I had my latest follow up with my surgeon last week. He was quite happy with how things are lining up. I told him that chewing is going great but that biting is still a bit difficult. He thought this was likely due to weakness and that my teeth still need to mesh better when they are moved with the braces.
He checked my range of motion and gave me some stretches to do, lateral movement and pulling the lower jaw open, I can get about 2.5 finger widths right now but he'd like me to be able to get 3 fingers. He also gave me a couple of isometric strengthening exercises too.
He was pleased with my sensory return, still a tiny bit of numbness and often a itchy feeling in the small numb patch which is a good sign!
I'm finding that my TMJs are more sore the last while a cracking quite a often with end range movements and yawning. I'm hoping it's just stiffness and only temporary as it was not like this preoperatively I think it's probably related to stiffness and muscle tension/imbalance.
I go back to the surgeon in 3 months and the orthodontist in early June :)
Not much else to report for now...
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Friday, 11 May 2012
6 weeks post-op
Well I'm definitely back to normal life these days. Busy with family, friends and work of course. Can't believe its already 6 weeks since my surgery.
I saw my OD again today and hooray I got my braces adjusted so my teeth are officailly on the move again. Surgical hooks are stil in place as he still needs them for my elastics. He is happy with where things are at. No we just need to close then gaps at the upper midline and the left lower extraction gar that remains.
Sensation to my left chin is slowly returning, I have feeling everywhere in the area its just not quite all the way there yet. I have had two acupuncture treatments done and I think they have really helped. For those considering it I would say its definately wirth trying and even if it doesn't work it shouldn't have any negative effects. I noticed more tingling during the treatments and in the day or two after as well.
Bite is still a work in progress as the teeth in my upper arch still need to be moved into their final position. Same elastic configuration from bottom left to upper right working on shifting the lower midline left. It sure is hard to wear it 24/7 especially talking to elderly patients at work. Sometimes they just must come out to do what I need to do.
I am able to floss again too.
All in all I am quite happy with my results so far. I'm glad I decided against the genioplasty even though my chin is still "weak", I feel like I still look like me. My profile could be better but I'm pleased with the front view and my profile is better than it was for sure. I really debated long and hard about the genio preop and decided it was better to not have the genio instead of potentially regretting it as it was a procedure that could always be done separately after if I wanted...not that I would likely go through an additional surgey anyways.
Oh and I ate STEAK this weekend. Look out food world I'm officially back to (almost) normal, I'm still avoiding the usual no-no braces foods.
Back to the surgeon on Monday for my next follow up. Not much else new to report for now.
I saw my OD again today and hooray I got my braces adjusted so my teeth are officailly on the move again. Surgical hooks are stil in place as he still needs them for my elastics. He is happy with where things are at. No we just need to close then gaps at the upper midline and the left lower extraction gar that remains.
Sensation to my left chin is slowly returning, I have feeling everywhere in the area its just not quite all the way there yet. I have had two acupuncture treatments done and I think they have really helped. For those considering it I would say its definately wirth trying and even if it doesn't work it shouldn't have any negative effects. I noticed more tingling during the treatments and in the day or two after as well.
Bite is still a work in progress as the teeth in my upper arch still need to be moved into their final position. Same elastic configuration from bottom left to upper right working on shifting the lower midline left. It sure is hard to wear it 24/7 especially talking to elderly patients at work. Sometimes they just must come out to do what I need to do.
I am able to floss again too.
All in all I am quite happy with my results so far. I'm glad I decided against the genioplasty even though my chin is still "weak", I feel like I still look like me. My profile could be better but I'm pleased with the front view and my profile is better than it was for sure. I really debated long and hard about the genio preop and decided it was better to not have the genio instead of potentially regretting it as it was a procedure that could always be done separately after if I wanted...not that I would likely go through an additional surgey anyways.
Oh and I ate STEAK this weekend. Look out food world I'm officially back to (almost) normal, I'm still avoiding the usual no-no braces foods.
Back to the surgeon on Monday for my next follow up. Not much else new to report for now.
Swelling is gone! Hooray!!!
