2 Week Post-Op!!!

My mouth is feeling a little sore tonight as I write this...perhaps it's because I'VE BEEN TALKING ALLLL DAY!!!! I went this morning for my 2 week post-op check up. I stressed to Dr. Miller last week (almost in tears) how important it was that I could talk freely (without the blasted rubberbands). Keep in mind that after the surgery, I had 2 bands "holding me down" on both the left and right sides, plus 3 bands on my front teeth. When I went into Dr. Miller's office today, the assistant says "I'm going to take everything off and let you go clean really well". At this point, I'm about to jump out of my seat from excitement. After she takes the bands off, I almost immediately said, "PUT THEM BACK ON!" Having the same bite for 24 years is something, so having to learn an entirely NEW bite is pretty scary. It seriously felt like my bottom jaw was going to fall off of my face. The assistant asked me if I needed to go to the bathroom and I immediately took the chance. If I was going to freak out, I wanted some privacy!

I closed the door to the bathroom and stared in the mirror at this new bite I have. After prepping myself up to *try* and open my mouth again, I clenched my teeth and tried to do a short bite. I also kept sticking my tongue out because I missed the little guy. Hadn't seen him in 16 whole days! Pretty freightening. I stared at myself for about 3 minutes, then decided I better try to clean something so Dr. Miller wouldn't be totally grossed out. Let me put it this way: 16 days of not being able to brush behind your teeth is pretty disgusting. I could never be homeless. I'm sure they don't practice good oral hygiene. If I ever become homeless people, don't give me money; just make sure I have a good tooth brush and paste.

I was finally able to clean as best as I could. I went back to Dr. Miller's room to listen to him praise me for the wonderful recovery I seem to be having. I'm thinking to myself...I got the bill from the insurance company for your charges yesterday, Miller. You are just so happy that God blessed me with a crooked mouth that you could fix so you could rake in more money than most people in Lunenburg earn in a year (or 2) from my 1 surgery. Whew--what a run on sentence! You get my point. Anyway, he says I couldn't be doing any better so he only put 1 band on the left and 1 band on the right. I can talk (clearly!) and am able to eat better. Still on a "blended" diet for at least 2 more weeks. I cheated tonight though...I ate an entire can of Campbell's Chicken & Noodle for supper. I usually ONLY like that when I'm sick, but after basically only having Ensure Shakes and McDonald's Sweet Tea for 2 weeks, Campbell's was like filet mignon :) I was able to eat the noodles with no problem.

With this surgery, I learned I had to take things in small doses and set small goals. After being let down last week, I knew the "light at the end of tunnel" had to come soon. Today, the light grew much brighter! I'm so excited to talk and eat and talk and talk and talk. If I could change this blog from written to audio, believe me, I would. Until now, keep in mind that if I call you, you better have plenty of time to talk. I've got 2 weeks of pent-up information that I must get out!! I go back to Dr. Miller in 2 weeks...let's start praying now for permission to go to "soft foods". I sense mashed potatoes in my future...until then, I'll keep you posted!!