tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236833552835706572024-03-05T18:52:38.117-08:00Metal Mouth with MascaraBleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-62177284061721306652014-02-24T13:32:00.003-08:002014-02-24T13:32:23.604-08:00Hi again, month 10 post op, month 27 in braces.<br />
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Hi friends. Its been awhile. The last few weeks have been interesting and heavy. Quite a bit has happened since my last post.<br />
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Most blogs and blogger friends that I've come across have usually sang praises from the highest mountains about their results and experiences with jaw surgery this far along in the process. I unfortunately cannot say the same. I've had a hard, hard, time adjusting and readjusting to my face, changes that happen daily, weekly, monthly- a face that I have now calibrated and re-calibrated to be my own changes again and again. Some handle change well, and others like myself, not so much.<br />
Im upset, disappointed, and frustrated with how things are right now- it is not at all what I had planned or anticipated for and I often find myself avoiding my face and mirrors because of it.<br />
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I know I havent updated and posted pictures of my face and that makes it harder for those who havent seen it to understand what is going on.<br />
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Long story short- I noticed something was wrong with my face at about the 4-5 month mark. The swelling that I was complaining about was actually a blessing, it gave me so much fatty, healthy, young volume! It was beautiful- and it masked ALL the underlying problems that would surface as the swelling would subside. I know everyone is eager for the swelling to go down, trust me I was too. But as it went down I saw that my jaw angles were uneven, my cheeks were uneven, my midlines were off, my teeth levels were uneven- leaving me with two different new faces instead of one looking back at me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYf1mY35Smgq_7NgD6nHpNzL1oJ5ifHFOd3wcpxrjySVfgl4OED-NIO8xMHUwl7MJ1PR0cWXN8fqWxLZInU7UJDp-HbIW7P-sP1pjYUNumgM52K9ftIVQ-htoANUiQa5gPp6F47txfUfQ/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYf1mY35Smgq_7NgD6nHpNzL1oJ5ifHFOd3wcpxrjySVfgl4OED-NIO8xMHUwl7MJ1PR0cWXN8fqWxLZInU7UJDp-HbIW7P-sP1pjYUNumgM52K9ftIVQ-htoANUiQa5gPp6F47txfUfQ/s1600/photo.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a>Back in January I was mentally spent- and emailed my surgeon (my last post) and flew out two weeks later to go meet with him. Since I usually anticipate the worst, I kinddddd of knewww what was coming but didnt quite know how to emotionally deal with hearing it outside of my head. So I meet with Dr.G and he starts looking at my bite and says "hmmmm class II".... and right THERE (in my head of course) was like AHA HERE WE GO! This wave of dread hit me and I had to restrain myself from showing it. We did some scans, took some pictures, took molds, took imprints of my bite, measured some teeth etc etc etc.... After about an hour of that, before I even got to pulling out my questions, my surgeon tells me he sees what's wrong, he knows what is going on. In my case its a number of things rather than one single thing that is throwing my whole facial balance and symmetry off. He then proceeds to explain my jaw angles are uneven due to the type of plates and that my lower jaw was pushing the plates up and out, hence causing the flaring and exaggerated jawline. One of my upper plates on the same side near my nose was starting to get pushed out and is causing some issues with volume. My chin strain was caused by a plate and he explained how the muscles wrapped themselves around the plate causing my lower lip to hang a bit below my lower teeth. My midlines were off- he said by 1-2 mm but was even more dramatic because of the slanting of my teeth, gum inflammation and variable tooth size. He then tells me the only way to correct these issues is with, of course, more surgery. He pauses and apologizes.....I pause for a minute understanding these aren't my thoughts, in my head speaking to me, this is my surgeon saying it. This is real, my greatest fear to end up lopsided happened... Instantly all my frustration, anger, resentment just seemed to tumble out of me. I burst out crying and could not stop for awhile. He then went on to explain what we could do to fix various issues. No more questions came to mind, I kind of shut down and wanted to get out of the office and be alone, I was going to follow up with him tomorrow anyways. I sped off and sat at the edge of the coast, alone, feeling resentment and hatred towards myself for having gone through this process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLHUn2ZCueIymeLnZaZLXImjpKTcquFerYwVZIKuhwH1gM75aFEjroFmxXnyZMDrahhZTTCE1MrARNpA7JJ0lDDgyenGRhjkdH3f_h-fbp9eK0RvP5T1rIYb7SERMsuvC0s7reJ8TEy9J/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLHUn2ZCueIymeLnZaZLXImjpKTcquFerYwVZIKuhwH1gM75aFEjroFmxXnyZMDrahhZTTCE1MrARNpA7JJ0lDDgyenGRhjkdH3f_h-fbp9eK0RvP5T1rIYb7SERMsuvC0s7reJ8TEy9J/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>Fast forward a few weeks later, I meet up with my ortho for my adjustment. Now I think very highly of him, and he's been open and explaining whats been going on for the duration of my treatment. But Im starting to get frustrated, as he cant seem to get my teeth where they need to be so I can get out of braces. Now for any of my adult friends in braces, feel free to read up on the medical literature of adults in prolonged braces treatment. After 24 months of being in braces, no matter how much you upkeep with cleaning and care, its too much a strain on the body to be in braces, you increase the risk of gum disease, bone loss etc etc. Now not only am I lopsided but the alarm is ticking for me to get out of braces, fast! I am not sure if he and my surgeon see eye to eye on my orthodontic treatment, I feel they do not, and at this point I dont know who to listen to anymore. He made some adjustments and said in my next appointment he would be taking off my top braces so my gums and teeth can breathe (for a weekish). I plan on getting a cleaning at that time as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1-osZoYDiozNi_FiYp5JxE3ljeOsb8aBU4LFgQg91SukxYEp6rs0Rb5dDzStutzQEgmWSvY1KO19cmR2uln9M4IMNH_0p5wk-sdO9aS_bl3P9QqKM2PBeHMKFwj3zZrxpjnFbBSXkIcY/s1600/photo+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1-osZoYDiozNi_FiYp5JxE3ljeOsb8aBU4LFgQg91SukxYEp6rs0Rb5dDzStutzQEgmWSvY1KO19cmR2uln9M4IMNH_0p5wk-sdO9aS_bl3P9QqKM2PBeHMKFwj3zZrxpjnFbBSXkIcY/s1600/photo+(1).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a>My thoughts at this point in time, are all over the place. Remorse, frustration, sadness, anger. A few more issues have surfaced to my eyes (over impacted upper jaw and lack of facial volume)...Im trying to remain sane, and hopeful that these issues will be resolved with treatment and additional surgery. Realistic expectations and reality have not lined up, ha! To be quite clear, I never signed up or expected to come out looking like a model or THIS or THAT person- I just wanted to be a much better version of me. But now I feel, I've ruined any potential for that, and we're just trying to correct things to just not look worse. A good friend who had the surgery was telling me "no one gets out of this surgery alive", and by that, meaning its never perfect. Well some people get lucky, but for most not so.<br />
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For now, Im going to be communicating more frequently to my ortho and surgeon to get out of these braces asap. Also spend more time doing my research before moving forward with anymore dicing and slicing of my face, and try to stay busy and distracted with things that matter to me. Hopefully I'll have something more upbeat to report on, but for now, this is it. Take care friends. Over and out.BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-9419689897607582982014-01-02T13:21:00.000-08:002014-01-02T13:21:03.087-08:00Its been awhile... yes I am a shitty blogger!Yes indeed it has been awhile... Happy New Years everyone!<br />
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Figured its about time I update since its been a good few months since my last post. Sorry to anyone who was waiting or looking for an update! I have not fallen off the earth nor consumed by a voracious carnivore ....yet.<br />
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Jaw update-<br />
Over the last few months, a huge amount of residual swelling has gone down and I have greater mobility with my lips. While this is very welcome news, it has revealed that I am now asymmetrical, with my left side being more pronounced in my cheek and jawline and more subdued on the right side. Now I went into surgery SYMMETRICAL so now trying to deal with this has been kind of upsetting. I've contacted my surgeons office and they've mentioned several times it is likely swelling and will take time to balance out. I figured if I stopped obsessing over it, it will go down. It looks like its not.<br />
Which to me could mean a number of things. First thought- it might be the grafting, it absorbed more so on my right side than my left hence the unevenness or possibly there was more grafting done to one side. Secondly my jaw was re positioned with an angle to ensure the condyles would sit comfortably in their new home, or I may have healed incorrectly. Who knows. Swelling takes forever to get down, and I'm the first to agree WITH this statement, but I just passed the 8 month mark and being lopsided is somewhat disheartening.<br />
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I have been taking pictures of my progress weekly/monthly- and I know some people who were following my case closely are wondering what the hell happened? Why arent you posting pictures of your face.... Well the truth is, Im not completely happy with the way things are looking right now and have been waiting for things to settle. Teeth arent positioned properly, midlines are off, there is asymmetry with my jawline and cheeks. Im probably seeing more than the average Joe would, but I see it. Its my face.<br />
<br />Just emailed my surgeon this morning with updated pictures, and he needs to see me to figure what might have caused/causing this and how to resolve it. I hope and pray its nothing serious.<br />
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To all my jaw buddies, friends reading this, I hope you are all well, healthy and much happiness is bound your way. Hope to catch up with you all soon. If anyone has any specific questions drop me a message/email down below.<br />
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Be well.<br />
xxBleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-66284106147390622892013-08-15T18:59:00.001-07:002013-08-15T18:59:43.513-07:00Telogen Effluvium.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So Telogen Effluvium, thats whats going on! Getting ready to hit the month 4 mark... and I've noticed my hair is shedding, <b>ridiculously </b>shedding. Anytime I run my fingers through my hair or even with a comb, I feel like dozens upon dozens of strands are falling straight from the follicle...My inner feline, in a bad way, is starting to make her debut, I am getting alarmed... </span><br />
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I did a little bit of research the other night and it appears to be a common occurrence after a stressful event such as surgery, pregnancy etc. Apparently my body was holding on to every possible nutrient and such for several months. My nails for example, well I had nails for the first time EVER it was like one of those ads for healthy nails, and my hair was ridiculously thick. I cant complain but now nails are pretty much back to their old ways, breaking with more ease and hair is falling fast... It also might have something to do with a med that I started 2-3 weeks ago, its called Feldene, an anti inflammatory for the crunching going on in my left joint (long story)-- Who knows but if you're experiencing a lot of hair loss and such post op, turns out you're in the norm. In a few months hopefully things will cycle back to normal and I wont be shedding like a cat... It seems women are prone to acne and some hair loss post op, hopefully that is it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another fun jaw surgery fact brought to you by your balding jaw buddy! haha.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.anesthesia-analgesia.org/content/63/1/83.full.pdf">http://www.anesthesia-analgesia.org/content/63/1/83.full.pdf</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also a huge thank you to everyone--who reached out to me privately and publicly regarding my last post, you definitely helped put my heart at ease. Its important to ask questions and look for solutions instead of curling into the fetal position and weeping. Its a journey, you just have to keep on trekking to get there. Will update on that next!</span><br />
