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.