Sunday, March 31, 2013

Day 3: Keep on smiling

First I will start off that the season premiere of Doctor Who was Great!!!
Second great news: I slept like a baby last night. I could not have been happier. I believe I woke up once or twice to adjust positions but that's my norm.

I mostly just sat around again for the most of the day and took several naps just because I knew I could sleep comfortably this time. Had my carnation for breakfast and wasn't really feeling to hungry this morning. For dinner my mom made instant mashed potatos and added water to make it to the point I could drink. However, I did have a baby spoon and attempted to eat through the small space between my teeth. Wasn't the most successful as I had to watch myself using a hand mirror to make sure I was over opening my mouth and so I could find it. Took yet another nap after dinner till my brother came to pick me up to bring me to his  place so we can watch Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. Two amazing shows if none of you have watched. Before heading to the house we stopped at pathmark to pick up some cheese and characters so the others over could eat. I saw the strawberry shortcake good humor bars on sale and snatched them up to make a shake. Just threw it in a blender, added milk and pushed liquify. It was sooooo good and  the liquify button mixes it so well the little bites pieces were good enough to drink and not get caught on my teeth. He also had some potato soup at home so of course I blended that up and put it in a cup and drank that as well. I haven't felt this full since Wednesday evening.

So now I'm finally back home and even though I'm ready for bed I decided to ice up one more time before going to sleep. Today was great, so I'm hoping this is just the start to an even better week. Even my parents are amazed with how well the my swelling and bruising have gone down already and the fact that my energy is pretty high. I'm not letting anything bring me down. I want to be back on my feet and feeling great by my appointment on the 5th. I want to walk in and they be like wow, you just had surgery a week ago but you look amazing. I bounced back pretty quick during my first surgery and I was groggy for two days even after that one. I'm feeling a really really good recovery coming my way!! =)

I will probably have a pic up tomorrow so you guys can see how AMAZING I'm doing!!!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Day 2: Keep that Morale up!

The hardest part of this whole surgery is keeping your morale up. It's certainly very hard when your face is swollen and bruised, the sleep is horrendous and your stuck on a liquid diet for a few days. This morning I woke around quarter to 7. I was in such a horrible mood. My jaw hurt mostly on my right side as I've been getting the feeling back there quicker than the left side and the muscles spasms are a total b*tch. I felt myself whining for a couple of minutes and said I cannot start my day like this because the rest of the day will be the same. So I got up took a walk around my house, took my anbiotic (which just reminded me I haven't taken my 4 o'clock yet) grabbed some ice and put on the tv. After a couple of minutes I finally found a comfortable enough position to fall back to sleep and was out till about 11. I was beyond thrilled to get 3 hours in.
Afterward my day was just pretty relaxed for the most part. My childhood friend came up from NC yesterday and came by the house today to surprise my family. That really upped my morale as the last time I saw her was in February for a day when I was in NC for another friends wedding. The weather was beautiful so me her, my twin, my older sister, her friend and my niece all took a walk around the block. Of course I wrapped a scarf around my face and through glasses on. (I almost felt like a celebrity in hiding)
The walk felt great as it got my blood flowing, however when we got home I started feeling lousy. I thought perhaps I was hungry as I haven't eaten yet today. Drank about half a pediasure and just felt even worse. So I decided a nap would be my best option. Again, a nap is always the best option. Found another good position were I can lie slightly on my side with slight pressure on my jaw to prevent it from hanging and got a good hour nap in. Now my mommy is making me the broth from the ramen noodles just so I can have something slightly heavier in my stomach in hopes the antibiotics won't upset my stomach again.

I have to say I find my swelling and bruising to actually be less than yesterday. My bottom lip is almost down to size and the only thing thats really tingling and uncomfortable is my lip and chin. Everything else feels good.
My best offer on here to give you guys is to use that ice. Ice as much as you can b/c I really believe that is what helping the swelling. I had the ice on for literally the whole day of the surgery and then the next day and today whenever I was not napping I would have ice on for 20 min off for 10 for about an hour. Also that jaw bra you get when you come out of surgery. Keep that on hand. I was only told I needed to wear it for at least 24hrs after the surgery. It felt good to take off but at night when I slept I put it back on for the support and pressure over the swelling. I do believer that's helped my swelling a lot as well.  Gravity started taking in so the swelling is now all in my lower jaw and partially into my neck.

