It was officially 6 weeks since surgery on Tuesday, September 3rd. I had my follow up appointment yesterday. It was a long ride for a short appointment, but I got a good report. It was the first time since surgery that I actually saw the surgeon. She left for vacation right afterward and I usually saw the interns at my other appointments. She wants to see me at the 3 month mark, but won't be available for that appointment either, so I scheduled it with the intern again. He is the one that treated the infection I had at the one week mark.
The surgeon said that everything looks good. I can open my mouth enough at this point. She isn't worried about jaw exercises or anything. I can chew now but still only softer stuff that won't put too much pressure on the bones. No steak yet! I have tried to chew soft stuff, but it just feels weird. The food is getting stuck between my braces and my cheek, so it's hard to get the food worked around and actually chew it. I guess it will just take time. I realize that just because I'm allowed to chew doesn't mean I can actually do it!! She said the midlines and my profile looked good and I asked how soon the ortho could start making the final adjustments and she said that can get started now. I go to the ortho again next week, so I'm hoping to get an idea of a timeline for finalizing things. I still have lots of cosmetic things to do after the braces though-crowns, bonding or veneers-not sure what will be recommended, but that will take time and money. I wanted to make sure the bite was fixed before doing any of the cosmetic stuff anyway.
The discomfort and achiness has subsided alot. I am not taking the prescription anti-inflammatory at all right now, just acetaminophen when needed if it gets too achy. The tingling is still in spots around my face and the left half of my tongue still feels numb or sore like if I burned it- which is annoying.
I think the tingling in my chin is getting a little better too. I know this could take more time, but sometimes it's hard to have patience and not get sick of all this. I know it's temporary but I just want to be done with it!! I'm glad that I got a good report and I am feeling much better overall. Still very tired at the end of the day, but that's good-I have no trouble falling asleep! I guess that's it for now, until next time...