Smile pre-adjustment
Smile post-adjustment... yippee for powerchains
Upper arch...ready for the gap to close
Lower arch
Have a great weekend everyone :D
Sunday, 29 April 2012
4 weeks postop
Sorry about the confusion with my blog. I tried changing the name but then my followers couldn't see it anymore so I have now changed it back and will just live with the fact that weirdos may read it too.
I saw my OD at 3 weeks and I only have to wear my elastics 8 hours a day (I was able to choose which 8...so chose while I slept). And 3 elastics instead of 4.
Saw him again this week too week now only have to wear one elastic across the front from top to bottom to work on correcting the lower midline. I see him again at 6 weeks postop to hopefully get my teeth moving again.
I have progressed I eating almost normally but am still avoiding crunchy/chewy foods
My sutures are finally dissolving and moving out little bits at a time. I will be glad when they are gone as they are annoying.
Still partially numb on my right outer lip and chin but increasing sensations (tingling, itching). I talked to one of my coworkers and she said she will give me some acupuncture treatment next week to see if it can help with numbness as I have read that acupuncture can be beneficial to encourage nerve regeneration. I love having physio friends!
Still have swelling but really only along the mandible, near the surgical sites. Everyone says I look good but I can still see and feel the swelling.
I went back to work last Thursday and it has been going well. It was nice to see everyone and have a 2 day work week the first week :) I have been a bit more tired in the evenings but I'm sure this will be better next week.
For post op folks when did you attempt to resume flossing? I know I should try again soon.
My TMJ joints are still feeling a bits stiff. I can open about 2.5 finger widths but lateral and forward movements still feel pretty stiff and I can feel the scars pulling inside my cheeks at times.
Here are a couple new pictures
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
I saw my OD at 3 weeks and I only have to wear my elastics 8 hours a day (I was able to choose which 8...so chose while I slept). And 3 elastics instead of 4.
Saw him again this week too week now only have to wear one elastic across the front from top to bottom to work on correcting the lower midline. I see him again at 6 weeks postop to hopefully get my teeth moving again.
I have progressed I eating almost normally but am still avoiding crunchy/chewy foods
My sutures are finally dissolving and moving out little bits at a time. I will be glad when they are gone as they are annoying.
Still partially numb on my right outer lip and chin but increasing sensations (tingling, itching). I talked to one of my coworkers and she said she will give me some acupuncture treatment next week to see if it can help with numbness as I have read that acupuncture can be beneficial to encourage nerve regeneration. I love having physio friends!
Still have swelling but really only along the mandible, near the surgical sites. Everyone says I look good but I can still see and feel the swelling.
I went back to work last Thursday and it has been going well. It was nice to see everyone and have a 2 day work week the first week :) I have been a bit more tired in the evenings but I'm sure this will be better next week.
For post op folks when did you attempt to resume flossing? I know I should try again soon.
My TMJ joints are still feeling a bits stiff. I can open about 2.5 finger widths but lateral and forward movements still feel pretty stiff and I can feel the scars pulling inside my cheeks at times.
Here are a couple new pictures
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!
Monday, 16 April 2012
Creepiness!!!
Hey everyone. Just wanted to give you a heads up. I've tried to change my settings to prevent weirdos from viewing my blog. I had a bunch of hits from www . Bracesforum . Net which appears to be a creepy fetishist site...yuck!!! If what I've tried has worked I will share with others how to do it. To my actual blogger friends please let me know if you are still able to see my pics/blog or if you are having any trouble. Thank you.
Friday, 13 April 2012
Follow up with surgeon...and other stuff
I had another follow up with my surgeon yesterday as he just wanted to make sure things are on track with my bite. He was happy with how things have progressed with the anterior elastics and now I don't have to see him again for another month. I still have an open incision at the back right portion of my mouth, but he didn't seem too concerned with this. I am getting more contact on my right molars than left but he said this can be corrected orthodontically. Not much else to update. No teeth pictures today.
Off topic, we're removating a room in our basement and here is a picture of my decorating plans. It is going to be a spare bedroom/office. I have ordered the bedding and artwork online. I'm excited but I kind of wish this stuff was going in my bedroom! We're working on drywall sanding and the ceiling this weekend and then I can do the fun decorating part. I'm going with a beachy theme :D
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This painting is my favorite part!!!
