My Dad "Scary Terminator Stuff"

I requested from my surgeon the cool 3-D x-rays he took a couple weeks ago. They are pretty amazing so I thought you all would get a kick out of them. The Dr. said everything looked fantastic and I don't need to see him for another two months :) Now just concentrating on finishing up the braces part of this journey. I probably have another four - six months until all is said and done. So here's the x-rays :)

It's Been Awhile

I think this blog will be coming to an end very soon. I'm almost at week 9 of my recovery and it's gone splendidly so far. In the last couple of weeks I've been able to eat a lot more solid foods. I'm still quite fond of scrambled eggs and cottage cheese mainly because it's delicious but also super easy! I've also kept up my Ensure consumption usually in the mornings mixed with protein powder and coffee. I don't know how I'm not disgusted by it yet but it's tasty! I'm slowly beginning to chew more things which feels so weird. I'm having to relearn how to eat at 29! Crazy! Actually just today I made some eggs, black beans, red peppers, basil and goat cheese mixed together and I wrapped them in corn tortillas. I thought I'd try to bite into them and it worked :) My jaw hurts a bit now but it's worth it!

Brad and I were in Boston last weekend for his birthday (the big 32). I love that I'm still in my 20's I tease him all the time :) Anyway I made a point of not packing any liquid items. It was fine. We usually ate a big breakfast and of course I had an egg dish and that kept us until dinner. One night we went to his friend Josh's parents and had a  bbq. I just ate everything with a knife and fork no biggie. It was quite exciting to eat normal food. In a couple weeks we're headed to KC I can't wait to see my family! I'm not sure if they'll think I look a lot different or not. I've had some co-workers say they see a big difference and others that don't. I think I look different and probably the 20 lb weight loss contributes. Again a lovely side effect to this surgery :) It should be a ton of fun to see everyone!!

Last night Brad and I went out to dinner something I'd really missed doing since the surgery. I had Ravioli stuffed with ricotta and asparagus with a brown butter and sage sauce! To start we had polenta fries and for dessert cheesecake and of course wine! I was in heaven!! I did have to have Brad tell me when food was on my lower lip or chin because those areas are still numb. I had a few mishaps but overall it was a success! We actually went to the same place that we took my mom the day before she left. I remember I didn't have such a good time. I couldn't even drink out of the water glass. So it is amazing how six weeks later good as new...almost.

I've been back at work for three weeks and I think with the amount of talking I've done that's helped my jaw muscles a lot! I've also felt the most pain since my surgery with all the talking. I guess the more I'm using it the more pain but nothing out of control just pings here and there. My left side of my jaw also likes to swell up for some reason every now and again. My right side has been perfectly fine. I head back to the surgeon tomorrow so I'll have to ask him about that. My chief complaint is that my face feels frozen. I can talk with no problems but it's almost like I got shot up with botox all along my jaw. It's just real stiff (good for wrinkles I guess:). So I will also be chatting with the Dr. to see how long this is supposed to last. Overall I've felt really good and honestly I think I can safely say I'm happy I had the surgery done. It's amazing to see my bite in it's proper place. Now I just need the metal off my teeth! I have high hopes they'll be off by Christmas! But as long as they're off by Feb. 11th 2012 I'll be fine. I refuse to go into my 30's with these things still on.


Here's the latest photo and a side shot! Pardon the hair I'm getting it done this week. It's been way too long!!! I have some major two tones happening. I can't say when the next post will be. I still have to get some x-ray pictures to show you the before and after and all the screws! I'll try to see if I can get them emailed to me when I see the Dr. tomorrow. Hope everyone is well!!

                                                 

First Week Of Work Successful!

