Week 6

Tomorrow marks week 6.  Today I had another appt with my surgeon.  He did the feeling test again and still no feeling on the left side of my chin and on the left side of my lower lip.  Guess it's better than pain.  After looking at my nose again, he thinks I may need another surgery to fix my nose so I can breathe again.  A septoplasty.  I've actually had one before when I had sinus surgery.  At one point we thought that sinuses were the cause of the constant pain.

He said it surprised him that I was having trouble because they actually did stuff in surgery to make sure that didn't happen.  He said if you take a piece of cardboard that is already crooked and bring one hand closer to the other (like moving your lower jaw up) the bend gets larger on that one side.  Which is what happened to me.  Another surgery.  I was hoping not to have one in 2011. I know there are a lot of people out there that have faced many more surgeries than me.  My mom included.  But I've had 4 in the past 5 years.  So I was hoping I was done with them for a little while.  My doctor said he will talk to my ENT and get me an appt  so they can figure out what needs to be done.  Since I'm still healing from my jaw surgery I may have to wait a little while before I have another surgery.

Good news is I can start jogging.  "Light jogging" whatever that means.  Can't wait to hit the gym!  If any of you have had problems with your  nose after jaw surgery would love to know how it turned out.

Happy New Year!

Week 5

Today I'm 5 weeks out from surgery.  And today is also my hubby's 32nd birthday.  Happy Birthday Brian! 

This week I've had more trouble with my nose.  One nostril is completely blocked by cartilage which my doctor said might be due to swelling but I can feel jagged edges inside so I'm not convinced.  When I see him next week I will make him look again.  It does make it hard to breathe which also makes it hard to work out. 

I've been working out a lot more.  I'm still not allowed to run so I do the eliptical, stairmaster, row machine, walk on an incline and other low impact stuff.  And of course abs.  Luckily I haven't really gained weight.  I go up .5 pounds and down .5 pounds.  I have yet to ask if I can play soccer again.  I think I know what he will say.  But I hope I will get back to playing indoor and/or outdoor one day.

One thing that has really changed in the past few days is the pain in my upper jaw.  It really hits me sometimes.  And the shocks in my lip.  Still no feeling on one side of my lower jaw.  But I'm hopeful it will come back eventually.  Take a look at the smile.  Making progress though it still looks funny!

Day 27 - One Month Post Op

It's officially been 1 month since my surgery.  Still have numbness and tingling in my chin, some sharp pains in my lips and tongue and aches in my jaws.  Nothing too bad and my energy level is much better.

Today I'm taking the kids to see Santa.  Should be fun because this is the first year Chase will know what's going on.

I probably will start posting every week now instead of every day.  If any of you have questions please email me.  I will keep posting pictures as well.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all of you!

Day 26*

Wednesday, 12/15 is day 26.  I saw my surgeon who said I'm doing really well and my swelling is gone.  However, he is worried about the numbness on the left side of my chin.  Every time I see him he does a test to see how numb everything is.  On my left side (the side the other doc did) I have NO feeling at all.  So I'm definitely getting more B12 today.  He also released me to a soft mechanical diet which means I can't chew or bite into something but I can close my jaw when I eat.  Like eating blueberries because they are soft and bringing my jaws together will crush them.

*One other thing I learned today, which I wish I would have known before surgery, is having your upper jaw widened makes your nose larger.  My surgeon did a stitch so mine didn't get too much bigger.  It changed some but definitely willing to sacrifice the nose for the jaw.  I'm glad my surgeon made the stitch though.  My face couldn't handle a larger nose.  If you are having the upper and lower jaw done, might want to ask about the changes to the other features on your face. I've noticed my eyes, which have always been slanted (think it's due to Native American genes), got a little larger.

Here are some profile pics for you.  I'm took them so my expressions are weird in a few.

Day 25

Man, the holidays are crazy!  So much going on at school and at home.  I'm glad I didn't have the surgery last week!  During Maddie's Christmas social my jaw was aching pretty bad.  I brought Ensure with me because it's just too much trouble to take my bands out and try to eat in front of people I don't really know that well.  Plus most of the time the food involves chewing which I can't really do yet.  Here's today's picture.  Tomorrow I will try to get a picture of my profile.  I have an appt with my surgeon tomorrow too.

Day 24

Today was exhausting because I spent the day running around shopping for Christmas instead of taking it slow.   I also missed my afternoon dose of ibuprofen and it didn't really bother me several hours later.  Just some aching and some sharp pains in my tongue.