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BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-5944206439135287112013-08-07T17:31:00.000-07:002013-08-07T17:31:24.100-07:00Today I feel ugly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm having an off day, well its been a few days. I'm frustrated with my face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thus far I've not allowed myself to really judge or give my face emotional weight- BUT I'm getting ready to head into month 4 and something appears OFF, and I've been trying to put my finger on it to no avail. I emailed both my surgeon's office and my orthodontist last night, letting them know what I'm seeing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First when it comes to my bite it looks like with my lower jaw one side of the teeth is raised and the other is a little lower- what is causing this? Secondly with the upper jaw and teeth, they're trying to close gaps made pre-op, and the top 4-6 teeth are slanting to the right and downward, is this normal? Where will they settle? I feel like my smile is unnatural. I see a salamander in the mirror. I've tried reading as a distraction with no avail, and tried putting on some makeup to make me feel better. No amount of mascara or concealer will fix the uneven uncertainty ringing in my head. One hour Im settled in peacefully in my skin, the next I take to the mirror to pick flaws and be cruel to myself. My skin is a mess. Im broken out, my face looks like its been dunked into a vat of oil at a dingy fast food chain. My skin, something I was proud of before is now spotted, uneven and unwilling to be nice. My face shape is hard to accept, one side is a square the other is some jagged puff thing. What will it settle to and will it look terrible? My nose doesn't seem to fit my face, but nothing does. Several times a night I find myself awake, frustrated with sleeping upright. Nightmares loom about my jaw falling off or further derangement setting in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The worst part is feeling that Im regressing...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Its easy when you sign up for this process to be blissfully enamored by the possibility of perfection. But what is perfect? Will it ever stop? There is no such thing as perfect. I repeat there is no such thing as perfect. One voice ringing in my head is "Be grateful for what you have- many have it far far worse!"... There is no denying that, but its really dawning on me how much weight our appearances have.. and how discriminated we get for looking a certain way. Its not fair, why cant I look better? Luck of the draw eh? I took this risk with that in mind. Last night I started digging up the few old pictures of to compare, jab, and punish myself further. I dont know why I did that, but I did. Will it change anything? Will it make me feel better? Probably not. I hate mirrors and I hate being on the wrong </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">end of a camera, neither are nice to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Im exhausted. </span><br />
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<br />BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-27493954506827978522013-08-01T12:55:00.001-07:002013-08-01T12:55:21.067-07:00Month Two update, better late than never :) <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"></span><br /></span>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Hello jaw friends , this post is going up VERY late, Month 2 was end of June!!</u></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b id="docs-internal-guid-0f2b59b3-3b39-6555-00f9-1bf311ea8082" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 4 & 5-I’ve been dealing with a sizable dilemma. When my bite was going through the decompensation period, I started clenching- something I never did before. I would be woken up several times a night with my teeth throbbing in pain and clearly hitting wrong. Anyhow post op I’m noticing some clenching, and my surgeon prescribed a medicine for me to take. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have always had mixed feelings about these types of medication.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After surgery I was given Tramadol for my pain, and took it 1-2x per day for the first 3 weeks... It helped, tremendously AND when I attempted to stop taking it I could not sleep. Period. I became dependent. My sleep was no more than 2-4 hours a night, very shallow and I could feel everything in my face. After two nights I went back on it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The other med that was prescribed to me, has some really really nasty side effects. I’ll list them here: withdrawal syndrome, impaired motor function, cognitive impairments, personality/behavioral disturbances. Withdrawal can entail higher levels of anxiety, depression, hallucinations and aggressiveness... Sounds fun right? Maybe Im blowing this up out of proportion BUT it seems the side effects are a bit much, I was hoping to find a natural ‘relaxant’ but it seems the most common one is illegal and this stuff, is well legal. Makes sense, right?, Im still deliberating what to do.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So far I’ve decided to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>not </u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">take it unless my jaw pain is around, so far, so good.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Week 6- I decided I had to stop talking the Tramadol, cold turkey. I flew back to SB to see my surgeon! </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">QUICK DIVERSION-So I've lost 22 lbs at this point, I've become heaping pile of bones, especially in the upper half of my body. When I was going through security at the airport the woman was like, ”ARE YOU NOT EATING HUNNIE, YOU ARE ALL SKIN AND BONES!” I just burst out laughing, how could you not? Haha</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had to explain that I had double jaw surgery that's why you could feel almost every bone in my torso. She half kiddingly responds “ I probably need my jaw broken for a bit too” . Oh women lol. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kAJBNL_iPmyOYAceg5LJPr5abYHyFZn0175apFaUzS_PnNPOHI6GSuywYNDEX54Ci5Gj3gdsVo0gbaywUJ0USyv72XpB1h2ufF02OpQshWUozk0VpBhJ9xXqhLZovsIC8b80E8jTtM9G/s1600/photo+(28).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kAJBNL_iPmyOYAceg5LJPr5abYHyFZn0175apFaUzS_PnNPOHI6GSuywYNDEX54Ci5Gj3gdsVo0gbaywUJ0USyv72XpB1h2ufF02OpQshWUozk0VpBhJ9xXqhLZovsIC8b80E8jTtM9G/s640/photo+(28).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0f2b59b3-3b4d-495a-6bf4-9753367ca244"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;">I love California. My face gets plastered with a smile every time I get out here. Its beautiful, somewhat surreal, and it makes Chicago seem like a snoozefest, yes I said it! I'd move out here in a heartbeat. <br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline;">Eating this time around was a bit difficult as I was in and out in under 48 hours and didnt have a blender... I attempted to find soups without bits and high calorie drinks to down! Im discovering first hand that traveling for long distances at this point, is difficult, they really wear me down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyways, it had been 3ish weeks since my last meeting with Dr.G, and he was happy with how the swelling was going down even though it was uneven. He inspected my bite and incisions to see how everything was going. My midlines are off- there was uneven spacing that was made in my upper jaw pre-surgery, he said it was easily correctable with orthodontics. Now three things at this point worry me: my range, my numbness, and how little/weird my smile is. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 19px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My range is kind of abysmal for 6 weeks out, can barely get one fingers width- and immediately Dr.G told me no more elastics during the day only 12 hours at night! Secondly with regards to my numbness, he said its way way too early to say what will be- sometimes I feel nothing at all (lower lip/chin area), other times some bubbly feeling thats it. He told me to give it time, okay I’ll wait a few more weeks! Im so impatient so this is not easy for me lol. Third my smile is kind of weird or it feels like I show little/no upper teeth... Now who knows at this point, could be the uneven swelling, or the fact that when I try to smile I look severely constipated, each lip running in a different direction. Its hard to say, but I HOPE it gets better as the residual swelling subsides.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">week 7- So there have been some changes this week with regards to sensation ! EXCITING!</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhThHD5cQqneRUmUjg8_Ngt7qR3uKU-6ViYRa_jZ0LhIxdgph65IoTEP6Y9ZoIqnl6vvs_OHtJmKFEbNk8tke3x03n_UAQpOR6yJz7T4Z3LAfDdjTWo5RmK9COixRkvLI2tWDj95RiY6_/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhThHD5cQqneRUmUjg8_Ngt7qR3uKU-6ViYRa_jZ0LhIxdgph65IoTEP6Y9ZoIqnl6vvs_OHtJmKFEbNk8tke3x03n_UAQpOR6yJz7T4Z3LAfDdjTWo5RmK9COixRkvLI2tWDj95RiY6_/s320/photo+(26).JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve been experiencing shooting pains in my mouth like someone with a lazer zapping away! PEW PEW!!! Mostly around my lower lip/ chin area *genioplasty incisions* it is very random and is quite painful. There is constant tingling in my lower lip, which I **pray** is a sign that I will regain full sensation. It feels like little champagne bubbles are hitting the surface of my lips over and over. When I run my fingers over my lower lip and slightly below it is sensitive, slightly painful to touch. My chin on the right and left side feels like fizzy bubbles but in the middle, nothing. To be honest, my chin doesn't do very much for me, so I wouldn't be too upset if sensation never returned fully there. My lower lip *I hope* is showing promising signs by the tingling and shooting pains, and I need my lips to function to make sure I dont drool, to talk properly, and yes kiss.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My skin is a mess!!! I look like I’ve been attacked by wild African mosquitos- and I’ve had pretty decent skin before surgery. Im getting mostly clogged pores, white/black heads and some acne! I’m like come on face, COOPERATE! After talking to a bunch of jaw buddies- THIS seems to only happen to women a few weeks post op and can last till month 3, a side effect of the anesthesia, morphine- who knows.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19.200000762939453px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The only thing that has helped is oil cleansing which you would think would be clogging actually helps draw out oils from the pores and secondly BHA toner which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties !</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNXFSCf5F7hkLfnnBYtCmc6A7X5gcX3RA1EBkfNWWUQmAP50bX6wd7xMW49IGcfD0va-7-FSsjpqr6Fy7euYk4pC4OlkwklBWykqzm45DWwVsJXGJxm2r0-KIcJ1qSqGkFfT1sKwzCRVa/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNXFSCf5F7hkLfnnBYtCmc6A7X5gcX3RA1EBkfNWWUQmAP50bX6wd7xMW49IGcfD0va-7-FSsjpqr6Fy7euYk4pC4OlkwklBWykqzm45DWwVsJXGJxm2r0-KIcJ1qSqGkFfT1sKwzCRVa/s320/photo+(24).JPG" width="224" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19.200000762939453px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Swelling has gone down quite a bit, but I am still very lopsided. My left side is far more swollen than my right. When looking at progress photos, I see the swelling coming down but its very slow.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-My ears at times do seal off and I have to ‘pop’ them open. There is no bruising. I am experiencing cracking noises on my left side anytime I open and do my stretches or such- probably from the new positioning of the joint and some inflammation.</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Range of motion is still very poor 1 finger max- maybe Im not stretching enough. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5eb8a1cb-53fe-59db-748b-4c323367e7c2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Pain, it depends on how much I talk that day and how much sleep I’ve gotten the night before. Lack of sleep and talking my mouth off usually puts me to suffer the following day. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFbOKJ4-gvQOoZp4LQJ-2gnfK9B00DhUUC_lt0ireKZMwQCiTBlcuM-q61qem52mDJTqkoMD35SNVTLkbGOxfr5PZ13uFhKB0FDPaDYJSnCjzrNRjDFydxQFmIApRjQnJArjEr6jsuTif/s1600/facem2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFbOKJ4-gvQOoZp4LQJ-2gnfK9B00DhUUC_lt0ireKZMwQCiTBlcuM-q61qem52mDJTqkoMD35SNVTLkbGOxfr5PZ13uFhKB0FDPaDYJSnCjzrNRjDFydxQFmIApRjQnJArjEr6jsuTif/s200/facem2.JPG" width="150" /></a><br /><span style="line-height: 1.15;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-</span></span><span style="font-size: 19.200000762939453px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With regards to numbness the region in red still stands, there is tingling, bubbling, zapping feelings.
