It's been 5 months and 2 1/2 weeks since surgery. I have had several orthodontist appointments since October. The most recent ones were in the last month. I had an appointment the week before Christmas and at that time she put a chain on the bottom from one molar to the other to close up some spaces between the front teeth. I could definitely feel that working. She said it would take about three weeks for the chain to do its job and then I could get my braces off!! I scheduled the appointment for January 9th. However, she did not do any work on the top at all and I was wondering about how much space there still was-I thought she would have moved them back a little more since surgery but she didn't. So, I had to take my daughter for her own issue on Monday and while I was there she took a look at me too, since I mentioned that I had called with a question before the holidays and never heard back from her.
She then decided to put some elastic ties on the top to pull things back a bit and I could definitely feel those working to close up some little spaces. She also offered to call if they had a cancellation for the next day, since we knew we were having a snow day due to extreme wind chills. I said sure-even though I thought that it would be too soon since she just put those ties on-wouldn't they need time to work? So really, I was hoping that they wouldn't have a cancellation. Of course, they did! However, I let the call go to voicemail since I was just waking up, so when I listened to the message, they had an appointment later that day at 1:45. I kept debating about what to do-I definitely wanted them off, but I wanted the time to give the ties a chance to work-but I wasn't quite mentally ready either-I was planning on the 9th. That meant that I also had to miss work since it was on a Thursday. Anyway, all that debating in my head took a while and by the time I called they had already filled the appointment-so I went on Thursday-which was fine with me. By that time, I could tell the ties had done some work-it's amazing how fast some things work and I was glad that she did it and I'm glad that I waited a couple extra days. After all this time and distress, I want to know that I did the right things and not have any doubts about anything.
My appointment was on Thursday morning at 9 and I was finally done at 11. I made it to work just in time for my 1/2 day of work. Things were going well, the teeth definitely felt weird getting the brackets popped off. I was also afraid that my crown (the one that had fallen off before-twice) would be pulled off again when they took the band off and it did-but I didn't even know it till the dr. told me. At least it didn't hurt. She was able to re-cement it for me and will give a report to my dentist since I am going there tomorrow for a cleaning. So after much cleaning, polishing, shaping, molds, pictures- I was FREE!! It feels so good and weird at the same time-but good!! I need to call to see if I can get in next week to get the retainers-they should be in on the 14th, but if not I already have an appointment for that on the the 20th when I take my daughter to get her top braces placed. I just don't want to wait too long and have anything shifting around-I would not be happy. I put a reminder in my phone to call on Monday, since they close early on Friday and I thought of it later this afternoon. It shouldn't be too hard to get a quick appointment to get them. We shall see.
Anyway, I also hope that I get a good report from the dentist tomorrow and they don't find any cavities or anything major. Wish me luck! Until next time...
Friday, January 10, 2014
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Day 96 (October 27th)
I keep thinking of posting, but things have been so busy and just doing normal routine things that I just haven't had the time.
I went for my 3 month follow up with the intern on October 11th and had a good report. I saw one intern first, then he went to get the other one that treated the infection, and I've seen for almost every visit, so he knows my case well. When that intern walked in, he told the other one that I am the first person in 3 decades that required a transfusion during the surgery and also talked about the infection and said that I was an "anomaly"! haha! I think he will remember my treatment then :)
He then checked things out and said that everything looked great. I was opening fine. The bite looks good, he is happy with the profile and asked what I thought about it. I said that I am still figuring out if I am happy with that. We talked about their reasoning for not doing the genioplasty and I knew that before the surgery-it depended on the measurements once they worked up the models and they felt that it wouldn't be beneficial to move it once they realized how little it would be moved after bringing the lower jaw forward. But I said that since I still feel like there is still some residual puffiness along the jaw line then it's hard for me to tell and I haven't taken a good profile pic to see what it looks like, I only try to angle the medicine cabinet mirror and look in the regular mirror. Not the best method to see my profile, for sure!!
There is some scar tissue, especially along the top front part of my gums that pulls sometimes and I asked about that, the other intern said that it might go down with some more time or if not, then it can be revised (meaning, they do more cutting to fix the scar-not thrilled about that prospect, so I will live with it)
There is some popping on the left side that started once I was opening and chewing more and it hasn't gone away, but the Dr. said that it may go away eventually. He said as long as it doesn't hurt that they are starting to think that some of it is just normal in people and that about 40% of the population have some sort of popping, clicking etc. going on. If it turns painful then they will look into it more.
