2 wk update!

Went in yesterday for a follow up with my surgeon and everything is looking good so far. Gums are doing well and I'm starting to feel more parts of my face tingle. I'm still about the same as far as the swelling goes, but I guess it's a gradual process. I lost 10 pounds initially and I haven't lost anymore. I am eating well and I've been testing out just how far I can go. I can now drink through a straw and sip from a cup. I only feel about half of my lips, but it's enough to make these small steps possible. My muscles in my jaw feel a lot less tense than last week. I am still on liquid Motrin, but that's it. I have my next appt on March 6. Time is going by much faster now that I am working and going to the gym. I only do the stationary bike and walk as far as cardio goes. I am also lifting light weights at high reps to try to get my muscle back. So far, so good. Enjoy the pics! :0)

One week down, Five to go!!!

I saw a big difference this morning and it feels soooo good. The swelling went down a lot on my right side, so now my face looks more even. The reason for the increased swelling on the right side is that my OS started on that side and he got a little close to the mandible nerve; it was a learning experience i guess--he did better on the left side. I had faith in him, but it was that kind of thing that led me to make the decision to forego the normal BSSO and get the one that goes behind the nerve, which in turn made me get wired shut. I traded talking for feeling...seemed like a good decision at the time. As it turns out, it's alot more difficult than I had expected. I didn't think the splint would inhibit my speech to the point that I couldn't speak at all. Well, I think my jaw thanks me, that way I don't have a choice--I have to be good. My friend is about 6 weeks post op and she did not get wired and it's a good thing for her because she talks A LOT. She has been bad and did some things that she shouldn't have like trying to eat sushi at 5 weeks. Yeah, she' nuts--I know. She's doing better now though, soft chew diet and swelling is minimal. She's my inspiration...I took care of her and she's taking care of me. Good to have that kind of support and understanding while going through this. I hope those of you getting this type of surgery done have people who are understanding and able to sympathize with what you're going through. If anything, you have to at least brief them on what to expect--it may be a shock to some.

This stuff is not for the weak-hearted.

Well, here are some pics from yesterday--looking more like myself--yay! :0)

The worst of the swelling!

These are days 3 and 4, where the swelling was at it's peak. Yeah fun fun.

Pictures at the hospital

POST OP!!! The dreaded day 3!

No matter how much you think you are ready, there is no preparation for what this feels like. I am 2 days out of the hospital and man, am I swollen! I am wired shut with a splint in.....and...I had a lingual frenectomy. I have a lot of stuff going on--so many wires going in and out of my teeth and jaws. I have some feeling in my face, but very little. Drinking is a chore, but it is my only source of nutrition. The meds are overly sweet and gross. I am currently on Children’s Motrin and Amoxicillin for swelling. I am also taking Afrin twice a day and saline spray as needed. The schedule is slowly panning out, as it takes me forever to eat a meal and they all seem to run together. I am amazed at what I see in the mirror, I didn’t know my face could swell that much! I know that it gets better, but it’s hard to keep yourself in that mindset.
My boyfriend is being a sweetheart, telling me that I’m beautiful, even though I can’t stand to look at myself right now. I have basically been on my own since I left the hospital because everyone is working. I left the hospital the following day because I couldn’t stand being strapped in and out of that IV to go to the restroom. Anyway, I’m kind of all over the place, I know, but just wanted to give all of you an update. I am doing okay, just taking things day by day. That’s the best advice I can give: take things day by day.