January Buddies

[suzyscientist]

Day 6 sounds rubbish, poor you! Take extra good care of yourself today!

My bruising is starting to show as well - and starting to get more of a general dull ache. I'll try and take pictures tomorrow...

I'm on paracetamol 1000mg, dihydrocodiene 30mg and and diclofenac 50mg, 3 times a day. That's a lot of pills! How are you getting on with the painkillers? My stomach is so unhappy right now because of them! I'm not taking antibiotics though - I got two big doses in hospital via IV, but nothing since. Are you on antibiotics? I see that some people do take them after surgery but others don't...

I see my surgeon again on Thursday morning so I'm hoping that I can get permission to take these bands off to eat! They go right from the middle teeth to the premolars, top and bottom, so it's completely impossible to use even a baby spoon. The docs didn't told me *not* to use a straw and the nurses kept giving me straws with my milk so I guess it's ok... hopefully

I'm off work til 2nd Feb, but then I don't have to go back full time for another week, when all the students arrive back for spring semester (I'm a teaching assistant at a university).

Are your kids at school Christine? They & your husband must be so proud of you going through all this!

Suzy

[I love my teeth]

My boys are 6 and 10..(soon to turn 7 and 11)--the oldest is taking very good care of me! I ate almost a whole box of mac and cheese for lunch (he made it for me )

I am not familiar to any of those meds you are on (I am a medical person too, go figure!!). I took a bunch of narcotics in the hospital, then went home on oxycodone, but was off that by day 3, and only on 800mg motrin every 5-6hours...I felt better getting off all the other drugs! Not on antibiotics either.....I had 4 bags in the hospital..I am quite sure every single bacteria in my body is dead---started on acidophillys as soon as I got home

I am just finding it hard to sit here and let them do everything----but they seem to be managing OK....I have someone coming to clean for me (a job I usually do myself!!) for the next 4 wednesdays.....my biggest challenge this week will be after school activites--piano on mondays, hockey on tuesday and wednesday, hockey games on friday, saturday, sunday. plus, homework, ect. I am usually done and exhausted by 1pm

I do think I will have better days if I could sleep more at night, post op day 10 can't some soon enough, doc said I could lie flatter after the 10days!

sleep well!
christine

[suzyscientist]

Wow, day 5 has been tough! I woke up with a really sore throat, and really struggled to swallow my medication! When I did take them, I felt really nauseous and had to lie down again. I decided to stop taking the meds because I'm not in any pain, and my stomach is feeling better already. So, I think I'll just take them when I actually feel pain, rather than just-in-case!

My mum is here looking after me at the minute, and I'm having the same issue with letting her do everything! That said, I don't have kids or a husband or any of the commitments you do! I'm really impressed that you manage all that! At least if you are busy during the day you might be so tired that you sleep better at night?

I got about 7 hours last night... which was great! I could have slept more but I woke up with this sore throat. Not had any naps today so hopefully I'll get another good night's sleep... but I can't wait to sleep flat! Normal sleepers take it for granted!

My biggest issue today has been food... I hate mush. It isn't helping my nausea. I managed to have some smoothie, some tomato soup and half a chocolate milkshake. I know it's not enough and my surgeon will probably be annoyed at my diet, but I have a real texture problem with food... so jaw surgery was a great idea

Have you quit icing yet? I don't know whether to keep icing or to stop... I'm not sure if it does any good after a certain point... do you know what the 'rules' of icing are?

How was your day? Hope you felt a bit better today!

Suzy

[I love my teeth]

Wow--your day 5/6 sounds a lot like mine with the sore thoat, ect. Today is day 7 and physically I think I am better, the sore throat from day 5/6 seems gone. The bruising is a lovely yellow/green and slightly florescent!!

I am hardly sleeping at all. It takes me forever to get going in the morning, then when I do, I am pooped out by 1 or 2pm. Then I sit down. Last night I managed to cook dinner for the kids, nothing spectacular, but I had to do it in stages as I got too tired doing it all at once And I ate another 1/2 baked sweet potatoe. My neck feels really stiff, I can't really tip my head back, I am sure it's from the swelling and from sleeping sitting up, but it's quite uncomfortable. If I don't get some sleep soon I think I am going to loose it!

My oldest had hockey practice at 6:30am this morning, usually I get up and get him breakfast, I just couldn't do it.....hubby drove him, and he got a ride home. I did drive them to school, did a little work on the computer for the kids hockey teams. I actually may try to go to the grocery store (hoping not to see anyone I know)--There is a couple of things I need. not more than 1 bag, as I don't feel like I want to carry and lift too much. I think if I do a little more maybe I'll be so tired at night I'll sleep better.