I also picked a very good weeked to keep my Morale up. I have had Doctor Who on allllll day and the newest episode starts at 8pm. Nothing can make this day better and tomorrow starts the newest season of Game of Thrones I know I am set for the weekend. Just curious how I will feel by Monday, but we'll see when that day comes.


Friday, March 29, 2013

1 Day after Surgery

I have to say I'm quite amazed I can even get on here just 24 hours after my surgery. That should tell you that i'm feeling pretty good, right!? well, for the most part I am but a few muscle spasms here and there that are just painfully awful =(

But lets start from the beginning. Originally my surgery was for 1030am and I had to be at the hospital by 830. But then I received a call the day before and they told me my surgery was now at 830am and I had to be there at 630. That meant that I had to be up by 5am because the hospital I went to was about 45 min away and we'd be driving through morning rush hour. Earlier that night I had awful sleep. I don't think I was nervous, I just wasn't tired. Anyways, we make it to the hospital with good timing, quickly found were I had to go and they called me in immediately.  It was me and one other patient in ambulatory at 630am and not until 8ish did the place start filling up. It was rather cold inside and they wanted me to put on a robe so early. All I could think about was how cold I'd be, but then I saw i had nothing to worry about. I was given an insulated robe that a hose was hooked up to and I warm air was being pumped on my legs and went through the entire gown. It was the greatest feeling ever and actually relaxed me a bit.

I was able to get some reading done as I needed to get somewhat through book 3 of Game of Thrones because the new season starts Sunday. But for the most part me, my mom and dad just sat around until I met all the doctors and the anesthesiologist.
For anyone that does not know I had both my surgeries at LIJ in New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY. If anyone is on the island and close by to this hospital I highly recommend it. The doctors and staff go out of their way to make you comfortable and are the nicest people I ever met. You can tell they all care of about their patients very much.

But now onto the surgery itself. I really was all good and not feeling nervous until I started walking to the operating room and once I walked through the doors I felt lightheaded and my heart was racing. I wasn't this nervous last time. They told me once I lay down they would put a strap across my waist and on my legs to prevent me from moving. Not my favorite as I freak out when I become restricted in any way. Next they gave me a needle for the anesthesia and almost immediately I started feeling it. I also got some oxygen to breath and I felt like I was going to swat it away because I started bugging out alittle as I was still terrified. That is when my surgeon came in and I told her I was really scared.  She said their was nothing to worry about as I did this before and then she told me I could hold her hand till I was asleep.  I thought that was really sweet of her and I hope I didn't hurt her hand because I do remember squeezing it.
3 hours later....
I wake up in recovery and was quite active right away. Unlike last time I felt no nauseiating affect from the anesthesia. Plus I didn't get blood in my stomach like during the first surgery as the bottom jaw does not bleed as much. The nurse was right over to check on me, gave me a nice cold cup of water which hurt like a bitch to my throat. Next thing I noticed was that I really really had to pee. So the nurse bought me a bed pan, oh yes, previous to the surgery I was given desposable underwear and when I woke up they were gone. I was afraid I was violated or something because it did hurt to pee. I asked the nurse why would I be feeling pain. She told me they put a catheter in during the surgery as I was being given a lot of fluid and needless to say I may have voided myself and it was needed. Not happy about that bc I seriously felt like I was passing a stone and the pain stayed with me till the next day =(
But on the happier news. I really was pretty active.
As you can see I am awake taking this picture. This was taken maybe 3 hours after the surgery though as I was not allowed to have a phone in recovery.
At one point I remember asking for my parents and when I looked to my right it was my twin sister walking in. I smiled as best as I could as I was really surprised and happy to see her. However, I felt bad because my eyes were getting very heavy again and I started dozing off on her.
AND, of course the greatest news of all. Because I was feeling really good and looking good I was allowed to go home same day. I can not tell you how happy that makes me feel as I now just saved 1k bucks from a copay that I did not want to pay. =)