I also reported that there has been a tender spot on the left lower jaw line since the surgery that has been sore the whole time (the right feels fine now) it's also the spot that I had the infection, but everything looked good on the inside of my mouth. I figured it's just where the hardware is and would take some more time to heal on that side since I did have the infection there.
He knows that I drive a long way to get there (about 2 hours each way) so he said that he didn't think I needed to return until my braces are off. He did ask that I try to come back and get final records done (pics, xrays, etc) since I was "a good case."
Everything was going great with eating too, I was gradually working up to crunchier things since he cleared me at that point to eat whatever I was comfortable with. I was happy about that. I still haven't done too much hard or chewier things though.
I was relieved to get such a good report and was then so surprised, freaked out and worried when I woke up last Saturday (October 19th-a week after my 3 month checkup) and the left side of my face was swollen again. It was not horrible, but it was definitely getting worse as time went on. I waited until the afternoon to call the emergency number for the surgeon and a nurse called me back. I was told that since I didn't have a fever, or redness to wait and if it lasted for 3 days, call and come in.
So, as the weekend wore on and I was getting more swollen and it was getting more painful, I was getting more worried. I am thinking at this point that I have a problem with the hardware and it needs to come out, etc! My mind was running worse case scenarios for sure! I could tell that my gums were getting more swollen as well, not just the cheek so I looked in there again and saw a white spot forming. I rubbed my gums and it got bigger. I took one of my little gum brushes for my braces and poked the white spot with it. And this part is gross, so you can skip it if you want to...it opened up and blood and pus came gushing out! It did relieve some of the pressure though. I got the salt out and started rinsing with that again and then tried to get to sleep since it was about 1:00 am!!
I called Monday morning but couldn't be seen until the afternoon, so I left work a little early to make the long drive up there. The surgeon and the intern couldn't believe that I was back with another infection! But the surgeon could see that it was draining, so after an xray to check the hardware, they numbed me up and opened it even more to irrigate and clean it out. That was a really torturous appointment. I was breaking out in a sweat. I was numb for the most part, but the shots hurt like heck, then I could feel the scraping on the bone and that was very disconcerting to me. She also reported that she could see the hardware and was pushing on the screws and nothing was loose. Also, the bone looked like it was healing well. The good news is, no loose screws and bone is healed well, the bad news-she cut me open enough to see all that!! She also left if open so that it could keep draining-yikes.
I told them that I really like them and think they are great, but this is ridiculous!! The intern said that they don't want to see me back there but out and about-like at a bar ;) I said, "yeah-I can use a drink right about now!"
That was not a fun ride home, the novocaine was fast acting and was wearing off before I could get home with the antibiotics and get ibuprofen in me to help with the pain. Now I am still on antibiotics and softer foods until this heals up. I usually chew on the left side and because it's cut open, I was chewing on the right, which made that sore due to the braces rubbing on it and biting myself over there! I can't win I guess!!I also have to use a syringe to flush the open side with saline that she gave me a bottle of.
The good news is that the swelling was really down after another day or so and I think the spot that was so tender before is gone too. They thought the infection was from the other one that didn't resolve all the way the first time or is somehow related to the bleeding issue that I had during surgery.
I noticed the intern had given a refill on the antibiotics so when I called to update them on how things were going, I asked about that and he said that is "just in case". If I called in another month with something else going on, they would tell me to start taking it until I could get in and be seen. Since this one started on Saturday and I didn't see them till Monday, they don't want me to wait next time, I can just take it. I will fill it and keep it handy as insurance. If I have it then it won't come back right?!
So sorry for such a long post, I meant to update after the 3 month follow up and then the infection happened-so it's a combined post. Until next time...
I went for my 3 month follow up with the intern on October 11th and had a good report. I saw one intern first, then he went to get the other one that treated the infection, and I've seen for almost every visit, so he knows my case well. When that intern walked in, he told the other one that I am the first person in 3 decades that required a transfusion during the surgery and also talked about the infection and said that I was an "anomaly"! haha! I think he will remember my treatment then :)
He then checked things out and said that everything looked great. I was opening fine. The bite looks good, he is happy with the profile and asked what I thought about it. I said that I am still figuring out if I am happy with that. We talked about their reasoning for not doing the genioplasty and I knew that before the surgery-it depended on the measurements once they worked up the models and they felt that it wouldn't be beneficial to move it once they realized how little it would be moved after bringing the lower jaw forward. But I said that since I still feel like there is still some residual puffiness along the jaw line then it's hard for me to tell and I haven't taken a good profile pic to see what it looks like, I only try to angle the medicine cabinet mirror and look in the regular mirror. Not the best method to see my profile, for sure!!
