5 Weeks Postop

Still feeling good. A lot of people have told me I look back to normal, which is awesome! Still have a little of the same swelling. My nose also feels stiff in the middle if that makes sense. If I blow my nose, I really can't move it side to side.

 

Nothing new to report. Still starving and can't wait to eat. Phil said I need to drink more water so I have been. It's helping but I really want some carbs!!

 

 

Four Weeks Post Op

 

So Thursday March 10th was four weeks. I was supposed to have an appointment with my surgeon the 9th and I got a call that he was sick and we would have to reschedule. They snuck me in early Friday the 10th. He took a look and said everything was settling well and to come back in two weeks. It was my easiest appointment! Hopefully I am cleared to eat the next appointment. I asked the resident about the drain holes on my chin because they hardened up. He said most likely they are permanent, but I can try to massage them to break up the scar tissue. I also found out I've had the lightest rubber bands on this whole time which surprised me.

 

I didn't ask, but I was supposed to be able to blow my nose by week four. My nose is a little stiff still, doesn't really bend side to side. I did some light blowing, but I was still cautious. 

 

I am really starving some days which is awful. I can't wait to eat again. I am yawning like crazy too, I am sure since I am back to work, and no more naps :).

 

My Grandfather is sick in Florida, and I asked if I could go visit. I got the okay! The surgeon said that if people have fluid in their ears after surgery, it can be painful to fly, but I should be okay. My fight went great and I had a really nice visit. I met up with my Dad and got to spend some time with him.

 

The weather was gorgeous. Hot, with a nice cool breeze. Very sunny. It was warme than Houston which surprised me. I even got to try out a few yoga poses, and yikes, my balance is not what it used to be!

 

I feel really good. My jaw feels 100%. I still have some swelling in my right cheek and chin. Still have the numbness in my chin. But other than that I am so happy with my results :). I would definitely do it again.

Comparison Photos

My bite is hugely different and I am loving it!!

 

Here is the progression of swelling up until week four. I think it is 90% back to normal at this point. My right cheek has a little bit of swelling, a tiny bit in my Chin, chin and gums are still numb. But my jaw feels good and back to normal. It is so nice having it in place and not having a strained feeling from my open bite. 

 

 

Day 17

Had a busy day today, ran a lot of errands with Phil. We were gone a full five hours and I did pretty well. I wasn't too tired when I got home and I wasn't dying for a nap! 

Day 16

I got dressed up today! Makeup and all. It felt good. I am so used to being lazy and not doing anything!

 

We went in the morning downstairs to visit a couple of our neighbors for a bit. Then we had a baseball game with Phil's coworkers to go to. I was a little nervous how my energy would be. I did pretty good. I didn't have any beer which made me sad, but it was a nice day and nice to be outside. 

 

After the baseball game, we came home and got ready again. We ended up going to the rodeo cookoff that night. We brought a friend and although I couldn't eat or drink, it was fun to spend time outside the house. I was out for a couple more hours, but by about 9 I was pretty tired. We got home by 10 and I was ready for bed!! I slept so well. It was a busy day but I am glad I was able to handle it. 

 

 

Here is a picture of the yummy hog I could not eat.

 

Phil and my friend wanted to go on a ride, and tried to get me, but no way. I don't like rides in normal shape, but after surgery, that's an extra big no. So I held their stuff and took some pictures.

 

Day 15

 

Had my second follow up visit today! Bite still looks really good. I asked if it was still normal to have a lot of swelling, and yes it is. I also mentioned that I noticed my gums were numb after I tried to floss, and this is normal too! My stitches all have come out I believe so I confirmed that was okay as well.

 

My front teeth have been in pain so they switched my rubber bands for me. They thought maybe there was too much pressure on them. Unfortunately because of this pain, I had to ask for some more pain meds. I was trying to just take ibuprofen but it was not helping. The dr told me I can take three ibuprofen at a time, and take some Pepcid in case it upsets my stomach. 

 

I go back in two weeks. It makes me a little nervous to go that long without seeing the dr. What happens if something goes wrong and I don't know it :).

Day 14-Two Weeks Postop

Two weeks Postop! The swelling looks pretty good. I have more and more energy every day. I have been spring cleaning and reducing what we have. I also am going through all my photos to see what can be digitized. Nothing too exciting at this point.