Interesting about oatmeal... maybe it's the expectation factor? Like, your brain knows oatmeal is chunky, so it doesn't freak out as much. Did you find temperature made a difference too—warm vs cold foods? Curious if that helped ease the sensitivity at all.
"Did you find temperature made a difference too—warm vs cold foods?"
Actually, for me, it wasn't so much about temperature as texture. I thought cold foods would help numb things a bit, but honestly, cold smoothies felt weirdly uncomfortable at first—maybe because my mouth was already sensitive? Warm soups (not hot, just warm) were way easier to handle. Everyone's different though, so maybe try both gently and see what feels best for you... trial and error is key. You've got this!
I totally get what you're saying about texture being the bigger deal. For me, temperature actually did matter quite a bit, but not in the way I expected. I thought cold stuff would be soothing too, but ice cream and smoothies ended up feeling almost painfully cold—like brain freeze times ten, but in my gums instead of my head, haha. Warm foods were definitely gentler, especially things like mashed potatoes or lukewarm oatmeal. Weirdly enough, room-temperature applesauce became my best friend for a few days... bland as heck, but it didn't irritate anything.
Honestly though, it's probably gonna depend on your own sensitivity after surgery. My advice is to stock up on a variety of soft foods at different temps and textures beforehand. That way you can experiment without having to send someone out shopping when you're already miserable and swollen. Good luck—you'll do great!
Totally relate to the applesauce thing, haha. For me it was lukewarm scrambled eggs—sounds gross now, but at the time it was a lifesaver. I also thought I'd love ice cream afterward, but nope...too cold and weirdly uncomfortable. You're spot on with prepping different options ahead of time; it really helps when you're swollen and cranky.
Honestly, though, everyone's recovery is so different. Some people I know barely noticed temperature sensitivity at all. Either way, you've got this and it'll be over before you know it. Just give yourself permission to rest and binge-watch your favorite shows guilt-free while you heal. Good luck!
"Honestly, though, everyone's recovery is so different."
This is reassuring to hear, because I've been feeling pretty anxious about the whole thing. I've stocked up on yogurt and smoothies, but now I'm second-guessing the cold stuff after reading your ice cream experience. Maybe I'll prep some room-temp soups or mashed potatoes as a backup plan. Lukewarm scrambled eggs actually don't sound too bad right now...funny how our standards shift when we're anticipating discomfort.
I appreciate the reminder to just relax and binge-watch shows guilt-free. I've been stressing about missing work and falling behind, but you're right—resting properly is probably the best way to speed up recovery anyway. Thanks for sharing your experience; it helps to know others have navigated this successfully. Fingers crossed my recovery goes smoothly too.
