Footloose and Metal Free!!!!

Okay, so I'm at the end of my journey (hopefully) dear friends. Wow, I went back to read all of my past blogs and it's amazing what we go/went through. I wish all of you the best of luck if you are considering, or in the process of upper/lower jaw surgery. Feel free to ask me anything. I love to offer advice...even if it's unsolicited!

Braces removal was a piece of cake. I will take some more pics this weekend w/ my hair fix and lip gloss on!  I went out and purchased like three different colors of shiny lip gloss. I'm infatuated with lip gloss but have rejected it for two years as not to draw any further attention to my mouth bling. Now, I'm ready to show off some luscious lips.

Which is quite funny because my Ortho reminded me that my Hubby was probably waiting for some smooches after this whole ordeal. I have been avoiding kissing him like the plague....So, yes Dr. O I offered up some smooches to my hubby yesterday! :)

I will actually miss seeing my Ortho "family" as I don't go back to see them for 6 months to have my retainer check. It's really much more comfortable than I imagined. I have a permanent bar on the inside of my bottom teeth so I don't need a bottom retainer. I'll post pics of these soon as well. I get my teeth cleaned at the dentist Thurs so I'll wait until then to post more mouth pics. But, here is the pic w/ my wonderful Ortho. :)

Until next time.....keep smilin' y'all!

It's the Final Countdown!!!!!!!

Okay friends. I cannot believe it's been three full months since I've posted on here. I'm a bad friend, I know! But, no news is good news right? My bite has been feeling so much better. I'm able to eat so much more than I thought I would be able to. I still don't attempt the really tough stuff like raw carrots, etc. But, I really didn't eat those before so....My greatest concern at this time is my newly confidence in my bite is causing me to overeat! lol. So, I'm nervous about gaining weight. I think my hubby is a little nervous as well. My nose feels awesome. It's sticky and humid here so I'm still congested but I can BREATHE. I feel I still mouth breathe at times but I use my nose a lot more than I used to. It also looks a lot better. I mean A LOT! My oral surgeon said he would help w/ the cost. I'm getting ready to send him my final bill on that deal. Like Tina (fellow blogger) I feel my face is crooked now. Actually, it really is. The oral surgeon couldn't find enough bone to attach my upper jaw so he had to tilt it some. Which in turn makes the left side of my face fuller than the right and my mid line is off. This is probably what has contributed to some of my nose issues as well. But, all in all I'm one happy chick. To be honest, it's taken me this whole time to admit that. Most people are happy w/ in months but it's taken me this whole process to actually be happy w/ my results.

I went to the ortho yesterday and had my back brackets removed and my impressions for my retainer. I get my braces removed next Monday and my retainer. Which I got to decorate blue with a dragonfly on it! :) I can't believe this journey is almost over. It has been long and emotional but I am happy. My right TMJ is still giving me trouble. It was really bad after holding my mouth open so long yesterday. I pray it improves but I think it was too far gone before surgery....so I'm preparing myself that somewhere down the road I will probably need surgery on it. But, I've learned my lesson....I will gladly wait in agony until it's covered under my insurance. :)

To all my blogger buddies...hang in there...there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. It's amazing what the human body/mind is capable of accomplishing.

Next time you hear from me I will be unchained and ecstatic!!!! :) XOXOXO

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

To All My Bloggin' Brothas and Sistas!!!!

Hi there! I know I've been away for awhile...I've missed you bloggin' buddies.  But, I was really doing y'all a favor. I'm actually saving you from the continuous pity party I'm on while I hibernate my winter away. I am NOT a winter person and the kids have been off at least 4-5 days for snow days. So....I'm pretty unmotivated to do much these days. I had an OS appt scheduled for this Thurs that I rescheduled for next week b/c of the weather. I also see my Ortho next Wednesday. I'm still wearing rubber bands day and night, hoping he'll change this??? I'm coming up on 5 months post op! It seems like it's just flown by!!!

My back molars still don't touch and I have problems eating things like thin pasta (angel hair), tortilla chips, lettuce...things like that. But, other than that I pretty much try to chew lots of different things. I still mostly have really soft things like pasta, steamed veggies, etc.  but I've had cookies, pizza and chicken. I still am most comfortable chewing on my right side of my mouth but am also trying to use my left more. It hasn't been easy for me but I do see progress. I've been trying to pucker and whistle...can you guys whistle? I didn't know if this was normal that I haven't been able to do it. Maybe the braces have something to do with it.  I just got efficient with the straw recently. I feel like I should be MUCH further along than this....but o'well. I can't complain much more can I??? :)

We had a great Christmas though and I'm posting some pics of my family and I before my hubby's work Christmas party. These were taken a little over a month ago. It's actually the first Facebook photo I've posted of me with braces!!! I'll post a couple of new close-ups once I climb out of my cave...it seriously may not be until Spring!! :) My face is pretty much the same, I think. My nose is still nice and perky and with all the winter colds going around I've had quite a bit of mouth breathing going on. I can tell my left nostril is still quite a bit different but I'm hoping the septoplasty will help that a little. In looking at some photos pre-surgery I did notice my nostrils were a little off even then. I guess I was so obsessed w/ my mouth that I never noticed it before!

