Day 4

Some of the worst swelling yet. I'm going to be honest, yesterday and today were my worst days. Lots of pain, tiredness, and swelling. The swelling hurts just as much as the jaw pain. My cheeks hurt like someone is pinching them. I woke up several times in the night needing my medicine and thankful both times it was time for it. I just had to get my mind off of it until it kicked in. Taking ibuprofen along with the pain medicine is definitely helping. I am taking the ibuprofen as soon as I can take another dose.

 

My face is very dry. I am using some moisturizer, but very little and only on the flaky spots. My lips are still chapped. I am using Carmex and it is helping a lot. 

 

I had read a lot that icing is only good for the first three days, and after that doesn't help. So I stopped. I spoke with a friend who had jaw surgery before and she said she iced the whole time and it should still help. So I started icing again. Even if it does not help with swelling, it feels so nice. It makes me feel better. So I have been icing during the day and night. 

 

I am trying to start drinking from a cup. I have to be careful because of the numbness and can't do it all the time, but I am practicing. I only had ensure all day. Phil's Mom wants to make me soups and smoothies, but the Ensure is so easy. It is very filling too. And I know I am getting my vitamins for healing. I really don't have the energy to eat anything else or put in the effort. I can drink my ensure and water without a mirror.

 

My Dr said I needed 1800 calories per day, or about 7 Carnation drinks. There is no way. I forced myself to have 4 today. I feel a little queasy afterwards from being too full after having one. But I know I need the nutrients. They are pretty tasty. I don't have much of an apetite-but I am trying! Phil's Mom keeps asking me what I want to eat and I feel bad-but I really don't want anything. Just the Ensure for now. She did get me some baby food fruits and I had one. It was pretty good and nice to have something sweet.