This week was my first week back at work. It's been fine for the most part. It's tiring. I've napped on the couch everyday after work. Is that because I had surgery recently or just because I'm not used to the schedule yet? I'm sure it's both! It's been hard doing alot of talking. Everyone has been so nice and asking how I've been doing or asking about what I had done- but it all requires more talking. My face is really achy by the end of the day. Another hard thing is eating at work. I have to find some good snacks and some easy things to eat. I still have about a week and a half before I can start chewing. Actually, I'll probably wait till I go to my next surgeons appointment which is September 6. So that's about 2 weeks away.
I've been wearing the elastics 24 hours a day. I was giving myself more of a break but felt like things weren't sitting quite right. It seems better wearing them all the time even though my teeth really hurt. I wonder how much ortho work I'll need to finish things up. How long until the ortho can start tweaking things? I go to the ortho a week after the appt with the surgeon so I guess u can ask about all that then.
I worked out in the garden for a few hours today, which at times made my face throb when bending over. Now my allergies are acting up. I'm not crazy about gardening because of that but the weeds were taking over and I wanted to get it done before my husband comes home from China at the end of the week. He's been gone sine July 30th. He was only home for 5 days after my surgery. He hasn't seen a picture for at least a week. I wonder what he'll say about my face when he gets home.
I've been sleeping fine. I'm still propping up on several pillows. I also use a warm compress on my face at bedtime. it just feels nice and helps me relax. It helps some of the aches and pains I feel at the end of the day.
The hard part is just deciding what I want to eat from one meal to the next. The quantity hasn't been that much at any given meal. My jaw gets tired. I know that's normal and will last awhile. I can open a little more than one finger width, it's close to 2 but not quite. I don't know what it should be at this point. I think that even when I get the ok to chew or try to do exercises that I will be nervous to put extra strain or pressure on my jaw/face. I still wish I could have a full yawn. It hurts to only partially yawn and its not very satisfying. Lol!
Also, I'm still talking funny. I really looked forward to getting the splint out, hoping that it would be easier to speak and I would sound more normal-well, I still have a lisp!! It is easier to eat without it though and I'm really glad I got it out before I went back to work! The hard part with the lisp is that I can't feel where to put my tongue since I'm numb behind my front teeth. It's weird to feel your palate with your tongue, but not feel your tongue there properly. It feels weird to brush my teeth there too. I tried to floss my upper teeth for the first time the other night. I can't feel the floss on my gums-weird. It was hard to get in there, but it was a good first attempt I thought. Wow, I just realized I used the word weird about 7 times in this paragraph! I guess that sums up this whole process!!
On Friday, at work, my face just felt really stiff and hard to talk all day. I felt like I was muffled when trying to talk. That can cause problems when working in a school and having to supervise classes and give direction to the whole class. I finally did say that I need them to listen closely since I had jaw surgery and it bothers me to have to repeat myself or try to talk loudly. I hope they don't think I sound too funny.
Well, I guess that's all I can think of right now-it's late and I'm tired from working out in the heat for a few hours today, so until next time...
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
22 Days (August 14)
Yesterday was technically 3 weeks since surgery. It really doesn't seem possible, but I'm glad that I have this much healing time behind me since I go to work next Monday. The last three weeks have definitely seen their share of ups and downs during this process. I didn't update anything yesterday since today I had 2 appointments scheduled that would be good to update on,
First, I had to travel the 1 3/4 hour trip to the surgeon's office to get the splint removed-yes-REMOVED!! I was terrified that this would hurt alot, I told the intern that I was really nervous about it hurting, but it did not. It was gross-since food was still stuck in there, which I'm not suprised, but-gross!!! He said it didn't matter how thorough oral hygiene is, there will be food stuck in there when it's removed. I couldn't wait to brush the backs of my top teeth. When doing that, I realized that the front teeth/palate area is numb , which I couldn't tell before since the splint covered it. I also had the stitches removed-some of those did hurt a bit, pulled and pinched type of feeling. Also, I told the surgeon that the left side of my face was more puffy again-starting yesterday morning, once I woke up. So he had a closer peek in there and poked it (with a sharp instrument-ouch) and sure enough-it started draining from that spot. He then irrigated it and suctioned it out again. Now it's open to drain. I need to keep doing the warm compresses and the salt water rinses (ugh!) He didn't prescribe more antibiotics yet. He said he would if it gets worse. The drainage doesn't look like the other infection did, so he wasn't as concerned. He did say that alot of weird stuff happens to me though. Tell me about it!!
