first!

[Kalahari Diver]

Don't dive without a simple, unambiguous statement that you are completely fit to dive. The ocean will still be there for a while, but, to put it crudely, a necrosing face wont! It is too important to take risks, this is big stuff.
David.