Hopefully get some pictures up in the next post, hope everyone in the jaw realm is doing well xx</span></span></div>
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</span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-62073732697827183612013-07-31T00:32:00.000-07:002013-07-31T00:32:04.022-07:00Jaw love, or not. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqdDf4KMHZbLCgeeDGrRY502HHuG_WbRU8aHgZKd9S3oWUPhnfnFVzxs8DZSvR6hn5wFJdzXFbYrV8SszmKUQbdrAUG1Rfkhu8I1J7ClYVfJF83vUMebWyhq3VhR3yY6puG-09VD7biaY/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqdDf4KMHZbLCgeeDGrRY502HHuG_WbRU8aHgZKd9S3oWUPhnfnFVzxs8DZSvR6hn5wFJdzXFbYrV8SszmKUQbdrAUG1Rfkhu8I1J7ClYVfJF83vUMebWyhq3VhR3yY6puG-09VD7biaY/s320/photo+(20).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Personal post...</i></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> been hesitant to write this, but you should never censor how you feel.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
So I’m learning that its not the smartest idea to fall for someone right before/during actual jaw surgery... </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can help it...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even if they too had surgery themselves. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-637a10f8-3393-ce56-6fa3-7d138e88548e"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before getting braces on in , I was with someone and I thought he would be my rock throughout this jaw surgery experience. Unfortunately time had other plans for us both, and we parted ways in early 2012. To backlog, I had shut myself completely from dating/meeting people after my nightmare breakup. I sunk into a deep depression as a shell of my former self for many many months. I refused to get help; too proud, too scared, and thinking I got this. While Im much better, I feel part of me died in the process. Maybe I missed out on meeting some great people, and possibly pushed some great ones away... BUT I needed that space to heal and in some ways I have. I’ve seen enough friends run from one disastrous relationship into the arms of the next man that crossed their path, one step forward and fifteen back. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes things happen when they do, you cant plan them out exactly, and you never know what you’ll end up with. How does this all fit into the picture? Well...I randomly met someone. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I saw something in him that made me feel comfortable enough to open up and talk. We had a fair amount in common, jaw surgery, heart ache, interests, etc- yet I knew there was a great possibility of getting hurt when getting close to this person. I figured Im taking a chance with jaw surgery, well maybe there is something here as well. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">If it only were so simple. </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recovery from surgery is not easy- ALL of us know this. There are days post op that you need a ton of affection and attention, other days that you need complete space and isolation. There are days where you hate your face, days where you cry without reason, and other days that you are brimmed with hope that it’ll be worth it in few months. Lets just say, for those of us recovering we NEED a lot. Maybe need more than what someone can give us or is willing to to reciprocate. Maybe they’ve got enough on their plate. We only KNOW what people tell us, and we all have hidden agendas. Things that matter to us, and things that dont. Things that we reveal and others that we keep behind a cloak of secrecy. Shakespeare said it best,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where most it promises; and oft it hits where hope is coldest, and despair most fits.”</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">When you’re in this tumble of changes with your face, your identity, your mind- you dont know exactly what will come out at the other end. Do you get close to someone or do you push them away? What if someone liked what you were before? Would they wait to find out what came out of the other end of the tunnel? What if you struggled with your new identity, would they help you through it or leave you? </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Questions plagued me.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">I would only imagine during times of normalcy when you meet someone new you question their intent. Where is this going, is this someone I want to spend time with, does this person actually care? Is this person into me or wasting my damn time? Do they want something real or are they looking for the next best thing that will come their way?</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">There is no clear cut answer it seems... till now.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Things have gone south. He’s changed, made his space. Was I just someone to talk to when he had jaw insecurities? Do all people have a change of heart when their braces come off? Did he find someone better? I've tried to connect with this person, and to figure what going on behind the silence and the lack of transparency. I've arrived nowhere. It hurts because I gave a shit. Its terrible when your heart is in it, but at some point you know when you have to walk away because you deserve better. Its at times like these where I wish I could go back to my state of catatonia. </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Guard your heart, and use your mind. </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">And she wondered late at night, why do I want a soul, if there is no one I can share it with? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-637a10f8-04e4-1022-1bcb-e8024f419839"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-46337545956114103892013-06-19T00:37:00.001-07:002013-06-19T00:37:46.076-07:00Month one done, 17 lbs down!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VeQ6U5x7I2LKUSt7801BRIV_fjkCTkM2pe96XKnvvlKPQ3RmmwUvoWXz7mG0dvijb6gM68iynNLt-p5IqfnJXGgmWPbplVXk2_tNWuOcUVoxc_3XWDNS7g_f_EK3w39oDLq6Q6NOQNp2/s1600/photo+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VeQ6U5x7I2LKUSt7801BRIV_fjkCTkM2pe96XKnvvlKPQ3RmmwUvoWXz7mG0dvijb6gM68iynNLt-p5IqfnJXGgmWPbplVXk2_tNWuOcUVoxc_3XWDNS7g_f_EK3w39oDLq6Q6NOQNp2/s400/photo+(24).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I AM SORRY this post is going up way way later than it should have but here it is regardless!! I should have another up in the next 24 hours!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a 2 hour car ride and 5 hour flight, I got home. Happily I hopped straight into my fluffy bed and saw that Chicago finally decided to wake up and transform into spring! It was dead and gloomy before I left.</span><br />
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Besides that the first thing I wanted to check was my weight and I am down 17 lbs, wow! Plumping up pre-op was probably a smart idea or else I'd be all gangly and skeletal. A few of my friends are like "Wow I need to try that diet", *side eye*, "why yes, I recommend everyone get their jaw broken for vanity in a few places and be subjugated to a liquid diet from hell !"</span><br />
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I absolutely ADORE food so it seems all that I come across now are foods that I cannot touch, and I'm far too afraid to shove them in a blender and traumatize myself. You name it on the ban list for another 4 WEEKS!!! Every surgeon has their own set of rules, and I have 4 weeks to go. Im already making a wishlist of items that I can eat in a few months, yes I have problems and Im obsessed with food :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I've been home some foods I've really enjoyed such as: lentil soup, portobello mushroom soup, french onion soup, murgh makani (vegetarian curry), salted caramel smoothie, refried beans with salsa, key lime pie gelato, and oatmeal have all been good to me! I'll post recipes shortly with photos that dont include a plastic cup (not very appetizing). I also wanted to mention that I've been using a Vitamix, and love it. Bought this way back in '09 since I was obsessed with smoothies, then forgot about it *yeah bad I know*. Now its being used 2-3x a day minimum, so I guess that guilty purchase feeling has left the building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems crazy that an entire month has passed since my surgery, and Im not going to lie, it is tough. To anyone starting this journey or in the midst of it, know that its mostly fun and games till the last few weeks before your surgery. Also if there is any advice I can offer anyone thinking about having jaw surgery, do your research, be realistic, and know what you're signing up for. Its sooooooooooo easy to get caught up in seeing amazing before/afters and thinking "YES, I WANT this!"... (I admit, I was one of those people)!! But now that Im knee deep in it, I KNOW those smiling faces went through years of braces, endured surgical recovery, and struggled with a depth of emotional highs and lows. Its not an impossible journey, its just difficult, but if you trust yourself that you can handle it, you will make it :) . Each day down is a reminder that each day marked off on the calender is one day closer to eating real food and getting back to living a somewhat normal life. Every day I am relearning what it means to be patient and to be kind to myself. Also to the best of my ability, I'm not allowing myself to get emotional or give my face emotional weight because its got a long way to go. Getting attached on things I like or dislike is going to be troublesome down the line. In a recent conversation with a good friend she mentioned, our appearance is our currency. People buy, sell, trade, and communicate based on what that looks like. I have mixed feelings with that statement, but to a degree, its true. When I look in the mirror now, I have my same forehead, eyes, nose (somewhat), fullness of cheeks and lips. So I do see "me" in the mirror, just that things are a little bit off and I'm going to attribute that to the swelling. So far I've avoided doing side by side pics, because it will not be a fair comparisons. Still taking daily/weekly pictures but I'm not at a point where I am comfortable to post them yet. I will do that at week 6 or 8.</span><br />
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Here are the changes to my bite and airway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So happy that my bite is hitting right and I feel like I can breathe!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc70p1xj1ZDmtK5eLt1ZNNiBo34rO6NYgx6EUts1GJkg2Sf3AzrTiy08wcnCP0hHsivxVBUb_9ZH3p20W26tWFVmj31ugcSjA6YJ0t6HKDN2QQghsXg124iQK9jO14sRLzfbJ8XeQFoO7/s1600/chompyz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc70p1xj1ZDmtK5eLt1ZNNiBo34rO6NYgx6EUts1GJkg2Sf3AzrTiy08wcnCP0hHsivxVBUb_9ZH3p20W26tWFVmj31ugcSjA6YJ0t6HKDN2QQghsXg124iQK9jO14sRLzfbJ8XeQFoO7/s400/chompyz.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-79608003326100931032013-05-26T18:54:00.001-07:002013-05-26T18:54:06.030-07:00Week 2 and 3 down! Phew!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two more weeks down! Week two was difficult for me, but three has been a lot better... Week one, had too much going on from being in the hospital, to getting settled at home, to finding tasty new fluids. I was distracted, and as soon as one thing was finished, it was on to the next one. Week two, the reality started to sink in, time started to move at a snails pace, and the liquid diet was getting on my nerves. Week three, things starting to look up I felt like I have more energy, swelling is starting to go down, definitely more positive! Granted there is a long long way to go, but this is how I feel thus far.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 7/8- After I got back home from the hospital I started having madman dreams, hearing weird voices and visualizing things that were not there (hallucinating). Morphine, I assumed, was the culprit, because it all stopped happening after 2 or 3 days. Everyone has different reactions to morphine, for me it was dizzyness and painful bloating (not side effects I'd commonly heard of).</span><br />