The second appointment was with the orthodontist. Once the splint was removed, I needed a replacement wire put in the top jaw since they cut that wire during surgery to widen the top jaw. I was also dreading that appointment. It wasn't so bad getting the wire segments out, but putting the new one in-holy cow!! Not fun at all. They tried to be gentle, they even offered to wait in putting the wire in, but what good does that do? The surgeon said both appoinments need to be coordinated on the same day to get the wire placed to hold things stable since it basically replaces the splint. Also, I didn't want to worry over the appointment anymore. I could barely sleep last night as it was. So I said, please-just change the wire and be as gentle as possible!! They did try, but when he had to trim the wire in the back at the bands, he really pressed on the right side. I have scar tissue back there and can't open very wide to begin with. That one really hurt-and made me cry-but I had to tell him that I have been very emotional that last few days anyway. He felt really bad and patted my shoulder and asked if I was ok, but I was ok and just wanted him to get done and leave my mouth alone!! He ended up having to trim the wire on the right side again-with smaller clippers-but they weren't very sharp and he needed another pair. Yeah, the right side took that abuse 3 or 4 times. Not happy. The left side-where the infection was didn't even hurt. Can you believe that?? Also, I have one of the brackets on the top front that for some reason, the door doesn't like to stay closed on it and so he had to wire tie that one and that took a few minutes to sort out, with him pushing on my upper lip-right where the stitches had been only a few hours earlier-again-ouch!! The ortho also gave me a new configuration of elastics to wear (except for eating and cleaning). They are in the shape of triangles on each side. I do have a 1mm open bite after surgery, but it was expected and I know that there is more otho work to do, but my from teeth are so close to each other-it's freaky. They have never been that close in my life.
So, after all that today, is it any wonder that I came home with a headache?? I put my comfy clothes on, took tylenol, made a cup of coffee and warmed up the compress for my achy face. Now I just need something soft and easy to eat for dinner and I will be better. I do hope that I sleep much better tonight after all that.
The next surgeon appointment is in three weeks and the the next orthodontist appointmenr is in 5 weeks. Until next time...
First, I had to travel the 1 3/4 hour trip to the surgeon's office to get the splint removed-yes-REMOVED!! I was terrified that this would hurt alot, I told the intern that I was really nervous about it hurting, but it did not. It was gross-since food was still stuck in there, which I'm not suprised, but-gross!!! He said it didn't matter how thorough oral hygiene is, there will be food stuck in there when it's removed. I couldn't wait to brush the backs of my top teeth. When doing that, I realized that the front teeth/palate area is numb , which I couldn't tell before since the splint covered it. I also had the stitches removed-some of those did hurt a bit, pulled and pinched type of feeling. Also, I told the surgeon that the left side of my face was more puffy again-starting yesterday morning, once I woke up. So he had a closer peek in there and poked it (with a sharp instrument-ouch) and sure enough-it started draining from that spot. He then irrigated it and suctioned it out again. Now it's open to drain. I need to keep doing the warm compresses and the salt water rinses (ugh!) He didn't prescribe more antibiotics yet. He said he would if it gets worse. The drainage doesn't look like the other infection did, so he wasn't as concerned. He did say that alot of weird stuff happens to me though. Tell me about it!!
