The Lovely Season for Scalpels Club (calling all Dec. dates)

Message

#166 Post by **Arvensis** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:26 am

Actually Zou, I specifically asked him if he could go ahead and make sure I was de-splinted before Feb 1 because there was this woman in AZ whom I was competing with.

I'm sure this is why my OS thinks I'm insane. I bet he'll never take another law student as a patient ever again;)

I was actually concerned because last time I saw him it sounded like he wanted to leave the splint in until 8 weeks, which would be mid Feb. That would have made me very sad... very sad indeed.

I'm curious how people will react to me/us professionally -- I've been told my "old face" was a lot more masculine looking or stronger (it was) and in some ways I've always been "one of the guys" and took advantage of that in both personal and professional ways. Your strong chin statement reminded me of that.

And way to join the not brown club!!!

Merkit, hang in there, you're only 4 days later than Zou... think of it this way - you'll beat Phil probably in getting the splint out!!:)

#167 Post by **phil** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 5:03 pm

For the record, my splint is removable. It is the one that I had before surgery, just adjusted here and there. I only take it out to brush these days, and just see how things are looking. I am pushing to keep it in my mouth until week TEN, when hopefully I will be ready for the orthodontist to begin working again. Things have felt pretty solid for the last few days, but I am keeping my fingers crossed. Occasionally I have a bad night of clenching, and am distressed the next morning that I may do myself harm. I guess I'm doing everything I can this time around, though, with insisting against elastics until we are absolutely certain of consolidation,(I have rehearsed my line in my head to the surgeon about when he can put elastics in my mouth)

and wearing my splint basically around the clock. I'm so used to it that life is going to feel very strange without it! I've also been very good about eating my HEALTHY NUTRITIOUS BLENDED BROWN FOOD (YUMMO!!!), and taking my supplements.

If I were any of you, I would not be in a rush to get your splint out, as miserable as it might make you. I'm sure that the fixed ones are a real pain compared to mine--at least I can take the blasted thing out and brush it, not to mention the teeth that it sits on! But even if mine were fixed, I would be perfectly satisfied to keep it in my mouth until the cows come home, if the outcome is positive!

And, OH YEAH...BROWN FOOD IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#168 Post by **Arvensis** » Sat Jan 19, 2008 6:28 pm

But even if mine were fixed, I would be perfectly satisfied to keep it in my mouth until the cows come home, if the outcome is positive!

Go ahead, stop brushing your splint and teeth that it touches and see how long it takes you to decide you'd be happier with it out. Ha!

LOL on the flying pigs

Removable is cheating. You are so fired Phil. I think Zou, Merkit, and I win by forfeiture. And on top of it you eat brown food. Ugg!!

#169 Post by **zou** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 12:53 am

Very funny Arvensis! I could just picture you actually asking your OS to speed this up just to beat me. One of these days the Sunday club will have to have a virtual margarita night (or a real one if anyone is coming to Arizona) to celebrate.

I'm still trying to figure out how to post some of my pictures, but I've been having major computer errors so that may take a bit.

I agree, Phil, your splint doesn't count since it is removable and therefore more like a retainer.

Mine is wired right into the upper jaw. Combine that with all the complex wiring that is holding everything shut and it is just a maze in there. My next OS apointment (and the last one until unsplinting and unwiring) is on Thursday and I am going to again push to also have him remove the wire that he placed in the right jaw bone to hold it in place. I am now convinced that it is the main cause of all the addtional pain I am experienceing on that side. I can feel exactly where it enters the cheek and goes into the bone and that cooresponds to where the majority of my pain is. However, if he insists that for security of the bone placement it must stay longer than 6 week I will give in.

The next weeks will be hectic ones. This week is yet another court appearance ( luckily before the same Judge as last time so she knows about my limitations) Then next week stepdad will have major surgery on the artery leading to his brain so I will have a house full of family and some major hospital time. This all before my "unveiling so to speak" . Hopefully all with go well with him and we can both start our recovery together.

BTW, You all have been wonderful and have helped be keep a smile (albeait a rather crooked one at times) during this whole procedure and I thank you for it.

Sorry for any typos but a have a cat laying on my right arm and typing is a challange at the moment.

#170 Post by **phil** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:44 am

Hello, all!

My BROWN FOOD report: last night for dinner I had sirloin steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli for dinner--blended. It was incredibly delicious! And VERY brown (with flecks of green).

I know my splint doesn't count. So fire me!

#171 Post by **Arvensis** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:49 am

And VERY brown (with flecks of green).

Phil, I think I just puked a little in my mouth even thinking about this. Ew. No thanks, I will stick to my brie-on-a-spoon, goat cheese, and caviar, thankyouverymuch.

Zou - my upper jaw splint thingy is wired in too to the braces on the upper jaw, like you described. I'm wondering how they're going to get it off - lots and lots of wire clipping. I'm going to ortho's immediately afterwards to get the upper archwire replaced (since mine is clipped into three pieces). I hope you can get that wire in the right lower removed too!!!

Good luck with everything else with cout and your stepdad and keep us updated. I'm sure it will all go smoother than expected and in a month you'll laugh about that freak rainstorm (when it rains, it pours) back during the end of January:) And we'll drink margaritas...

And you must learn to post pictures so we can share our unveiling!!!

#172 Post by **Arvensis** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:35 pm

Owwwww. It feels like the last 5 weeks of me yammering on like normal decided to catch up with me atll at once TODAY. Starting this morning around 10 (and really, I didn't talk much at all before 10, so it makes no sense) my muscles around the lower jaw have been totally tired and sore. Am using heating packs to sooth and advil. Seriously? I think I spoke three words before 10 AM and I had cream of wheat for breakfast. What gives?

I protest.

#173 Post by **phil** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:08 am

Arvensis,

Maybe you've been laughing too much about BROWN food?

Seriously, in all likelihood it's muscle spasms. You're doing the right thing if it is--moist heat and Ibuprofen should help. If it doesn't get better, you might call your surgeon just to be safe.

Hang in there!

#174 Post by **zou** » Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:26 am

Arvensis, I feel you pain....literally. It realy sucks when you feel like you're making progress and doing so well and suddenly your body protests.

Like Phil says, you're doing the right things, also, consider trying to get a little more rest to give your body that little extra to deal with the little battle going on.

I'm getting a LDM tonight after visiting the OS and I'm really hoping it gives me some relief.

Take it easy and hope you feel better soon.