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Day 11/12- Meltdown. My swelling had made no real progress after day 6. I was still an over sized uneven basketball. Something that had been kicked around by every kid on the playground, left in a corner somewhere. I had stayed put. No progress was being made. I hadn't gone out to see anyone, or do anything. I felt isolated and started getting angry with my face, with this liquid diet from hell, with the overwhelming desire to let go of this misery and no one could understand my frustration. I wanted to ditch my face for a few days, have fun, and get back to recovering, but when you're in this- you're in this, and you better know it. After a few hours of crying, and talking to some of the kindest people, I was able to feel a little bit more at ease. Part of it I'm sure was the drug cocktail leaving my body, 7+hours of anesthesia and 2+days of morphine doesn't just vanish. The rest of the madness though, was all me. I knew when I signed up for jaw surgery, it was not going to be a bed of roses, but there are times when you feel cornered and have to let those feelings go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When everything goes wrong, it seems there are always certain people 'who get you' and know how to make it better. If you are going through this, make sure you have this person(s) around or on speedial, trust me. Luckily two of my guiding lights, one a former jaw surgery patient who had her surgery almost two years ago (<a href="http://arealjawbreaker.blogspot.com/">Tresa</a>) and (<a href="http://openbiteblog.blogspot.com/">Terra</a>) knew how to settle my defeated heart. Sometimes you need to get things OUT of your system in order to move past them, this was one of those nights.</span><br />
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Day 13- Feeling much better from last night and started to see that things would get better. I had to believe it. I had been craving a donut and figured, "Lets try this in the blender!" WOW. It was beyond disgusting. It tasted like eating a block of lard or something. I could barely drink it, and with much guilt poured the rest down the drain, lesson learned, no more blended donuts and would advise anyone against trying this. It turns out that bready or bread-like products get absolutely disgusting once blended.</span><br />
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Around 8 pm I had a headache kick in, and thought oh my pain meds (Tramadol) will take care of it. Not really. I dozed in and out of sleep for awhile till midnight and took a second dose in hopes that it will quiet my headache. At 3:30 am I wake up and try to find my phone charger, I felt dizzy, majorly disoriented, and collapsed on the floor. Suddenly this painful jabbing in my skull becomes overwhelming, and I felt like my head would burst and I was going to throw up everywhere. After darting to the bathroom I just sat there waiting, hoping, to throw up, but nothing. I just sat there till my mom came to see what was wrong. Luckily I had my Maxalt, and was able to settle down after an hour and get some sleep. I've always had migraines, its nothing that was caused by jaw surgery, but probably dehydration compounded with jaw clenching is creating the perfect recipe for this suffering.</span><br />
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Day 14 Week two follow up- Apparently my scheduled appointment time got moved or shifted, but got to see a different surgical assistant. So Dr.G was finally back in town and funny enough he ran into my orthodontist at a conference and Philly and they talked about my case, cheese steak and whatnot, its a relief they work together so well. So I had my elastics cut off and I had spend some time in the mirror opening and closing my mouth...but was unable to get my mouth open large enough to fit the baby tooth brush. I was able to at least brush my outside teeth and watch in amazement to find what disgusting things the brushing would push out. I was told 'do not brush the gums' so my focus now is entirely on the teeth. I was given three specific rubber band formations for my teeth and one internal rubber band formation that I not mess with. Besides that my incisions are healing nicely and I've been given the all clear to have anything I want blended. It was a relief to know that I am still very swollen and part of the reason is the grafting, and my bottom two wisdom teeth were in the way and he took them out during my surgery. At the end he squished and shaped some of the grafting on my face, and it sounded a bit like rice krispies. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B4zjBXrC69xnslTO5WzGEPwdhqQF3CJZPXS6IsCfvVNPQcKWNWfTdxfdiCZMgM9zHuejnYX4TtPHLtx-PdH8G-y8doOISJmCcw-vFuUvu_bUUomDHCEXheYgOprr7y0cdZdvg_OJY5cs/s1600/rc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B4zjBXrC69xnslTO5WzGEPwdhqQF3CJZPXS6IsCfvVNPQcKWNWfTdxfdiCZMgM9zHuejnYX4TtPHLtx-PdH8G-y8doOISJmCcw-vFuUvu_bUUomDHCEXheYgOprr7y0cdZdvg_OJY5cs/s200/rc.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My face at this point is covered in milia, so my face is bumpy and gross. I've tried cleaning as much gunk with an oil cleanser *this usually helps dissolve blackheads/whiteheads, and I've made SOME progress but, its working at a snails pace. The two brands I've used are Kose Softymo (w/ mineral oil) and Tatcha (mineral oil free), both work wonderfully.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 17- First day that I felt I had a bit more energy and wanted to get out and such. I've also been forcing myself to drink more fluids, so it might have something to do with that as well. </span><br />
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Day 18- I haven't gone out in public since my surgery, except to follow up appointments and to do small walks in a garden nearby. Figured it was about time for me to get out and see the world since my energy levels were a bit higher and felt my swelling was going down. So I put on some mascara of course haha, and went out for a bit of a walk to see some of the local artwork. Now I had mentally prepared myself that some people might look at me or such, but luckily I didnt get many stares. There was one girl, no joke who was full on staring at my face in disgust. This did make me uncomfortable. Why do people do that ? Anyways besides that everything was good. I even went to this local ice cream joint McConnell's, decent line outside the door, figured I could use some calories and got a few flavors- heads up the salted caramel chip is the best. In my excitement to try something new, thought I'd be able to drink up some of the melted ice cream before I got home- it was an epic mess but well worth it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day 19- Since I will be leaving SB soon and haven't seen any of it :(, figured it was time for me to go see the Botanical Garden. Its a bit difficult to navigate as there is some light hiking and such and found myself getting tired 10 minutes in. The Redwood trees and wildflowers in bloom really stood out and were stunning. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQP670HFCHtkwExI8LA40EMxaGKHui0rcct7_lfYwBxZGebweYlDw-1V_noNycbBIUavPndSGubHtn3RaGAcbUP5gepZeJj7Gle3jvia52qnRtL5Nc1YVk9DbShXZbtM7mWlWsJaFERFYI/s1600/photo+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQP670HFCHtkwExI8LA40EMxaGKHui0rcct7_lfYwBxZGebweYlDw-1V_noNycbBIUavPndSGubHtn3RaGAcbUP5gepZeJj7Gle3jvia52qnRtL5Nc1YVk9DbShXZbtM7mWlWsJaFERFYI/s320/photo+(19).JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />
Day 20 Week three follow up- So we get started by taking off my rubber bands and doing stretches. I can barely open my mouth like one fingers width max and it hurts bad. I hope this is normal but I feel my recovery might be going slower than normal. We then did x-rays and photos of my uneven basketball face and bite to have progress photos. When you see the photos for the first time, its a little confusing in thinking all of those screws, plates, etc are lodged up in your skull without harming you. I've tried my hardest thus far to not judge my current face because it looks and feels well different. Dr.G kept saying you have a lot of swelling be patient it will come together. He did this plastic bite thing on each side to see how I was biting down and shaved down some of my brackets- it was not painful but opening my mouth that wide for a bit did. Apparently I had brackets in the way of my bite down and its not a good thing to have. Then the shaping of my HA grafts, rice krispy sounds the whole way through, and now Im craving a bar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But overall he seemed pleased with everything. Got my elastic configuration-everything is easy minus one in to out config 6 to 6 on the right side. I leave SB tomorrow and I come back in 3 weeks to make sure my bite is okay and my grafts are right. Hydroxyapatite sets at week 6 and becomes bone-like so I dont want to end up with a permanent humpty dumpty face if I can help it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall I can say things are getting better or I hope they are.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Swelling- This is tricky, Im hoping I still have a long way to go it has definitely gone down but no way to estimate how much I have left.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pain- 2/10 and over the last few days I will only take pain meds at night because my right jaw joint is tender and mad at me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Energy- 5/10 definitely a huge improvement, to be able to take walks longer than 5-10 minutes and not want to nap most of the day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bruising 1/10- I can say most of my bruising is gone, was mostly under my eyes and on my lower jaw area. I still have some bruising under my left eye but thats it</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I've indicated where I have sensation and numbness. The green is complete sensation. The blue is light numbness and tingling. The pink region is more numb than blue. Red is almost completely numb this includes my lower lip but has occasional zings and fizzy bubbley bits. Im trying to not judge numbness at all for another month or two, hopefully everything starts to wake up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Month 1 with x-rays coming up! Also a huge thank you to everyone who has shown me much love and support, I am so grateful <3</span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-6819246946235460662013-05-02T18:22:00.001-07:002013-05-02T18:22:56.677-07:00Week 1 post op!! Here we go!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Monday morning 4 days post-op, I went to see Dr.G! He took a look here and there and was quite happy with my bite. He then proceeded to cut my elastics that were holding my jaw shut. *snip*..... *snip snip*....*snip*. You know how you wind up a jack in the box and at that final moment he springs up annoyingly to hit you in the face? Yes that happened, with the final snip of the elastics holding my jaws. The union between my upper and lower jaw split and my mouth felt like a bear trap. What the hell just happened? Did my jaws snap back into their old place? Am I okay? My surgeon seemed to get a chuckle out of my confusion, and reassured me that nothing would happen to my jaw. He wanted me to practice open and closing for a few minutes, give my joints a break before cleaning more gunk out and rebanding me.</span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">So over the last few days, I've been struggling with talking, specifically trying to get my mom to understand what I am saying. Unfortunately I've had to repeat myself 3-4 times and it turns out I've been overtalking and not drinking enough fluids. Wednesday morning I went back to see Dr.Arnett since I had this weird (to me at least) lump on my right jaw line that felt somewhat hard. At first thought it was an infection, but no pain or fever coincided with the bump. He looked around and said it was normal that my swelling what somewhat lopsided, swelling can subside or spring up unevenly. He also said that if I still felt uncomfortable to come back Friday to see him. I appreciate that he is taking good care of me even though he is not my surgeon.</span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Besides that nothing new has happened. I've been trying to take little walks in a garden nearby for 5-10 minutes. I get frustrated because I want to take long walks and do more than my body will allow me. For example I climbed a set of steps to get to this park nearby and felt my heart pounding out of my chest. I had to sit down for awhile and respect my body.</span><br />On the food front- I think I'm getting fed up with the liquid diet already... Unfortunately I have at least another 6 weeks of this to go! I really enjoy Gatorade, Izze fizzy drinks, grape juice, broths, roasted red pepper soup, blended ice cream and that's about it. I'm open to any suggestions/advice for things to eat or drink as I'm getting super bored!