The second appointment was with the orthodontist. Once the splint was removed, I needed a replacement wire put in the top jaw since they cut that wire during surgery to widen the top jaw. I was also dreading that appointment. It wasn't so bad getting the wire segments out, but putting the new one in-holy cow!! Not fun at all. They tried to be gentle, they even offered to wait in putting the wire in, but what good does that do? The surgeon said both appoinments need to be coordinated on the same day to get the wire placed to hold things stable since it basically replaces the splint. Also, I didn't want to worry over the appointment anymore. I could barely sleep last night as it was. So I said, please-just change the wire and be as gentle as possible!! They did try, but when he had to trim the wire in the back at the bands, he really pressed on the right side. I have scar tissue back there and can't open very wide to begin with. That one really hurt-and made me cry-but I had to tell him that I have been very emotional that last few days anyway. He felt really bad and patted my shoulder and asked if I was ok, but I was ok and just wanted him to get done and leave my mouth alone!! He ended up having to trim the wire on the right side again-with smaller clippers-but they weren't very sharp and he needed another pair. Yeah, the right side took that abuse 3 or 4 times. Not happy. The left side-where the infection was didn't even hurt. Can you believe that?? Also, I have one of the brackets on the top front that for some reason, the door doesn't like to stay closed on it and so he had to wire tie that one and that took a few minutes to sort out, with him pushing on my upper lip-right where the stitches had been only a few hours earlier-again-ouch!! The ortho also gave me a new configuration of elastics to wear (except for eating and cleaning). They are in the shape of triangles on each side. I do have a 1mm open bite after surgery, but it was expected and I know that there is more otho work to do, but my from teeth are so close to each other-it's freaky. They have never been that close in my life.
So, after all that today, is it any wonder that I came home with a headache?? I put my comfy clothes on, took tylenol, made a cup of coffee and warmed up the compress for my achy face. Now I just need something soft and easy to eat for dinner and I will be better. I do hope that I sleep much better tonight after all that.
The next surgeon appointment is in three weeks and the the next orthodontist appointmenr is in 5 weeks. Until next time...
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Day 19 (August 11th)
Things seem to be going fine. My face is so tingly though, it drives me crazy at times. My chin area is constantly tingly. I know that I shouldn't complain as some people are completely numb for a long time and wish they had the tingly sensations, I just wish it would calm down a bit.
I have slept in my bed for the last two nights and that seems to be fine as well. I am not waking up with more swelling or anything like that. I don't wake in the middle of the night from pain or anything either so I guess everything is ok that way.
I sneezed for the first time last night and made sure my mouth was open like everyone says and it wasn't too bad, my nose area is tender to touch and still really puffy along the sides of my nose and cheeks. I also think the swelling is going down around my jaw line so that is looking a little better.
I am experiencing something that I don't think anyone else has ever mentioned though- maybe because it would freak people out? But when I try to eat, swallow, talk or just move my head or when I try to (not) yawn- I feel a clicking in my upper jaw, especially where they made the left cut. I made a comment to the doc. when I went for my one week follow up and he said that it would feel like things are "loose" in there. I do think as the time is going on that it's getting better or I don't feel it quite as much but it does worry me. Is there a problem? I go to the surgeon's office again on Wednesday to get the splint taken out. I think it's interesting that some people have the splint removed after a few days, others 6 weeks after surgery. Mine is 3 weeks after surgery. They also need to do an xray since they haven't done that since surgery either. I am nervous for the splint to be removed-I don't want it to hurt. Then I go to the ortho the same day to get the wires replaced. I am looking forward to not having so much metal and stuff in my mouth-all the hooks and wires from the splint are rubbing the insides of my mouth all the time, so that part will be good. I am also looking forward to talking without the splint in my mouth. I can't wait to hear what that sounds like!
I finally finished the antibiotic yesterday afternoon also. It seemed like the never ending bottle of pills, so I am glad that is done. I also stopped the salt water rinses then too. I think that the cheek healed up inside and it wouldn't make much difference any more.