It is now Friday and I can't really explain how I feel just yet. My neck is pretty stiff and have recently taken a Vicodin because the right side of my jaw hurts when it spasms. I have gotten bruising on both my cheeks and the swelling is limited to just the cheeks and mouth and a little below the eyes. In about an hour or two I'm allowed to take the sling off but I'm thinking of leaving it on a bit longer as I can keep the ice against it and the pressure it preventing the swelling more. However, I just can't wait to be able to brush my hair. Its totally messy.
Well anyways, I'm gonna catch up on my shows now and stop writing because I think I'm beginning to feel the affect of the Vicodin and for all I know is my typing is just a bunch of letters. I'll keep everyone up to date about how I feel on the weekend and hopefully by next week I'll be mostly on my feet again.






Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Tomorrow's the Big Day!

I can't believe its been a year since my last surgery and finally onto the second part. Before I know it my braces will be off and I'll have that perfect smile and bite that I've been wanting for a very long time.
I saw my surgeon yesterday for my pre-surgical discussion. It went a lot better than I thought it would. I was nervous of what she would tell me about how long I will have bands on to keep my mouth shut. I only thought this because of other blogs I've read that people had bands on for almost 2 weeks and they were strictly on a liquid diet and have to use a syringe to eat. Lucky for me I will not have to have that and I'm beyond ecstatic. According to my surgeon I will only have a rubber band on each side of my mouth attaching the top and bottom. She said they would only be a guide for my jaw as my muscles will be weak. I will be able to remove the rubber bands to eat and brush my teeth. What a relief!!! The rubber bands will be used for at least 4 weeks; not so bad. However, anything that would require me to chew and grind my teeth (ex: a steak) would not be allowed to eat for about 8 weeks. =(

My mom went food shopping for me yesterday and got a bunch of stuff for me. As you can see plenty of soft foods. I probably won't be able to eat the ramen noodles at first but my mom thought the broth would be good. Also not in this picture is apricot and apple & prune baby food. Got to keep that digestive going normal when on a liquid diet. I was thinking of getting some protein powder as well and basically you can sprinkle it on everything and anything just to get that daily dose of protein to keep energy up. The only reason I have pediasure compared to Ensure is because my older sister used to drink the Ensure at least once a day. After a few weeks she started getting gallstones. As there is already of history of gallbladder issues in my family she ended up tracing it back to the ensure. I'm pretty sure it was because of the oil that was in it. So I suggest if you ever had gallstones or a family history of gallstones I would stay away from Ensure. (Of course, if you have you drank it plenty before with no issues I wouldn't change it)













My doctor also gave me this awesome book:
It has some great ideas as to what I can eat. Super soft meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. I cannot wait to try some of the food in here. It all looks so delicious. =)








NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
First Week
- LIQUID DIET
     - very thin liquids
     - NO raw eggs
     - NO chocolate chips =(
     - NO eskimo pie

YES: chocolate syrup ( I bought carnation instant breakfasts; my favorite)
         Nestle Quick - strawberry or Chocolate
         Libby's light fruit in a can

Second Week
- You may eat anything liquid in a blender

Some suggestions:
Breakfast:
Cinnamon Treat
1/2 can Enrich Vanilla
2 scoops vanilla icecream
1 envelope instant breakfast (vanilla)
2 oz H & H
1 whole banana
4 oz Milk
Blend these items in blender until the consistency is thin enough to drink
Add Cinnamon for flavor

Lunch:
basically any soup you can find. At this moment I have potato and leek soup ( the best), (need to puree) paneras broccoli and cheddar soup and panera potato soup (can be found at BJ's of Costco's)