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyday since surgery I've been taking sudafed, tramadol, antibiotic and saline nasal sprays. My ears have been painfully blocked since surgery- and I hope that this will go away as the swelling subsides. If not I am in trouble lol.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sbMuTvh1TusQo7_OUOQSt35-rRG2RHeLKSICSJFgvVeTU1xUd3mUmQ8YzhAjNYx-H7imN7dKqFdCs2bmjHXJvfBUuMFNQAQGViV9bLb7ESXgpJcUYH7BakA1ecXr3VUM6co2QbAeRidR/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sbMuTvh1TusQo7_OUOQSt35-rRG2RHeLKSICSJFgvVeTU1xUd3mUmQ8YzhAjNYx-H7imN7dKqFdCs2bmjHXJvfBUuMFNQAQGViV9bLb7ESXgpJcUYH7BakA1ecXr3VUM6co2QbAeRidR/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">These pictures were taken a few hours after my surgery. They are the only ones I feel comfortable posting at this time, but I plan on posting daily pics in the coming weeks. I was quite exhausted and drugged up here.</span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8C6wvh6iptDtxs0pr0Cy-7dgepeVjhyphenhyphennCi26VmbgraDcTOE9xC4XOK7PYG7Qj20-JmSBWmAFQoKmgtht62oj6V9vNVel8xx96gE8XdymScVT4eELXZywEc76s4Ff7ag8OnZPliG-Eb9V/s1600/photo+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8C6wvh6iptDtxs0pr0Cy-7dgepeVjhyphenhyphennCi26VmbgraDcTOE9xC4XOK7PYG7Qj20-JmSBWmAFQoKmgtht62oj6V9vNVel8xx96gE8XdymScVT4eELXZywEc76s4Ff7ag8OnZPliG-Eb9V/s320/photo+(18).JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Week 1 Summary!</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Swelling: 9/10 I look like a cross between Quagmire and a basketball. Its really attractive lol. I reached my peak swelling on day 5, and I've noticed my right side is starting to go down. The swelling has also made it hard for me to hear clearly.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Pain: 2/10 so long as I remember to take my tramadol 1-3 a day I'm fine. If I do forget my face feels like its burning up with sparks. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Bruising 7/10 - mostly under my eyes and cheeks, has started as green then yellow and now is a purpley/black color. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Tenderness/Soreness: 9/10 Its very hard to move my lips or animate any other part of my face besides my eyes at this point. I am also NOT allowed to touch my face at all or put cold/heat packs because of the grafting that I have.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Sensation: Hmmm this is a tough one. The only place I am completely numb is my lower lip to my chin. Everything else has either full or some sensation (tingling). I hope that with time it all will come back</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.174999237060547px;">Energy: Depends some hours its 2/10 and at others 9/10- I have most of my energy in the middle of the night which is very frustrating because I cant go anywhere!</span></span></li>
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<br />BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-49782912543994918482013-04-28T16:52:00.001-07:002013-08-01T11:46:59.003-07:00Still alive after jaw surgeryThe last few days have not been easy- now I understand why people say that the initial recovery is the hardest part of it all.<br />
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So Wednesday morning, I make my way to the hospital for my jaw surgery and was scheduled for 1:30 pm- well it tuns out another patient's surgery was running really late. At the time, I thought hey maybe just maybe they will forget about me lol... So at around 3pm, an RN comes in and tries to administer my Saline IV since I was getting dehydrated. Things didnt go so well, since my veins are ridiculously small, he was unable to get it and I bruised. Not fun, anyways signed a few more consent forms and got to meet the anesthesiologist. He knew exactly how to get into my little veins and get the drugs running .. So after 20 minutes, the nurses come and tell me that its my turn. I was a little teary eyed when I had say goodbye to my family, but tried to hold restraint... I surrendered and let go of my fears.<br />
So they wheeled me off to the operating room and before I went in the anesthesiologist wanted to knock me out before they dragged me in, and I was like "Noooooo, I want to see the inside of the operating room"... he look at me like I was crazy, but I said I had to see it... Now see how I get myself into trouble lol. Anyways I get in, the room is bloody freezing, all the 'equipment is there', they transfer me to the operating table and panic lit up in my eyes. Dr.G tries to comfort me, and I told him twice, please take good care of me, I trust you. He said of course, he smiled, and the anesthesiologist pumped me with some good stuff and I was out...</div>
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7 hours later my surgery was over, Dr.G met up with my parents and explained that everything went well, and he was very happy with the outcome... They did upper, lower, tiny genio and a pinch of grafting on my right cheek and removed my bottom two wisdom teeth ! On my end I was in the ICU for several hours, then wheeled into my own room, I felt like a bus had run me over. My body was aching, heavy, slow. Now the worst part of this was swallowing. It felt like there were sets of razor blades lining my throat anytime I tried to swallow water/juice/etc. I was hooked to an IV so that kept me from getting dehydrated! The entire night I wasnt aware what was going on, I dont remember much besides using the suction tube to pick out gunk and the morphine button.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO6ZwvZT0Nc_dgeRdjzmsTGTi_wtSKM0QvS_Yo81qgOWSoR_nd5_fVoZoM50ngH2wuQYZAvDAKIY58kMco0tGhQ9szOb76oncL6OjawnBoiqPKPUTuHCVjPzg97A8n0naAd9IJfebMbBq/s1600/photo+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>I was supposed to be discharged that morning, but since I didnt get into my room till 1:30 am and couldnt move I'd have to stay another night.<br />
Dr.G left to a conference so Dr.Arnett came to take care of me and see how things were going, super nice guy held my hand tried to explain to me what was going on. Anyways I had to stay another night since well I didnt have enough time to catch my breath post op. Now the most annoying thing was my mouth/nose bleeds anytime I had to get up and go to the bathroom I'd have blood drip everywhere. Since jaw surgery patients are high fall risk, a nurse would help me go to the bathroom. I had to buzz for a nurse whenever I needed to go to the loo, make sure I wasnt tangled in my IV wires or such. It was frustrating for me and them, because my bladder is a few decades older than me lol, and when I have enough fluids I need to go quite frequently. There were two nurses that really made my recovery easier, Marla and Nicole. They were very friendly, positive, comforting exactly what a jaw surgery patient needs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFH_Vn-TzA58Y7SmafTvS8h0k__TFFYV46nhKr6JwPYme7J6ZkW5-AK_Agr8eOWlaHdvVMdfg1SKvNv-TxwaMIJf4F8ApE_BE28fzouKXfj-arngQ8BbPaqY5wWLZKbp8AaiSkrYVS3ti/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFH_Vn-TzA58Y7SmafTvS8h0k__TFFYV46nhKr6JwPYme7J6ZkW5-AK_Agr8eOWlaHdvVMdfg1SKvNv-TxwaMIJf4F8ApE_BE28fzouKXfj-arngQ8BbPaqY5wWLZKbp8AaiSkrYVS3ti/s320/photo+(16).JPG" width="238" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRbPL2pQV2SHl3OmF1xXCn4sTYsHpbjCkxRMrbXPrXtO3ABChWXqpMGZSQZoQpiwqYJXh2-3pTglDghCEogXdZDtbGWI_kKbNwTdVipOcSn7PC9p9THYDGeo_-1qLTjJOvlKcxV_IN1yB/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRbPL2pQV2SHl3OmF1xXCn4sTYsHpbjCkxRMrbXPrXtO3ABChWXqpMGZSQZoQpiwqYJXh2-3pTglDghCEogXdZDtbGWI_kKbNwTdVipOcSn7PC9p9THYDGeo_-1qLTjJOvlKcxV_IN1yB/s320/photo+(17).JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
A few close friends sent me flowers, messages, etc and they totally brightened my mood!<br />
The next morning Dr.A popped in and said I looked better, saw how much fluids I had downed that night and gave them permission to discharge me the following morning.<br />
I got home and just plopped in bed, dozing in and out between meds. I dont remember much else.<br />
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Update for day 3-4</div>
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<li>Pain 3/10, mostly lower jaw where it was moved and below my left nostril, Im taking tramadol to keep it under wraps.. My ears feel a ton of pressure and hurt</li>
<li>Swelling 8/10, under my eyes is puffy, cheeks are puffy, lips are out of this world lol.</li>
<li>Bruising 2/10 I feel tenderness/soreness on my neck, under eyes, Im expecting this to increase in the following days more bruising to appear.</li>
<li>Sensation: I can feel my upper lip to my nostrils, eyes up to forehead and around the outside of my face. My lower lip and chin are completely numb</li>
<li>Energy 2/10, I try to take 5 minute walks every few hours so I dont get a blood clot. They also made sure I was wearing these socks to prevent blood clots, not the most comfortable thing but they do their job!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJBFgkmbwGdKbHVzLgFw-e0yOlpm9K2MQ1cZaqlu2tBsDZB2WzbBPoh_CkLGP9zETP1AZQigg-a0aMAlOaNCHdeGv6ZLx5PmqgmV04PR6EWabXjixLBqCe0lJwsN3K8PWzGQcYGKAb4B/s1600/puffer-fish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qJBFgkmbwGdKbHVzLgFw-e0yOlpm9K2MQ1cZaqlu2tBsDZB2WzbBPoh_CkLGP9zETP1AZQigg-a0aMAlOaNCHdeGv6ZLx5PmqgmV04PR6EWabXjixLBqCe0lJwsN3K8PWzGQcYGKAb4B/s400/puffer-fish2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I see my surgeon in two days so he can see whats up...</div>
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BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-17328085614830531002013-04-23T23:39:00.001-07:002013-04-23T23:39:24.209-07:00Night before jaw surgery.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So this is IT, tomorrow is jaw surgery day. I've been running around like mad woman trying to get everything together since I've come out to Cali ! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FZL74NKkKhs76B3AMnfIX1tiyc2AS3_voio-i6uqCAt_Q0a0yHdVkMIDqD1J8O11VivprIxVmRsq3YgCLUt_zzwUDZcpCWBMMpIOIB6kweQt0YRv_eyMU4EZ6miXfROqgS4j9kBEEomP/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FZL74NKkKhs76B3AMnfIX1tiyc2AS3_voio-i6uqCAt_Q0a0yHdVkMIDqD1J8O11VivprIxVmRsq3YgCLUt_zzwUDZcpCWBMMpIOIB6kweQt0YRv_eyMU4EZ6miXfROqgS4j9kBEEomP/s400/photo+(13).JPG" width="298" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monday was a long day. My final surgical consultation/planning appointment, it took about 4-5 hours and we went into everything with much detail. Dr.G measured my face 3 times, at different points that morning to make sure that he was measuring accurately and there wasn't any error on his behalf. We did a scan to check the health of my joints, see where my nerves were running and inspect the alignment of my teeth's roots. Quite intensive, and is probably what I was looking for from the beginning, getting everything upfront instead of having to ask questions all the time. But honestly, not all patients are as interested in knowing the details, some people just want their surgeon to figure it out for them. So after all the measuring, scanning, etc we discussed aftercare- and during the slideshow, I just started welling with tears and started crying, hard. It hit me. The reality of it all HIT me. Was this really happening, was this going to happen to me? What the HELL did I get myself into. My head was doing 200mph in that room, I felt like I was going to pass out. It did take me a bit to calm down, and recompose myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This process is so long, that it gets easy, to just dismiss the surgery as some distant point down the road, but when you REALLY get whats going to happen to you- it can get emotional, it did for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We went through the aftercare, and I knew about all the things my surgeon does like placing a tiny screw in between your eyebrows to ensure he keeps everything lined up when he's putting you back together, (thank you jaw bloggers :) !! After this we went over my final plan, my airway which is okay would get bigger (yay), my bite would fit my mouth better and teeth would hit as they should. (yay), face... oh lord this was the difficult part and Dr.G knew it, he could see my face react. So after all the measuring turns out, that I now have a SLIGHT cant and that the right side of my face is a bit off from my left. My first reaction, was what, really? Yes really, it turns out Im so fixated on my messed up gums/teeth I never even saw it. Anyhow he will align it right and might have to do some grafting on my right cheekbone (I'll take it- who doesnt want great cheekbones) lol. The final part is probably what scared me the most, since we will be impacting so much (6-7 mm) - I might look like a basketball- which worries me. He suggested a buccal lipectomy, he still hasnt finalized this, but he might have to do it. Part of me feels its best he doesnt since we are already doing SO MUCH and if I want to, we can do this 6-7 months down the line if Im not happy... I dont know. Part of me is like you are going through hell already, do it once and get it done so you dont have to do it again. I dont know I havent had much time to process it to give too much a reaction. Oh and a final thing, you sign your life away, with all the consent forms, I get it, but part of me found it discomforting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monday night, was tough, my migraine came back with a vengeance and I couldnt sleep. At one point I felt like I had a fever, my body was shaking and I felt cold as ice, not good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today- had my hospital preadmit, go over insurance information, had some blood work done (I got stabbed twice lol, not pretty) and got to meet one of the lovely RN's. We also had to take off this gold bracelet that my mom jammed onto my arm, no joke over 10 years ago and it will NOT come off... After much tugging, pulling, lotion and vaseline lol we were able to get it off! I think Im in good hands. After that appointment, I went for my physical, Dr. S is hilarious and is one of those people who was BORN to be a physician. He made me laugh the entire time and put me at ease for the 40 or so minutes I was there. After much deliberation I called my surgeon as I've been unable to sleep for 4 nights due to anxiety and migraines, and said I could take lorezapam *still havent taken it*. Im like now isnt the time to be all warrior like, just take the stuff and keep going.