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Off topic, we're removating a room in our basement and here is a picture of my decorating plans. It is going to be a spare bedroom/office. I have ordered the bedding and artwork online. I'm excited but I kind of wish this stuff was going in my bedroom! We're working on drywall sanding and the ceiling this weekend and then I can do the fun decorating part. I'm going with a beachy theme :D
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I'm not decided on the wall/carpet color yet
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Day 14 - Two weeks post-op
Back to the orthodontist today. I no longer have to wear the elastic at the very front that was going sideways from bottom to top and I can take the two front ones off at night as they had been making my front teeth quite sore. They took another xray and were happy with how things are looking. I did mention that my left front tooth seems to contact the bottom teeth because of the inward angulation. He said we can address this when we start moving the teeth again. Back again next week for a quick check.
The feeling is definitely returning in my lip and chin..hooray!!! I can sleep on my side again now too! So al in all a good couple days. Also experimenting with other soft foods including bread :D
The feeling is definitely returning in my lip and chin..hooray!!! I can sleep on my side again now too! So al in all a good couple days. Also experimenting with other soft foods including bread :D
Swelling still there and fluctuates a bit but not too bad
any more. I still have a bit more time
off work, go back next Thursday.
I got a call from my surgeon's office on Monday also and they want to see me this week instead of next week. So I see them tomorrow.
Sorry for the bad hair, shadows and funny angles (self
portraits…haha)
Not smiling vs. smiling.
The base of my nose seems to get wider when I smile big…
I can’t remember
if this happened before ( I don’t think so) also not sure if I enjoy this L
Right Profile
Left Profile
Bite no longer open
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Day 10
Things have been going well the past few days. My lips and cheeks are less irritated so changing elastics is becoming much easier and less painful. One night I covered most of my brackets with wax just to see if it would soothe things and it did :)
My anterior elastics seem to be correcting the open bite already.
Swelling has come down but seems to fluctuate now. I still have some fading bruises, but they cover pretty well with foundation.
Numbness...not much change, still tingly on the lower right. I started taking my B vitamin supplement in hopes of helping this along. Also taking my multivitamin.
My weight really hasn't changed much, down maybe 3 lbs but my weight is usually pretty stable (thanks for the good genes mom!). I tried really hard to keep my calories up to maintain my weight. I've been getting more adventurous and managed a hamburger/pasta casserole tonight and even satisfied a donut craving yesterday, oh yeah and I had pancakes for breakfast too. I'm still pretty cautious and mostly smoosh things with my tongue as biting/chewing make me nervous and feel strange.
I see my OD again in a couple days so will post again after that.
Happy Easter!
My anterior elastics seem to be correcting the open bite already.
Swelling has come down but seems to fluctuate now. I still have some fading bruises, but they cover pretty well with foundation.
Numbness...not much change, still tingly on the lower right. I started taking my B vitamin supplement in hopes of helping this along. Also taking my multivitamin.
My weight really hasn't changed much, down maybe 3 lbs but my weight is usually pretty stable (thanks for the good genes mom!). I tried really hard to keep my calories up to maintain my weight. I've been getting more adventurous and managed a hamburger/pasta casserole tonight and even satisfied a donut craving yesterday, oh yeah and I had pancakes for breakfast too. I'm still pretty cautious and mostly smoosh things with my tongue as biting/chewing make me nervous and feel strange.
I see my OD again in a couple days so will post again after that.
Still swollen but much improved
Here is a close-up of my bite now without elastics on...no longer open yay!
Still need to move upper teeth with braces. Can't wait to start getting them moving again.
Happy Easter!
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Day 7
So headed off the the OD office today and they checked out my bite. They took another xray and changed my elastic configuration. Things are feeling a little tight now but at least he said I can take them out to eat. Things are already lining up a bit better. He thinks the other elastics I had may have been too strong. Truly the post painful part is my lips and cheeks. They are raw from elastics rubbing (and being stretched open today) on them plus I have a crack at one corner of my mouth which makes changing the elastics painful so I've only been taking out the front ones to eat which has worked out okay.
More pasta for me today but not blenderized and it was amazing. Liptons sidekicks and mini-ravioli, not exactly healthy but I practically lived on carbs before so they were fantastic!!! I can't wait until I can eat bread/pastry again...mmmm. I almost watched a food show today and then thought I better not.