Well I completed my work week. I'm quite happy it's Friday. Work was great and I loved seeing all my co-workers and clients. I will admit as the days went by all the talking I was doing took its toll on my jaw. Monday was the most challenging because I still had my splint aka mouth guard like contraption in my mouth. So I really struggled to talk clearly. Phone conversations were particularly difficult but I made it through. And on Monday afternoon the kind doctor removed my splint!!!!! I thought it may hurt taking it out because it was wired to my braces but it wasn't bad. I was just super flinchy expecting each time he clipped a wire for it to hurt. They took another x-ray and things still look great :) Next appointment will be in two weeks. Anyway the rest of the week I could talk really well. I'm almost back to normal. But by the end of the day my jaw ached like crazy and felt like stone. I hope the stiffness will go away soon as it's not the most comfortable.

This coming Monday I venture back to the Orthodontist. She will be replacing my current archwires with the surgical hooks  attached to them for new wires. I think that will please my mouth a lot. The hooks are not my friends and they continue to dig into my lips. No me gusta!! (that's the extent of my Spanish speaking skills :).

The surgeon said I will be on a soft food diet for another month or two so my new favorite meal is scrambled eggs and cottage cheese mixed together. It's actually really delicious, I suggest you try it sometime.  I would prefer a sausage, egg and cheese sandwich buy hey it is what it is. Brad and I are going to a Mets game tomorrow and I'm wondering what ballpark food I can attempt to consume. Hotdogs and cracker jacks are out. I'm thinking maybe french fries and beer. We'll see but I'm determined to eat something.

Here's the latest photo.  I also wanted to upload a pre-surgery and post-surgery profile picture as it's a big difference. Sorry they're not both the same side but these were already on my camera and I didn't want to take more but you get the idea. I've always hated my profile and I'm definitely pleased with how the surgery has improved it.  Have a great weekend everyone! Look for another post next week.

Pre-Surgery

Post Surgery

   

Back to work on Monday!

My lazy days will soon be over. Monday I head back to work. I'm actually excited to go back. I miss all the wonderful people I work with and the clients! I am a little nervous as I'm still not speaking that clearly. I'm understandable but not quite where I would like to be. I also hope I won't be in too much pain because the more I talk the achier my jaw becomes. I have no doubt next week will be trying! I should be getting the splint out late afternoon on Monday so I hope that will help clear things up!

I went to the Orthodontist on Wednesday. Her and her staff are so lovely. We really just chatted about the surgery and she said she saw a huge difference from just looking at me. She took a quick look at my teeth and said things looked great. Once the splint is out I'll go back to her and she'll replace my surgical strength wires (which have the dreaded hooks on them) to lighter wires. I hope to get back in to see her this coming week if not the following.

Yesterday I successfully and without much difficulty ate a scrambled egg. I've been getting much better at drinking from a cup and not spilling all over myself. Both of these things are highly exciting! They say around 8 weeks post op people start to feel fairly normal again. I'm just over 5 weeks so I'm getting close.  We'll be in Boston in two weeks for Brad's birthday and I hope to not have to pack my Ensure but we will see.

I'll probably only be posting once a week or so from here on out as there's really not any daily changes happening. With those weekly posts I will be sure to add an updated picture! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend :)

Picture Entry

I was looking through my pictures of the last few weeks and was pretty amazed to see how far I've come. So I thought I'd repost some pictures from day one through today. It's the best part of blogs anyway! Caution not the prettiest but just the way it is! Oh and I'll post about the orthodontist appointment tomorrow as it's later this afternoon.

                                           Blissfully unaware of what laid ahead of me........

                        Day after surgery, feeling pretty miserable after puking up blood.

      First day home. Feeling refreshed after a shower even though I don't look like it!

             My nurse (mom) and me with my bandage accessory looking mighty fine.

                                               Bandage off, one week post op!

                                                            My lovely mom!

                                      My other caregiver :) Best husband ever!!!

                       Double chin city & breakouts galore about 2 weeks post op!!!

                                           Getting better almost 4 weeks post op.

This is the best I can smile (needs some work). 5 weeks post op a definite improvement!

