Pics for my Peeps!

Okay, I must really love y'all because I'm going to go ahead and post some pics. Be forewarned! Both sets of pics are w/out makeup and in my after I'm sporting a nice cold sore on my upper lip. I'm also still pretty swollen on my upper lip and around the edges of my nose. Nothin' like the jaw surgery though.

I don't think my nose has changed as much as I would've liked it to, but I DO notice some changes...and...like I said, I still have quite a bit of swelling. Also, I have to keep in perspective... I went in to fix my breathing and some wishful thinking, NOT for a rhinoplasty or anything cosmetic.

Also, I can't remember if I told you this or not but they had to rotate my upper jaw during my jaw surgery because they couldn't find good bone to attach it..so my midline is never going to be right in the middle. This is probably the cause of most of my nose issues. I'm actually still really upset about that...but...what're you gonna do? Life isn't always a basket of Cadbury creme eggs is it???

On a side note, I took my 6 year old son in to have a minor oral surgery today. His frenulum that attaches his tongue is too close to the tip (tongue tied) and his upper one is right between his two upper teeth causing a large gap. So he had those clipped today. I probably am overly obsessed but the Dentist recommended it and at this point I will do whatever it takes to help him NOT have to experience what I have had to! :( He's feeling pretty good. It was actually kinda comical to watch him come out of anesthesia...

 Okay so here are the god-awful photos. When I lose the cold sore and the swelling goes down I'll post one w/ makeup. :)

You all have a very blessed Easter!!!! XOXOXO E
 





I don't notice much of a difference in the before/after but I'm still pretty swollen. We'll see.... 

Septo Surgery Update

Hello all! I survived my septo surgery. Let me tell you...it was a piece of cake compared to the jaw surgery. I was very apprehensive from everything I went through originally. But, this time anesthesia was much less and surgery only lasted approx. an hour so I have literally no effects from that. I'm on pain meds and antibiotics and my nose is still seeping blood some (and sometimes painful if I don't stay on top of pain meds and ice) but other than that I'm pretty good! I'm eating normal, doing laundry, etc. so I feel very fortunate. ENT Dr. said my septum wasn't as deviated as originally thought but that my turbinate was "kicked" over and blocking that whole left nostril. She also tried to work on that left nostril a little, I think...I don't really remember much but I'm sure I'll get the whole scoop on my recheck on Monday. I don't have a splint or anything so that's good...I'm pretty swollen but I have to say I'm pretty optimistic that my nose looks more like my original nose than before. I'm praying!!!! I'll post some pics once swelling goes down some and I get this blood gone. Doesn't make for a pretty picture!

Another funny story...Remember my Dumb and Dumber moment when I was on my walk w/ a snotty nose? Well, yesterday may have it beat! My dog ran out the front door to chase after a guy and his dog he was walking.  Well...I had taken a little too much pain medication and forgot the "condition" I was in. I went outside to get my dog with this lovely piece of blood stained cotton taped all the way across my face. In addition to that, my daughter had placed a lovely princess crown on my head so not only was I sporting the blood stained bandage I was sporting it in style! lol! Good thing I really don't care! :) I'm sure that guy got a good laugh...or was a little disturbed...probably both! :)

Thanks friends for all of your well wishes! It really cheered me up! XOXOXOX E

Who Nose????

Okay, so I haven't updated lately...sooo busy. But, here's the scoop! I'm going in tomorrow morning for my septoplasty surgery on my nose. She will also trim down my turbinates while she's in there to help me breathe better. My allergies have been super duper lately.

I went back and forth on deciding what I should do regarding the shape of my nose and rhinoplasty. Of course insurance wouldn't cover this and it would change my face even more...I don't think I'm ready for any more changes at this stage. Maybe I'll revisit that later in my life but for now we're just going to fix my septum and in turn fix my nose breathing. I'm praying that it WILL fix that left nostril that's a little funky. My Dr. told me she always makes sure to let patients know that septoplasty is for function only and that it will not be a cosmetic procedure to change the shape/look of your nose....but...in my case she said it "should" improve the look of that funky left nostril! Who nose (knows! :) ) Maybe it will. I can only hope!

I have to say I feel like my journey is taking a little longer than my fellow jaw surgery sistas and brothas and I'm a little frustrated. I wish I knew what the deal-e-o is...I went to my Otho on Tues. He seemed to be a little disappointed and said I was getting an overjet again and put some heavy duty bands back on to bring my bottom jaw forward more. I didn't dare ask when I was getting my metal mouth removed. I know the last time I asked he said the Fall...Blah!!!! I'm seriously being a good little listener and doing everything asked of me!!!

Well, I just wanted to shoot a quick post with my newest info and I'll keep you updated on how the surgery went/goes. In good news...my  Oral Surgeon offered to help with the cost of my septo! I am ever so grateful for this as I really think it was the surgery center tech that yanked my nose tube out causing the prob. Anyway,  my deductible and out of pocket max will be $3,000...My OS said to show him the bills once everything is done and paid for and they'll help out. Awesome! Major blessing in the scheme of things...Well, I hope all of you are doing great! I haven't had time to check a lot of your blogs lately... so sorry! :( But, if you DO read a lot of blogs...answer me this...what is average amount of time most people have their braces on AFTER their surgery?  I'm going on 9 months now and no sign of removal...I feel like some sort of freak or something..Please tell me there are some out there that have me beat????

Notice the funky left nostril? Hello!



Notice that jawline? Helllooooo!

 XOXOX E