In Nose News....I have been most depressed about this situation. My nose HAS changed...and a lot. Like a fellow blogger buddy put it (not about mine but her own, as this happened to her as well)...it looks rather baboonish! I did see yet another ENT/Plastic Surgeon. She said my septum def is deviated and that I could have surgery as soon as I like to fix this which will help my breathing but not change my nose shape(so it may or may not correct that nostril situation). She also talked to me about the plastic surgery I could have done. She said that to fix my perky tip would only make it look more wide and flat at the base and the best option (which is the same thing crazy Plastic Surgeon man said) was to build up the bridge of my nose with a bone graft to try to balance it out. This could be done at the same time as the septoplasty. Only problem is that insurance won't cover it and it would be $8,000 out of pocket. I'm just not capable of spending more money on this!!! So, even though my Hubby was on board with whatever I decided I opted for the septoplasty only...to fix my breathing. I am coming to terms with the fact that I'm never going to have my old nose back. No matter what I have done it'll never look the same and I think that may depress me even more. So, for now I'll focus on the breathing issue only and maybe in a couple years I may decide to go back and have the bone graft, but I'm praying I'll be content with my new look by then! 

I set my septoplasty up for April 18th. I'm still debating if I'm going to use the ENT/Plastic Surgeon or my original ENT.  I may ask my OS's opinion next Thurs. I know the Plastic Surgeon won't be doing anything "extra" but maybe she will be more conscious of the end result than my original ENT???? I just don't want anymore "surprises". I think some of you can understand this!!! 

I'm glad I crawled out of my cave for a minute to post an update...it really was kinda therapeutic. :)

Revision Update

Soooooo, I really wasn't wanting to post anything because I'm kinda blue right now but hey, gotta be real (and Tara was asking! :) ) so here I go.

FYI, read no further if you're not wanting to listen to my Pity Party... 

Okay, as we all know my OS referred me to a plastic surgeon to have my nose looked at. I've had issues w/ breathing through my left nostril, as well as issues with smelling and the physical appearance of my nose looks "off". My OS assumed my nose "buckled" during the surgery and that my septum is deviated causing all of these issues. He sent the PS (plastic surgeon, but I could think of alot of other things to call him) a letter and x-rays explaining all of this. I was excited for this appt. (it was on Tues) as I wanted answers and I saw this surgeon about 8 years ago and his practice is very reputable. Well....I guess a lot of pride can grow in 8 years because this (fill in the blank with whatever name floats your boat!) was terrible. He made me wait 1.5 hours to sashay in and give me all of his "accreditation's" and started in on all the flaws of my face and how he could suck fat out of my tummy to add to my cheeks for fullness, yadda yadda yadda.  I put up a hand stop sign and said, "Wait right there, I'm here for issues with BREATHING from my NOSE". So, he finally decides to get off his high horse and look at my nose where he quickly says that it's NOT deviated but that he could refer me to his dad (an ENT) who may be able to do something about my breathing. Then, told me to come back and see him in a month. Why??? So he can work on "sucking" out some more self esteem??? Like I haven't been through enough emotionally with this jaw surgery.  I barely EVER cry and I was literally bawling. His assistant walked in and said, "take your time and come out when you're ready this happens all the time." How sad is that???  Then, I get a call about an hour later saying my driver's license was on their copy machine and I could I come back? I was like NO, mail it to me.... On top of that, I looked up his dad ENT and found out he graduated med school in 1960, so he's like 80??? Doubt that he's still doing septoplasty...you could've been a REAL doctor and called your dad  to ask before sending me on a wild good chase Dr. Daniel Bortnick of Monarch Plastic Surgery!

So, I called my OS (bawling)...he said to forget that dude and move on. That he probably just wants to stick to boobs and butts (my words not exactly his) where all the $$$$ is. So, I called my previous ENT and got in to see him. He said not only is my septum deviated but my nose was fractured/broke during surgery (or when the drainage tube came out--not sure when) and that's the problem. The solution is, of course, surgery but that I really need to wait until summer when everything is completely healed for it to be effective. Again, insurance will cover it...just another procedure and another waiting game and deciding on who should do the surgery. I'll be sooo glad when all of this is over. Will it ever be????

