Day 12

On Day 12 (which was yesterday), Keir came to Mom's house at 9 am to help me pack up what Mom and I didn't gather up the night before.  I was having a lot pain that day.  I mean a lot.  I don't know why my joints hurt so badly, but I took a pain pill and composed myself rather quickly.  On the way home we stopped at Starbucks (oh sweet friend, how I've missed you!).

I went home and got dressed in real clothes!  It felt so good to be in jeans, especially because they were a bit looser than 2 weeks ago.  I've lost around 12 pounds, but I'm actually trying really hard not to loose too much.  Now, don't get me wrong, I know I can afford to loose A LOT of weight.  But I'm trying to stay healthy right now for better healing.  Bones won't heal quickly if my body is in starvation mode.  So, for now, I force myself to eat twice a day plus a protein shake every day for breakfast, even when I'm not hungry.  Now I focus on healing, later I'll focus on being thinner.

At my post-op appointment I had films taken and got to speak with Sam first.  Sam is the 6th year resident who assisted Dr. Ochs with my surgery.  He is great, always smiling and kind.  There is something sweet and reassuring about his face.  I can't explain it, but he really puts me at ease.  I hope he retains this quality throughout his career.  Dr. Ochs came in and said I looked great for day 12.  He said my swelling was less than expected for an adult (aka OLD) patient on day 12 and said he was happy with the way everything looked.  He was kind and patient and really took the time to talk with me about many different things.  I think these guys are wonderful and I'm happy I chose such a great team.

  My concerns:

1.  My bite is still off to the left.  It was not prior to surgery
                   ANSWER-  he carefully examined my jaw and movement in all directions.  Said I have
                                           a lot of swelling in the joint still.  Take 400 mg Ibuprofen 3 times daily until

                                           my next appointment to help with that.  He then put a band from my upper

                                           right first bicuspid to my lower right cuspid hooks.  He said sometimes the
                                           jaw needs a little guiding through the swelling and he was not concerned at
                                           all.
2.  I can't bite down because my left inner cheek is in the way. 
                  ANSWER-  I still have 50% swelling remaining.  I just have to be patient while that fades
                                         and try not to bite it too much.
3.  Did I actually have a bone graft?
                  ANSWER-   No bag bone or cadaver bone was used.  They were able to use a few slivers
                                        of my own jaw bones where needed.
4.  I have a sore throat and some swollen glands
                  ANSWER-  take some antibiotics just to be sure. gave me a script
5.  How much longer do I have to sleep sitting up?
                  ANSWER-  can sleep how ever I want now (yippeee!)
6.  How much longer am I on lifting restrictions?
                  ANSWER-  still take it easy for a while but I can lift my daughter (38 lbs) carefully if I
                                       must.
7. What should I do now for mouth care?
                  ANSWER-  continue salt water rinses 3-4 times per day (after meals).  brush twice daily
                                       after meals.  I can now use my water pic on lowest setting. (another yippee!)
8.  Should I keep using the nasal spray? 
                  ANSWER-  I can if I want, but I don't have to.  And I'm now allowed to blow my nose
                                       gently if I want.
9.  Can I return to work on the 5th?
                  ANSWER-  No, I need a few more days.  I may return on the 9th though. (insert
                                       waterworks, stress and anxiety)

So, all is going well, but I can't go back to work until the 9th.  This creates much drama for me and it's
possible I'll loose my job.  I'm trying to be positive and believe it will all work out.