So here we are...two weeks post expansion ( almost four weeks post-op). I don't feel like the gap has closed at all! I guess it doesn't help when I get the whole "Oh my Gosh, what happend to you?" question everyday. I have to admit...I probably sound pretty vain. The pain isn't that bad, my brusing was a breeze, but this dang gap is killing me!! I swear my confidence level has went from about a 7 before braces to about a 1.5. But hey my arch has gone from small to 6+ mm. So at least my numbers are getting bigger somewhere! :)
My swelling in my upper lip is still noticeable (to me only probably) I don't know if it is swelling or numbness... probably both. My energy levels are getting better. I can't say that eating is getting any easier. I am still on a very soft food diet, and I don't see that getting better any time soon. I am still eating soups, a lot of pastas, ice cream, stuff like that. But...I did have one wonderful meal last weekend. PIZZA!! Yes I can eat the toppings and the top of the crust. Talk about yummy. I don't eat fast food...but pizza is my one treat. I can't wait to be able to eat a whole piece again.
Well to sum up last week I had 90% of my sutures taken out on Tuesday (two weeks and six days post op) I also had an x-ray of the lovely empty space in my upper palate. I will go see Dr. S tomorrow. He will take out the remaining sutures, and hopefully tell me I am done with him for a while.
Other than that life is starting to get back to normal. I did a full week of work last week, and am beginning to somewhat get back into my work out routine. I worked out about 4x last week, and am slowly regaining my strength and endurance. I did about 15 miles on the bike this morning and really could feel how much I have really lost. Hopefully the doc will release me to start running again. I'm sure that will be the biggest challenge. Nothing like feeling your jaw bounce around when you are walking/running. Hopefully that will go away soon also.
Now that I mentioned going away soon....Boy-Howdy I can't wait to have this RPE out!! I hate it! My tougue feels like mini-landmines exploded in it all day. I can't talk, and I drool all over the place. And to top it all off, I can't drink wine or beer. This thing is by far the worst thing a ortho can do to a person. I am a changed woman I tell you...I will never again be unappreciative of a raw veggies, a nice cold beer, or my fav....a nice glass of wine.
Okay...now for the part that people really care about. My pics!!
5August 7 Aug ( 3weeks pot-op)
14 Aug(2weeks post-espansion)
Well it is hard to believe that it has already been two weeks since my surgery. But then again it is also hard to believe that there is over 6mm between my two front teeth!! Today I woke up and felt like my face had a little more swelling than usual. I walked around, (sat around) had some coffee, and before I knew it my swelling seemed to go back down. I think maybe sleeping increases swelling b/c of the angle of my face.
Today I really pushed myself to try to get back into my normal blow and go schedule. I had my coffee, ran to the chiropractor for an adjustment, and hit the road running. I cleaned my entire garage(rearranged, swept, cleaned the grill(GROSS!!) ect), then I trimmed up the bushes in the yard, planted a flower bush(that I recived as a get well for my surgery :) ) and to top it off I cleaned up the whole house. I'm such an overahiever!! I didn't end up sitting down until 830 tonight. I have to admit...due to my activity I broke down and took a dose of liquid motrin. Hey whatever it takes to get the job done. Today was my "It's been two weeks ..now get out there and GO!"
I'm definetely getting more confident that my surgery is healing up nicely. I do get a weird sensation in my upper jaw whenever I walk fast. It is almost like I can feel that my jaw is loose and moving slightly. What is scary is that it probably is.
I have one more day off before I have to go back to work. I am really nervous about it. I have developed a much needed relaxed life style the past two weeks...and I know work will get me back to my OCD/perfectionist/over-achiever self. But I guess it is inevitable. To top it off I just recieved an email from the big boss at the office. They are realeasing promotions next week. They are promoting at 37% which is so small. This is my first time up for a big promotion ( Staff Sergeant), so that has my nerves going too. I'm so glad I have my little diary to vent my nerves off to. And for any unfortunate person that actually reads this post...I apologize! I am getting it all out...I feel a little bit better. At least I feel like someone/something out there cares.
I guess I will quit ranting and brush my teeth. I am totally thinking the minty fresh clean will help calm me for bed. That and reading for an hour. One more day to sleep in. I will enjoy it! I hope to have more pics (of a closing GAP!! come on everyone cheer for the gap to close!) Good Night. Happy Two Weeks To Me!