Pity Party Concluded....

Revision Rhapsody

So, friends....I had my OS check up on Thursday. To refresh everyone, on Dec. 1st I will be three months post-op on upper and lower jaw surgery. I went up 5 mm on top jaw and forward 10 mm lower jaw. During surgery the OS opted NOT to add a chin implant as we discussed it would only be added if OS thought I would absolutely need it to balance out my features. I am only 5'2 w/ "rounded" features and I didn't want too defined of a chin. I am very pleased with their decision to keep my own chin! lol.

To answer a few questions previously asked: Am I 100% happy I had the surgery?

These are all in my purse. I'm addicted...especially to the lil' teal one! :)

 At this point I am not 100% but I have to say I know I would've spent the rest of my life wondering how different everything would've been if I went through w/ the surgery. So for me the risks outweigh my wondering mind for the rest of my life!  The positives are: I can breathe so much better. I haven't had ANY fullness in my ears (and we've been down w/ colds all week) no headaches or facial pain. So far my jaws are not clicking like they used to...so this is awesome to me!

Another Question: Since my back molars do not fully touch yet...Am I confident that my
Ortho can fix this so I can actually CHEW????  Yes!!! I have total faith in him. He is awesome and actually teaches at the dental school in Kansas City so though it may take me longer to get all worked out I DO believe it will happen! :)

Okay, now for the not-so-good news...I am singing the "Revision Rhapsody". I had to schedule a consult w/ a different surgeon for Dec. 9th to look at my nose. I guess it "buckled" when they took the drainage tube out of my nose and now it regrew deviated.  Very deviated. I had a little deviation to the right before surgery. Not sure if they tried to fix that but the deviation is to the left now anyway. I was told (and confirmed through other sites) that this can and does sometimes happen so it is what it is. The good thing is I'm familiar w/ this surgeon, he's an in-network provider and insurance should cover it so I'm not fretting too much. I know my OS feels bad and it's not his fault. Everything else looks good and my bone is starting to grow back in. Not sure when they'll schedule this revision surgery but I'm hoping it's soon. I'd rather get it all over with, you know???

Thanks to you that are voting for my dad! You can continue to vote through Monday morning. I hope he wins. He's an awesome person who does so much for others and I have some great ideas on how to "bless" some organizations w/ the prize jewelry if he does win. If you haven't already, please check out his article and vote through Monday for "Unselfishly Giving Moore" at www.JIC.org/gemcontest

Until next time, Goodbye everybody...I've got to goooo, gonna leave you all behind and face the truth....



wayne's world partytime excellent



Rubber Band Land

Hello Blogger Friends! Well, I'm about 70 days post op now. My bottom lip and chin area has really been tingling so I think the nerves are really working hard at coming back. It's such a strange feeling.

I still have acne/rash but it's getting much better. I saw my Ortho last Wed and he sent me to Rubber Band Land....like majorly! :) Last time I only had one rubber band on the side and was able to eat, brush, etc. with it in. I didn't have to replace it until it broke. Now, I have rubber bands on both sides, up close on front that go all the way back to the molar brackets. I can't get a spoon or fork in so I have to remove them each time I want to eat, brush, etc. and they have to be replaced twice a day. I guess I was spoiled before. I have to wear these all day/night. My back molars don't touch so I guess that's what's supposed to be achieved from this. No pain no gain right? And...I need those back molars to touch or I won't be able to chew food anyway --which I've tried to sneak some stuff...and it didn't really do anything but frustrate me. Other than that my Ortho was really impressed with my bite and said things were lookin' good. I see my OS next Thursday. I'm anxious to see if he still thinks I will need the septoplasty on my nose.

I'm feeling 'okay'. I would be lying if I said I was 'awesome'. I'm still a little down about my nose and my upper lip. I feel like my upper lip is a lot thinner (and stiff)  and it's not even on both sides when I smile or close my mouth. See it in the pictures???

Of course I also still have problems "chewing" and sometimes talking which frustrates me. My face still feels stiff and sensitive to hot/cold but I believe this is def getting a little better all the time.  I'm just very impatient!!!

Well, that's all for now. I will have to post some pics of my wonderful band config once I get unlazy!

Also, please check out the article that my dad is a top ten finalist in. Grand prize winner is determined by the most online votes from now until Nov. 22nd. You can vote once each day. We plan on helping the community out w/ the prize if he wins! He is an awesome man who has helped his community out tremendously. Please support him! :) www.JIC.org/gemcontest His article is titled "Unselfishly Giving Moore". Thank you! :)

Happy Howwwlllllloween!!!!