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8bOgpGNTggzXQtxu40LjlzPjuoCFbF8aqZSKvx8h_gFA9sv7_l4WqHbHPFbidQBRBO1CiwYoqEUpq7fgAtFwnnJyd1xh8UgNuqe6Ziclm9CX7VLTnusfsvag96GzQqGr-00OHH4TBI9S/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8bOgpGNTggzXQtxu40LjlzPjuoCFbF8aqZSKvx8h_gFA9sv7_l4WqHbHPFbidQBRBO1CiwYoqEUpq7fgAtFwnnJyd1xh8UgNuqe6Ziclm9CX7VLTnusfsvag96GzQqGr-00OHH4TBI9S/s400/photo+(11).JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I ran some errands, went to an orchid estate (amazing), got my prescription medication, had some cookies, and now chilling trying to figure what I will be having as my last meal. Lebanese food or Sushi. Decided on Sushi.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHJRKw9LI7DK3aF17uEs_pERavqcQPwdkKNMlBTTh3j1DRUwunOClMou5YFbDHRveS-w-eQWbqDXQG7UV_yF0IhgLmxx5DcVJixmKQk66prX-PaVTOC66HBEzEripaVisDMNZ1KAFGqL1/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHJRKw9LI7DK3aF17uEs_pERavqcQPwdkKNMlBTTh3j1DRUwunOClMou5YFbDHRveS-w-eQWbqDXQG7UV_yF0IhgLmxx5DcVJixmKQk66prX-PaVTOC66HBEzEripaVisDMNZ1KAFGqL1/s400/photo+(12).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just had a chat with a few friends, and I think now its time for me to sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Its been such a long journey to this very point, that it feels surreal. My inner warrior decided to shut up, took my lorazepam and Im still waiting to have an abduction by extra terrestrials or waking up and realizing this was all some crazy dream. I got 12 hours to go. 12 mad hours to go. Here we go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-37575790455437505892013-04-18T16:29:00.000-07:002013-04-18T16:29:00.954-07:00Bait and Hook !<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The world has felt a little chaotic the last few days, malicious plans and mistakes being made left and right. If anyone has been affected, directly or otherwise, I pray you strength, we are all fighting our own battles, a little help cant hurt.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I was scheduled today to get my hooks on this morning. I'll back track for a minute and say its been raining, non stop in Chicago for the past 4 days. The rivers have flooded, the lakes have flooded and a sinkhole swallowed 3 cars... So with all that in mind it took me over TWO HOURS to get to my orthos office, when it typically takes 30 minutes. Lets say by the time I got there, I wasnt smiling lol. Anyhow I got in and was able to brush my teeth, floss, mouthwash- and as always it feels great.... Then the not so fun part getting the hooks on. Apparently Dr.G wants them a veeerrrryyy specific way, it took no joke an hour and thirty minutes to get the hooks on and was quite painful. I have to mention, that I'm very lucky to be working with my current ortho (Dr.Klepacki) and his team, since I moved to Chicago. He was a referral from my surgeon and has been very professional and kind through out the entire process, open to answering any questions and explaining everything step by step. Its exactly what I needed. He kept mentioning how excited he was to see my results, I found it very comforting that he felt that way about it all !</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwExikd8FFgtQS3lAhEAcNsvVfimkjSv-QoT-3fL_HH3wHAC7dyu5agkS3bQGneh00pJ58XE1zZWvxw_lmC2gAee3yD5U1YBrUzBd0wtvoWAoyNCZ1hk5r9R6g8MjMvbStxMT-7dz8ibJf/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwExikd8FFgtQS3lAhEAcNsvVfimkjSv-QoT-3fL_HH3wHAC7dyu5agkS3bQGneh00pJ58XE1zZWvxw_lmC2gAee3yD5U1YBrUzBd0wtvoWAoyNCZ1hk5r9R6g8MjMvbStxMT-7dz8ibJf/s400/photo.JPG" width="298" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the aftermath of my appointment today. Oh and I should add its STILL raining lol. I need to start packing my bags and getting my list of supplies- I'll post pictures when I've got it together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cant wait to get out of here !!</span></div>
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BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-20525730108203405132013-04-16T13:57:00.000-07:002013-05-04T18:31:46.875-07:00Countdown to Jaw Surgery!!!<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjAuB9PR0twuF6WjYp60vyOTXfoJL1Q5rgZtIHHNqyqcZkNQgOG9II11oxksDIeXtYmSeYJMZMMJ_YjqLLvsj21xkR-RtyNXOR6ae9byYtdnId_6KIdcy5D98dizrxjOsgBKk2DB1txql/s1600/beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjAuB9PR0twuF6WjYp60vyOTXfoJL1Q5rgZtIHHNqyqcZkNQgOG9II11oxksDIeXtYmSeYJMZMMJ_YjqLLvsj21xkR-RtyNXOR6ae9byYtdnId_6KIdcy5D98dizrxjOsgBKk2DB1txql/s320/beauty.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a MAD ride so far!! Im a week away from jaw surgery. This is it !!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to start this post by thanking the people who've been there for me- kind beyond reason, supportive, and flipping amazing. The blogs, Youtube journeys, and jaw forums have all been invaluable in connecting with jaw people. I've kept this jaw surgery experience private from most (not all) of my real life friends and buddies- they just wont get it. Im not in the mood to deal with questions of 'why' and 'do you really need it'. Without the people who are going through and have gone through this process, it would be very lonesome and even more frightening. Certain jaw friends over the last few weeks have made me laugh, let me cry comfortably and gave me stillness of heart, <a href="http://openbiteblog.blogspot.com/">Terra</a>, Gian, and <a href="http://arealjawbreaker.blogspot.com/">Tresa</a>, thank you <3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final countdown to jaw surgery is quite heavy. The barrage of emotions, from hour to hour, day to day, can become inundating. You are excited to get this 'problem' fixed, yet afraid that something, anything could go wrong. I mean who isnt afraid in the run up to jaw surgery? From what I've heard, this is, totally normal. I've already lost 5 lbs in the last two weeks, my appetite has completely disappeared, and Im forcing myself to shove food down my gullet. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The only way to go about this is to surrender, give up control and let go. Its a really difficult thing to, but you have to make yourself aware of it so you can keep going. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems surreal, I still dont believe its going to happen, like I'll magically disappear the night before or something haha! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2zSmqnqKgoqU-ALWRO0apmulByR0IntQNeen3vh8DNUpHJ7gYrzonrfJah2Bx_M8MFqC9k_598MSJWRWnF0a7vnhqpjGf5oJ8q6HBBFZx5CwkN6eJLBMQC6ws2FdaQ0UA3W1sLXW6zfe/s1600/chicago.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2zSmqnqKgoqU-ALWRO0apmulByR0IntQNeen3vh8DNUpHJ7gYrzonrfJah2Bx_M8MFqC9k_598MSJWRWnF0a7vnhqpjGf5oJ8q6HBBFZx5CwkN6eJLBMQC6ws2FdaQ0UA3W1sLXW6zfe/s400/chicago.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as of day 14 I've been banned from taking aspirin, ibuprofen and any other pain killer. I've also been banned from day 10 from eating any of the following because they increase the risk of bleeding : angelica root, arnica flower, anise, bogbean, borage seed oil, bromelain, capsicum, celery seed, flax seed, chamomile(nooooo), clove, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, gingko, hose chestnut, licorice root, onion, parsley, green tea, ginseng, tumeric etc etc etc... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Thursday, my hooks get put on. Monday I have my final surgical meeting and treatment plan. Tuesday is my physical appointment and Wednesday is well d-day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will try to post more and include pictures, because I know pictures make everything better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are on instagram please stop by and say hello, my username is :mintylemonade :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just let it go, be still my soul. This song has been on repeat.</span><br />
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BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-86760545271141092982013-03-13T22:45:00.000-07:002013-03-13T22:45:24.187-07:00Snowfall in March.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW5ldVXen-Sfsrn7vwhaqL3E8Nv70OmDeK7_Y1qtFi1zRzzNu0I4uCFFBxYxC8pxoXyQNoWYbEw2_3QL6vCdWZGw-MXRCrpU9j3EvsPhGwe1e9lZ_VDuctaKXBoo5zscWZVJf3Tm9ZhOX/s1600/mywinter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW5ldVXen-Sfsrn7vwhaqL3E8Nv70OmDeK7_Y1qtFi1zRzzNu0I4uCFFBxYxC8pxoXyQNoWYbEw2_3QL6vCdWZGw-MXRCrpU9j3EvsPhGwe1e9lZ_VDuctaKXBoo5zscWZVJf3Tm9ZhOX/s400/mywinter.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Winter has until recently, been a completely foreign concept... I've lived in several different countries, and never experienced colder, snowy climates... After getting my first snow storm, I could not contain my excitement! I LOVE LOVEEEEEEEEE SNOW! My inner child is out stomping a storm, waiting for snowflakes to fall and staring at the sky. Im sure the neighbors are peering out their windows wondering who IS that crazy woman? Im having too much fun to care :) . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyone here seems to be so excited to bid farewell to winter. Not me, not yet at least... Here are some pics I took of this snow storm!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hhx35AfxgjuqpGdhFcuSayc7uVEiPRzJJyEMxmkfm9ffCslevcyNwpahl5qvHXKbF_EDrZT6MJjHtE6rSj8m2r3png3OgIbJiFee8P0g8pdWhoJbgzvx43HRX_qfE42ZkRng3dwoSXu9/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Hhx35AfxgjuqpGdhFcuSayc7uVEiPRzJJyEMxmkfm9ffCslevcyNwpahl5qvHXKbF_EDrZT6MJjHtE6rSj8m2r3png3OgIbJiFee8P0g8pdWhoJbgzvx43HRX_qfE42ZkRng3dwoSXu9/s400/photo+(6).JPG" width="298" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over the last few months I've been making observations about how people in my culture (Mediterranean) share their news/events of their lives with others and realized, they all do this "one thing". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Complain endlessly, about everything and anything. Its all bad news, rain clouds and the taste of overcast days. Heavily frustrating and negative elements override everything. In the meantime, we keep all the positive, and amazing events (no matter how significant or trivial) private... like somehow someone is waiting to steal their happiness or wish them harm. I never understood it till last night, but realized that I too, subconsciously have been doing it ... How far can the apple fall from the tree? haha.