For lunch I blended up our left over chicken soft tacos-last night I ate the rice, beans and shredded meat with fiesta ranch dressing and sour cream to soften it up some more, but today I put the rice, meat, and beans in the blender with salsa and the dressing and blended everything. That was easier to eat. I heated it up and then added sour cream. It tasted good. I am noticing how many food commercials are on the tv and everything looks soooo good. *Only* around 3 more weeks of not chewing. I know that even then once I can chew, I won't be able to really chew everything-it will take time. I am really going to miss deep dish pizza!! I guess that's it for now-I will update after the appointments on Wednesday. Until then...
I have slept in my bed for the last two nights and that seems to be fine as well. I am not waking up with more swelling or anything like that. I don't wake in the middle of the night from pain or anything either so I guess everything is ok that way.
I sneezed for the first time last night and made sure my mouth was open like everyone says and it wasn't too bad, my nose area is tender to touch and still really puffy along the sides of my nose and cheeks. I also think the swelling is going down around my jaw line so that is looking a little better.
I am experiencing something that I don't think anyone else has ever mentioned though- maybe because it would freak people out? But when I try to eat, swallow, talk or just move my head or when I try to (not) yawn- I feel a clicking in my upper jaw, especially where they made the left cut. I made a comment to the doc. when I went for my one week follow up and he said that it would feel like things are "loose" in there. I do think as the time is going on that it's getting better or I don't feel it quite as much but it does worry me. Is there a problem? I go to the surgeon's office again on Wednesday to get the splint taken out. I think it's interesting that some people have the splint removed after a few days, others 6 weeks after surgery. Mine is 3 weeks after surgery. They also need to do an xray since they haven't done that since surgery either. I am nervous for the splint to be removed-I don't want it to hurt. Then I go to the ortho the same day to get the wires replaced. I am looking forward to not having so much metal and stuff in my mouth-all the hooks and wires from the splint are rubbing the insides of my mouth all the time, so that part will be good. I am also looking forward to talking without the splint in my mouth. I can't wait to hear what that sounds like!
I finally finished the antibiotic yesterday afternoon also. It seemed like the never ending bottle of pills, so I am glad that is done. I also stopped the salt water rinses then too. I think that the cheek healed up inside and it wouldn't make much difference any more.
For lunch I blended up our left over chicken soft tacos-last night I ate the rice, beans and shredded meat with fiesta ranch dressing and sour cream to soften it up some more, but today I put the rice, meat, and beans in the blender with salsa and the dressing and blended everything. That was easier to eat. I heated it up and then added sour cream. It tasted good. I am noticing how many food commercials are on the tv and everything looks soooo good. *Only* around 3 more weeks of not chewing. I know that even then once I can chew, I won't be able to really chew everything-it will take time. I am really going to miss deep dish pizza!! I guess that's it for now-I will update after the appointments on Wednesday. Until then...
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Day 16 (August 8th)
I can't believe it's been over 2 weeks since surgery. It's been fast and slow at the same time-sounds weird, but I think everyone knows what I mean by that.
Sleeping is ok. I slept all night last night but I am still sleeping in the recliner. The doc said at my one week appointment that I could sleep normally, it might just increase swelling and that I wouldn't hurt anything. My face is still tender to touch in spots, so I am nervous about laying on it-it will hurt. I don't want more swelling either since that is doing pretty good. I don't know how long I will sleep in the recliner. I remember reading someone else's blog and that she was afraid to sleep in bed normally for a long time too. I know I will get over it eventually. No big deal, I'm getting sleep.
Eating is ok too. I have a yogurt smoothie with bananas and strawberries for breakfast with some tea. I have been having blended soups for lunch. I had split pea soup yesterday, it had extra carrots and potatoes in it and some ham, I put it all in the ninja along with a little milk and a few crackers and blended it, heated it and ate the whole can!! It tasted good. Blended vegetarian vegetable soup was good that way too. No chewing needed. I ate really soft stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and a little bit of shredded up bbq chicken for dinner last night. It was all really soft and mushy and doesn't require chewing, of course, but my tongue gets sore from working it around to swallow it since it's rubbing on the roof of my mouth and the splint all the time.