Happy Halloween everyone! I successfully completed my son's Sonic costume(I did buy the hat) and am glad he's happy with it. I'm glad there were actually two leg and arm holes and that they were the same LENGTH! lol! Here's a pic of my two kids. dog (to the right) and my nephews. They had so much fun!

Today was also my dad's 69th birthday! Which leads me in to my favor...:) My mom had me write an article on my dad for this Gems Among Us contest. My dad made the top ten finalists! Trust me, he is one AWESOME man. Anyway, the winner is determined by the most online votes from November 1st -22nd. If he wins my parents will win an all-inclusive trip to Mexico and my mom will also win some jewelry. They have been through so much and really deserve this. My dad is the most giving guy I know! So please please vote for him. You can vote once daily at www.JIC.org/gemcontest . His article is titled:  "Unselfishly Giving Moore". Thank you friends!!! XOXOXOXO E 

2 Months Post-Op!

Hi all! Well, I can NOT believe it's been two months since the super duper jaw surgery. I've been feeling pretty good. I'm still somewhat emotional about the acne (which I've come to realize on my own is a RASH with a few zits thrown in for good measure) and I'm also emotional about my nose/nostrils looking so different. I'll get used to it, I know. But, while I was complaining to my Hubby the other day my wonderful, wonderful son (who is six) says, "But Mommy, you have such a beautiful smile now!" Ohhhhhhhh, did it melt my heart (and shut me up), I ran right over to him and just hugged the life out of him.!!!

I am feeling really good. I still mostly soft chew and blend stuff as it's just easier but I'll have the okay to eat most anything on Thanksgiving! YAY! I still have those dreaded surgical hooks in my mouth and they really do get in the way. I see my Ortho on Wed so I hope he takes them off. I also realized last week that I had been positioning my rubber band wrong on my brackets. Ooops! I have no idea how long I was doing this or how bad it could have effected anything but it's under control now. I called the Ortho office and had them explain where it SHOULD be so we're good now.

Last night we carved pumpkins and made a pumpkin pie. Tomorrow is my dad's 69th birthday so we will have a fun celebration and then go trick or treating. Busy, Busy. Thankfully, the kids are out of school Monday so they can recover from the sugar high. I am "attempting" to make my son a Sonic the Hedgehog costume. I'll post pics tomorrow...not sure how great it will be but I couldn't find a costume anywhere (that I wanted to pay THAT price for) so homemade it is! :)

I still am slightly numb in my bottom lip but it's getting all tingly so that's a positive. Also, I never knew how sensitive my face would be to hot/cold. If I'm in the sun, my face feels super hot pretty fast. Also, if I'm in the wind or cold air it gets super cold fast. Very normal I'm sure...just something I wasn't expecting. 

Well, I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween. I'm going to post costume pics tomorrow as I have a favor to ask of all of you...but...you'll have to wait to find out.......Bahhhh Haaa Haa Haaaaa (my evil witch laugh)..XOXOXOXOXOXO

6 Weeks Post-OP

Well, I am now a little over six weeks post op. Nothing too exciting to post! Fellow Jaw Breaker friend, Mandy, had her surgery on Monday. She hasn't posted anything on her blog yet but sent a quick email stating she is a clucking, swollen mess! :( But she is well and surgery went well. She is in her dreaded 3-4 day post surgery bliss and I PROMISED her that it WILL get better. You're in my prayers girlfriend! I can't wait to see pics and for you to be your chipper self again. You'll be up and at em' before you know it!

I had my follow up w/ the OS yesterday. He thinks my bite is looking great, swelling is going down. He's still a little concerned w/ my left nostril and I'm also a little concerned as I have a harder time breathing out of it. He brought the plastic surgeon in and he also said to wait 5 more weeks and we'll look at it then. There is def still some swelling around that area so I'm believing it WILL get better. If not I will have septoplasty done to correct my septum. This procedure would be done outpatient. I'd like to have it done before the end of the year though, so I could claim it on taxes with the rest of this god-awful amount! :) Of course insurance only covers this w/ a prior-auth so we start down that road again.  Sigh...I just have to believe it will all be miraclely (is that a word???) better in 5 weeks! Here is my 6 week photo. I cut bangs and wore a little makeup. I still got Aunt Acne....she's fighting that lil' blue pill w/ all her strength and is so far continuing to win. Sigh...little blue pill...it's time for you to whoop some acne-you-know-what!!!!!!