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a lot to be grateful for. Its easy to lose track of that and get overwhelmed with the few things that are going wrong. There will always be something, someone, who is going to get in the way of things. Try to count your blessings, feed that voice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So with regards to surgery, I was able to tentatively schedule for end of April last week. Mixed emotions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monday morning, I get a call, "Oh... there was an error in our calendar and we will have to cancel this appointment, I'll talk to Dr.G and get back to you".....few hours later "Oh I spoke with Dr.G and he can squish you in his schedule you for end of May instead, as an exception"..... I was kind of speechless. Knowing that my insurance will finish 5/31, having surgery in late May probably isnt the best idea... right? What if I need to go back to the hospital later? What if I need pain meds? What if ..... anything? I called them back and told them, is there any way we can keep that date or move me to something earlier? Im still waiting to hear a conclusive answer from the office tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As its all coming closer, though Im starting to get cold feet... or frost bite feet.That sounds about right. Questions rise to the surface... How do you feel about your face now? Is it that bad? Can you live with it? Do you think this surgery is going to change anything? If you have grown comfortable with your face, no matter how much you love or despise it- its a sad thought to say goodbye.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeHhfWEltEo65uI0_lWWxZtNPKQDNogZQrSTiyY0ECWtqUJpYlKREXuX0xB3lUod50bZQOXwTE1rzQwgTrfwqeDSczmHiNPcnhwO6oHT0fbjwGPzpnFb1kZTmJfzOeOl-g7yYeC3dGKLa/s1600/ortho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeHhfWEltEo65uI0_lWWxZtNPKQDNogZQrSTiyY0ECWtqUJpYlKREXuX0xB3lUod50bZQOXwTE1rzQwgTrfwqeDSczmHiNPcnhwO6oHT0fbjwGPzpnFb1kZTmJfzOeOl-g7yYeC3dGKLa/s320/ortho.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">16 months in braces now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you to all my jaw buddies for putting up with the ramblings of a mad jaw lady, I would be lost without your wisdom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good night.</span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-34016327139641765372013-03-07T21:37:00.001-08:002013-03-07T21:37:08.008-08:00Reality sets in...<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jaw surgery, the entire process, is one giant roller coaster. I've been an epic slacker when it comes to this blog lately, mostly because I've had a number of issues to struggle with, come to terms with and move on from. I'lll do a backlog update next posting. I hope all my jaw buddies who I've been following for months and months are making good use of their smiles and new bites :o).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Tonight I've reached a huge wall, or at least it seems that way to me, with regards to this whole process. I finally got authorization from insurance for my surgery (hooray, right?) Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. They claim that my jaw surgery should cost *drumroll* ................ $1200. That is what they will pay towards my procedure. There is nothing I can do, besides maybe harass the insurance commissioner in *hopes* that they will pay more, but I've heard this will most likely, yield nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now who should I be mad at, my surgeon's office charging insane amounts for surgery, or the fickle insurance companies refusing to help the people they claim to serve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now for those blessed and lucky to have the NHS or other government based program that will cover your procedure, count your lucky stars. Jaw surgery, on average, in the US is $15-70k, seriously. How do surgeons honestly expect people to pay for this. I hate to sound vitriolically negative, but why oh why are you charging such absurd amounts. Aren't physicians and surgeons in their profession, to improve the quality of life of their patients, alleviating them of their symptoms and misery? It seems insensitive and truly inhumane at best, especially for patients who need a procedure and cannot afford it. It baffles and upsets me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Might be the fault of the mercy ship I watched on 60 minutes (please watch, it will warm your heart)</span><br />
<a href="http://mercy%20ship/"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mercy Ship, The world's largest civilian hospital ship travels the west African coast, restoring sight to thousands and bringing smiles to faces once disfigured by tumors. </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That puts it in perspective.I finally received the go ahead that I am FINALLY surgery ready, ready to book and get this process going. I should be celebrating, be festive and merry, but instead I am overwhelmed with guilt and anxiety. Besides running into a financial problem, my insurance is set to expire end of may, this year. Which gives me 80 days or less to get this lined up, and just discovered this evening, my surgeons office only has 2 open days remaining within my window. I believe if I walk away from this, no other insurance will deal with me, because it will be considered a 'pre-existing condition'. I am besides myself with what to do. Should I take heavy loans to cover the procedure? Should I forget jaw surgery all together and beg my orthodontist to put my humpty dumpty teeth back as they were? I dont know what to do... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you have any advice or suggestions on what you would do, I'd love to know. </span>BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-9774375868614633962012-10-16T22:13:00.000-07:002012-10-16T22:13:43.341-07:00Learning a lesson.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Time has taught me ...to never lose yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are your most valuable asset, and truly you are all you have. Do not let the overwhelming voices of people around you dictate your direction. Do not let people belittle your aspirations or dreams- greatness lies within you. Do not allow those with small minds and broken dreams, to kill your spirit. Do not allow your past, whomever/whatever it is ruin your future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Never let someone, anyone, become your everything.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are worth more than the sum of people's expectations, affection, and assumptions of you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once you lose yourself, how do you get back to the place you once were, or who you once were?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Try to not be bitter, be better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No one is worth it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No one is worth it. Especially, if they have done you wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You have much to see, experience, feel, and taste in this world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are <span style="font-size: small;"><u>BRILLIANT</u></span>. This is your life, yes owned by you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Live it.</span><br />
___________BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-51094345828827900312012-10-04T21:50:00.000-07:002012-10-04T21:50:05.919-07:00Its been awhile!Its been a few months since my last post, and I'll definitely get back into the groove of posting shortly.<br />
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On my mind tonight...<br />
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I wanted wish Zach who had his jaw surgery with Arnett a speedy recovery and hope he is doing well !<br />
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Tomorrow Terra (Im sure most of you reading this are all friends with her as well) will be having her double jaw surgery!!! Im always excited when any of my fellow jaw bloggers go forward with the procedure and take the steps to improve their lives. (You deserve it!!) She has had a series of things get in her way, but its all coming together.<br />
Over the last few months I've really connected with Terra, and she is truly a beautiful spirit. I know she has waited forever to have the freedom of a normal bite and all the happiness and confidence that comes with it. Good luck with your surgery woman, I cant wait to offer any support I can in the days and weeks to come!!<br />
<3BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-79476859514535238202012-06-04T11:41:00.001-07:002013-05-11T22:23:55.306-07:00Sometimes things get... Complicated !!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hellooooooooo jaw buddies, I hope you are all well.<br />
A lot of changes have been taking place in jaw land and otherwise. First things first, my roommate is getting married this month YAAAAY :D! Meaning we are ending our lease :( and I need to find another roomie by the end of the month or get my own place, Im so sad that we are parting... I've contemplated about heading back home to Chicago till I get myself figured out in this transitional phase, trying to figure out what I want to careerwise, education, etc. While there are many things that I love about Arizona endless sunny days, warm weather and it being a few hours away from LA, Vegas etc. Im not sure I have much reason to remain here without a clear purpose.<br />
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Now to Jawland funnnn... not really but. Jawland funnnn lol... Since I was having serious reservations about a 15mm lower jaw advancement by Dr.G, I connected with a surgeon I consulted with back in early 2011 Dr.J in Chicago, and wanted to know what kind of treatment plan he had for me. He has been very honest and consultative in all of his correspondence with me, email, phone, etc....I asked him kindly to share with me how he would treat my case if we moved forward he then proceeded to mention there was another fee (ontop of the consult fee I already paid?) to work on my case and make it presentable to insurance. He said he would also need to get in touch with my ortho (he doesnt even know I have braces or I decided to move fwd with a different ortho).... oh lordy lord. <br />
I HATE that I am so indecisive but also hate that I dont feel 100% with anyone. So I will have to make a decision on which surgeon I feel understands my case the best and can help me get the results I am looking for. Yes I am a pain the ass, God knows it, but I cannot help it. Im scared, optimistic, hopeful, anxious, a bundle of madness in this process. <br />
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Im definitely having a quarter life crisis, everyone I know is getting married, engaged or popping out kids...I've got a lot on my plate like potentially moving, jaw issues, career/education issues.... time for some Yoga and chill pills...<br />
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Anywayssssss....I would LOVE it if you can share, how you found your surgeon (if you got to choose), why did you select them, and did you ever have any doubts about their decisions ? For those who've had the surgery were you happy with your choice, or ?<br />
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<3BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-89384432031983516052012-05-01T00:19:00.001-07:002012-05-01T00:19:48.298-07:00:/<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw_cl0O2qC6js4s3F7Z7DRpHXOtgXxLBXaUQw7s1VSE9tHzUkg_5hkpK40wD1BhYSPy8g-18pyPH19NcnKq9cKQJiCmKvrcoFSSFCVzcuvPPSpC1Mgb4vIven25941Nrzuj5pgGRX6qjj/s1600/ArD-HXjCIAEBnKU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw_cl0O2qC6js4s3F7Z7DRpHXOtgXxLBXaUQw7s1VSE9tHzUkg_5hkpK40wD1BhYSPy8g-18pyPH19NcnKq9cKQJiCmKvrcoFSSFCVzcuvPPSpC1Mgb4vIven25941Nrzuj5pgGRX6qjj/s320/ArD-HXjCIAEBnKU.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Sad, true. Good night.<br /><br />BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-70140717326064271712012-04-30T23:45:00.001-07:002012-04-30T23:52:03.943-07:00An adjustment and.... some frozen yogurt !!Sooooooooooooooooo.... its been a short while since my last post. While Im in a debbie downer mood this evening, this will not be a debbie downer post :) !<br />
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First things first, I did not get in touch with Dr.G yet, I've had a lot on my plate but plan on getting in touch with him this week. But I did get in touch with my dental insurance and will try to get my consult with them reimbursed.<br />
