And the second week sedentary grumpiness sets in. Bleh.

The Swollen Chronicles

lovely bed head 

dramatically looking down

Swelling has gone down on my jaw and chin, but my nose keeps swelling in different places. It's weird, actually. It kind of looks a bit different every day. Today, the bridge doesn't appear to be as straight as before because the top part is swollen.

Also, the other day, my mom was curious, so she got out a tape measure and we measured my waist. I lost two inches off my waist, which I thought was weird. If you're about to get this surgery, prepare for your clothes not to fit you for a little while after!

All downhill from here

Today was a really good day! I didn't hurt bad enough to take any pain medicine during the day, although I am taking some right before I go to bed because my pain at night is a little worse, and it will help me sleep. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all today, which is frustrating to say the least, but it will get better! Swelling has gone down as far as my jaw and chin go, but my nose is more swollen. This will decrease with time also. 

This last week of laziness will be more tough than last week because as I feel better and better, I'll want to get up and do things, but I am constrained to my chair to watch the horror that is daytime television. But at least I won't be in much pain! I'll just have to remember that it's for the best that I take it easy! I still feel slightly weak, so I need to regain my strength! 

I'm more than thrilled that the worst part is over. That first week was rough, but now I look forward to healing more each day and, after a few weeks, getting back into the groove of things!

I'll continue to post photos to track the process of the healing!

Thanks so much for reading! 

No More Splints! (Week after surgery)

Appointment with jaw surgeon

My jaw surgeon said everything looked really good! He examined my incisions and took a look at my bite. He was very pleased. As I mentioned before, I am now on to the mushy food stage, which I am stoked about. I've lost about twelve pounds, so my body will definitely be pleased with better nutrition. I look forward to not feeling so weak! 

Ortho appointment

My orthodontist took pictures and x-rays to track my progress. Everyone in the office said I look great, which I didn't really know how to take because I'm, you know, puffy-faced. But I guess they're used to seeing these cases and have a good idea of what the final product will be. (That's one of the hardest things of this kind of surgery-- not having any idea what you're going to look like due to swelling and bruising. But patience is my medicine on this one.) 

Plastic surgeon appointment

My plastic surgeon wasn't in the office today, so another one of the doctors removed the splint on top of my nose, which actually wasn't too painful. Kind of like removing a big band-aid. However, removing the splints inside of my nose was a whole different thing. The doctor stuck these pointy tweezer things in my nose and cut the stitch holding the splint in. When she pulled the splints out, (one in each nostril) I couldn't believe they had been in my nose for a week. They were these weird oval plate things that were about two inches long. It was weird. Then she stuck a suction thing up my nose and removed all the gross stuff in my airways, which was a bit uncomfortable but not too bad. Now I can somewhat breathe through my nose! Although, my passages are still inflamed, so I am still having to breathe through my mouth.

And nowwwwwwww, here's my nose! (It's very swollen, along with the rest of my face, so the final result won't be visible for up to six weeks, especially from the front view.) 

(dazed and confused?)
you can kinda see here that the bridge and the tip
is swollen

before and after

Exciting News

Real food <3

I have now received the okay to add mashed potatoes and soft mac and cheese to my food choices. I am beyond thrilled. I almost cried when my doctor told me.

I'll post again today after all my appointments! (I'm a little nervous about the rhinoplasty one...but excited to finally see my nose!)

Sixth Day After Surgery

There really hasn't been much to report in these past few days. 

Well, except yesterday morning, I nearly passed out when I was walking to the bathroom. My stomach hasn't been feeling so nice, so I hadn't really been getting proper nourishment. Today, my mother was very adamant about my eating schedule, so today was a bit better. I had about five or six tea cups of soup. Speaking of nutrition, I lost another pound. But hey, one pound in two days is better than the ten pounds in five days. My diet will soon include more actual foods like runny mashed potatoes, which will hopefully curb the weight loss.

