I'm alive!
Reader, you probably thought the worst! Did his jaw fall off? Where have I been? Well, my life was been a little nutty. It has been turned upside down – literally!! Ok, not literally. But it does punctuate the sentence nicely. My life has been turned upside down – figuratively! Yeah, not the same.
I met with my surgical team on Thursday. Dr. Kaban told me I have a "stiff upper lip." Ok, that one is literally true. He also told me that I may experience improvement in sensation for up to a year and a half. I found reassurance in that.
Yesterday, I actually felt more numb. I also had drooling and dribbling events. Are you kidding me?!?! I remain hopeful.
Pictures!!
I asked the nurse for the x-rays taken right after surgery. I'm very excited to have them. I love the floating screws in my jaw. (Although my self-diagnosed OCD makes me wish they were neatly lined up.) I want to print this one and put use it as a Halloween decoration. Good idea, right?
In the second one, look at those gorgeous, luscious, ghostly lips. BUT GET THIS, READER. I told her my secret wish is that I had pictures during the surgery.
"Oh, we have pictures from during the surgery."
What the what?!?!?! Yes, reader. I have pictures of me during my surgery. They are unbelievable. I have a photo of my upper teeth lying unaffiliated in the middle of my mouth.
I also have pictures of my mouth stretched to resemble a bowling ball bag. And I have a picture of my adorable chin... without any skin on it.
And, yes, I am dying to post all of them, but figure I probably shouldn't. I'll mull. Add a comment if you have an opinion one way or the other.
Sorry, I've missed so many posts. I might try to put together a collage and pre-date it. Thanks for the welcome back reader. You're a doll – literally.
Lmao about the OCD thing!!! I thought the same thing
ReplyDeleteOmg, yes!!! But wait until Wednesday. I don't want to see them before my surgery and I don't have the willpower to look away.
ReplyDeleteI want to see them too. I forgot to ask my surgeon if they have photos from mine. I hope they do because I really want to see them!
ReplyDeleteI want to see them, also!
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the photos, but glad you (and your lips of course) are back. Erin
ReplyDeleteTry acupuncture! I have regained a lot more sensation in my lower lip and chin since starting it. I'm at week 10, and started the acupuncture at week 6. I don't have any area I can't feel anymore, I just have varying degrees of tingling, and it keeps improving. don't wait, it's best to work with the nerves early on. good luck!
ReplyDeleteI am also at an "advanced age"... 50.
DeleteNow that I'm post op I def wanna see them! Maybe you should post them but with a warning for people that don't want to see... but I definitely do!
ReplyDeletePLEASE post them! I want to see!
ReplyDeleteoh yeah, post those bad boys! Just put up a clear warning for the squeamish.
ReplyDeleteTom:
ReplyDeleteHELLO! Imagine how excited I was to see another "speechy" who had the same surgery I am having for the same reasons. It is like we were separated at birth. Amanda K. directed me to your blog. My surgery is scheduled for Feb. I am trying to figure out a realistic "leave of absence." I work in Early Intervention so I don't have a long break during the year. My surgeon is recommending a 6 week leave but will clear me whenever I am ready. Do you remember at what week you felt you could speak clear enough to work? I am 41 so I know it will take a little longer for the numbness to go away compared to the 20 somethings. Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated... mean while I am stalking your blog :) but not in a creepy way I promise!