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Second, I had an adjustment last week with my ortho... I popped in 10 minutes early (one of my goals is to be early instead of chronically late lol )... I get in and Dr.L isnt in the best of moods, who knows whats going on :/, but its been 5 months since I had my braces popped on and no molds of my teeth had been taken. Dr.G clearly states he wanted molds at month 3-6-9 etc to plan surgery and to see how the teeth are moving... So at first I approach his assistant, sweet gal,"Am I getting my molds done with the new wire or old"... she was like "Why do you need molds?"... (continue my long explanation)... Dr. L interjects oh you got a long way before your ready for surgery, when are you seeing Dr.G... I said "Yes, I understand Im many months away but these molds need to happen so I can plan the next 7-8-9 months of my life"... After much push and shove he agreed to finally get bite impressions and molds taken. He was not happy, I was. He's like come back in 10 weeks.... I just stared at him :O, he should have said 10 months... Trying to stay positive Im like "8 weeks... :)" .... he's like "No, 10"... I scheduled for 9. lol<br />
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Anyways he put this THICK flipping wire, its been a week, and wow mighty mighty tender. Im not a fan of drugs, so I only took 400mg of Ibuprofen during the worst of it... I noticed my right side was quick to jump back and be fine, the left another story.<br />
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Im growing frustrated with how slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww this process is taking. It might as well be the Ice Age and watching glaciers move mm every month.<br />
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Third I got a call from Dr.G's office saying they were contacted by Dr.L's office about the molds and they clarified why they needed them and such. (YAY!!)... Now I need to get back with them and see if I can get in touch w/ Dr.G.<br />
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I've arrived to the conclusion this evening that I do have image issues. Im not happy with my current jaw/facial balance, and I hold a lot of resentment towards it. In the meantime, I've realized my DEEP attachment to my face, and scared that by fixing one thing we'll make 10 things worse. I dont want to look like someone different unless you're going to make me look like Adrianna Lima or Megan Fox as an example. lol.<br />
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I crossed upon this article tonight written by Dr.G, discussing the role of jaw surgery and how beauty is measured. <br />
<a href="http://www.orthodonticproductsonline.com/issues/articles/2009-09_07.asp">http://www.orthodonticproductsonline.com/issues/articles/2009-09_07.asp</a><br />
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Im reallllllllly looking forward to going home (Chicago) in 10 days, I need a break from Arizona and figure out some nuts and bolts.<br />
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Pictures soon. <3<br />
<br />BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-3984552633029958352012-04-01T14:10:00.004-07:002012-04-01T14:23:01.384-07:00Uncertainty about my jaw + surgeon.My mind will NOT shut up and I cant stop thinking about jaw stuff I need help hahaha...<br /><br />So my main issue, the main unresolved issue is I do not feel comfortable about the proposed jaw movement my potential surgeon Dr.G has recommended. I have bugged Terra to death about this hahaha, but I really need to get this off my mind. The reason I question him and this proposed jaw movement is for 3 reasons<br />1- I've been following numerous cases online, many with overbites and gummy smiles FAR worse than mine with less movement and they look like themselves but better.<br />2- His proposed 15 mm lower jaw movement is the most significant of any surgeon I have consulted with and the procedure seems the most invasive. If I am impacting the upper jaw 5mm my lower jaw will auto rotate and out to meet it so it should be less.<br />3- The digital imaging he offered me was so hideous, that I still am having issues about doing this surgery.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXg-e1iSplNfK4kS2biCvikmZOZrkdBJiU1E5IagLzQ4ElOiA_eU2TktEBrtRWTRr5FtIUsKn4DjoWnFZUysgPbJP9zv7vW0NcO3HPBakVvdhw9jW29ON7x8lDxTajh36uBbRV-iTEFnP/s1600/trexpredict.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXg-e1iSplNfK4kS2biCvikmZOZrkdBJiU1E5IagLzQ4ElOiA_eU2TktEBrtRWTRr5FtIUsKn4DjoWnFZUysgPbJP9zv7vW0NcO3HPBakVvdhw9jW29ON7x8lDxTajh36uBbRV-iTEFnP/s320/trexpredict.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726545293115794962" border="0" /></a><br />I am not sure what to do at this point, should I call him and be like I dont like your proposed movement, or Im unsure if this is right... He seems like a great guy and he does some of the most complicated and advanced surgeries in the country so I know he's good. Am I being stupid fixating on something as small as mm's ?<br /><br />Something in my gut is telling me I need to talk about this and come to some kind of a resolve or move on.BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-85385142144421008512012-03-30T12:51:00.002-07:002012-03-30T12:57:21.505-07:00Jaw Surgery- genetic link?I've been quietly thinking about the genetic link about who is responsible for our jaws and if it really skips a generation...<br /><br />My mom, dad and brother do not have jaw issues. My granny from my dads side had an overbite and jaw issues. My cousins from my dads side - link to my granny, two them (both girls) have jaw issues, one had most of it corrected with headgear and the other is trying to correct with braces...<br /><br />Have you taken a look at your family and seen who has jaw issues and who you got it from, does it really skip a generation?<br /><br />Would be interesting to know.BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-15604502127220040052012-03-27T17:32:00.009-07:002013-06-17T15:23:35.210-07:00photo update, gross...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hate these photos, yuck...</span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId0-r_rO53WQosq1u4RJPk5UK8QSco5R20sBiTApK7vcBFifHqZhIMh54zmVjUu9U4XbKyd7aY9li2Wjpq1NxQTN2ZGz-VsfUosyeiOIeVY9JUyynEb1z8oHtoCHlLxewfQYFpITXEarp/s1600/SEPANORAMA.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724740772486221538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId0-r_rO53WQosq1u4RJPk5UK8QSco5R20sBiTApK7vcBFifHqZhIMh54zmVjUu9U4XbKyd7aY9li2Wjpq1NxQTN2ZGz-VsfUosyeiOIeVY9JUyynEb1z8oHtoCHlLxewfQYFpITXEarp/s320/SEPANORAMA.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 142px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Panorama view fun, you can see my two (and only) impacted wisdom teeth! Half as wise baby lol, and I need to get them taken out pronto!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3jZ7vnluv2r0KtIxPoHDzey7uVtOjrFFXVvq2UWSPrz6PcUavmWWi0Yx9X9ddQISlYZ5nGs1GV3uMJ_KvefqPWTV6cHmknS_XzH6ccdhKzcDwHS2jvqlHpclj3luEYgrgALKen52ZuJM/s1600/selateral..jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724740236891695778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3jZ7vnluv2r0KtIxPoHDzey7uVtOjrFFXVvq2UWSPrz6PcUavmWWi0Yx9X9ddQISlYZ5nGs1GV3uMJ_KvefqPWTV6cHmknS_XzH6ccdhKzcDwHS2jvqlHpclj3luEYgrgALKen52ZuJM/s320/selateral..jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 236px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724740245072588018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQki6hY0NSRFF0Ko1EvNBTk0LQBh2Qh0-RW2GD_D8-zLOrL0JS8d11WIbzvFa6y6vKPJgMHN7q0wIA7wMnPpuiJcTVpozGK0CmSiQbZHAI2ZJOqXS5qYpQg2Dc0KLZz3S4ojhWmnAuUkm/s320/startingbite.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 72px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Teeth on 8/2011. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">My bite before braces were put on. Where are my lower teeth's? My ortho Dr.L mentioned that my teeth did what they could to compensate for my jaws and angle inward. I think its kind of cute.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN328At31T7YOh5VAlf0wRQOcK2WJ8uQlrwxLlfTbD7MmrUQA5cVX9oMFCvx4hkVM62eQodiDvT9V2DFXrrAJdAkVZHJzhJEj2ewo-xCerNLzgVLjUucCofHIz-Y7l9ZosC0Hqc1DAph_K/s1600/Prog+Photos2-6-12.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724743311835318386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN328At31T7YOh5VAlf0wRQOcK2WJ8uQlrwxLlfTbD7MmrUQA5cVX9oMFCvx4hkVM62eQodiDvT9V2DFXrrAJdAkVZHJzhJEj2ewo-xCerNLzgVLjUucCofHIz-Y7l9ZosC0Hqc1DAph_K/s320/Prog+Photos2-6-12.jpg" style="display: block; height: 171px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Teeth on 2/2012</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">This process is so painfully slow, and in my convos with fellow jaw peeps, it feels like forever, and the extensive time makes you do all the 'what ifs' in the book.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">I hope you are all well.</span></span><br />
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BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-9457082706510295252012-03-22T11:50:00.005-07:002012-03-22T11:58:52.255-07:00Wow get your jaw fixed in 10 days???I just saw this video on youtube was was like :O!!! Not fair... but take a look.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chU4ImyeZl8"><br />Jaw Surgery in 10 days?! </a><br />I think its pretty amazing, I wonder what will become of this procedure and if it can apply to underbites and open bites etc... I also wonder if the results are permanent, and no relapse issues since the jaw is still growing for several years....<br /><br />Interesting.BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2923683355283570657.post-75535597471505690282012-03-12T18:20:00.003-07:002012-03-12T18:57:52.376-07:00Ortho appointment today! :/<a href="http://www.dedleg.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/jaws.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 350px;" src="http://www.dedleg.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/jaws.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think my new favorite face is :/ I think I should have that permanently plastered.<br />This is how I envision myself every time I look in the mirror, hotness right?<br /><br />Moving on, I met with my Ortho today appointment at 2, got there at 2:10 yes I was late, but boy did I end up paying for it later. His office was packed and little children running around screaming their lungs out... After having a tough night with very little sleep (nightmares + migraine) I wanted to clobber these little children and plaster their butts to the chairs... and do other terrible things, its like seriously where what wild farm were they raised on?<br /><br />Anyhow I get in 45 minutes later to see him, they take out my wires, I get to brush my teeth ahhhh and floss and mouthwash and it felt so nice not having any wires in. Anyhow I ask him about getting molds of my teeth taken and Dr.L as I'll refer to my ortho, says there is no point your teeth will be moving even further in the next few days... Im like agreed but the surgeon wanted them so he can predict WHEN I might be ready for surgery.... he still was adamant about not doing them. Im at 4 months with braces, and my surgeon wants to see my progress to start planning.... here we go :/ so anyways Im like fine the next time and he agreed. So we try to get in this thicker wire, after much shoving the upper wire goes on fine... Lets try with the lower jaw, after much shoving and attempting to get the wire in, one of my brackets pops off !! Im like phew, Im glad its not my tooth, and so they shave off the glue and rebond the bracket and wait a few minutes and try again with more force.... a few minutes later 2 brackets pop off, i laugh a little but in my head Im like seriously, TEETH GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER! He ends up putting me on this 'intermediary' wire and I come back in 6 weeks for the thicker wire. fuck.<br /><br />Already I feel Im behind schedule, so in April hopefully things might be a bit clearer. This process is filled with surprises, even the little things like an appointment, shit happens. I think this whole brace/jaw surgery process should be called "shit happens, keep your cool"...<br /><br />So my teeth feel "tight", and after seeing the ortho I call my mom and she's like I have a feeling you wont be ready till maybe Dec-Jan of this year for surgery... I dont know if its shark week, or the fact that I want this done as QUICKLY as possible I just snapped at her... She didnt understand how badly I want this chapter of my life to be over, how much I want to be 'normal' and to start my life. I may very well be delusional and keeping my life on hold till I figure it out, but just hearing her sent me off the deep end... not good :/ :/ :/<br /><br />My ortho has my brace removal date for 5/28/2013. If there is anything PLEASE let that be the date that Im done....<br /><br />I'll post some very sexy (not) photos tomorrow of my bite in progress...BleedingOrchidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02926459149812540578noreply@blogger.com6