Day 35

I hope everyone had a lovely 4th of July holiday! Mine was spent hotdogless and hamburgerless. I had a small pity party for myself and then I got over it. No doubt I saved some major calories so that's a plus. Brad and I did venture out to view our local fireworks and he learned something new about me. I really don't care for fireworks. As a kid I hated fireworks they were too loud and scary and they made me cry. So my parents would end up leaving me with my Aunt and Grandma. I have out grown the need to cry at fireworks but something is still unnerving about them. I know it's weird. I do have to say our little town put on a pretty good display. So that was my 4th of July, foodless and fireworks. Next year I'm entering the Coney Island hot dog eating contest to make up for the lack of food this year :) They've added a women's division!

I thought my orthodontist appointment was today but as it turns out it's tomorrow. Frustrating because with my busy schedule these days it's really hard to rearrange things :). So I'll have to report on that tomorrow stay tuned. The last couple of days I've managed to cram in a scrambled egg and a few tablespoons of cottage cheese. I find it's almost not worth the hassle and would prefer to just drink my food because the effort it takes to eat so little drives me up a wall! I know it's important for my jaw muscles to regain strength so each day I will eat some form of soft food to please my surgeon.

I've been feeling pretty good lately. My swelling has gone down.  I'll get a picture up tomorrow I promise. The latest annoyance is my lips. They're really tight and stiff. I probably haven't been aware of them until now due to the previous numbness. I imagine it's due to the remaining swelling but I'm not sure. They did incur a lot of damage during the surgery so they could just need more time to heal. . I've stopped using the bowl under my chin while I drink. I've replaced it with a paper towel but hopefully I can stop that soon too. I was thinking to myself yesterday it's almost like I have to relearn how to drink and eat. I hadn't realized this came along with the surgery.  Craziness!

Day 31

Not much new to report on the jaw front. I do seem to be regaining more and more sensation in my face. The only completely numb areas are my chin, right under my nose and the right side of my bottom lip. The tingling with some sharp shooting pains throughout my face are persisting so the little nerves are putting up a fight to come back. My swelling continues to go down but doesn't want to disappear completely and likes to fluctuate especially in my cheeks and under my chin. Talking is improving but I continue to sound like I have marbles in my mouth. Liquids are still the mainstay of my diet with an occasional attempt at some eggs.  Next Tuesday I head to the orthodontist. She won't be able to do too much but just wants to take a look to see what the next step will be once the splint comes out. That's about it. My next post will most likely be on the 5th after my ortho visit unless something really exciting happens before then.  I hope everyone has a fantastic Fourth of July!! Eat a cheeseburger for me :)

One Month Today!

Today I've reached the one month mark post surgery. I have to say it feels like it's been a lot longer than that. There have been some days I would think to myself am I ever going to get back to normal. I still sometimes think that but when I reflect back to June 1st I know I've come a long way it's just been a slow process. I thought I'd post some milestones that have happened in the last month to remind me there's light at the end of the tunnel.

1. Graduating from the syringe to a big girl cup.
2. Being able to go on a walk without being completely drained afterwards.
3. No more writing on a piece of paper to communicate. Being able to talk is highly underrated and something I will never take for granted again.
4. Sleeping more than a couple hours at a time.
5. Looking less like the Michelin Man and more like myself!

I think in another month I will be able to add a lot more to this list!!

I did attempt to eat a hard boiled egg last night. I managed to eat the yolk part the egg white was to rubbery. It took me awhile but I did it. I can't say it was an enjoyable eating experience but it's a start. I think my next goal besides eating more soft foods is to focus on not spilling when I'm drinking from a cup. It's like I have a hole in my lip I can't figure out what the problem is and it's getting on my nerves. I certainly can't go to happy hour with the girls and bring along a bowl to hold under my chin. I may get some stares :)

I am also happy to report I've been having a couple daily phone conversations with my family. I think that's helping me with my enunciation. It's still a struggle but I'm getting there! Lastly I just want to thank everyone who's sent me a card, flowers, gifts, text messages or said a prayer I really appreciate it! You've all helped me get through a rough month so thank you!!! :) :) :) Love you all!

The Hooks!