As far as icing goes, my stuff said no benefit after day 3 (except for comfort) and to start heat on day 5, which I did, but not as diligently as I was icing. I haven't iced now in 2 days. Still taking the motrin every 5-6hours, but not through the night. I take it before bed, get up a few times each night to walk around, use the washroom, ect. But don't feel like I need the meds. I just feel tired, and like I am having a huge pity party......can't wait to sleep flatter by the end of the week. We are thinking of going away next sunday night, skiing with the kids (they have off school monday)....not sure I will be up for that, but we'll see. I certainly won't ski, but was thinking about a nice spa mani/pedi--too soon I guess for massage or facial Of course all these ski bunny resorts have lovely hot tubs as well, but I am not so sure about that either--not sure if all the incisions will be healed enough to go into that hot, hot water--not that I would submerge my face, but still, not sure if it's a good idea--I may call and ask the docs office.....it sure would help my back and neck that's for sure.

keep me updated--love these daily chats!! Did I ever tell you my husbands family is from Scotland--his mum was born in Greenook....we've never been but he would love to see all the places his mum and granny have talked about!!

Christine

[suzyscientist]

Oh Christine it sounds like you're having a really rough day! Definitely sounds like you need some sleep I know not everyone likes them - but I took a sleeping pill for the first two nights when I was in hospital and I really think it helped, so you could think about that?

It must be really difficult to manage a family and a home as well as your recovery, but hang in there! 7 days is still really soon after surgery and you're bound to be tired! I've started taking multivitamins, you can get ones here (Multibionta - not sure if you have those) that have extra vitamin C and ginseng, meant to be good for energy... you could try something like that also?

If you do go out, stay warm, and treat yourself to an extra special latte! Let me know how you get on today, and I'll speak to you tomorrow

Suzy

P.S. That's so interesting about your husband's family! Greenock is the other side of the country to me... but that's only 70 miles Scotland is a small country, but very beautiful. You and your family should try a heritage trip someday!

[I love my teeth]

good morning suzy!

Hope your day 6 is going well! So far on day 8, I woke up with more energy, less stiffness. Haven't even taken any motrin yet.

I did get some sleeping pills--which helped to make me feel druggy and tired, but alas--the uncomfortable feeling of sleeping in that upright position won out over sleep....not a good night. at 5am, I finally removed some pillows and squished down pretty low and got a couple hours sleep (I think).

I did make it out to the store, got the kids from school and made some dinner. Progress I think.

I don't think I have much change on the numbness front today? seems to all be status quo to me, but It's really hard to tell. My tongue is numb as well.

Not much more to report today, I think that's a good thing right?

I wonder how amandapanda is doing? I hope she writes us soon!

talk soon,
Christine

[suzyscientist]

I just broke a band!!!!!!!!

I'm trying not to panic but I'm so freaked out I've got my jaw clenched shut and it's starting to hurt from the tension! I'm hoping I can call the orthodontist in the morning and get them to put a new one in (I have no spares)... I'm just worried about the damage it will do having only one band overnight

Apart from this minor crisis, my day has been ok. I had an awful night though, I just couldn't sleep! Kept wanting to lie on my side, or lie flat, or just lie any way but upright. Bought some sleeping tablets today just in case.

Numbness... no change for me either. My tongue is only numb on one side, so the middle feels really weird, like there is stuff stuck on it, but there isn't! Bruising has started to go down a bit, I've started using arnica gel to help it along... Swelling: my biggest issue is that where the swelling is (right at the 'corner' of my face) makes my head look really square, and my chin has swollen into my neck... My mum thinks it has improved a lot, but I'm not so sure.

Went outside for the first time which was really nice. I'm really starting to get cabin fever! I think I'll ask the surgeon what he thinks about me going back to work early, maybe Monday. I'm missing my friends and also - the class schedules for the semester are being done this week, so if I don't get there in time I'll be left with all the 9am classes!!! My colleagues say: Medical leave or no medical leave, all is fair in love and class scheduling

That's all my news for today. Band issue is frustrating, and I'm in a really bad mood now. Doesn't help that I have my 'monthly gift from mother nature' so am cranky anyway.

Yes hope we hear from amandapanda! It's strange we have the January thread almost to ourselves!

Hope your day turns out well and the status quo sticks... or... things get better Here's to week 2!

Suzy

[I love my teeth]

Oh no, sorry about the band.....don't clench, that's gotta hurt!! good luck, hope you can get it resolved quickly!! As I afternoon of day 8, I am pleasantly surprised that I do feel a good bit better today. Ate some beef stew for lunch--not even pureed, had to eat with a spoon--still can't do a fork! I am trying some mexican chicken thing with rice in the crock pot for dinner--the family can fill it into tortilla shells, and I'll just eat it with a fork and shred the chicken, and my girlfriend is bringing us dinner tomorrow night

I spoke with the surgeon's office today as I had some recovery questions, and she made me feel so great, like everything is quite normal so far. I told her I wasn't sleeping, and maybe I should lie flatter--she didn't go for it....in no uncertain terms she said--continue sleeping upright for a few more days. so, that's that! I asked about the bruising, and she said, the older you are the worse the bruising is--so I guess I am OLD.....I hit the big 4-0 in April--now I think I am going to have a midlife crisis!!

