Jaw Diaries

8 Month Post Surgery Update

This is a picture I took of myself last weekend.  I’m not smiling to show my straight teeth (bad habit) but as you can tell there is quite a difference in my appearance since getting the surgery!  I feel amazing and I’m so glad I got this done.

Although it’s been 8 months since my upper jaw and chin surgery I’m still having some problems.

• Lack of feeling in my chin.  I can tap my chin or scratch it and I still don’t feel much of anything
• Lack of feeling in my lower lip.  I can bite my lip and sometimes not feel it.  The sensation is coming back gradually but it’s very slow.  I have been told by my doctor that this could take a year or years to come back
• My smile is off balance.  When I smile I find I really have to force it in order to make it even on my left and right side.  One side is weaker than the other.  This is no doubt in relation to nerve damage and will also improve with time
• Drooling.  I find I drool a lot in my sleep.  This wasn’t a problem before surgery
• Difficulty pronouncing certain words.  This all ties into the lack of feeling in my lips.  I find I have trouble saying certain words clearly

Am I disappointed with these setbacks?  A little.  It would be ideal to NOT have them but I certainly wouldn’t change a thing.  If Dr. Mitton told me tomorrow that I had to have a third surgery I would go under the knife – no questions asked.  The confidence I have gained from having straight teeth, a profile and a smile I am proud of are worth these little setbacks.  In time I’m sure they will heal and go back to normal.  I just need to be patient.

Good luck to any readers who will be having their surgery soon!  Please feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions whatsoever.  I’m here for you!

Retainer Cleaning

Braces Removed!

 

Braces are coming off tomorrow!

It’s All About Routine!

Day 45 - Chew Time!!!

Day 44

Day 36 – Elastics are OFF!

Day 35

1 Month

Today is the 1 month anniversary of my jaw and chin surgery.  In many ways I'm really happy with the way things are going.  I love that I have a chin. :)  I love  how my teeth bite together (no more ugly gap), and I'm glad that my huge overbite is now just a tiny one. :)  There is a lot to be thankful for!  I went through the entire surgery and the only bruise I had was on my wrist from the IV.  I don't think many surgery patients can claim that.  I saw pictures of jaw surgery patients who had bruises all over their face and down their neck.  To go through this entire process without a single mark is amazing and very fortunate.

My discomforts right now are that my chin still hurts, my limited food choices with being wired shut and the little nosebleeds that have started as a result of sneezing. Overall these aren't big things and I know they will improve with time. :)

Being wired shut has been a challenge.  I'm surviving on Boost, chocolate milk, diet pop, water, and chicken broth.  Basically whatever I can squeeze through my teeth.  Dr. Mitton did such a  beautiful job fixing my overbite that I actually have difficulty swallowing thick protein shakes or soups.  There is barely any space at all for the liquids to go through unless they are water thin.  My medications all have to be crushed and mixed with water to take.  I'm glad my bite has turned out so well.  It just makes my  meal choices somewhat difficult. :)

I bought a juicer over the weekend and I'm loving it.  Fresh squeezed vegetables and fruit juices every day.  My body gets tired very easily after almost a week of being wired shut so I know how important it is to at least get my fruits and veggies.  With any luck the elastics will come off in 2.5 weeks and I will be able to go back to my regular soups and pureed foods. :)

Overall I'm doing great and am VERY pleased with the results of my surgery.  I look forward to seeing what other changes will happen over the next few months. :)