MJS, don't be checkin' out my dirty laundry room to the left! :)


On the family front...my favorite cousin read my blog and called to apologize for her comment about the famous face! :) She said if she really meant I looked bad she would've ignored me all day b/c she wouldn't be able to tell me the truth!! That sounds pretty accurate so I really think she was just trying to make me laugh!  My MOTHER on the other hand is another story...she asked me a few days ago if my nostrils will always be this big. Seriously? I'm sure they flared a little MORE after that comment! Grrrrr....My nephew also made note of my cheeks commenting they look rather "full".

    So, needless to say, I'm a little discouraged w/ the comments of my fellow family members.   But, on a medical note: I am sleeping better,eating better and have an overall feeling of happiness in light of the acne, nostrils and cheeky cheeks! Some favorite foods include: avocados w/ sour  cream and salsa, re fried beans w/ pico de gallo, mushed up quiche Lorraine and of course the chopped-up chicken enchilada!

I have lost approx 12 lbs. and holding. I really need to start working out some. I've been pretty lazy but I plan on changing that. Don't we all????

My stitches are all dissolved except for a few on my upper incision.   I'm really working on stretching and massaging my face as my upper lip feels stiff. I guess this is common. Bottom lip is still numb but OS isn't worried about this yet as things are still healing and some residual swelling is still there. Well, that's all folks......

Have a Happy Happy Day

XOXOXOXOXO

E

One MONTH Post-OP

Sorry guys! I missed my exact one month post op party! :( We've had some things going on and I'm just now able to update.  But, I did take my pic on Thursday so I'm posting that. Things are going pretty slowly now. My OS appt. was a week ago and he took off my rubber bands for a whole week. It was really nice. I really worked on stretching my mouth and opening wide. I still have tons of canker sores all over the inside of my lips but I can't really feel them so it's only slightly annoying.  My next appt. with OS is in three weeks! He's still concerned w/ my left nostril and my breathing through it. I'm believing that it's just swelling that needs to calm down and I won't need the second "dreaded surgery". :(

I went to the Dermatologist on Monday. He gave me some cream samples (for my face and canker sores) and a prescription of Solodyn. I was hoping it was just hives, but he said it was acne and rosacea. So, this prescription costs $724 for a one month supply. Not even kidding!!!! My first month was free and insurance will only cover for "pre-approval"....well, we all know I've unsuccessfully been down that road before. So, I hope this little blue pill lives up to what he thinks he's worth and that I'm as smooth as a baby's butt in 30 days or less! I will NOT be purchasing this lil' blue pill after my free sample. I'm not THAT vain!!!!

I had my FIRST ortho appt. on Thursday. Very exciting stuff! He was impressed with my bite. Although I have a slight crossbite and my back molars don't touch he still thinks I can be out of braces in six months! I'm still banking on nine, but if it's earlier that'll be icing on the cake I will be eating then!!!!  He left my surgical hooks and wires on but added a power chain to top and bottom. I was glad as I feel that helps smooth things out and may help w/ the canker sore issue.  I had some of my stitches stuck between my back brackets and it was pulling on my incision. I was sooo thankful for them to cut that part off and get it out of there. It was causing some discomfort and now I have none over there!!! He also only put one rubber band on at this time. It's on my left side in a box shape. It's not heavy so I still have good range of motion! I was happy with my first appt. I see my Ortho again in 5 weeks.

Well, that's about all I have to update right now. I can't wait to post pics with my hair fixed and makeup on! My hair still bothers me to touch my face. I'm sure it's just my OCD. Every time it's down it seems to cling to my face from the lotions I've been wearing and it feels totally strange. ewwww.....

I still am completely numb in my bottom lip but my swelling seems to be going down nicely now and I'm hoping to get feeling back soon! :)

Enjoy your week! This is such a busy time of year for us moms w/ kids. Fall seems to be packed with field trips, festivals, sports, parades, etc. Lovin' every minute of it!

Oh! on a side note...I went to a family fish fry yesterday. Most of my family acknowledged I look different. I know I still have quite a bit of swelling, mostly in my upper lip.  I feel like a duck or fish or something. Anyway, my favorite cousin (because she's possibly reading this :) ) Noted I looked like someone famous. I started to smile and then she added with a laugh. "It's no one attractive though...." And the smile fades.....Thanks.....Like I'm not already self conscious and emotionally taxed as it is!!! Gotta love family right?? :)

Asinine Acne---3 Weeks Post-Op

Okay, so Aunt Acne came to visit and she won't LEAVE!!!! I'm literally about ready to become a hermit. I have been using toner and prescription cream but looks like she's decided to camp out on my FACE for awhile. Hopefully this too shall pass. I can just feel the oil oozing out of my pores. I wonder what causes these oils to go into overdrive???

