jaw surgery

Day 9 – 19: Recovery is going awesome!

April 14, 2014 by Jennifer 2 Comments

Each day gets better. After the emotional blues on Day 7 and 8, days began to get so much more brighter. There are not huge changes like Day 1 through 8, but the small steps lead to big changes.

On day 10, pain began around the surgical incision of where they took out the condyle bone. It lasted for about two days. I realized that I was probably trying to talk too much. Once I scaled back on the talking, the pain was gone and has not been back. That was really the only pain that I have experienced. I am now off all of my pain medicines and antibiotic. The only medicine I am taking now is my nose spray two times a day.

Day 15:

I am still numb in my cheeks, my chin and bottom lip. I keep feeling tingling in my bottom chin so I think that is a good sign? Finally on Day 15, the drooling stopped. I was so happy. This was one big key that was making me feel depressed. It was so embarrassing. The towel is no longer my sidekick.

Pureed foods and smoothies are getting old very fast. I have moved on to oatmeal, coleslaw, crab salad, potato salad. I just make sure that it is all mashed and cut up pretty good so I will not get chocked since I am still not able to chew. Also, I prepared one of my Grandma’s favorite desserts and have been eating it each day.

1 16 oz. cup of cottage cheese
1 small tub of cool whip
1 small box of favorite jello

Mix altogether and keep in fridge. It is so good and goes down so easy. I used a mango flavored box of jello.

The bruising is now gone. It was so great that I didn’t really bruise that much. Most of the swelling is gone except on the right-side.

Day 19: Big difference 🙂

Amazing transformation. I smile so big each time that I look at this picture. Jaw surgery has been so worth it for sure.

My favorite gadget right now is the water pik. I’m not sure what I would do without it. Every time I eat, food gets caught in my braces and splint. I use the water pik and brush my teeth. The water pik is such a faithful friend to help remove all the food.

Tomorrow is my 3-week check-up with Dr. Turvey. I am looking forward to the appointment. I will do a blog post to update you. I have a feeling he is going to be impressed. My only complaint right now is that I still get really tired. Two naps a day have been a must-have. Going to see if this is normal.

My jaw surgery recover collage. One great journey!

Day 7 and 8 – Recovery Blues Are Here

April 2, 2014 by Jennifer 4 Comments

It is hard to believe this time last week that I was finishing up in surgery. The last week has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions.

Yesterday, my husband and I were on the road early to make the three hour trip to see my surgeon for my one week check-up. The appointment went great. Dr. Turvey thought I was doing great but did want me to watch my weight loss. I am down six pounds. Actually, I didn’t think that was bad but as we headed home, I did have Hubby to stop and get me a frosty from Wendy’s. I was able to eat it!

Dr. Turvey is really pleased with how the surgery turned out, especially with having four surgeries. He was able to clean out my nose and mouth at yesterday’s appointment. The nose felt all kinds of weird, but I was able to breathe so much better afterwards. The jaw bandage was able to be taken away and I just have to keep my elastics on my teeth. This helps keep the jaw in place. Starting next week, he wants me to only use two elastics during the day and try to do some small exercises.

I asked him when I would stop drooling and he said he could not answer that question. It differs with everyone. This is one of my biggest complaints right now. I drool so much. I mean I fill two towels a day and the reason that I will not leave the house right now unless riding to store with my husband and I sit in the car. It is so embarrassing and makes me feel so self-conscious. Another reason, why I do not really want to talk to visitors right now except close family and friends.

Also, I can’t talk of course. I have to write down lots of things but my family is finally getting to understand me a bit. Another thing, I get really tired. I am a pretty go-getter and usually do not stop, so not being able to get up and do as I want, has really dampened my mood. My husband has been so awesome about giving me lots of attention and hugs. For some reason, I think I should be able to just jump right back to normal routine after such major surgery. My mind just doesn’t understand.

Day 8:

Sunshine can do so much for your attitude. As I had a meltdown today, my husband said let’s go outside. We watched the girls play outside and all was awesome in my world. It got my mind off of my recovery. That is the main key, keeping myself from not thinking about recovery so much.

After I helped Hubby get the girls off to school, I stacked lots of pillows around me in our king-sized bed and slept for two great hours. Best sleep I had had since surgery, so I think I am going to give up the recliner tonight and try the bed. Let’s pray it works :).

Overall, each passing day gets so much better. I’m just being so inpatient about recovery and need to realize that my body needs time to bounce back after such a major surgery. It’s hard.

Eating is getting better. It is still so sloppy to eat and drink, but I am managing each day more and more. Today, I made my first protein shake in the blender. It was wonderfully delicious! I still can’t eat too much as it tires me out to eat. Again, with more time. My face is still so numb.

Honestly, I think one week post-op, I’m doing pretty good right?

Day 5 and Day 6: Worse to Better

March 31, 2014 by Jennifer 2 Comments

Day 5: I am going to be brutally honest. Day 5 was miserable. I shed quite a few tears and questioned my decision to go through this surgery? Just be prepared for the emotions on Day 5. It all goes up from there though! 🙂

My husband has been so loving and caring during this journey. He hugs me right when I need a hug, he grabs my hand when I need his touch and he reassures me that I am beautiful. I wrote this note to him last night and he replied right under it. Love him!

