Today is day 3 following my second jaw surgery. Tomorrow will mark 10 weeks following my first. I am recovering very slowly from this second surgery. As I may have mentioned before, pain is worse because there is no numbness. My swelling doesn't really seem to be improving. I will say, my lips are not chapped like last time because they didn't swell this time around. They are split however, from where I'm guessing the surgeon had to pull them to get to the back of my mouth.
I had 23 screws and 4 plates. I believe the surgeon removed 7 screws and 2 plates. I still have 2 plates and 8 screws in my chin, and 2 plates and 7 screws on the right side. I'm getting all of this information from my x-ray. I felt the need to count hardware. :)
My orthodontist wanted me to put my rubber bands back in as soon as I was able, and so I attempted this last night. I'm not going to lie, I wanted to come up with excuses and take them out. For some reason, I'm afraid the clenching of my jaw will create another lump. I have no science or facts behind this, but I just came up with it in my head. I've been good though, and have worn them since last night. It's been about 14 hours now. :)
Tomorrow I return to work, and I will admit that I am not ready. Not only do I still rely heavily on my pain medicine around the clock (about every 3 hours), but my face is grotesquely swollen on one side and looks very strange. I'm going to be more embarrassed this time than last. I also know how exhausted I will be because of how I felt last time. It's too early. Please, if you are planning this surgery, rack up enough vacation/sick time to be out for AT LEAST 2 weeks. I can not stress this enough. I needed 2 weeks with the first surgery, and I can't help but wonder if I hadn't pushed myself so much perhaps my body could have more effectively fought off infection. With this second surgery, I need at least a week. I don't feel that I am in a position to take off that much time, but if I was I would. It also doesn't hurt to inform your boss that there's a chance you will have to undergo a second surgery. Even if the chance is slim, if they are prepared you reap the rewards because you can take off more time.
I cannot even begin to explain how badly I want this all to be over with. This is just a bump in the road, but I am ready to wave goodbye to this chapter of my life.
Please post comments, I still have 0! Feel free to share experiences or ask questions. That is what this blog is here for. :)
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