Took Katelyn to the park and walked dogs too. Getting back to normal but not ready to go back to work yet as I basically talk all day and don't think I could handle that yet.
No other big news today so thats all for now :)
More pasta for me today but not blenderized and it was amazing. Liptons sidekicks and mini-ravioli, not exactly healthy but I practically lived on carbs before so they were fantastic!!! I can't wait until I can eat bread/pastry again...mmmm. I almost watched a food show today and then thought I better not.
Took Katelyn to the park and walked dogs too. Getting back to normal but not ready to go back to work yet as I basically talk all day and don't think I could handle that yet.
No other big news today so thats all for now :)
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Day 6
Today was a busy day. Got up early because I thought Paul had slept in but he didn't. So I showered and got ready to head out on the highway for my follow up appointment with the surgeon. Thanks again to my wonderful dad who did all the driving (4 hrs, plus another 2 for him!). We had a nice time visiting in the car and having some dad-daughter time :) I even ate in public, twice!! Which I didn't think I was ready for but people didn't seem to notice...or at least they didn't stare.
It was a bit windier so I when I got cold and tensed up I got to experience an awesome jaw muscle cramp/spasm, but at least it resolved quickly when I got out of the wind.
I ran into one of my hospital roomates in the waiting room, turns out she is also from where I live and saw my husband where he works yesterday too, small world! She's doing ok (and has finally stopped vomiting, I guess she reacted to her antibiotics), poor thing...
I saw another surgeon from the practice for my follow up visit. She was very nice and answered all of my questions. She agrees that the tingling is a good sign but the numbness may still take awhile to resolve which is what I thought. I've also been having some hypersensitivity which is also a sign that things are retunrning :) She changed my elastics but left them in the same locations, only two on each side now. I now get to change them myself every day so we'll see how that goes tomorrow.
She said my teeth were "quite clean" but I didn't tell her I'm nowhere near brushing the 100x a day they encourage.
She couldn't really figure out what could be causing the clicking I feel on the right side. It really feels like its coming from a specific tooth so I think it might be shifting around or something or could just be a wonky sensory thing with the nerve injury. She reassured me that there is no hardware anywhere near that area and didn't seem too worried about it.
The only worrisome part is my bite as she did seem concerned that I now have a bit of an anterior open bite and very few of my molars touch as well. She tried to call my ortho's office (which was already closed for the day) so she said she would talk to them tomorrow and let me know what the plan is. This made me a bit worried as I did not have an open bite prior to surgery...
Here are some pics from today. I really need to stop taking them at 10pm when I'm tired.
It was a bit windier so I when I got cold and tensed up I got to experience an awesome jaw muscle cramp/spasm, but at least it resolved quickly when I got out of the wind.
I ran into one of my hospital roomates in the waiting room, turns out she is also from where I live and saw my husband where he works yesterday too, small world! She's doing ok (and has finally stopped vomiting, I guess she reacted to her antibiotics), poor thing...
I saw another surgeon from the practice for my follow up visit. She was very nice and answered all of my questions. She agrees that the tingling is a good sign but the numbness may still take awhile to resolve which is what I thought. I've also been having some hypersensitivity which is also a sign that things are retunrning :) She changed my elastics but left them in the same locations, only two on each side now. I now get to change them myself every day so we'll see how that goes tomorrow.
She said my teeth were "quite clean" but I didn't tell her I'm nowhere near brushing the 100x a day they encourage.
She couldn't really figure out what could be causing the clicking I feel on the right side. It really feels like its coming from a specific tooth so I think it might be shifting around or something or could just be a wonky sensory thing with the nerve injury. She reassured me that there is no hardware anywhere near that area and didn't seem too worried about it.
The only worrisome part is my bite as she did seem concerned that I now have a bit of an anterior open bite and very few of my molars touch as well. She tried to call my ortho's office (which was already closed for the day) so she said she would talk to them tomorrow and let me know what the plan is. This made me a bit worried as I did not have an open bite prior to surgery...
Here are some pics from today. I really need to stop taking them at 10pm when I'm tired.
THE BITE
P.S. I got as call from my ortho's office bright and early today and they want me to come in so he can take a look. I'm headed out now...I'll update you in Day 7 post
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Day 5
Sorry my posts are coming the next day (today is morning of day 6) but I just can't get to posting at night since I'm usually tired and my kiddo is a night owl. I always thought kids went to bed early, but not mine!