The infection seems to be gone. I still have a little hole in my cheek where they removed a few stitches to let it drain. I am still on the antibiotics till Saturday and I thought I would keep doing the salt water rinses till then too. The swelling still seems a little more on the left-which makes sense since that is where the infection was. I am trying not to judge my face because it is way too early for that, but my nose seems a little crooked at the end right now. I hope just from the swelling. My face does feel puffy right along both sides of my nose so I'm sure that's why. I don't see much difference in my jawline right now. Still swollen along there and into my neck, it's tender. I hope I have some good cosmetic benefits, even though that wasn't the main reason for doing this. I can still hope to look better though, right??
My energy level seems ok. I did about 4 hours of running around on Tuesday. I was tired after that. Yesterday I felt just kind of blah and headachy so just took it easy. No plans today, I can just get some laundry and small chores done around the house. I have my appointment for the splint removal next Wednesday, the 14th. I go to the surgeon's in the morning and then the ortho in the afternoon to get the wires replaced and the surgical hooks out (I hope). I am nervous for those appointments-I am afraid it will hurt for them to do that work. The quick check I had with the ortho on Tuesday, she said I probably wouldn't even feel it with being numb and all-I said, I am not numb!!! I have feeling on the left and light tingles on the right, my chin is very tingly, but I am not numb!! I am glad that I have feeling, but at the same time, those appointments could be painful! I can't wait to eat and talk without the splint in my mouth and I am so glad that it comes out before I go back to work on the 19th!! I want to know how I sound without it in there, I hope the lisp that I had before surgery (due to a 10 mm overjet) will be gone, but will I know how to talk properly when everything has been moved so much?!
Well, that's really all I can think of right now...until next time.
Sleeping is ok. I slept all night last night but I am still sleeping in the recliner. The doc said at my one week appointment that I could sleep normally, it might just increase swelling and that I wouldn't hurt anything. My face is still tender to touch in spots, so I am nervous about laying on it-it will hurt. I don't want more swelling either since that is doing pretty good. I don't know how long I will sleep in the recliner. I remember reading someone else's blog and that she was afraid to sleep in bed normally for a long time too. I know I will get over it eventually. No big deal, I'm getting sleep.
Eating is ok too. I have a yogurt smoothie with bananas and strawberries for breakfast with some tea. I have been having blended soups for lunch. I had split pea soup yesterday, it had extra carrots and potatoes in it and some ham, I put it all in the ninja along with a little milk and a few crackers and blended it, heated it and ate the whole can!! It tasted good. Blended vegetarian vegetable soup was good that way too. No chewing needed. I ate really soft stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and a little bit of shredded up bbq chicken for dinner last night. It was all really soft and mushy and doesn't require chewing, of course, but my tongue gets sore from working it around to swallow it since it's rubbing on the roof of my mouth and the splint all the time.
The infection seems to be gone. I still have a little hole in my cheek where they removed a few stitches to let it drain. I am still on the antibiotics till Saturday and I thought I would keep doing the salt water rinses till then too. The swelling still seems a little more on the left-which makes sense since that is where the infection was. I am trying not to judge my face because it is way too early for that, but my nose seems a little crooked at the end right now. I hope just from the swelling. My face does feel puffy right along both sides of my nose so I'm sure that's why. I don't see much difference in my jawline right now. Still swollen along there and into my neck, it's tender. I hope I have some good cosmetic benefits, even though that wasn't the main reason for doing this. I can still hope to look better though, right??
