Nine & A Half Weeks

Christmas Day marked two months since my surgery. Other than some remaining swelling (more on the left than right side) and the numbness in my chin and bottom lip, I am pretty much back to normal. I am eating somewhat regular foods like cut up chicken and turkey along with soft foods. I still have some mobility problems with eating, I don't really have good control over what's in my mouth. So it takes me quite a bit longer to finish a meal. I'm really self-consious eating in public. And I actually kind of miss my soup diet so I am still having Jeff make them for me.

I'm getting used to the numbness to the point where I don't notice it that much anymore (except when I'm eating). I still have strange sensations and I'm hoping this means nerve regneration. To me my chin kind of feels frozen and I feel like I look funny when I talk.

Another complication is that my partial that I had for some bottom missing molars no longer fits so I don't have enough bottom molars to really chew. I can't have a new partial made until I am done with the orthodontics.

I am anxious see my orthodontist on Tuesday. Its been just a little over a month since my last visit and I am having some strange teeth movement. My two front teeth seem to be moving closer together causing gaps on either side. I imagine my orthodontist has some good plan in mind but it is just a little unnerving. What I am really looking forward to is getting the braces off. I only have some minor tweeking of teeth so hopefully they will be off in 3-4 months. After that I will have a CT scan to see about bone grafts and implants.

PS--I have regained some feeling in the inside of my bottom lip when I bite on it, on both sides. So that is encouraging!

Six Week Update

I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!
I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!I am still numb on my chin and bottom lip!

Life After Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomies with Mandibular Advancement and Genioplasty

Going back to yoga the first time after my surgery was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. I have been doing yoga regularly for almost 2 years so its not that I'm not used to it. After my first class (about 3.5 weeks post surgery) I was shaky and weak. My surgeon told me I could go back to yoga but to take it easy with the down facing poses. Surprisingly I really felt almost no pressure on my face. What was missing was energy, stamina, endurance. I did notice that after the yoga my bottom lip was tingling and burning quite a bit but that hasn't happened again more than otherwise. I did my 7th class last night and its slowly getting easier. So I'm pretty happy about being back at yoga.

I have noticed an increase in aggitation and irritation since the surgery. It actually comes and goes. I'm particularly impatient when I am stuck in traffic (yeah, I live in LA but I hardly ever have to drive far), or when I can't find a parking space, or when I have to wait in a long line at Starbucks for my green tea soy latte. My aggitation and impatience seems to be heightened, out of proportion. I suspect that it may have to do with the benzodiazepines they gave me with the anesthesia. I have a history with tranquilizers -- I used to take them on a regular basis for panic attacks until I developed paradoxical effects. Apparently benzos wear out the nerves that help you stay calm, or something like that. One thing is for sure, I have a heightened sensitivity to everything!

I saw my periodontist today for my first teeth cleaning after the surgery. I really needed it. He said my gums look surprisingly good for all they've been through. My gums and teeth are definitely more sensitive!

My insurance company came through and paid my claims so that's a releif. Even though it was pre-approved, I was still nervous that they maybe wouldn't pay for the genio or that I would have to fight to get the claims paid in a reasonable time frame. So that's one thing I don't have to worry about.

Of course what I do worry about is the numbness in my bottom lip and chin. There is that small chance that its permanent. I hope not but the fear is there in my mind. It feels so wierd to not know where my mouth is. And I am getting used to my new chin, to there being more of it, even though its really slight.

So I guess that life (almost) 6 weeks after Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomies with Mandibular Advancement and Genioplasty is getting back to "normal," whatever that might be.