Posted by Midmich on December 10, 2010 at 17:39:06:I had my final appt here with my Dr. KL and I am clear to go home! He removed the front rubber band, leaving 2 on each side and it already feels so much better. Was able to have a bowl of chicken tortilla soup semi blended and not totally liquified through the ketchup bottle for lunch and it was great!
I need to come back in early January for my arch bar removal. It has been one heck of a journey so far, and I know I still have a ways to go. Here are a few talking points, and I hope people find this helpful:
1. Nausea. I had it bad for the first few days, and had it mild even up to yesterday. I had a tough time with the scrip pain meds, and have been on liquid tylenol since day 3. I found that the change in my diet, trying to cram down the sweet stuff (shakes) really kind of upset the gut. I am better now that I am off the ice cream shakes.
2. Pain. Really no more pain. The only part that is not comfortable is the pressure of the teeth being smashed together with the rubber bands and arch bars. Hopefull will be better now that I had the front band removed.
3. Numbness. Chin is numb. Palate and upper gums and teeth totally numb and feel like they are made out of wood.
4.Weight Loss. Down about 9 lbs. Dr. KL reminded me to keep my calories up to help healing.
5. Post Nasal. Was never that big of an issue for me. Maybe because I had the turbinate reduction done a few years ago. Not too bad. Ears do plug up and I get the bottom of the pool feeling still on and off.
6. Swelling. This is the most bothersome thing for me. I still have some swelling along lower jaw line, cheeks and around nose. My nose is much flatter and my nostrils are larger. To me, it is very noticable. Really bothering me. Hopefully, when swelling is gone it will get better.
7. Looks. Well, like I mentioned before, not happy with my nose, but, it is only Day 10. Chin is more pronounced, and it is strange.
Being from a small town in Michigan, Palo Alto is a great place to recover. I have stayed at the Marriott Suites in Los Altos. There is a Whole Foods and Jamba Juice just down the street. Has been a big help with varied smoothies and blended soups.
Now, to the good part. It is often tough to fall asleep, but when I do, I sleep solidly for 4 hours, wake up, take a bit more tylenol and then back to sleep for 4 more. Very vivid, clear dreams. Amazing! Hardly ever dreamed before this.
Still not feeling rested. The surgery I am sure has much to do with it, and also the fact that I probably havent really slept solid in my first 40 years and I have a whole lot to make up.
I will keep this posted. I feel obligated to write here because of all the blogs on the subject of MMA surgery, they really helped me!!!
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