Anyway, tomorrow I will be THREE weeks post op.  My swelling is still sticking around but I'm starting to feel much better. My energy level is up and I just feel like I'm HEALING. My OS gave the okay for me to start back up my muscle relaxer at bedtime which has helped me sleep tremendously. I still sleep on four pillows. OS said I only needed two but I feel much more comfortable w/ four as I still have lots of swelling...and it's allergy season.

Not much new news...my nose is drying up. I'm still drinking a lot of my meals. I may blend one meal a day to "cat food" consistency but it's still a lot of work to eat that way so I do a lot of drinks. Still some drooling and talking still tires me out but I can tell it's getting easier.  Over the weekend we went to my favorite Mexican restaurant. It was HELL, but I ordered something and ate a few refried bean w/ salsa and got home and blended my chicken enchilada with some salsa and chicken broth. It was HEAVENLY. The best meal yet! :) I don't really like ice cream much but I bought some Haagen Dazs caramel ice cream and now I'm addicted. So, some things are looking up. Took some pics of Aunt Acne...Also some new pics of smile/profile. I still have quite a bit of swelling (more on the left) so there's some asymmetry. I even notice it in my nostrils. I hope that one nostril calms down. It looks a little too perky! lol!

I see my OS on Thursday and he may give the okay to see my Ortho....we'll see. Also, I found out some CRUSHING news. My OS isn't going to file a second appeal to my insurance as the exclusions are so strong that they think I don't have a chance. So, I guess I can say... We spent A LOT of money and even though it's money well spent (I can already tell it's helping my ears, energy level, breathing, etc.) I still feel guilty.  Uncle Sam better give us a pretty darn good tax deduction is all I can say!

Here's my profile a month prior to surgery and at three weeks post-op and I still have quite a bit of swelling in my upper lip and lower jaw!! It still amazes me. I just want to stare!  Sorry about the hair. I'm just trying to keep it off my oily ole' face! :)

Have a great week everyone and HAPPY FALL!!!! Maybe we should celebrate w/ a pumpkin shake or something??? Any good recipes??? XOXOXOXO

Splint Removal....CHECK!

So, the splint removal went much easier than expected. I didn't even need a local as I was still completely numb. It was attached to my upper teeth with wires that went around each tooth and connected to my braces wire. He used some little tool and it cut all the wires in only about 7 minutes. The only time I freaked out was when it was hanging by like one wire and I thought I was going to swallow it. I can talk much better without it. I feel like my saliva is still plentiful and I still "slurp" it. Eating's not much easier either. I guess I imagined removing the splint would magically make everything go away. I know I just need to be patient. *NOTE: This is not my splint but mine looked very similar.

Friday I got my hair trimmed (and a few bangs). It made me feel better but I think I overdid it on Thursday and I have felt pretty crummy the past couple days. My OS said everything looked great and I was healing nicely. I have another appt. next Thursday and he said depending on how things look then that he may go ahead and send me back to my Ortho.

I'm kinda anxious to see my Ortho. My back teeth don't touch, I still have a little cross bite and I feel like I still have an overbite. I'm curious on his opinion. I know I will worry about this as I'm a freak about my teeth. That's the only downfall to having the splint out. With it in I knew my bite was where it was supposed to be, with it out, I have NO IDEA. I still have two rubber bands up close on my teeth that I can take out to eat and brush. OS said my ortho will probably do some different band configurations to fix the cross bite. I think he wants HIM to be the bad guy! lol :) I don't blame him. He's such a nice guy!

Well, I didn't post any pics this time...sorry. I actually got really swollen after Thurs (from overdoing it) and I have totally broken out in zits all over. I have been cleaning my face as often as I can. After surgery my oil glands went in to overdrive and it's been crazy oily. Now, I'm just trying to get this teenage adolescence look under control. :( I'm emotionally at the bottom of the roller coaster today.

Sorry to be such a downer. Hope you all are doing well in whatever stage you're in. XOXOX

Make Like a Banana Smoooothie and SPLINT!!

Okay, I know I'm a dork. Can't help it, I was born that way. Well....big applause....today is two weeks post-op and I have survived! Things are still looking pretty good. Swelling is still going down. Just very slowly. No more nausea. Yay! And my mood is picking up. I am having issues sleeping and am actually in pain during the night, which is strange because I'm pretty comfortable during the day. I will ask my OS about this tomorrow when I get my SPLINT out!!!! I'm very excited. They called today and said I will be getting a local to numb everything (as if everything isn't already numb) and I can take a pain pill for my own piece of mind. My mom's taking me so I don't have to worry about driving.