My chin and lower lip are still numb.  I'm not good about taking my B12 so I will try to take it more often. 

Day 23

Well post op day 23 has just begun but I thought I would post early because I have a lot to do today.  I was asked recently if I would do it (the surgery) again.  Yes, and I guess if I'm saying yes early on in the recovery that's a good sign.  I was also asked about how much weight have I lost.  11.5 pounds and I'm not sure I will go any further than that.   I'm happy where I am and am trying to maintain my weight.  I haven't gained any since being able to eat.  I actually lost .5 pounds.  I did eat a lot before surgery especially at my last meal.  We won't even talk about the amount of calories I had that day.

Tomorrow I'm on my own for the first time since my surgery so we will see how it goes.  I want to get as much cleaning done as I can today so I don't have to worry about it during the week.  And we are wrapping presents and Maddie is going to a birthday party for Jesus at church.  This next week is busy. Chase has a birthday party for Jesus on Tuesday, Maddie's school which doesn't celebrate religious holidays will have their international exchange day on Wednesday.  I also have an appt with my surgeon on Wednesday.  And then Thursday it's time to see Santa.  Let's hope everyone is healthy so we can make it this time.

Hope you all have a great day!

Day 22

The only thing I have new to report is that I have painful shocks in my upper lip.  But I think it means I'm starting to get feeling back and everything is healing which is good news.  My mother-in-law noticed I'm using my upper lip more when I talk. 

Today I worked out with Brian and hung around the house.  I'm able to eat pretty well I just have to cut everything up into small pieces. 

Day 21

Still have all the funny sensations in my face.  They are non-stop.  Tingling, electric shock, crawling sensations, etc.  Still numb and drooling.  The drooling isn't as bad as before but still there.  The doc assured me I won't drool forever.

Heading to the pediatrician today.  My son has croup again.  He always gets it on a Wednesday/Thursday so it's school that makes him sick.  I was up all night with him so I'm exhausted.  We were supposed to go visit Santa Claus today so I could get pictures for our Christmas card.  But that's not going to happen now.  I might just have to look at pictures we already have.  Or put them in Christmas pj's and take a picture by our tree.

Here's a pic from today.  My nose is now crooked.  I hope I don't have to have sinus surgery to fix all the problems I'm having with one side of my nose.  Hopefully it's just swelling.

Day 20

Got hit in the jaw by my 20 month old again.  He got me twice today.  Yesterday I got hit in the jaw by Maddie.  It always happens when I'm holding them.  They always seem to hit me right where the screws are on the bottom jaws.  It hurts pretty bad, then goes away and then comes back again later.

Took my bands off for the first time today so I could eat dinner rather than drink it or take it through a syringe.  It felt pretty weird.  My surgeon said I could eat soft things that I could smash in the roof of my mouth then swallow.  No chewing allowed.  So us girls made cheeseburger stuffed potatoes for dinner along with sauteed zucchini.  The cheeseburger stuffed potatoes were fairly easy to eat but the zucchini was a little more difficult.  I had to cut it up in smaller pieces.  After dinner I brushed my teeth and then tried to put my bands back on.  I found tweezers really help.  I only have two bands on right now which is all I've had since the  beginning.  I thought I would have more. 

Tonight I noticed my face is looking different and my expressions are weird.  I'm not liking my face right now.  I hope it changes for the better.

Day 19

I got my splint out today!  I read on other blogs that it was a tough appointment but mine was pretty easy.  The surgeon just popped it right off.  My lips did hurt and bled a little from all the pulling.  Other than that it wasn't bad.  It was kind of nasty though.  Once it was out I was able to brush my teeth and my tongue.  It felt so good.  My surgeon also looked at my nose because I've been having problems with one side.  It's almost like the nostril is completely closed up and it's just bone there.  But my surgeon thinks it's swelling from where he took the turbinates out and he thinks it should go down eventually.  The best part of the appointment was when he said I could eat some soft foods!  He said anything that I can put to the roof of my mouth and swallow will be okay.  Things like cooked veggies, eggs, lasagna, etc.  That made my day.  I will go back next week for another check up.