I actually was going to go out to the store today and walk and mall a bit (it's raining here!)--but I never got there--did 2 loads of laundry (didn't fold them ), made dinner in the crock pot, and cleaned up the kitchen....now it's almost time for the kids to come home from school.

keep me updated in the broken band!
Christine

[I love my teeth]

Hoping you got your band issue solved today Suzy!!

I slept a bit last night, I went a bit flatter around 3am for a few hours. I finally feel like my swelling is looking better. Overall, having more energy, cleaned the kitchen today, which felt pretty good! doing lots of laundry--but still having help with the heavy stuff, like vacuuming and bathrooms--which is just fine by me!!

Nothing new to report here, I still have no feeling and the nerve sensations are almost constant, not very pleasant!

Hoping you are feeling well today, update me when you can.....still waiting on Amandapanda----it's been almost a week, hope all went well with her

christine

[suzyscientist]

Hello hello

Gosh day 7 has been the hardest so far. Last night I had a real slump. I felt down, tired, hungry, fed up... and the whole broken band thing... I just felt miserable! I was close to tears for no reason... I kept going to the bathroom to rinse my mouth just to have a space to cry in private.

Then after the non-sleeping on Monday night, I decided to take sleeping pills. BAD IDEA. It was a brand I hadn't used before, and whilst I felt sleepy at first, after a doze I felt very strange indeed. My mind was racing with nonsense and my arms kept twitching. It was a really horrid experience, because part of me was awake but not awake enough to stop the twitching and babbling mind. At one point I was trying to write on my arm with my finger... NOT trying the pills tonight!

Also had some pain this morning which I wasn't used to. My jaw joint is sore, my chin is sore... And there's no change in the swelling or numbness so I still feel ugly I even changed my Facebook picture to a green witch yesterday... green for the bruises and witch for the mood!

So this morning I woke up in a foul mood, and spent 45 minutes trying to get through to my ortho about the bands... Finally I got it sorted, and I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow anyway so hopefully I can stop panicking.

I went out for a drive today, had to get some Slim Fast (their caffe latte shakes are lovely) and some fortified soup powder (mmm tasty... not) because I got on the scales this morning and got a huge shock... I've lost 11lbs! I was not expecting that. I don't mind losing a few (I could do with about 5lbs off my usual weight) but 11lbs in one week is a bit scary, especially as I've been eating as much as I can.

It was nice to be out again, but I'm exhausted and still feeling pretty down. Sorry to be such a misery-guts! I feel so silly complaining, when I know I am lucky to have the surgery done already (I was expecting March) but the more people tell me to have patience, the less I have!

Gosh Christine I'm sorry to be such a moaning minnie today!

It sounds like you've had a really productive day! I'm so pleased you're able to get up and about. How many days before you can sleep flat again?

Well I'm going to stop whinging and sign off I'll have more to say tomorrow as I'm seeing the surgeon!

Speak soon

Suzy

[I love my teeth]

Oh Suzy!! Been there done that---I felt so much better on day 8...so I am hopeful for you to feel better when you wake up tomorrow!!

I think I have 1 or 2 more nights of sleeping upright--my paperwork says 10days....tomorrow is postop day 10--so is tonight the 10th night or tomorrow??? I don't know, my swelling looks better today, so I have struggle it out for 2 more nights to be on the safe side. You are better than me, I haven't even looked at my facebook since before surgery, didn't even mention I was having it......I felt teary and emotional on day 6/7 too!! It seems it's all part of the process.

Cheer up--give me an update tomorrow. I think I have a hair cut and color scheduled for Friday, not sure if that will make me feel better or worse--the lighting in those salons is sure to make me look horrible!!

Chrisitne

[I love my teeth]

OK today is the morning of day 10, I am DONE sleeping upright

Although last night by about 2am I went a bit flatter. But the last couple days I feel so much better during the day, probably because I actually slept at night.

A friend brought us dinner last night and she said if she didn't know me, she'd not think anything was wrong with me, she said I didn't look noticiably swollen. That sure felt good!

I am meeting a friend for coffee this morning so we'll see how that goes. As the weekend approaches, I find myself panicking--we are so busy with the boys schedules, but I really don't know how I'll do, or if I should go here there and everywhere! I picked them up at school yesterday, and when the bell rang all the kids pour into the school yard--I totally panicked......I was afraid someone was going to knock into me, or i'd be hit by a flying soccer ball....this has never happened to me before, but I am very afriad of being in crowds around a lot of people where my mouth could get hit

Anxiously awaiting your update suzy!