I'm still drooling, and actually having a harder time talking, but I'm thinking all of this will improve tomorrow after I get that splint out. I have pretty much stuck to blended meals. I have tried some mashed potato texture type stuff but it only got me and my splint messy so I figured I could hold off until tomorrow. Can you tell I can't wait until then???? I'm getting very tired of this splint.

I've lost about 7 lbs and holding. I've done pretty well to keep my calories up. I could actually benefit to lose about 10 more lbs. but I'll def wait until I'm healed. Now is not the time to diet!

So, funny story...Yesterday was a beautiful day and my daughter, dog and I decided to take a walk around the block. We got almost all the way home when these two dogs w/ the electric fence collars were "harassing" us. It was no big deal, but the owner stopped to talk to us for a few minutes. I tried to hurry up as I really don't feel comfortable carrying on a convo w/ complete strangers at this stage. So we scooted on home and as we got inside and I passed the mirror I had a flashback of Dumb and Dumber. You know....where they were on the motorcycle????? It went something like this...

Remember that???? When he had snot hanging all the way down to his lips????? Well....there I was--in that same position. I am completely numb and had no idea I was sporting this look. I had to call my husband right away. He just laughed and laughed and said, "Well, at least no one SAW you." Um, yeah, I actually carried on a complete conversation like this, I guess.  Maybe that's why the dogs were barking at me? They were making fun!! lol. Nothing I can do about it now.  I'm sure I've embarrassed myself beyond this measure a time or two.

Well, that's about all the news for now. I'll post a new pic later after my splint comes out and I get my hair trimmed on Friday. I am still debating getting bangs. I'll ask my hairdresser what she thinks.

Have a great evening.  Prayers go out to June (fellow blogger friend) who is having her hardware removed tomorrow due to infection. We hope you have an easy recovery and you stay healed! XOXOX

  GOOOOOOOO CHIEFSSSSSSS!!!

Day 11 Post-Op!!!

Okay, I'm 11 days post-op. I can't believe I'm this close to two weeks. This will be my first full week of "back to normalcy" as I say. Eric is back to work full-time...house duties, bills, kids, etc are all back to my responsibility. I'm ready for it though...I need life to get back to normal.

I'm feeling pretty good for the most part. Yesterday we had my son's first soccer game and then had a family get-together at my sister's house. I played croquet and blended some zucchini casserole and some "vanilla" oreo's w/ milk (at separate times! lol) and got pretty wore out. I think my body wasn't used to that rich of food and of course being up and about all day so I'm a little lazy today. I did get up and go to church but I think I'm just going to eat soup today and lay low a little.

I'm getting more feeling in my face each day. I actually think I'm having a harder time talking (not sure why) but I get the splint out on Thurs. so I'm not worrying about it right now. Swelling is still going down. Slowly but surely. I posted a new pic. I don't really like this pic but o'well. I do still have swelling and of course I'm not wearing make up. I don't know when I'll go that far....My hair...is another issue. Because of the stress, and the change in diet I've been loosing ALOT. And let me tell you...I don't have alot to lose. There's nothing I can do about it though so I can't dwell. I do need to get it trimmed and it's funny...I think my hair looks different now that my face shape is a little different. I'm debating cutting bangs. I guess I'll wait another couple weeks to see what my face looks like then!

I'm still drooling some and I have got in a habit of making this "clucking" type noise as I suck the saliva back in my mouth. It was so funny...we were at my sister's house yesterday checking out the peacock eggs she is incubating. My other sis and I were leaning down real close to look in the incubator when I decided to suck my saliva....making the clucking noise.  She was like "what was that???" as she peered in to the incubator. I think she thought one of the peacocks were hatching!!! I sure hated to bust her bubble!

Really not much more news. I take my rubber bands out once a day and try to do open/close mouth exercises. I can open my mouth almost two fingers. Don't know if this is good or bad. I also finished my amoxicillin so I'm done w/ all prescriptions. Yay! I just pray I stay healthy and get NO INFECTIONS.

I've always had trouble w/ my ears getting very full and getting infected.  Especially this time of year...so far they haven't been. I totally believe that this surgery had helped (and will continue) to help my ears. I know the Dr's don't believe that this could help my ears but I seriously do. I also love my sister who is my biggest cheerleader. I know she is believing right a long with me! If you ever read this...Thank you Paula! XOXO

Welp, that's it for today.