I also saw my orthodontist for the first time after surgery.  He had to replace the upper wire on my braces because it was segmented for the surgery.  They ended up replacing both the upper and the lower wire and taking off my surgical hooks.  I was there for 1 hour and 45 minutes.   It was painful.  My gums, cheeks and lips are sore so they had to keep giving me breaks.  When they put the bands back on the lower I had to hold my jaw in place because it felt weird.  Then they put two bands on to keep my bite in the right place and said I could take them off to eat and brush my teeth.  I planned on getting something to eat for lunch but I was so sore after the appointment that I decided to just have a shake.  Maybe at dinner I will try something new.

Day 18

Today I had lots of tingling in my chin and some pain.  My pain is mainly where they cut my jaw.  I have the pain on the upper and lower.  I've also noticed that my skin is breaking out more than usual.  A lot of other blogs said this would happen so I was expecting it.

But the biggest issue lately is that I'm so frustrated.  Frustrated that people can't understand what I'm saying so I have to repeat it but then my jaw hurts the more I talk.  Frustrated that I can't eat!  And tomorrow I'm getting my splint off which is great but I'm not looking forward to taking a step back with my diet because of the bands they will be adding.  I'm hungry, frustrated and tired.  I wonder how much longer it will be before I can eat something other than Ensure, soup and ice cream.

Tried to go Christmas shopping today with my Mom.  Both gifts I wanted to get my daughter are hot sellers apparently so no luck.  If anyone knows where I can find a pink iXL or pink drum set let me know.

Tools used: Acne face wash, qtips to get the food that is stuck between the roof of my mouth and my splint, heating pad

Day 17

Made it to church this morning.  My Pastor said I looked really good.  I haven't seen him since he came to visit me in the hospital before my surgery.  I made it through the service though I did have some pain.  I didn't take communion because I could just see the grape juice dripping down my chin and the bread getting stuck.  My in-laws went with us so that was nice.  Afterwards, I rested while Chase slept and the rest of the gang went to GattiTown for lunch.  I had blended broc and cheese soup again.

Here are some pictures my father-in-law took last night.  I'm really not mad in all these pictures.  I just can't smile quite yet. 

Day 16

Today I decided to skip my nephew's 2nd birthday party though I really wanted to go.  I just felt trying to talk over all those kids would not be good for my jaw.  Brian and the kids went and they had a great time.  They stayed awhile so I could have a break.  I decided to head to the gym.  Yep, it's been way too long.  I usually work out 5-6 times per week so not working out for 2 weeks has been tough.  I took it slow and just walked and did the sit down bike.  My energy level has been low and I'm so weak that I thought I would try to build up my stamina.  I headed to Starbucks on my way home.  And when I taste the coffee, I can't stand it!  Yuk!  No more nonfat no whip mochas for me!  New taste buds I guess.  Then I came back to the house, had soup, took a shower and rested.  My jaw is actually more sore now than before.  I guess because of the talking and the feeling coming back.  Then after watching HGTV holiday decorating shows I decided to head to Hobby Lobby and buy some decor of my own.

Day 15

Happy Friday!  I know my dates are off for my posts. I post a lot at once because I get behind.  I will try to be better about it and take more pictures too.  Thanks for all who are following it and hopefully it helps those of you who are about to have the surgery.

Today my mother-in-law took Maddie to school and Chase to my sister-in-laws house which is about 40 minutes away.  She wanted to give me a break.  I slept a little and then did laundry. 

I've noticed that since the kids have been back I'm done for the day around 5 p.m.  I'm so tired I usually nod off in my chair then I will wake up to take pills and wash my face.  Then it's back to bed again.  I use the breathe right strips and nose spray every night which helps me breathe.  And now I'm finally seeing what the surgeon said about being able to breathe better after my surgery.  Is this how normal people feel when they breathe?  It's so much better than before.  My right side still gives me trouble but that's where they put the tube during surgery so I'm hoping it will get better once I've healed.

Day 14

Today was the changing of the guard so to speak.  My mom left and my mother-in-law took her place.  Everything is going pretty well.  I'm tired because the ER doc prescribed more meds including a muscle relaxer to help my arm pain.  Those things really knock me out.  My arm still hurts when I try to do certain things like change my shirt, reach out for things, etc.  I'm back on prescription meds as well just because I'm talking more so I'm sore a lot.  However, I've started sleeping through the night so I can go longer without taking them.  My stitches have started to fall out.  Some of them come out when I brush my teeth.  I'm able to smile a little bit more than I could before.  Still numb in some areas and swollen too.  If you were to draw a circle from the tip of my nose down around my chin and back that is where I'm swollen. But the good news is you can't really tell.  Every day I feel electric shocks and the feeling that things are crawling under my skin.  My surgeon told me this is the sign that you are healing and your nerves repairing. 