My energy level seems ok. I did about 4 hours of running around on Tuesday. I was tired after that. Yesterday I felt just kind of blah and headachy so just took it easy. No plans today, I can just get some laundry and small chores done around the house. I have my appointment for the splint removal next Wednesday, the 14th. I go to the surgeon's in the morning and then the ortho in the afternoon to get the wires replaced and the surgical hooks out (I hope). I am nervous for those appointments-I am afraid it will hurt for them to do that work. The quick check I had with the ortho on Tuesday, she said I probably wouldn't even feel it with being numb and all-I said, I am not numb!!! I have feeling on the left and light tingles on the right, my chin is very tingly, but I am not numb!! I am glad that I have feeling, but at the same time, those appointments could be painful! I can't wait to eat and talk without the splint in my mouth and I am so glad that it comes out before I go back to work on the 19th!! I want to know how I sound without it in there, I hope the lisp that I had before surgery (due to a 10 mm overjet) will be gone, but will I know how to talk properly when everything has been moved so much?!
Well, that's really all I can think of right now...until next time.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Day 11 (August 3)
The good news today is that the infection seems to be really clearing out. I only have a little drainage occassionally, but I am still taking the antibiotics (10 day course), doing the salt water rinses and the warm compresses. The warm compresses just feel good on my tender face. The right side feels alot better than the left, so I never use the warm compress there. The swelling seems about equal now, meaning all that extra swelling from the infection on the left is just about gone. I even have been trying to wear the elastics for short periods of time and I plan on wearing them to bed to make sure the bite lines up. After all, that's why I did this crazy surgery to begin with.
My parents went home today, so I was doing more around the house and I haven't napped today either. I guess I have given that up so that I can get to sleep at a decent time at night. I am a night owl anyway. I have still been getting up several times at night to drain the infection and rinse my mouth. I don't know how long I will need to keep doing that.
I am going to call and update the surgeon on Monday, to see if they want to see me again before the splint comes out in a couple weeks. I hope not, it's a long drive and I am afraid my energy isn't quite up to that drive yet. It should be by the next week though-which will be good, since I am also getting closer to having to go back to work at that point.
I didn't have too much to eat today. My tongue hurts trying to eat soft stuff and push it around my mouth to swallow it. I have a sore on the end of it. I drank dinner-soup-and I plan to make a banana milk shake for a treat tonight. Sounds good and refreshing. Trying to eat soft stuff without chewing is more difficult than I thought it would be and tiring trying to work it around with your tongue to swallow it down. My water intake is going up, since I have to wash so much food down!
My chin is very tingly and I have a sensitive tooth on the bottom right side that seems to react harshly to cold things. I hope that's just normal nerves waking up from surgery and not an indication that there is tooth damage or anything like that. I would think it would be a little early for signs of that-I hope, anyway!
How long do people sleep elevated?? I asked at my one week check and was told that I could go ahead and sleep normally, that I wouldn't hurt anything surgically. But my face is still swollen and tender. I am nervous about that. I know the swelling might increase by laying down now. But I'm afraid of hurting something. I am still in my recliner. I guess I will just do that for a while until the tenderness subsides more. Well, that's about it for now I guess...until next time.
My parents went home today, so I was doing more around the house and I haven't napped today either. I guess I have given that up so that I can get to sleep at a decent time at night. I am a night owl anyway. I have still been getting up several times at night to drain the infection and rinse my mouth. I don't know how long I will need to keep doing that.
I am going to call and update the surgeon on Monday, to see if they want to see me again before the splint comes out in a couple weeks. I hope not, it's a long drive and I am afraid my energy isn't quite up to that drive yet. It should be by the next week though-which will be good, since I am also getting closer to having to go back to work at that point.
I didn't have too much to eat today. My tongue hurts trying to eat soft stuff and push it around my mouth to swallow it. I have a sore on the end of it. I drank dinner-soup-and I plan to make a banana milk shake for a treat tonight. Sounds good and refreshing. Trying to eat soft stuff without chewing is more difficult than I thought it would be and tiring trying to work it around with your tongue to swallow it down. My water intake is going up, since I have to wash so much food down!