The swelling was obviously at peak on Day 5. I couldn’t hardly even mutter a word and my face felt like an elephant was sitting on it. I felt claustrophobic and could hardly swallow. Concern was weighing heavy on my heart whether I should go to the ER or not.

Thankfully my wonderful orthodontist text and reassured me that Day 5 is usually the worst. She said tomorrow will be better. I fell asleep praying that she would be right.

My sleep at night is not too good. I can’t quite get comfortable since I am use to sleeping on my stomach and side. Hoping I will readjust so I can get some decent sleep. My mouth gets really dry too, so my orthodontist suggested Biotene. My husband went to Walgreens at 10:00 at night to get me some. He is such a trooper. It helped with my dry mouth. I am going to continue to use it.

Day 6: Praise the Lord. MUCH better day. I woke up less swollen and just a better overall attitude.

Isn’t that picture amazing? I am so happy with the outcome of my jaw already! It’s going to help alleviate so many pain problems, sleep problems and eating issues once recovery is complete.

I feel like Jen once again. The light has been noticed at the end of the tunnel. Eating is getting somewhat easier today even though it is very hard to eat. It tires me out but I push through because I know my body needs the calories for healing. Here is a snapshot of what my table looks like when I sit down to eat.

This happens every six hours as I have to take all my medicines every six hours. Hubby graciously is there with me every step making sure I get the right dosages, prepares my warm salt water rinse, prepares my peroxide solution for my nose, washes my jaw wrap, and puts the ointment on the incision at my ear. It is usually a 45 minute routine but does it so graciously for me every time. He has been a blessing for sure.

I still do not have any feeling in my chin so I am still drooling a lot. Thank goodness for towels. One is toting around with me 24/7. Drinking is still a challenge but thankfully my oldest daughter M fixed a sippy cup for me so I can get smaller drinks. It really is helping. My left ear has been very painful since the feeling has came back there where they cut out the condyle bone. I’m going to ask the surgeon tomorrow if that is normal?

Yes, speaking of surgeon, we head three hours to Raleigh tomorrow for my one-week check-up. Can’t wait to let you know how it goes.

Thank you ALL for praying and your encouraging words. It truly makes this journey so much more tolerable. Today has just been a wonderful day. I hope each day continues to be better like this :).

Surgery Update Day 1 to 4

The journey begins…. orthognathic surgery {Video #1}

October 29, 2012 by Jennifer 4 Comments

The journey is beginning and as any social media person would do, I am going to share the journey with my readers. You just never know who I could help by sharing the journey.

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. When I was in the 8th grade, the headaches and pain were increasing and becoming very worrisome to my parents and I. My parents took me to see an oral surgeon as suggested by my dentist at the time. The oral surgeon immediately took x-rays and measurements. Without skipping a beat, said I would need surgery. It appears that I have a canted occlusal plane and deviated prognathic mandible. My teeth only meet in one area of my mouth. You can see how this makes it difficult for eating. At one point, I just stopped eating. I was so tired of the pain and knew if I ate less food, the pain would be minimal. My weight reached dangerous low levels. Any news like this could hit a teenager like a ton of bricks. I tried splints, hot compresses… you name it. I feel like I have tried it. Nothing has ever worked. I even was in braces for 6 years awaiting surgery, nothing. Insurance failed me and denied the insurance even despite numerous letters and medical records from my surgeon.

Let’s advance several years, I am starting the journey once again. Follow along with my first vlog about the surgery journey.

I’m excited, nervous, worried but ready to have it done and behind me.

The tale of the mom with a crooked smile

February 16, 2012 by Jennifer 17 Comments

There once was a mom that loved to smile and make others laugh, but her crooked smile would over shadow her beautiful face. A point came in her life, that when she would talk to others, all she would think about—is her crooked smile.

That mom is ME!

Ever since I was a little girl, my jaw has been off centered. You see, one side of my jaw stopped growing while the other side of the jaw continued to grow. At least, this is how it has been explained to me. I was told as a teen, that one day my jaw would lock up on me. I feel like I am on borrowed time with my jaw so after talking with an orthodontist today and my husband, it is time to put the braces back on and go through with the jaw surgery.

My jaw gives me a huge complex. Especially, when I am talking to others, the first thing I think about– is that person noticing my jaw and/or teeth?

Many people have told me that my jaw is what makes Jen and I should have no worries about my jaw. Those two statements are easier said than done. First, I get frequent headaches and jaw pain. I have just learned to deal with it and will not complain. What is the use right? Secondly, how can I not worry when my face stares me in the face each and everyday?

As a teen, I went through braces, the surgery wires and was all prepared giving my blood for my 6 hour jaw surgery. I was so ready to put all of this behind me and move on with life until insurance stopped me in my tracks unfortunately. All the hard work that braces did only to be stopped and say I could not go any further because insurance refused to pay for the $30,000 dollar surgery. I will admit, I shed quite a few tears. Fast forward to my 30’s now and here I am ready to start the journey all over. Where will I get the money? Will insurance pay this time? I am leaving it in God’s hands. I pray he will provide and I can put this all behind me finally.

If you see me, you don’t have to stare. Please just enjoy my personality and not my crooked smile!

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