Anyways, sweatpants made a comeback yesterday, but mostly because I didn't have anywhere to go and let's face it they're more comfortable. I had a nice relaxing day snuggled up on the couch with my puppies, catching up on some recorded shows. Nothing too exciting but I think that's what I needed.
I didn't have much of an appetite but did have oatmeal, soup and chili (thanks for the inspiration Nichole!). Only needed one T3 yesterday.
No other big changes to report.
Anyways, sweatpants made a comeback yesterday, but mostly because I didn't have anywhere to go and let's face it they're more comfortable. I had a nice relaxing day snuggled up on the couch with my puppies, catching up on some recorded shows. Nothing too exciting but I think that's what I needed.
I didn't have much of an appetite but did have oatmeal, soup and chili (thanks for the inspiration Nichole!). Only needed one T3 yesterday.
No other big changes to report.
Wow, bad picture today!
My dad is driving me to my follow up appointment later today as I don't think I'll feel like driving for four hours. Thanks Dad!Monday, 2 April 2012
Day 4
Today was a decent day. At home with the family, went for a walk to the park. Had an afternoon nap. I even got dressed in real clothes, no more sweatpants! And put on some eye makeup!
I'm starting to get tired of liquids, can't wait until I can eat real food again. Tried some pasta blenderized but wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Think I'll stick with soup for a bit longer.
Swelling continues to go down and the bruises are changing color. Starting to feel like I look more normal again.
Pain has been okay, got bumped in the face today, not too hard luckily but it still hurt. Because my cheeks are swollen the most uncomfortable part is the elastics rubbing and digging in at rest.
Numbness is similar but I feel like I'm getting occasional twinges of feeling/pain, hopefully a good sign.
Tomorrow hubby will be back to work and my daughter back to day care, will be nice to have the place to myself for a couple of hours.
I'm starting to get tired of liquids, can't wait until I can eat real food again. Tried some pasta blenderized but wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Think I'll stick with soup for a bit longer.
Swelling continues to go down and the bruises are changing color. Starting to feel like I look more normal again.
Pain has been okay, got bumped in the face today, not too hard luckily but it still hurt. Because my cheeks are swollen the most uncomfortable part is the elastics rubbing and digging in at rest.
Numbness is similar but I feel like I'm getting occasional twinges of feeling/pain, hopefully a good sign.
Tomorrow hubby will be back to work and my daughter back to day care, will be nice to have the place to myself for a couple of hours.
Check out the bruising on my neck!
Kiddo wanted her picture taken too....
My pretty flowers from hubby :D
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Day 3
I spent today taking things a bit easier, has a couple naps and tried to talk a bit less to avoid the clicking feeling on the right. I will definitely be asking about this at my follow up with the surgeon on Tuesday.
Swelling is starting to come down and the bruising is travelling down into my neck now. My neck is getting stiff I think from avoiding movement and being overprotective.
Pain is still not bad other than the occasional clicking sensation which I'm trying to avoid.
Brushing my teeth as much as possible but nowhere near the 100 times a day the surgeon recommends, this seems excessive to me...I think I'm at 10 times (after I eat or drink anything) and also rinsing often with salt water.
Numbness, no change...still numb/tingly on the right.
I left the house today, first to sit outside on the deck in the sun, 15 degrees C here which is quite warm for this time of year :) Also went for a drive with the family to pick up a smoothie then back home again, but hey I got out!
I think tomorrow I will attempt make-up again...I look pretty sleepy in this one!
Swelling is starting to come down and the bruising is travelling down into my neck now. My neck is getting stiff I think from avoiding movement and being overprotective.
Pain is still not bad other than the occasional clicking sensation which I'm trying to avoid.
Brushing my teeth as much as possible but nowhere near the 100 times a day the surgeon recommends, this seems excessive to me...I think I'm at 10 times (after I eat or drink anything) and also rinsing often with salt water.
Numbness, no change...still numb/tingly on the right.
I left the house today, first to sit outside on the deck in the sun, 15 degrees C here which is quite warm for this time of year :) Also went for a drive with the family to pick up a smoothie then back home again, but hey I got out!