Dinner:
mashed potatoes is a great meal and I find it to be a very filling.
Pasta Meals:
use 1 jar of Ragu pasta meals
Add a little extra sauce, water, spices
shredded cheese
Cook as directed on jar
Blend in blender, strain and serve
(the cheese will make this thick so if you need it thinner just add water)

Dessert:
Milkshakes! Milkshakes! Milkshakes! (the possibility is endless with this one)


I was also given a small care package for when I go to the hospital and when I come home.
- a tongue cleaner
- mouth wash (I did get a prescription for a different mouthwash that I would be using for at least 2 weeks after the procedure)
- toothpaste
-chapstick (I will also buy more aquafore. I swear by that lip moisturizer)
- a toothbrush small enough for me not to open my mouth to wide and,
- a small brush that will help remove food around the gum and brackets.


I hope this information helped. I'm glad my doctor gave me practically everything I would need just because I'm totally unorganized and wasn't prepared and what I should make.
As for today I just did some final prepping. Did a bunch of laundry because I definitely would not be doing it for a good week and cleaned my blankets so I have fresh bedding when I come home.
And today at work were going out to dinner to J&R's for my birthday. As my 25th birthday is April 12th and I would not be able to enjoy a juicy delicious burger. Aren't my co-workers just the sweetest. So I'm ending my week with them with a very lovely day =)

Next time you hear from me it would probably be a few days after the surgery!!!!
Toodles =)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

2 weeks till surgery

Still very excited and very nervous for the coming date. I saw my orthodontist for the last time before my surgery.  He replaced all the elastic bands around the brackets with steel ties. The reason for this is because if an elastic band was to break during surgery the wire can shift and make things more difficult to move. The steel ties would help keep the wire in place. The hooks between each tooth were tightened as well.

This past Tuesday I had my appointment with my surgeon. Pictures, molds and x-rays were taken. It was quite a process as I was there for an hour and a half. But I am finally done with all the prep work. At least with the most part for my mouth. No more prodding and poking and my mouth can finally have a break. I still have my pre-op testing on the 22nd, a medical clearance appointment on the 25th and finally my surgical discussion on the 26th. =)

I have made a supply list so far based on other blogs I have seen on here. I would of never thought of half of these things on my own. I'm still working on what foods to make. I have carnation instant breakfast which I drank quite often during my first surgery. Nana's making me the potato and leek soup and i figured I'd go to BJs and grab from of the panera soup they have and puree them more if necessary.

SUPPLIES:

-aquarfor lip balm ( which I already live on and find its the greatest lip moisturizer)
-baby toothbrush
-coconut water
-antibiotics (given from doctor)
-donut shaped airplane neck pillow
-pill crusher

Thursday, March 7, 2013

3 weeks till surgery

Today marks 3 weeks until my surgery. I really cannot wait but I am also terrified. Lately, I've been checking out other blogs and trying to get ideas as to what meals I would be able to make and eat. So far I have about 4 things on my list. During my first surgery my Nana made this amazing potato and leeks soup. I ate it literally everyday so I called and asked if she can fill my fridge up with that. I really just want it to be the 28th already and then the months can start slowing down.

I saw my primary care physician the other day to get a prescription for my lips. I kept getting these really dry spots on the corner of my lips and they hurt so much and I could hardly open my mouth. I started using the cream two days ago and they cracks and dryness are already gone. I would of been really upset if i had to deal with these uncomfortable sores during the surgery and I'm hoping they stay away till then.
Oh yeah, I remember the last time I wrote that I didn't want to see this pcp because I found out my old pcp took HIP. At least, that's what it said according to the website. However, when I went to make an appointment the receptionist said they did not accept HIP and she was really rude about it. At that point I wasn't even going to argue and just accepted it and called my other pcp because I really had to get an appointment. When I called the receptionist there were extremely nice and helpful and my pcp (even though I haven't seen her since last march) remembered I was going for the surgery before even looking anything up and asked how I was doing. She was really sweet and now I'm really happy my old doctor didn't take HIP. =)