Day 13

So my arm was hurting really bad again this morning. I called my surgeon's office and he got on the phone. He asked me to go to the ER where I had my surgery since they had all my info. He wanted them to do an ultrasound to make sure it wasn't a clot. I told him it was probably muscular because I couldn't straighten my arm and had trouble doing fine motor things like opening pill bottles. He insisted so I went. Everything turned out okay except the pain is still there. They gave me some new medications so hopefully they will help. We will see...

Day 12

Today I helped my Mom get Chase ready for Kids Day Out and Maddie ready for gymnastics. I decided to get out of the house today and try to do normal things. We all took Chase to school and Mom and I took Maddie to gymnastics. Later on we went to Target to look at Christmas decor. I did too much. I was exhausted. I also realized with Maddie and my Mom in the house I'm talking all the time. My jaw was so sore.

Someone did recognize me at Target which I thought was cool because I think I look completely different.  When I told her about my jaw surgery she said what most people have been saying lately. It hurts just to listen to you.

I decided to sleep in the chair again tonight. The night before I tried sleeping the bed. I think sleeping upright in the chair really helped my swelling. I woke up in the middle of the night with extreme pain in my arm. I had bad pain in my arm right after surgery and it was actually one of the worse parts of my recovery. It got better for a little while but this was bad. I was crying and I think being hungry and tired I went a little over board but all I could do was hold it against me. Everything else hurt so bad. I'm thinking tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Day 11

The kids came back today! I went outside to meet them and Mimi. Chase was crying and didn't want to have anything to do with me. Maddie just smiled and hid. Maddie was fine with everything and asked where my swollen was. I guess she expected something a little worse. I really was too. Chase was mad at me. He only wanted Mimi. But they had a fun day and ran around the house. My kids have so much energy. I love them and missed them but I'm so glad they were out of the house while I was going through the hard stuff. Maddie is funny she will only hug me from far away and to the side so I don't drool on her.

I was feeling better today and actually did stuff around the house to prepare for the kids coming back. I also took Maddie with me to my appt. The surgeon checked my ears and told me I didn't have ear infections. He said I had scarring in one ear where I perforated an eardrum but they were both fine. He said the doc-in-a-box places just give out antibiotics. He also said I would get my splint out really soon. Heck yeah! I hate that thing! He said he would have to put more rubber bands on and we would take a step back on my diet but I should feel better. A step back? I barely eat as it is. I just can't eat like some people that have had this surgery. No blending up spaghetti for me. Yuk! Just all types of soup, ice cream and ensure for me. I really miss Mexican food. I've lost 8 pounds so far. He also tested to see what I could feel. I still am numb on my left side. My right is almost back to normal. I need to be better about taking my B12.

I also showed him my jaw wrap that I found online. He used zip-n-squeeze before they went out of business. He thought it was great and told his staff to order some. I have to say I love my jaw wrap and I think it really helped my swelling.

Day 10

I woke up early on Sunday. I know this is TMI but I promised the good, the bad and the ugly so here it goes. I hadn't gone (if you know what I mean) to the bathroom since my surgery. I tried prune juice and milk of magnesia. Nothing helped. Until Sunday morning. I was relieved and expected to have a good day. Until I went again and again and again. I tried to drink Ensure but then I had to go again. Every time I tried to eat something it just came out. I was so tired and dehydrated. Just walking from my chair tot the bathroom was exhausting. I was also nauseated. I was miserable. So we called the surgeon and he told me to stop taking the antibiotics and to hydrate if I can. I guess the drugs were a little too powerful for me. I have an appt with my surgeon tomorrow.

Day 9 Post Op

Day 9 - the best day yet at least so far. This morning I decided I wasn't going to suffer through another day of crushing up pain meds and freaking out while trying to get them down. So I fit them through my bands and swallowed! Done! We went to a clinic today to get my ears checked and I was right. Ear infection in both ears. I'm thinking my recent ear infections may be caused by my sinus rinse. I think my sinuses may not drain right or something. The clinic doc said I have eustachian tube dysfunction. I have to schedule an appt with my ENT. We took Jack for a walk this afternoon. It was a short walk but it felt good to be outside. My swelling has gone down even more today too.