Tomorrow, my mother and I embark back to my three doctors for three different post-op appointments. I'll be stopping by my orthodontist for x-rays, my jaw surgeon for more x-rays and examination, and my plastic surgeon for a more tedious occasion. He'll be removing the splints inside my nose and the one covering my nose. I'm a little nervous about this part because it probably won't be too pleasant. However, I am excited because I might actually be able to breathe through my nose and, you know, get to see my nose. I'll be excited to post about tomorrow's events!

Thanks for reading! 

Five Days After Surgery

I slept all through the night last night, so I'm counting that as a small victory in my recovery process. (I could definitely use some victories.) 

Yesterday was nice because all sorts of friends came to see me, and it really made me happy. Company is always nice and helps cheer me up!

My pain is a bit more intense than it was yesterday, but it's not too bad. Also, when I say pain, I don't necessarily mean sharp pain. It's more like aching and intense pressure. 

Nothing really to report today thus far! 

Thanks for reading!

Update: I was curious, so I weighed myself...Lost ten pounds so far. Scary. 

Four Days After Surgery

fun

Feeling a bit better than I did yesterday! Swelling is about the same, but today, I am also yellow due to bruising. I think I've also dropped a few pounds. I feel a bit weak. 

But I'm looking forward to the rest of recovery because apparently the third and fourth days are the worst. 

I was able to brush my teeth today with a little baby toothbrush and my prescription mouth rinse. I also drank some of a protein shake for breakfast. My appetite hasn't really come back yet, though. 

Thanks for reading! 

Three Days After Surgery

Everyone usually says that three or four days after the surgery is the worst.

Thus far, they are right. Today has been pretty rough as far as pain goes. The swelling is still the same as it was yesterday. My dad made me a protein shake, and I was able to drink a bit of it.

I am not a happy camper today, but I'm looking forward to the better days ahead. 

Thanks for reading! 

Two Days After Surgery

Headed home this morning! I've been able to take a few sips of protein shake today, which is the most I've eaten since the surgery. I don't really have much of an appetite. 

I only had to wake up about three times during the night to rinse my mouth and use the bathroom. 

My face is still swollen, but here is a comparison of "before and after" so far. I've already noticed my chin is shorter and the bump on my nose is gone. Final results won't be visible for a few more weeks, though.

Update: Got home about two hours ago. Definitely nice being in my own house! 

Also, when we got home, I had a nice surprise waiting for me from my brother, sister, and brother-in-law! 

Here's another picture taken of me in the hospital when the swelling wasn't so severe.

Update:

this morning

this evening

The swelling seems to be increasing as the day goes on. Also, the more I'm up and about, the more my face swells.

Day After Surgery

I actually remember pretty much everything that happened right after I woke up from surgery, surprisingly. I just got out of the hospital this morning, and now we are staying in a hotel. Up until this afternoon, I was dealing with a painful amount of nausea due to excess blood building up in my mouth and going down my throat. My mother got me more anti-nausea medicine,  and now we are working on getting swelling down. 

I had my post-op appointment with my rhinoplasty surgeon today. And he showed me how to redress and clean my nose, which I have to do four times a day. This will allow the tiny splints in my nose to come out more easily next week. 

My face is still swollen, and the doctor said my nose is pointing up more than it usually will because it is taped up for support. 

Here's what I looked like in the hospital:

cute

The thing around my head is circulating ice water to reduce swelling. I'm also wearing an oxygen mask that dispenses water vapor.














Here are some other pictures taken today: 

Morning of Surgery

My mom, dad, grandma, and I are packing things up and fixing to leave. 

Check in time at the hospital is 10, and my surgery should be at about noon. I'll continue blogging as soon as I'm more alert! 

Bye for now! :)

Twenty minutes until I can't eat or drink anything

Drink all the water! 

BEFORE PICTURES

Figured since my surgery is tomorrow, I needed to take "before" pictures. 