My chin is very tingly and I have a sensitive tooth on the bottom right side that seems to react harshly to cold things. I hope that's just normal nerves waking up from surgery and not an indication that there is tooth damage or anything like that. I would think it would be a little early for signs of that-I hope, anyway!
How long do people sleep elevated?? I asked at my one week check and was told that I could go ahead and sleep normally, that I wouldn't hurt anything surgically. But my face is still swollen and tender. I am nervous about that. I know the swelling might increase by laying down now. But I'm afraid of hurting something. I am still in my recliner. I guess I will just do that for a while until the tenderness subsides more. Well, that's about it for now I guess...until next time.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Day 9 (August 1st)
Day 9
So things have been going a little better today. I think the swelling is down somewhat (still more on left side-infection-than the right) and my food intake is up (good thing-I have been really hungry) I have continued to do the warm compresses and drain my mouth and rinse with salt water several times a day. I did get up every couple of hours last night again to follow that same routine. I think tonight though I will only get up once in the middle and leave it at that. I actually left the house yesterday and today and was seen in public! Yesterday was also the first time I drove since surgery. I just went a few miles down the road to the pharmacy to get my antibiotic filled. Today, we went to the High School to watch the marching band perform their set that they have been practicing all week at band camp. My oldest two are in High School right now. They do a great job, it's always fun to watch them. I wasn't sure this morning if I felt up to going since not resting well and the swelling and all, but I was feeling pretty good, so I surprised them and showed up. I haven't napped at all today and I really think I will be ready for bed tonight!! I have had to write down the times I take all the meds-tylenol, penicillin, diclofenac, salt water rinses, to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.
My parents are staying for a few more days, they will make sure that I'm set for food (my oldest can also drive me to the store if need be) and they will go home, they have been here almost two weeks now. I really appreciate the help with laundry and making meals for the kids, etc. I was just starting to feel really good, then got the infection, so that was a little setback in recovery. But I think the meds are kicking in and everything will be fine soon. I still have 3 more days before appointments next week. So there is still time for improvement on the antibiotics. I guess that's really it for now...I was thinking there might be something else, but I can't remember right now! I hate that feeling! until next time... (Oh! I remembered what it was-I have the drooling under control, I am not constantly holding a tissue, napkin or paper towel to my face!!!!!-how could I forget that, it was so annoying!!)
So things have been going a little better today. I think the swelling is down somewhat (still more on left side-infection-than the right) and my food intake is up (good thing-I have been really hungry) I have continued to do the warm compresses and drain my mouth and rinse with salt water several times a day. I did get up every couple of hours last night again to follow that same routine. I think tonight though I will only get up once in the middle and leave it at that. I actually left the house yesterday and today and was seen in public! Yesterday was also the first time I drove since surgery. I just went a few miles down the road to the pharmacy to get my antibiotic filled. Today, we went to the High School to watch the marching band perform their set that they have been practicing all week at band camp. My oldest two are in High School right now. They do a great job, it's always fun to watch them. I wasn't sure this morning if I felt up to going since not resting well and the swelling and all, but I was feeling pretty good, so I surprised them and showed up. I haven't napped at all today and I really think I will be ready for bed tonight!! I have had to write down the times I take all the meds-tylenol, penicillin, diclofenac, salt water rinses, to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.
My parents are staying for a few more days, they will make sure that I'm set for food (my oldest can also drive me to the store if need be) and they will go home, they have been here almost two weeks now. I really appreciate the help with laundry and making meals for the kids, etc. I was just starting to feel really good, then got the infection, so that was a little setback in recovery. But I think the meds are kicking in and everything will be fine soon. I still have 3 more days before appointments next week. So there is still time for improvement on the antibiotics. I guess that's really it for now...I was thinking there might be something else, but I can't remember right now! I hate that feeling! until next time... (Oh! I remembered what it was-I have the drooling under control, I am not constantly holding a tissue, napkin or paper towel to my face!!!!!-how could I forget that, it was so annoying!!)