I think tomorrow I will attempt make-up again...I look pretty sleepy in this one!
Day 2
Spent the day at home with my mom and daughter. She helped out with girlie while I worked on eating. Tried some blended chicken noodle soup and crackers surprisingly good. Also made up some chicken in the slow cooker and food processed yo add to other foods like soup. Had some tasty mashed potatoes and gravy with chicken or supper. I think I talked too much though as feeling some weird clicking on the right side. I'll have to take it easier tomorrow.
Just a short post today. Feeling better after a shower.
Just a short post today. Feeling better after a shower.
Thursday, 29 March 2012
Day 1
Slept on and off through the night between vital checks every two hours and other roomates being up as well. My pain has been well controlled at 2/10 with little use of the PCA overnight.
I had oatmeal, jello and milk for breakfast. Attempted the coffee but they put protein powder in it...yuck don't mess with coffee!
I saw the resident this morning who added one more elastic on the left side. My bite is better but definitely not perfect, still more orthodontic work to be done which I knew. I think my breathing is better too.
Got discharged around 11:00 then hubby drove us home, I slept most of the way home. He also picked up my T3s and antibiotics (and some flowers too). My mom is staying for a bit longer to help out. Hubby has to work tomorrow and girlie may go to daycare...we'll see. Had a couple protein shakes and soup a couple times, chocolate milk and lots of water too. Tomorrow I'm going to cook up and purée some chicken to add to my soups.
Pain is still pretty good only about 2/10. Only needed 2 1/2 T3 today.
Swelling is up a little bit (more on the right) and starting to see some bruising now. I have been massaging my neck to help with the swelling with my Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) training this should help the swelling and bruising resolve a bit quicker. Still using ice packs too. My awesome friend delivered me so hospital ice from where I work :)
Numbness is improved my tongue and left lower lip feel normal already and the lower right side is tingly. Not bad for day 1.
Ready for bed now, planning to sleep on our reclining sofa to keep my head elevated.
I had oatmeal, jello and milk for breakfast. Attempted the coffee but they put protein powder in it...yuck don't mess with coffee!
I saw the resident this morning who added one more elastic on the left side. My bite is better but definitely not perfect, still more orthodontic work to be done which I knew. I think my breathing is better too.
Got discharged around 11:00 then hubby drove us home, I slept most of the way home. He also picked up my T3s and antibiotics (and some flowers too). My mom is staying for a bit longer to help out. Hubby has to work tomorrow and girlie may go to daycare...we'll see. Had a couple protein shakes and soup a couple times, chocolate milk and lots of water too. Tomorrow I'm going to cook up and purée some chicken to add to my soups.
Pain is still pretty good only about 2/10. Only needed 2 1/2 T3 today.
Swelling is up a little bit (more on the right) and starting to see some bruising now. I have been massaging my neck to help with the swelling with my Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) training this should help the swelling and bruising resolve a bit quicker. Still using ice packs too. My awesome friend delivered me so hospital ice from where I work :)
Numbness is improved my tongue and left lower lip feel normal already and the lower right side is tingly. Not bad for day 1.
Ready for bed now, planning to sleep on our reclining sofa to keep my head elevated.
Breakfast at the hospital
At home Thursday night
Right profile
Left profile
Day 0- Mar 28/12
I made it! Everything went as planned mandibular BSSO only, no genioplasty.
My day started out with a nice long relaxing bath (uninterrupted too!), then packed up and watched hubby eat a tasty looking continental breakfast. Then we were off to the hospital to get admitted. Saying bye to Paul was the hardest part as he looked so worried and was tearing up, made me cry too :')
Went into the OR around noon, remember them strapping me in and putting on a mask. After that I woke up in recovery rather calm and still sleepy. Finally got moved up to the floor around 3pm and slept on and off for the rest of the day. Had a couple brief visits from hubby, my inlaws and a friend but was really to sleepy still. Around 7pm I attempted to eat some soup, pudding and juice and managed a bit of each then started to feel a bit nauseous so quit while I was ahead. I even managed not to be sick despite the vomit fest going on around me all night long with two of my other roomates.
Pain has been not bad 2-4/10. PCA hydromorph for pain and Maxeran for nausea were my friends. I also got Prednisone for swelling and a few doses of prophylactic IV antibiotics to prevent infection.