Tools used this week- Sinus rinse, yes!!!! heating pad, soft towels for drool rag, liquid B12

Best recipes - Vanilla ensure, peanut butter, graham crackers and milk.

Day 8 Post Op

Frustrating day! My swelling has gone down a lot. So much so that we tried to make a trip to Sam's. I took a shower, put on make up and did my hair. And yes I know it's Black Friday but we wanted to get out of the house. I made sure and took my dry erase board and drool rag. We went to get diapers to prepare for our kids return. As soon as we arrived I started sniffing and said I smell real Christmas trees. Yep another thing I'm allergic to! So we hurried and got what we needed and then headed home. I actually took a short nap and was awaken by Brian who tried give my pain meds. It had been a hard day for me because it was the first day without any prescription meds. The last 2 hours between meds are pretty tough. I just used heat and ice to get me through. I freaked out again when I tried to drink the crushed up pills. Once I calmed down and got them down we decided to give me prescription pain meds at night so I could sleep. And guess what, ear infections. Yep I've had a lot recently before the surgery which is weird because I never had them growing up. So added pain but nothing I can't handle. My chin is really bothering me. I got a genioplasty to help with my profile when they moved my jaw up. Now It feels either like its cold or burning. I can't tell if it's the skin which is raw because of all the drooling or if its the implant. Because of my better breathing I slept better that night than I had since before the surgery.

Day 7 Post Op

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal. This was the first day I really missed eating. I had Brian blend apple pie and ice cream for a Thanksgiving treat. The best part of today was that I got to talk to my family on the phone. They even understood what I was saying most of the time. I got to talk to my kids too! Or at least hear them. Maddie told me Happy Thanksgiving. I hadn't talked to my kids in one whole week. My mom couldn't believe I could talk so well just one week after having jaw surgery. Today I also started to get off the prescription pain meds. My doctor said I could have 2400 mg of ibuprofen per day. He said I could crush it up and put it in my drink. I tried this and freaked out. It was the nastiest thing ever, it burned my throat and got stuck. Do not try this at home! We tried to take our dog Jack for a walk but it was raining and 30 something degrees out with a 30 mph wind. Wasn't it over 80 degrees the day before? Had fun watching football with Brian.

Day 6 Post Op

82 degrees what??!

Had another doctor's appt today. Even put on eye make up. I could talk a little better today which for all who know me is really important. The doctor took longer than normal today and while waiting I started to feel sick because of the fall scented stuff they had smelling up the entire office. I have extremely sensitive allergies and being stopped up already really made it bad. The doctor took my external stitches out and replaced them with tape. He said now was the time to start working on brushing my teeth. He also gave me permission to use my neil med sinus rinse. You are supposed to blow your nose at the end but I promised I wouldn't do that part. I used the rinse as soon as I got home. Holy cow! It forced out some brown blood clot still stuck in my nose. I also used my breath right strips and nose spray. I felt so much better! I actually slept a little more that night.

Day 5 Post Op

What I remember about this day is getting frustrated because I couldn't sleep, taking a quick trip to Kohl's and seeing a mom from my son's KDO class and she walked on by not recognizing me, and calling to get a refill on my pain meds. And the drooling is constant and annoying! Also the my left side (or if you are looking at me my right side) hurts just inside my mouth. It feels like my stitches are ripping or something. I found out after surgery that the other doctor in the office did that side which also had the most lip damage.

Day 4 Post Op

I can't believe I got so behind on my posts. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, pain and just inconvenience. I'm a control freak so not having control over my body and not being able to do things for myself has really cause me to lose it sometimes. Poor Brian is in the crossfire but he is doing a great job.

I love the mornings because I've found that each day passes, the changes are incredible.

Just 4 days after my surgery I went to visit my surgeon for my first post op visit. He wanted to see me Monday and Wednesday since it was a short week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So Brian and I went Monday afternoon and he said I was doing great. Afterwards my husband and I decided to brave a trip to the supermarket to get protein that my doctor recommended. Which I have yet to use since I'm drinking Ensure every day. It was so funny, if I could have laughed I would have. People would either get wide eyed and then look away really quick or look at Brian like he did something do me.

I don't really remember how I was feeling but just 4 days after surgery I went to the store so I was proud.

Day 3 Post Op

Sunday was day 3 and I woke up in a regular room. My doctor came to see me and we talked about going home. Since it took over an hour to get my pain meds that morning and other problems we had, I asked the doctor if I could go home. I felt like my husband and I could do a
better job at home. He said yes so I was so excited.

