Froggie--If you had your surgery only three weeks ago, you are doing more than I did at that point. I had a plate in my mouth for two weeks (a bit too long, actually) that held antiobiotic packing in my sinus cavity. After the plate and the packing were removed, I don't recall exactly what I was supposed to do, but I did NOT go into the cavity....still don't. I was given some chlorhexidine to use as a rinse. Later I was told by my prosthodontist to use a cloth (I use some gauze or cotton ovals that are disposable) to rub the edges of the wound, to debride them and increase healing. I have learned to do this without a thought, though it took a while to be able to do it. I have learned that I can reach in and have more control by using my thumb rather than a finger. I don't go into the area above the palate. I now use warm salt water, made from faucet water and table salt, and swish well, letting my tongue help rub the edges, and forcing the water into the sinus cavity and blowing it out my nose by holding the other nostril closed. It is funny how fresh water is uncomfortable, but the salt water is very soothing and cleansing. I also continue to use the cotton oval occasionally, and I use the chlorhexidine rinse occasionally also, though I find that it stains my obturator. (It also permanently stains any fabric that it touches.)

Did you lose any part of your maxilla and teeth?

Do you wear an obturator?

I hope this was helpful. Write again and ask anything that you wish. Look for my post to PharmGirl......I think that I said most of the same stuff there.

It is nice to find some other people with the same surgery. There aren't as many of "us" as there are for other forms of this disease.