Swelling is defintely there (I think my cheeks look like Quagmire from family guy.... Giggity giggity).
Numbness my lower lip and tongue was completely numb post op but has already started to tingle.
Elastics on both sides from lower molars to upper canines at front, 3 or 4 on each side.
Preop brave face:
Post op:
And for those who are curious about my "last supper"
...We went to Tony Romas for steak and ribs (yes I had both), loaded baked potato, steamed broccoli and strawberry new york cheesecake for dessert. SO GOOD :D Hunger Games movie was awesome too.
Wow this post got long...day 1 to come later!
My day started out with a nice long relaxing bath (uninterrupted too!), then packed up and watched hubby eat a tasty looking continental breakfast. Then we were off to the hospital to get admitted. Saying bye to Paul was the hardest part as he looked so worried and was tearing up, made me cry too :')
Went into the OR around noon, remember them strapping me in and putting on a mask. After that I woke up in recovery rather calm and still sleepy. Finally got moved up to the floor around 3pm and slept on and off for the rest of the day. Had a couple brief visits from hubby, my inlaws and a friend but was really to sleepy still. Around 7pm I attempted to eat some soup, pudding and juice and managed a bit of each then started to feel a bit nauseous so quit while I was ahead. I even managed not to be sick despite the vomit fest going on around me all night long with two of my other roomates.
Pain has been not bad 2-4/10. PCA hydromorph for pain and Maxeran for nausea were my friends. I also got Prednisone for swelling and a few doses of prophylactic IV antibiotics to prevent infection.
Swelling is defintely there (I think my cheeks look like Quagmire from family guy.... Giggity giggity).
Numbness my lower lip and tongue was completely numb post op but has already started to tingle.
Elastics on both sides from lower molars to upper canines at front, 3 or 4 on each side.
Preop brave face:
Post op:
And for those who are curious about my "last supper"
...We went to Tony Romas for steak and ribs (yes I had both), loaded baked potato, steamed broccoli and strawberry new york cheesecake for dessert. SO GOOD :D Hunger Games movie was awesome too.
Wow this post got long...day 1 to come later!
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
See you on the other side!!!
Well, tomorrow is the BIG day and also my one year in braces anniversary!!
Hubby and I are staying in a hotel tonight while grandma stays at home with our daughter (2 hours away). We're headed out on a date night for dinner and then going to see the Hunger Games after :) Should be a nice distraction from surgery tomorrow. I still haven't decided what my last real dinner will be...something crunchy/chewy for sure!!!
Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight. Off to the hospital for 9:15 in the morning, surgery at 11:00...yikes, this is really happening! Can't wait to get it over with. Send good vibes my way!!
Probably won't be able to update for a couple days.
See you on the other side...
Chandra
Hubby and I are staying in a hotel tonight while grandma stays at home with our daughter (2 hours away). We're headed out on a date night for dinner and then going to see the Hunger Games after :) Should be a nice distraction from surgery tomorrow. I still haven't decided what my last real dinner will be...something crunchy/chewy for sure!!!
Hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight. Off to the hospital for 9:15 in the morning, surgery at 11:00...yikes, this is really happening! Can't wait to get it over with. Send good vibes my way!!
Probably won't be able to update for a couple days.
See you on the other side...
Chandra
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Pre-op profile pictures...4 days to go!!!
Here are my latest profile pictures, I tried to photoshop out some shadows.
The first picture in each is my natural bite, the second picture in each is posturing my lower jaw forward without smiling and the third for side views is posturing forward with smiling to simulate the surgical advancement. I have pretty much decided not to have the genioplasty (90% sure) unless he feels it is absolutely necessary as I am happy with how my chin looks from the front now and still want to look like me post-op though I realize the genio will improve my profile more I don't want to end up with a "big" chin.
The first picture in each is my natural bite, the second picture in each is posturing my lower jaw forward without smiling and the third for side views is posturing forward with smiling to simulate the surgical advancement. I have pretty much decided not to have the genioplasty (90% sure) unless he feels it is absolutely necessary as I am happy with how my chin looks from the front now and still want to look like me post-op though I realize the genio will improve my profile more I don't want to end up with a "big" chin.