Days 7 and 8 (July 30/31)
Day 7-
We went to the surgeon's for my 1week follow up. I got a really good report from the doc. My mouth is really clean-one if the cleanest he's seen one week post op:) and my bite was just a little out of the splint so they tried some loose bands and let that settle for a few minutes. When they checked, it still wasn't quite where they want it, so I got the heavier bands. That did the trick. So I left with 2 bands toward the front to pull things in line. We got home several hours later and I crashed on the couch. When I woke up, my mom noticed my face had really swollen on the left again. Like, right after surgery swollen! We spent the next few hours calling the doc to relay different information to see what to do. As I was sitting there, all of a sudden I started bleeding. I hadn't done that since right after surgery. When I pulled my cheek out to let my mom see what was going on in there, blood and puss started pouring out of the incision line by my bottom teeth. SOOOO GROSS!! We got some more direction from the doc and we were to talk to them this morning. I spent the whole night waking up every 2 hours or so to let the spot drain and to rinse with the antiseptic mouthwash. Not a restful night at all.
Day8-
I got up early this morning to shower and call the docs office right when they open at 8. The attending was already in a surgery, but when I told the woman all the information, she called him (or texted him) to see what to do. I reminded her that if I needed to be seen, it takes 2 hours to get there, I need travel time. She called back fairly quickly with the news that the doc wanted to see me at 1:15. So we made another long trip up to the surgeon's office. (I won't miss that part) it was a fairly quick appointment. He did remove a few more stitches to let it drain more easily(yes, really gross!) suctioned it and irrigated it and pressed on my face (hard). I got an antibiotic and was told to rinse with warm salt water 4 times a day and use warm compresses. He said really he would like to see me next week to check things, but he knows we have the huge drive, so he said to call and give him an update. He could then decide if I need to come up before the splint removal appointment or just wait till then. Obviously I am to call sooner if things aren't improving.
The plan is to wake up every couple of hours again tonight to let it drain and rinse my mouth and put the warm compress on it at least once during the night. We'll see how that goes.
We went to the surgeon's for my 1week follow up. I got a really good report from the doc. My mouth is really clean-one if the cleanest he's seen one week post op:) and my bite was just a little out of the splint so they tried some loose bands and let that settle for a few minutes. When they checked, it still wasn't quite where they want it, so I got the heavier bands. That did the trick. So I left with 2 bands toward the front to pull things in line. We got home several hours later and I crashed on the couch. When I woke up, my mom noticed my face had really swollen on the left again. Like, right after surgery swollen! We spent the next few hours calling the doc to relay different information to see what to do. As I was sitting there, all of a sudden I started bleeding. I hadn't done that since right after surgery. When I pulled my cheek out to let my mom see what was going on in there, blood and puss started pouring out of the incision line by my bottom teeth. SOOOO GROSS!! We got some more direction from the doc and we were to talk to them this morning. I spent the whole night waking up every 2 hours or so to let the spot drain and to rinse with the antiseptic mouthwash. Not a restful night at all.
Day8-
I got up early this morning to shower and call the docs office right when they open at 8. The attending was already in a surgery, but when I told the woman all the information, she called him (or texted him) to see what to do. I reminded her that if I needed to be seen, it takes 2 hours to get there, I need travel time. She called back fairly quickly with the news that the doc wanted to see me at 1:15. So we made another long trip up to the surgeon's office. (I won't miss that part) it was a fairly quick appointment. He did remove a few more stitches to let it drain more easily(yes, really gross!) suctioned it and irrigated it and pressed on my face (hard). I got an antibiotic and was told to rinse with warm salt water 4 times a day and use warm compresses. He said really he would like to see me next week to check things, but he knows we have the huge drive, so he said to call and give him an update. He could then decide if I need to come up before the splint removal appointment or just wait till then. Obviously I am to call sooner if things aren't improving.
The plan is to wake up every couple of hours again tonight to let it drain and rinse my mouth and put the warm compress on it at least once during the night. We'll see how that goes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)