Just wanted to post a quick update. 3 weeks ago I had upper and lower jaw surgery, and I feel awesome. Despite the liquid diet, I have only slightly lower energy levels than usual...I'm still as cheerful as ever. My jaws are still banded together, but I'm now allowed to take off the elastics twice a day to practice opening and closing my mouth, give my teeth a really good brush, and most importantly, talk! Well, I can talk with them on, but it's just that most people don't understand what I'm saying. It sounds really muffled. I've been back at school for over a week now, and my OS said that's one for his record books. I have very little swelling, and honestly, I don't see much of a difference in the way I look, but I know that still might come. I still have the splint in, and will have it for about 5 more weeks, but my smile looks pretty good. I can't wait to get this splint out, though! I'm still eating through a syringe, but I have a better attitude and sense of humour about it. I've finally become courageous enough to experiment with the foods I know I can get down. For example, yesterday, I mixed vanilla yogurt with some fruit juice, then mixed it really well with a spoon, then sucked it through the syringe, and it was awesome! I see my OS again on Monday, as well as my orthodontist (she just wants to see my mouth, more out of curiosity than anything, since I can't really open far enough for her to do any work yet). At this time next week, I should be cleared to be wearing my elastics only at night, which means I'll probably be allowed to advance to a no-chew diet, which believe me, will definitely be an improvement! Applesauce and unblenderized yogurt, here I come!
Jayda