There is some scar tissue, especially along the top front part of my gums that pulls sometimes and I asked about that, the other intern said that it might go down with some more time or if not, then it can be revised (meaning, they do more cutting to fix the scar-not thrilled about that prospect, so I will live with it)
There is some popping on the left side that started once I was opening and chewing more and it hasn't gone away, but the Dr. said that it may go away eventually. He said as long as it doesn't hurt that they are starting to think that some of it is just normal in people and that about 40% of the population have some sort of popping, clicking etc. going on. If it turns painful then they will look into it more.
I also reported that there has been a tender spot on the left lower jaw line since the surgery that has been sore the whole time (the right feels fine now) it's also the spot that I had the infection, but everything looked good on the inside of my mouth. I figured it's just where the hardware is and would take some more time to heal on that side since I did have the infection there.
He knows that I drive a long way to get there (about 2 hours each way) so he said that he didn't think I needed to return until my braces are off. He did ask that I try to come back and get final records done (pics, xrays, etc) since I was "a good case."
Everything was going great with eating too, I was gradually working up to crunchier things since he cleared me at that point to eat whatever I was comfortable with. I was happy about that. I still haven't done too much hard or chewier things though.
I was relieved to get such a good report and was then so surprised, freaked out and worried when I woke up last Saturday (October 19th-a week after my 3 month checkup) and the left side of my face was swollen again. It was not horrible, but it was definitely getting worse as time went on. I waited until the afternoon to call the emergency number for the surgeon and a nurse called me back. I was told that since I didn't have a fever, or redness to wait and if it lasted for 3 days, call and come in.
So, as the weekend wore on and I was getting more swollen and it was getting more painful, I was getting more worried. I am thinking at this point that I have a problem with the hardware and it needs to come out, etc! My mind was running worse case scenarios for sure! I could tell that my gums were getting more swollen as well, not just the cheek so I looked in there again and saw a white spot forming. I rubbed my gums and it got bigger. I took one of my little gum brushes for my braces and poked the white spot with it. And this part is gross, so you can skip it if you want to...it opened up and blood and pus came gushing out! It did relieve some of the pressure though. I got the salt out and started rinsing with that again and then tried to get to sleep since it was about 1:00 am!!
I called Monday morning but couldn't be seen until the afternoon, so I left work a little early to make the long drive up there. The surgeon and the intern couldn't believe that I was back with another infection! But the surgeon could see that it was draining, so after an xray to check the hardware, they numbed me up and opened it even more to irrigate and clean it out. That was a really torturous appointment. I was breaking out in a sweat. I was numb for the most part, but the shots hurt like heck, then I could feel the scraping on the bone and that was very disconcerting to me. She also reported that she could see the hardware and was pushing on the screws and nothing was loose. Also, the bone looked like it was healing well. The good news is, no loose screws and bone is healed well, the bad news-she cut me open enough to see all that!! She also left if open so that it could keep draining-yikes.
I told them that I really like them and think they are great, but this is ridiculous!! The intern said that they don't want to see me back there but out and about-like at a bar ;) I said, "yeah-I can use a drink right about now!"
That was not a fun ride home, the novocaine was fast acting and was wearing off before I could get home with the antibiotics and get ibuprofen in me to help with the pain. Now I am still on antibiotics and softer foods until this heals up. I usually chew on the left side and because it's cut open, I was chewing on the right, which made that sore due to the braces rubbing on it and biting myself over there! I can't win I guess!!I also have to use a syringe to flush the open side with saline that she gave me a bottle of.
The good news is that the swelling was really down after another day or so and I think the spot that was so tender before is gone too. They thought the infection was from the other one that didn't resolve all the way the first time or is somehow related to the bleeding issue that I had during surgery.
I noticed the intern had given a refill on the antibiotics so when I called to update them on how things were going, I asked about that and he said that is "just in case". If I called in another month with something else going on, they would tell me to start taking it until I could get in and be seen. Since this one started on Saturday and I didn't see them till Monday, they don't want me to wait next time, I can just take it. I will fill it and keep it handy as insurance. If I have it then it won't come back right?!
So sorry for such a long post, I meant to update after the 3 month follow up and then the infection happened-so it's a combined post. Until next time...
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Day 46 (September 7th)
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...
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...
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Day 32 (August 24th)
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...
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...
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.
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