2 months and a week post op.

Oooopsies... I've fallen behind on the blog-thing.  I think I'll stick to monthly updates from now on, as there isn't a lot happening in recovery-land these days.  Swelling is down a bit more (other people say this but I don't notice it one day to the next).  The feeling is almost totally restored - but just the sensation - not the same "type" of feeling yet.  In other words, if I touch my chin and lips I can feel it, but it doesn't feel like it used to.   Whatever - at least I can feel it.  

I can open almost to two fingers now... but it's a stretch.  The bumpy jawline is starting to go away too.  I can still see my cheeks if I look down (never used to).  I don't have to wear my elastics now either (according to my surgeon), but I wear them at night anyway (until I get the all-clear from my orthodontist too). 

My gums... let's just say it is very important to keep up the waterpic, the flossing, the little tiny "brushy" thing (you know what I'm talking about) that goes between your braces under the wire, and MOST of all... LISTERINE.  I forgot about the listerine.  :(  Regret.  Let this be a lesson that I learned for you... don't ask me for details.

I will post again around May 12 (the 3 month mark), and do monthly updates from then on.  

p.s. Ortho-man says the braces can come off in September (we'll see...).  

Week 8: April 2 to April 8th

Hey everyone ...  Nothing new to report...  More feeling in my chin.  Still getting weird sensations.  Still getting the "Carbonite Han Solo Face" once in a while.  My lips kind of disappear now and then (which is awesome in an "opposite meaning" kind of way).  

Now and then I can't say "B" sounds or "F" sounds and stuff.   Meh.  I can eat anything cut up (except microwaved chicken apparently), and can open as wide as a thumb.  

I would rather be in the Bahamas.  Let's just say that.

pre-op "head on" photo

As requested:

This is about 4 years old, but...

Me & my niece, Hannah!

Week 7: March 26 to April 1st

The feeling is starting to come back!!!  The feeling is starting to come back!!!  FINALLY.   Day 45. There are some weird one to two second long "pains" that happen in my chin a few times a day. I can feel light touch on my chin and everywhere else except the right half of my lower lip. My teeth hurt.  It actually feels like I have a cavity, but I saw my dentist and he said "probably not".  I still can't open my jaw more than a finger's width.   Also, when I touch my lower left lip, my bottom front teeth feel like I'm biting into tin foil.  Fun!

Other than that, I still have a lot of stiffness.  I'm not taking anti-inflammatory / pain meds because I didn't feel that they made any difference at all.  I thought about renewing the Rx, but decided not to.  What for?  

My smile is starting to look a bit normal too.  I actually liked being in public today.  Apart from the elastic-fang-teeth, I think I'm starting to look a little more like my formerly deflated faced self.  But not completely.  It'll be nice to do the 6 month comparison.  I'll keep you posted.

Oh, and I would just like to add how much I LOVE my waterpick.  Kisses, waterpick!!!  

Week 5 - March 12 to 18th.

No changes...  Had my 3rd follow up with Surgery Man.  He replaced my elastics because I can't yet do it myself.   I asked where I could get those grippers, and he said they're very expensive, so...  I also got a Rx for an anti-inflammatory / pain med because of my ridiculously stiff face. Apparently blowing one's nose can really puff the face up.  Noted.  

Other than that, the weight is still down 15lbs...  Blazers don't fit me anymore... My coats are too big...  Everything about me is shrinking except for my huge lollipop head.   I also really love how these elastics hanging of my canines make me look like a vampire.  I am so sexy.  Like siren-level sexy.  Can't wait to go back to work on Monday.

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March 16th update: 

I finally had to put my elastics on myself.  One shredded and the other broke, so I was forced to do it. Not hard really - took about 10 minutes for the first one - 5 for the second.  The swelling is going down a teensy bit more also, so that helps.  I feel a teensy bit less stiff.  But not much.  As for feeling in my face, it's slooooowly coming.   I'm eating almost anything now... but I feel like I'm an ant standing at the base of a giant cupcake to tell you the truth - this tiny opening in my mouth is so small. Everything is cut up into pieces the size of a stick of gum or something.

Week 4 - Mar 5 to 11th.

Sort of a smile...with about 1/4 of my teeth.

Okay. Han Solo face day appears to have been caused by getting my elastics on. It really bummed me out. I keep expecting each day to be "better than the last" - and instead it's kind of a roller coaster of ups and downs. My chin by the way, is shiny because of some lip ointment

to help with irritation.

Nights are easier - the mouth not quite so dry through the night. Sleeping is nice and peaceful. Still adjusting to the numbness and stiffness. Still drooling periodically, but I eventually get it. I haven't yet taken off the elastics - I wasn't able to put them on myself (overlapping at first just to see). If they break, then I'll have a challenge ahead of me. I could care less anyway - after the jaw locking a while ago, I have no trouble getting tiny bits of food at a time into me over the course of an hour. Last night I even had a piece of shrimp tempura and a piece of sushi (it took an hour and I soaked it in soya sauce & cut it up until most of it fit between the tines on my fork, but I did it). Also bought some lasagna & cheesecake today and did the same. Bought sensodyne for the teeth, too. Teeth don't feel as cold now.

So, overall, the last 2 days have been okay. I'm coming to terms with the swelling. Not liking the "bumpy" look where the lower jaw was cut, but we'll see where that goes. Getting my hair done today helped. My stylist was awesome and made sure I got my favourite girl to do the wash & dry. Ahhhhhhh. Sigh.

Day 21. How I feel today.

Carbonite.  

Stone face.