It seems with more progress comes pain. I had about 20 surgical hooks that were attached to my braces before surgery where the rubber bands were placed to secure my jaw. I actually only have two rubber bands one on each side. Unfortunately they can't predict how many they need so I have a lot of unnecessary hooks. As I've been able to open my jaw wider and begin to talk more the hooks have started to dig into my lips. It's super uncomfortable. I do have wax from the orthodontist but since I eat every two hours and have to brush my teeth each time putting wax on all of the hooks seems pointless. I hope that my lips will adjust and toughen up in the near future!! I see the orthodontist next week. She probably won't be able to do anything since I have the splint in so it will be more of a planning visit. Once she's able to remove the arch wire and replace it the hooks will be removed. I'm guessing in about a month.

Today I made the mistake of not blending my smoothie up to the proper consistency. I added grapes to the smoothie and realized once I started to drink it there were chunks not blended. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to get all the bits and pieces out not fun!! I imagine I still have chunks stuck in the back. Brad was away for work yesterday but will be home tonight so I think I'm going to take the rubber bands off and try to eat an egg again. It's a little pathetic that I need his supervision in case of a choking incident but I really don't want to be featured on that show "1,000 ways to die". I don't think I want to go out because of an egg :)

I'm realizing that I can occupy myself for about eight hours during the day. I wake up around 8am drink my Ensure coffee cocktail while I enjoy the Today show. Although I am missing Meredith since she left. I'm not sure Anne is cutting it but I love Matt!! Then I head out for my walk for about 30 minutes come back take a shower and watch Rachel Ray and then The View or Dr. Oz. Somewhere in between I enjoy another beverage. Then at noon I eat again and update my blog check all the facebook happenings and the msn homepage for news updates. This brings me to around 2pm. From 2pm - 6pm I just kind of wander around. This is where it would be helpful if I was an arts and crafts person. I do read and have read a couple books the past few weeks so I should probably get another book. I imagine I won't have this much time on my hands until I'm really old so I guess I just need to enjoy all this freedom because it will be a long time before I get this again. Although Brad does joke that we've hired a cleaning lady and she works M-F (9-5pm) so apparently I shouldn't be that bored :)

I hope everyone enjoys their Tuesday!! Until tomorrow my friends.

Good Report!

Brad and I went to my surgeon today for a follow up visit. He said I've been doing a much better job at brushing he only saw a couple spots that needed improvement. I hadn't realized that some of my gums are numb until he was trying to point with a q-tip where I needed to clean more and I couldn't feel it. He thought my swelling looked great. Brad informed him I've been cursing him for the last couple of weeks thinking he gave me a double chin.........but it has steadily been decreasing so I probably owe the Dr. an apology as he warned me it would take a few weeks :) He took an x-ray and said things looked great......big sigh of relief!! He replaced my rubber bands with looser ones and told me I can take them off to eat and brush my teeth. I may hold off on that for a couple days because I think putting them back on will be a bit of a challenge! He does think I should be able to eat soft foods now so I need to keep trying. All in all a great appointment..YAY!!

I've been feeling really good the last couple of days. Talking has been easier. I go back to the Dr. in two weeks and if everything looks good I'll have the splint removed so that should help with the talking. That's the day I'm scheduled to be back to work so I may have to start a day later but we'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

Here's my updated photo (Day 27). I decided to put a little makeup on today but as you can see the swelling has definitely went down. I do want to point out that my hair in all my pictures tends to look greasy but that's because I take it right after my shower. Just wanted to make that clear :)

Worth A Shot

Last night was the soft food attempt. I scrambled one egg and smashed it up into super tiny pieces. I was feeling fairly confident I could eat it. I took my plate and fork into the bathroom so I could use the mirror to navigate the small opening I have to cram in some food. I did manage to shove a piece in but like when a baby eats it just came out. The splint and my tongue seem to be a real obstacle. Also I think I need to have my jaw open a few more millimeters. I did get one little piece down and estimated it would take around five hours to eat one egg so I opted for a coffee spiked Ensure instead. Maybe in another week I'll try it again.