So here is my official before: front view and profile 

mugshot style

Here are a few other ones (figured I had a good excuse to take a bunch of pictures)

                                    

Goodbye, old face!

Day Before Surgery

Well, the day is almost here, which is super weird. I'm a little nervous, but I'm very excited. I'm blessed to have many supportive family members and friends who are believing in a smooth recovery with me! 

Yesterday,

I had my crunchy food get-together. We ate and swam, and it was a lovely day. No more crunchy food for a while!

crunchy supplies

Today,

lovely day

I completed my last work out at the gym and enjoyed laying out by the pool with loved ones. It was a beautiful day, and now my mother is preparing my final meal before surgery, which I am super stoked about. 

comfy things

Also, some friends dropped off a surprise at my house, which was super sweet. Everyone has been really caring and such, which, you know, is really nice and stuff! 

So, tomorrow morning, my mom, dad, grandmother, and I will depart for the hospital. I'll be staying over night one night in the hospital and one more night in a hotel. During these two days, I will be going to post-op appointments so my surgeons can clear me for the travel home (about an hour and a half.) 

I probably won't be able to post until Friday, at least. So check back in the next few days for pictures and some videos. (Mom said she is going to film me when I wake up, which will be interesting, to say the least.)

Thanks for reading! 

Liquid Diet Recipes

*This is more for the aid of people who are also going through jaw surgery*

These are a few of the recipes I'm going to try after surgery that were in a book given to me by my jaw surgeon.

Beverage

Mocha Mint Shake

4 teaspoons perked coffee

1/2 teaspoons chocolate extract

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 8-oz. cup milk

1 teaspoon sweetener

1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Combine in blender. 405 calories.

Soup

White Bean Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 can chicken broth
2 cans white beans, drained
1/4 teaspoon crushed basil
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Saute onion and garlic in hot oil. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, simmer over low heat 10 minutes. Puree in blender until smooth. Makes 4 servings, 260 calories each.

Entree

Creamy Chicken Delight

1 chicken breast

1/2 can cream of mushroom soup

3 tablespoons sour cream

1/4 teaspoon oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Boil chicken breast until very tender, skin, and debone. Save broth. Cut up chicken and place in blender. Heat remaining ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat. Pour sauce over chicken to liquify. Add chicken broth if desired. 470 calories.

From Dinner Through a Straw by Patti Rann Thigpen

Post-Op Necessities!

My jaw surgeon gave me this fancy bag with free stuff inside! I got a recipe book, an ice pack, and a baby toothbrush (I will be using this to brush my teeth with, along with prescription mouth rinse.)

 I also went to Walmart and got a tiny marker board to communicate with. 

I got rolls of gauze to put on my glasses. I'm not allowed to wear my contacts after, and if I wear my glasses, I have to fix them to where they don't touch my face. If the glasses rest on my nose, they could permanently dent it. My eyesight is absolutely horrible, so I had to figure out a way for my glasses not to touch. We're going to wrap gauze around them so they can rest away from my face. I'll most likely make another post when I try it out for the first time. 

Thanks for reading! 

Pre-Op Appointments

waiting room selfies

Yesterday, I completed another step in the surgery process: pre-op appointments. (Hours of sitting in waiting rooms and filling out forms and many other exciting adventures.)

I met with my jaw surgeon first, who explained the surgery again. Then I asked him some questions, such as "how long until I can be in the sun?" (a few weeks; anything that increases your body temperature can also increase swelling) and "how long until I can do colorguard again?" (a whopping six weeks.) But I did discover that I can, in fact, drink through a straw. Patient tip: do NOT be afraid to ask your doctors questions! Don't be shy when it comes to your own health. After asking questions, my mother had to sign forms, which included a consent form that stated that my mother was aware that sharp instruments would be used in surgery. (I'm not kidding.) Then a nurse stuck metal trays filled with an awful putty-like substance in my mouth --impressions, for those of you who haven't yet experienced this joyful event. The surgeon uses this model of my teeth to know where to move my jaw.

wicked wound covering 

After that, it was off to the hospital for more paperwork and to get blood work done. They also made me pee in a cup because I'm of "child-bearing age," which apparently is a newer rule (thanks Teen Mom.) Then they drew my blood and I was free to go.