I also had an ultrasound on my arm. It had been hurting so bad since right after surgery so my doctor ordered the ultrasound just to make sure I didn't have a clot. Everything turned out okay, but my arm still hurts and I can't grip things in my right hand. My doctor thinks it's because they wrapped me very tight during the surgery. This is done to prevent clots. Which could also be why there is a bruise ring around my neck. You can kind of see it in my picture. I thought I would throw in a profile pic so you can see my new look although there is still a lot of swelling. This day probably had the most swelling of all.

Once I got in the car, we rolled down the windows so I could get some fresh air. The drive was easy and I even took a quick shower when I got home. I made my husband stand there because I read on other blogs that some people had passed out in the shower.

I also weighed myself before the shower. I lost 5 pounds. Once I was done in the shower, my husband helped me set up in the recliner we put in our bedroom. I spent the rest of the day watching tv. I managed to eat some potato soup pureed in our new Ninja, cream of chicken soup and ensure. I did have a few pain moments but I used infant tylenol in between pain meds which helped. I slept a few hours on and off.

Feeling much better and my husband is taking great care of me. I do miss my kids but I know they are having fun with their grandparents.

Things I couldn't live without at home on day 3 were humidifier, vicks plug in, nose spray, towels to help with drool especially when eating, syringes I bought at Pet Smart. I use the larger one for water to make sure I stay hydrated.

Day 2 Post Op

Saturday was post op day 2. It was the worst day I have so far. I hadn't slept since the surgery because I was in the ICU. You have to leave your door open and you can't have visitors at night so my husband couldn't stay with me. I was SO stopped up from my surgery ( I had a turbinectomy too) that I couldn't sleep. I felt like I had the flu. My doctor said they did so many unnatural things to my sinuses that they just have to heal and that eventually I will pass a clot that is in there so that will help my breathing issues. Honestly, not being able to breathe has been the hardest part of my recovery. I kind of lost it that day and gave the nurses some trouble. I was just so frustrated that they couldn't do anything to help my breathing. One nurse said what do you want me to do? It was 3 am and I looked at her like I will tell you what you can do! I took so much medicine to help me breathe I got nauseous but was able to take an hour nap. After the nap I felt much better and spent the afternoon watching football with my husband. I was even able to get down some ensure. I had been living on water and an iv at this point.

One unusual thing is that my surgeon removed my bands so I could breathe easier. He said the plates were holding my jaws in the right place and once I was able to get out of the hospital, he would put the bands back in. I told I was worried about messing the whole thing up but he said it would be fine. Looking back I think we was worried about my oxygen levels and my fluid intake.

Later in the day I felt so much better I was moved to a regular room. So what started off as the worst day ended up pretty good.

One thing I have to say to those about to have the surgery, this may sound bad but it only lasted for a short time and I kept telling myself it's only temporary which seemed to help. I also brought my ipod loaded with positive songs to help me put things in perspective. Day 3 post op was dramatically better.

Post Op Day 0 and Day 1...

Post Op Day O

The Good- It's over. I survived. I'm now on the road to recovery.

The Bad- Asking for nose spray and not getting until 5 hours later. Nurses who no nothing about jaw surgery recovery.

The Ugly- Waking up was horrible. Not going to lie. I couldn't breathe, my throat hurt and I was extremely nauseated. It also took me several hours to truly wake up. Once I did I felt pretty good. That's when we took some pictures. No real jaw pain, just stuffy and throat dry and sore.

Tools used: Dry erase board, syringe.



Post Op Day 1

The Good- No more nausea. And I actually made a lap in the critical care unit. After a failed attempt and some tears earlier today, it felt good!

The Bad- Did I mention nurses that don't know about jaw surgery. They are very nice though and are trying their best. The x-ray techs are vicious. They kept trying to push my face into the x-ray machine and even though I can only mumble they got the idea of how pissed I was and backed off.

The Ugly- It's all in the pictures. The swelling, swelling and more swelling. And check out my fish lips! I am having trouble swallowing. I actually tried to take some Ensure but because my throat is swollen from the tube, it kept getting caught which made me not be able to breathe.

Tools used: Hand held mirror to help me guide the syringe, towel to mop up the drool, suction for the blood I was coughing up in the early morning, dry erase board, q-tips with hydrogen peroxide to clean out nostrils.

Questions for the Surgeon...

Here are the questions I asked my surgeon. I did my best to remember what he said.