I did manage to talk to my sister Kristi for a few minutes yesterday. She found my mumbles pretty hilarious but we could somewhat carry on a conversation. I think yesterday I talked the most since my surgery. By the end of the night my jaw muscles felt a lot more loose but my jaw also had more pain. And this morning when I woke up my lower jaw was pretty swollen which from what I've read is normal. Step by step I'm getting there.

The tingling, pulsing sensations seems concentrated in my chin and is quite constant. I guess it's a good thing as it seems the nerves are working overtime to come back or they're agitated not sure.

My next post will probably be on Monday morning after my appointment with the surgeon. I hope to have only good news to report!! Happy Friday everyone. Have a great weekend!!

Day 23

This morning I went on my longest walk yet. I knew it would be raining most of the day so I took advantage and headed out early to catch the cool morning breeze. My energy seems to be increasing every day which is fantastic! I've also upped my caloric intake by about 300 calories a day so I think that has helped as well.  My swelling continues to tease me...up, down, up, down. I'm waiting for the day I wake up and things will look normal for the whole day. Until then my patience continues to be tested!!

My talking has improved. I no longer write anything down. I certainly am not having lengthy conversations but I can at least be understood in brief sentences. I'm hopeful in a week or so I can have this splint taken out. I go in on Monday to see the surgeon for an x-ray so I think from that he'll be able to tell me how much longer I'll need to have it in. (original statement 5-6 weeks, Monday will almost be 4) Who knows maybe my bones will be completely fused and the bands and splint will both be removed. Highly unlikely but a girl can dream! Tonight's the night I try some soft foods. I plan on making some scrambled eggs.............delicious! If I could only add some bread, bacon and cheese I'd be in heaven :) I'll let everyone know how that goes tomorrow. As you can see I'm living a very exciting life at this moment. It's the small things people!!!

Surgery Details

Unfortunately my regular morning t.v. programming was interrupted by some unpleasant weather so I'm updating my blog a little earlier today. Like I mentioned yesterday I realized I hadn't explained what my surgery actually entailed or what it was medically labeled. So here it goes. I had three procedures done which took seven hours to complete. Definitions and pictures are courtesy of
http://www.maxfac.com/facial/jaw.html
First this is what my problem was an open bite. There was a space between my upper and lower teeth. My teeth only touched I believe on my left back side. Eventually I'll put pictures of  myself up when I can get the before and after from my surgeon or orthodontist.




1) Lefort 1 Oseotomy ( I had my top jaw cut and moved in three pieces instead of one due to my open bite my Dr. thought this would create a more stable result)

Le Fort I Osteotomy
Sensory nerves to the upper lip and cheeks are coloured blue

The Le Fort I osteotomy involves separating the maxilla and the palate from the skull above the roots of the upper teeth through an incision inside the upper lip. The maxilla is fixed in its new position with titanium screws and plates. The operation is frequently carried out with the mandibular Sagittal split osteotomy when it is termed a Bimaxillary Osteotomy. (I believe my upper jaw was moved up and a little forward).







2) Sagittal Split Osteotomy

Mandibular Sagittal Split Osteotomy
and Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)Sensory Nerves to the lower lip pass through the jaw and are coloured blue

The back of the lower jaw is split bilaterally under general anaesthetic in the region of the wisdom teeth, which are generally removed in a separate operation at least 6 months prior to corrective surgery. The procedure permits the lower jaw to be advanced or pushed back with adequate bone contact for healing. The bone is fixed in its new position by screws which are inserted through tiny external skin incisions which are located at the angle of the jaw. These heal with minimal external scarring.  (All my screws were inserted internally)

3) Genioplasty

The chin may be moved backward / forwards / upwards / downwards with an intraoral incision behind the lower lip, to correct an abnormal position. (My chin was moved forward due to the fact they had to move my jaw back, so to balance everything my chin needed to be moved forward).