So now, it's one week until the surgery, and all my pre-op stuff is complete. All I have to do now is show up at 10 AM next Thursday without make up or jewelry on, and I'll be admitted to my room. As customary with surgeries, I can't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. My mom said we'll have my "last supper" of sorts and she'll make me my favorite meal. I'll be sure to document this event.

Thanks for reading!

Jaws, you so silly

Now that I've had my braces on for like four and a half years, (it's actually been four and a half years) my teeth are pretty straight. However, because my jaws are misaligned, my teeth don't actually line up where they're supposed to.  This affects my bite, which the surgery will also fix.

In the picture, if you look at my teeth, you can see that my lower jaw is actually crooked, which is strange because you can't tell my jaw is crooked when you just look at my face. The orange lines I drew are actually supposed to match up, but they don't because of the misalignment. You might also notice the tiny little hooks poking out from the brackets. These will help secure the splint they use in my mouth during surgery. Super cute.

Sorry for this oh-so-attractive up close and personal shot here, but a picture helps explain the problem better.

A friend's guide to not acting weird around your friend who is having/has just had corrective surgery

Over the past few months, I've let more people in my life know about my surgery. I haven't been trying to keep it private really, (obviously because, you know, I'm blogging about it and all) but I would feel weird shouting it from the rooftops because it's not like it's open heart surgery or something big like that.  Regardless, I can tell it has been strange for some to find out. I think this is because some people don't know how to react when you tell them your face is going to look different. Not that I blame them, though. This leads to pretty much two reactions:  "Yay, your face will be different than it is now! ...Not that it isn't a good face now! Erm. Uh," or "Nooo, I like your face now! ...Not that you won't look fine after. Uh. Erm." Both responses are adorabley puzzled and understandable. I myself didn't really know how to react at first. However, once you hear multiple doctors tell you about the problems that will (keyword: will) occur later in life if the surgery is not performed, it puts things into perspective. Not gonna lie, a healthy amount of natural concern from loved ones is always nice. (Every human likes changes in their life to be acknowledged and shown care from family and friends.) Just keep in mind that there's a happy medium between ignoring the fact that your friend is having surgery and pushing them into the spotlight for it. So here's my view, just incase you were wondering: I feel blessed that my family is able to give me this surgery and since it needs to be done, I might as well be stoked about it. It's not a huge deal to me. Like I said, it's not open heart surgery. I like my face now; it's been with me for seventeen years! And it's because of this comfortableness with the way I am now that I am also comfortable with the changes the surgery will bring, which won't even be astronomical changes. So it is what it is!

As far as after my surgery goes, I pretty much have to chill in a recliner for two weeks. Seeing as I'm an active person who likes to be up and about, this may be a bit difficult for me. I'd be quite lonely just sitting there staring at the TV (which I will not be staring at through my contacts, but through my glasses, which will be stylishly taped to my face. I'll discuss this later.) Thank goodness I have lovely friends who have volunteered to come see me and watch movies with me and laugh at my inability to speak properly. That is, I hope they feel comfortable enough to laugh. The doctors say that I will look worse than I feel (yay medicine) due to bruising and such. So I hope this won't make others act like I just got hit by a car or something. If you're my friend and you're reading this, just act like you always do around me. Don't be afraid to hug me and joke around! And it's okay to stare at my bandaged face. If you're someone who is about to have surgery, realize that people may not know how to react, and that's perfectly okay. It'll get better as people get used to your lovely bandaged recovery face, I'm sure.

This turned into quite a lengthy post. Thanks for reading! More pictures and videos and such to come!