1. How long will my surgery be? app. 6 hours

2. How long on liquids? I think he said at least a week and then we will see how you're doing.

3. Worried about being able to breathe with my allergies. And I freaked out when I woke up after sinus surgery, is there anything we can do to help this? You will feel really stuffy for the first 24 hours. But we will monitor that and the nurses will be there to help. We can give you something to relax you but don't worry if you freak out. Recovery room nurses will tell you it's like an insane asylum sometimes.

4. Will I have visible incisions? Yes small ones on either side. Will look like zits and then fade away.

5. Will I throw up? Maybe. We will give you medication for this. If you feel nauseated for some time you will probably throw up. It comes on gradually not all of a sudden. But don't worry just let it come out. We will also put a tube down your stomach to empty it before you wake up. This should help as well.

6. When can I exercise again? Light walking after 1 week but running or cardio at least a month if not longer.

7. How long in hospital? A couple of days.

8. How to keep teeth clean? A baby toothbrush will help at the beginning. You won't be able to get it really clean and with the splint it will be gross.

9. On some blogs, people recommend liquid B12, Bromelain and an iron supplement. Can I take those? Sure, they won't interfere with your medication. I don't think you need an iron supplement because your blood tests were excellent.

10. Wired or bands? Bands and you will be able to open a little bit.

11. How long before I get feeling back in my face? It depends. Some people start to get feeling back right away. Some may take weeks, 6 months or even a year.

12. What should my husband watch for and when should he call you? Elevated fever, signs of infection like pus and especially if there is bright red blood coming out of your nose I need to know right away. You will have some rusty red blood but if it's bright red, call me.

13. Do I need to floss and rinse before? Yes, clean as good as you can.

Stress...

So only two days to go! I can't believe it's already here. About 15 months ago I saw the surgeon for the first time. And 7 months ago I got my braces.

A lot has happened since my last post so I will do my best to catch you all (or Brian, my only follower at this point) up. This past Friday I saw my surgeon for my final measurements and models. I was told earlier I would be able to ask all my questions during the appt so my husband missed work to come with me. Luckily my Mother-in-law was in town for a teacher's conference so she watched the kids in the morning. When we went back to the exam room I was told today would NOT be the day I would get to ask questions. So Brian left. I have had trouble with miscommunication in that office before, like when they forgot to send my models to my insurance, so I was irritated.

We went on with the appt and when it was over they said I could head over to the hospital to do all my pre op paperwork and testing. I called earlier in the week to make sure I didn't need to schedule an appt for pre op and the same girl said no I could just show up. She was wrong and the hospital told me they should know better. I called to make an appt while waiting at the hospital and the only one I could get was that afternoon during my son's nap time and then the time I would have to pick up my daughter from school. So my Mother-in-law missed the last day of her workshop to help me out. But this all could have been avoided if I was given the right information by my surgeon's office. I was tired, stressed and mad at this point. Then the testing took 2 hours. I was so exhausted at the end of the day. But I got everything done.

I had to schedule another appt with my surgeon to ask my questions and they seemed irritated that it took work to find an appt to fit in my schedule. Well ladies, I was ready and had childcare on Friday. Whew! Like I need any additional stress. Anyway, saw the surgeon yesterday (with two sick kids I might add) and asked all my questions. I will list them on another post for you.

2 DAYS!

Ice Pack

For those of you who want a ice wrap made for your jaw and don't want to deal with zip n squeeze try www.coolrelief.net. I ordered their jaw wrap on Sunday night and it arrived today, Wednesday. I will let you know if it works.

15 days and counting!

So this morning I picked up a few things to prepare for the surgery. So far I have:

1. Cold pack made for jaw - bought online
2. Dry erase board
3. Liquid B12
4. New comfy pillow
5. Humidifier


My Mom is making me a care package with a new blender either a Magic Bullet or Ninja, infant tylenol, pjs, aquaphor and I can't remember what else.

I'm also working on letters to send to school with the kids so their teachers know what's going on. And notes for my Mom so she knows our schedule, what to pack in backpacks and lunches, etc.

I'm also making a list of songs to put on my mp3 that are calming and positive. Because when I woke up from sinus surgery I felt like I couldn't breathe and freaked out a little. Hopefully having some good music will help me through the frustration that comes with having your jaws wired. If anyone has any ideas on good songs, let me know.