[suzyscientist]

I could sing! "What a difference a day makes..."

So last night I figured, ok, I'm not going to sleep, so I may as well be entertained during my insomnia! I took my duvet onto the sofa and watched trash tv until about 2am then I think I drifted off... woke up a few times but I think I got a couple of hours. Sleeping on the sofa was better because I didn't feel like I had to sleep... so I didn't get so frustrated... does that make sense?

Anyway today I saw the surgeon. He took the stitches from the outside of my cheeks (I had some on the outside as well as inside) then said I could take the bands off to clean my teeth properly and..... to eat soft food!!!!!!! Hurrah!!!!!!!! That is so exciting, so I came home and bought ingredients for mac & cheese which I have been CRAVING for days.

After that I got home and my friend came to visit and brought me flowers, then we went for coffee and had a good gossip about what I've been missing at work... it was so good to see her, and to get a break from my mum. As much as I love my mother dearly, spending 24/7 with her in my tiny apartment is starting to test my patience

So, mac and cheese is on the table, ready to be mushed up and eaten with a teaspoon! Wish me luck I'll report back later!

Suzy

[suzyscientist]

Haha, ok, so I was a little over enthusiastic with the mac & cheese!

I had underestimated how much my jaw muscles could move! I can only open my mouth a finger width so it was really hard to get anything into my mouth, so I had to mush it up so much it was just stodge. Oh well... for another day! I'm now wondering how I'll get a toothbrush in my mouth??????

Anyway, so, that's great news you'll be able to sleep normally tonight!! You must be so excited! My consultant said I should aim to be upright as much as possible... so I guess that means more sleeping sitting up... but I think I'm just going to start sleeping flatter. I'll take swelling over sleeplessness!

It's interesting what you said about your friend not noticing much swelling! My friend said she noticed some swelling, but it's not half as bad as she thought (I'd been moaning about having a potato head!). I wonder if we're hyper sensitive to it because we're looking at it every day? Let me know how you get on with meeting your friend this morning and if she notices!

The weirdest thing will be seeing my boyfriend next week... he's a PhD student and has his defence tomorrow, so he's been really stressed out and we decided to stay apart until after his defence, because I'd just end up worried about him, and probably compromise my own recovery. So he's not seen me since the surgery, and I know it's silly but I'm a tiny bit worried that he won't like my new jaw! That's so stupid isn't it? But we've only been dating a few months so I'm not at that confident stage

Gosh your weekend sounds so busy! Be sure to take lots of rests when you can and keep your nutrition up! I've taken to carrying a bottle of smoothie or milkshake with me just to keep my sugar levels up. You should try that!

I know how you feel about the crowds of kids. I live in the city centre here, and when I was walking back from coffee today (only a 3 minute walk!) I felt really panicked that I would get pushed or shoved or fall over... I had to pause and take a deep breath once I got off the main road.

I was thinking today: isn't it funny how our recoveries have been really similar? With the day 6/7 slump and day 8 improvement?! I wonder if many people experience the same thing...

Hope you have a great day Christine

Suzy

[I love my teeth]

Coffee went great......my friend did notice the swelling but said it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. She also said I was walking very "tentatively"-I was like "yeah, I don't want my lower jaw to fall off, it's only held on with screws "

While at starbucks, I managed to see about 10 people I knew --none of which knew I had had surgery (just mom's from school)--They all seems to look at me, like something was up, but not sure what. I also saw the dental assistant from my regular dentists office, that whole office knew about this journey, and in fact the assistant got braces by the same ortho as me right after I did. She saw me and immediately knew I had surgery. She was thrilled for me, and said she was on her way to the office and would let everyone know --yippee

So, my first public outing was ok. I have to take a shower and do my hair, and maybe some makeup, clean up the house I bit, my husband is bringing home some guy from work (from Michigan) who may be moving out here with his family for work when we move back to Michigan in April...so he wants to see our place, as he and his family may want to rent it after we move. Nice, I have never met this guy and this is how he sees me, as a freak with a mouth that doesn't open

I ate my mac and cheese, whole, 1 or 2 pieces at a time, no chewing, but no mushing either. Keep at it, it becomes easier and easier each day. good luck, keep me updated.

And no worries about the boyfriend, if he's a keeper he'll love you no matter what! How old are you anyway, I wondered as our recoveries are so similar. When I was on the phone with the surgeon's office the other day, she remarked that my bruising was so bad because "of my age"----nice!! And I assume you are younger (much!) than I am! I will be 40 in April.

Planning to go away Sunday night to Whistler, beautiful hotel with a great spa--I could use a bit of pampering while the kids are skiing!

Christine