Today marks the 11th day following my 2nd jaw surgery. I am doing much better pain wise. I am able to eat what I want now, although I am still a little bit sore afterwards. I also still feel awkward chewing, and I am trying to relearn this task. My energy level has returned to normal (which was never great to begin with).
Today I am going to see a dentist to have the root of my back molar checked out. On the x-ray that my oral surgeon performed, it looked as if the root could possibly be infected or decaying. I am opting to get it checked by a dentist now rather than to wait, because I want to have peace of mind that there's nothing wrong. If there is in fact something wrong, I can't do anything about it yet. I will have to wait until about 3-4 weeks post-op. However, I will at least know why if I begin swelling again.
As of today, I am still swollen. I take pictures of myself almost daily to monitor the swelling progress, and it does improve with each photo. The first week, however, swelling reduction happened much faster. It has drastically slowed now, and I am extremely fearful and paranoid it will plateau. I am not as self conscious as I was before, because the lump is hardly noticeable. But every time I look in the mirror, I still see it because I am looking for it, and this of course bothers me.
My oral surgeon said if I was still swollen by Friday to come see him. He also said even if I am just unsure of my progress to come see him. I fully intend to go by his office either Thursday or Friday. I don't really think that my swelling will have totally smoothed out by Friday, and I need to have some reassurance from him that it will eventually.
I do believe that this part is the hardest. When progress begins to slow, things begin to look and feel bleak. I know my body is still healing, but I cannot help the frustration that I am feeling. I am more than extremely ready for this lump to disappear and never, EVER, come back.
I will update after my appointment with my dentist.
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