1 Week Post-Op!!!!!

Hello all! I am still alive and I FEEL much more alive! Let me tell you something. Everyone talks about that Day 3 mark. Well, for me it must've been Day(s) 3-5 because those days all felt the same for me. They were the worst! Not just physically, but emotionally as well. I am now a week post-op and things are looking up! I have more energy and a much more positive outlook than originally. Not sure if the meds got me down or what but I'm off of everything except one more day of antibiotics and over the counter Ibuprofen. I think today I'll go get a humidifier and some natural sleep aid. I'm still sleeping on several pillows on my back and it's not the most comfortable.

I met w/ the OS yesterday. He took another pano. He said everything looked great and my swelling was very minimal (although my left side is a little more swollen than right). I scheduled an appt. for NEXT Thursday to get my splint taken out. I'm a little nervous b/c they asked if I was getting completely put out or a little sedated to have this done. I wasn't aware it was going to be painful???? I told them I wouldn't need anything.  Now, I've decided to take my mom along in case I become a baby and need some kind of medication.  Has anyone heard if this is supposed to be painful? Why would I need sedated? He said the wires aren't between teeth or anything.  OS also put some weaker rubber bands in so I can move my mouth a little more. Although, the bands are very close up front so I don't have alot of room if I wanted to use a spoon or something.

I'm "allowed" to have mashed potatoes and stuff but I'd rather stick to the blended meals. It's faster, easier and I get more "bang for the buck". :) I'm all about efficiency! I still have a lot of muscle milk, chicken broth and soups. I also have blended oatmeal and last night had a piece of fried (boneless) chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy mixed w/ milk and blended. It was the best meal yet! I also bought quiche to blend and chicken pot pie. Let me tell you... my Vitamix might of cost a lot but it has been heavenly!!!!!  My hubby was much impressed. He's been using it as well.

My other purchase that was much enjoyed is my Waterpik. I am allowed to use it on my teeth on the lowest setting. It has proven to be much more effective at cleaning my teeth/mouth than anything else. I also add salt water at times to help soothe my mouth. Very good choice!!! One more good purchase was the 'moist heat' heating pad. The first 24-48 hours you want to ice your face, but after that it won't help anymore w/ the swelling and the moist heat feels really nice...and aids in healing.

Well, I think that's it for today. I overdid it a little yesterday w/ my OS appt., then we went to Sam's Club and my sister's house for dinner. I'm a little tired this morning so I think I'll take it easy. It's my hubby's last day home so I'm going to take advantage. Thank you so much for prayers and encouragement. It has really helped me through those "dark hours". I'll keep all of you in my prayers as well. XOXOXO E

Day 6 Post-Op

Well, I must say things are getting better. With that comes wanting to "eat" and "talk" and all of those things that are frustrating right now. I still get tired pretty easily and very nauseous. Not sure why as I've pretty much stopped pain meds except for occasional Ibuprofen and the antibiotics they have me on. Maybe that's it? I see my OS on Wednesday so I'm going to ask about this. I also have a very dry mouth and lots of nasal stuff. Which I would anyway since it's allergy season. I'm concerned about my lips not closing. I know the OS said he had to cut a lot of muscles right there so maybe I just need to do some exercises to get it back? I tried to put my lips around a straw and can't. Hopefully that'll change. This is probably also why I'm drooling so much.  I'll ask on Wed. My swelling is going down some. It's still pretty swollen on my left side of face and I'm starting to bruise on my chin and even down my neck. But, things are improving! Thankfully! Eric is staying home Wed and Thurs and will return to work on Friday. He has a meeting tomorrow he HAS to attend so my wonderful neighbor is going to watch Emry for a few hours to help out.  Well, here are Day 6 photos. I tried to smile in the second one! lol!

Day 4 Post Op

I just noticed how I have drool all over my shirt and sunglasses on my head! I look like such dork! Oh well, I really haven't cared much about that these past couple of days.  Today seemed a little better. One big piece of advice I can give is to push yourself to actually drink from a cup. You get so much more this way than w/ the syringe. Also, I pushed myself to swallow pills instead of the liquid meds. These also seem to work longer/better. Then if you can do this you can also take a multi-vitamin.  I hope my swelling starts to go down soon. I had a little "variety" today. Muscle milk, an EAS shake, tomato soup, lots of chicken broth. It really helped w/ my nausea. I've been trying to get my mouth cleaned out. I just have this really bad taste no matter what I do. :( My kids are  coming home tonight. I'm so excited to see them. I know they'll raise my spirits. Eric is still home until Tues morning. Then it's all on me...my son will be in Kindergarten all day but I will have my daughter home w/ me. This has been making me nervous. I don't know what I'm going to do. Hoping that I can be able to manage and just nap when she does.

I can't wait to be at that place where you say...I'm sooo happy I did this! I know it will come. I'm just very impatient...and I'm a constant drooling mess!!!