RIGHT
LEFT
4 days until surgery!!!
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Food suggestions???
I haven been stocking up on a few things like soup, juices, puddings, Ensure for the fun post-op diet. I see the dietician next week who will likely suggest other things to...
I have also started a multivitamin and hi-potency vitamin B supplement also bought some benefibre to mix in with liquids. I still need to pick up some protein powder too.
What were your favorite "foods" post-op? Any suggestions are appreciated :D
I have also started a multivitamin and hi-potency vitamin B supplement also bought some benefibre to mix in with liquids. I still need to pick up some protein powder too.
What were your favorite "foods" post-op? Any suggestions are appreciated :D
2 weeks until surgery!!!
Sorry I have been MIA for a bit but have been very busy the last few weeks. Finding time to blog with a toddler is tricky! We had an awesome two week vacation in Mexico which was great distraction from my upcoming surgery. I also indulged in great food the whole time without any guilt about the 5 lbs I gained which I'm trying to keep on for surgery.
I saw my OD on Friday and had my impressions done for the surgeon, new x-ray taken and surgical hooks are now in place! Only 2 on the top and 4 on the bottom. I thought they would be uncomfortable but I really don't notice them unless I'm eating because more food gets stuck and they're a bit harder to clean around, otherwise not bad at all.
The gap is still there but slowly closing, no power chains until after surgery now :(
Here are my latest pics...
More posts to come in the next few days. 2 weeks until the big day!!!
I saw my OD on Friday and had my impressions done for the surgeon, new x-ray taken and surgical hooks are now in place! Only 2 on the top and 4 on the bottom. I thought they would be uncomfortable but I really don't notice them unless I'm eating because more food gets stuck and they're a bit harder to clean around, otherwise not bad at all.
The gap is still there but slowly closing, no power chains until after surgery now :(
Here are my latest pics...
The front tooth on the left (your right) is angled in a bit and looks worse on camera
More posts to come in the next few days. 2 weeks until the big day!!!
Friday, 3 February 2012
February adjustment
I also saw my orthodontist this week for another adjustment. I filled him in on my appointment with the surgeon and he feels that I will be ready for surgery even if the gaps aren't completely closed. My next appointment will be mid-March for pre-surgery impressions to make models and for X-rays. I will also get the blue molar pads removed from my lower back teeth then. I will need to see him 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks postop for checkups but won't have another adjustment until at least the 6 week postop mark.
Good news!!!! We've started working on closing my central gap now. Basically they added a figure-8 fine wire to three teeth on the left to move that side as a group and attached the powerchain to the right central incisor to start closing the gap. My new powerchains are white (boo! They stain easier).
For the lower arch they changed to an "M-wire" (I think the "M" stands for medieval torture device!!!) this was by far my most painful adjustment. I'm not sure what was so different about this wire, I'm guessing it might be the shape but it was also inserted differently. Usually they put the wire through the channels in the back teeth then close the bracket doors on the other teeth. The torture wire gets closed into the front brackets first, then somehow (painfully) pushed and bent/closed into the other brackets and then bent and forced into the channels at the back. I was in the chair for almost 40 minutes. My mouth hurts just thinking about it. Had to put heat on my jaw that night which relieved things a bit. Also got new power chains on the bottom to finish closing up the very small gaps.
Good news!!!! We've started working on closing my central gap now. Basically they added a figure-8 fine wire to three teeth on the left to move that side as a group and attached the powerchain to the right central incisor to start closing the gap. My new powerchains are white (boo! They stain easier).
For the lower arch they changed to an "M-wire" (I think the "M" stands for medieval torture device!!!) this was by far my most painful adjustment. I'm not sure what was so different about this wire, I'm guessing it might be the shape but it was also inserted differently. Usually they put the wire through the channels in the back teeth then close the bracket doors on the other teeth. The torture wire gets closed into the front brackets first, then somehow (painfully) pushed and bent/closed into the other brackets and then bent and forced into the channels at the back. I was in the chair for almost 40 minutes. My mouth hurts just thinking about it. Had to put heat on my jaw that night which relieved things a bit. Also got new power chains on the bottom to finish closing up the very small gaps.
I tried googling m-wire and this was the closest thing I could find to what I think they might have put on the lower arch.
Here are my latest pictures:
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