I thought I would be excited at this point but really I'm just worried about what's going to happen when I wake up. Because I had a bad experience before with sinus surgery. And what I'm going to look like after.

Okay, off to put the heating pad on my face. It's been a long day. 17 days to go!

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween! Yesterday we put the finishing touches on our Halloween decorations while listening to Texas Tech vs A&M football game. The weather was beautiful. And only in Texas can your daughter put her swimsuit on and wash the car at the end of October.

Our beloved Red Raiders lost and I have a lot of say about that, thank you Craig James and Tommy Tuberville. At least we still have hope with the Rangers!

But on the bright side I was able to fit in my skinny jeans! I was even able to fit into clothes I wore before having two kids! I've been working so hard, it was great to finally see some results.

So I'm working on my stuff I need to buy before surgery list. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My Mom is lending me a recliner. The treadmill is going away to make room. It's not like I will be able to use it anyway. Also on my list are humidifier, aquaphor, infant tylenol, baby toothbrush, new blender, better pillows, ice pack, etc.

My Insurance

Well, I heard back from the insurance company and they approved coverage! I was so excited I raced on over to my surgeon's office to pick up the new bill. It was still very, very high. Just for the surgeon's fee. Although I was no longer excited I was thankful they covered at least some of the cost. But all jaw surgeon's are out-of-network so that is why it's so high. Hopefully the hospital stay will be counted as in-network and won't add too much. Oh and not to mention the anesthesiologist. At least they covered some of it. And they even covered part of the chin job which most insurance companies don't. I give the credit to my doctor's office. And I'm thankful to my Mom who is helping us out with the cost.

Off to my sons PJ Boo Party at our Church. Have a great day and Happy Halloween!

Countdown...

I went to my ortho today to change out my bands because my 4 year old daughter commented on how pretty and golden my teeth were. Lovely. =) They suggested I get the light silver bands instead of the clear and they look pretty good. No more golden smile!

4 weeks from tomorrow I will be having my surgery. Scheduling the date just made it more real. Now I'm focusing on reading blogs, making lists, etc. The hardest part is arranging care for my kids. I feel guilty that I'm sending them to their Mimi's for an entire week and over the Thanksgiving holiday. But I feel like having them here would make my recovery difficult. It will be hardest on my 18 month old because he won't understand and no one will do things like Mommy. But we do have we have to do.

Still waiting to hear back from the insurance company. Should hear something soon. Wish me luck!

My Name is Christi...I'm 31...And I Have Braces...

Braces at any age aren't fun. Braces when you are a Mom of 2 just seem wrong. I chose the clear brackets and clear bands so it's not that obvious. But I do love coffee so I have a feeling my bands won't stay clear for long.

The first day was rough, I was up through the night with pain in my teeth and jaw. And I had to get up at 4:50 to make it to 5:30 a.m. boot camp (workout). Since I have the clear braces they don't rub as bad so haven't really had to use wax yet.

They scheduled my next appt in 6 weeks so probably won't have any new news until then.

Oh, sleep study was done and no sleep apnea. Hooray! If I had it insurance would definitely cover the surgery. I worry about the insurance. My husband is in the process of getting a new job so we are waiting to hear on that. I would hate to go through all of this and not be able to have the surgery. We will see...

So it begins...

It has already been a journey and I have yet to get my braces. I guess it all started when I got my braces off my freshman year in high school. Sixteen years ago to be exact. My Mom told my ortho at the time that I looked different after braces. And he said, yeah your daughter should of had jaw surgery first. If you do it now, I will put the braces back on for free. My Mom was not interested in having him redo anything so she said no and I went on with my life. I dealt with it, turning to the side and sticking my chin out in pictures and accepting my face. I had jaw pain occasionally but nothing I couldn't handle.

Cut to 16 years, post college, one marriage, several jobs and two kids later. After my second child I started experiencing ear and jaw pain every day. It soon became constant. I went to a clinic and they said I had ear infections. To make a long story a little shorter, I didn't have ear infections and saw a head, neck and face pain doctor. I got a referral to a surgeon and the rest is history.

I have a team of doctors working on my case. A surgeon, an ortho, a massage therapist, an ENT and my dentist. It took 6 months for a treatment plan but here it goes..

2 months of massage therapy and a sleep study to confirm their suspicions of sleep apnea. Then braces for 4 months and then surgery. I'm not the kind of person who likes waiting so it's killing me. But I only want to do this once so I'm going to do what they ask and hope for the best.