4 Weeks Post-op!

Today was my 4 week mark! Later this week it will be ONE whole month since my surgery! A friend from the Curve asked me tonight what the worst part of the experience was and I think it was the first few days after surgery. I just felt miserable and weak but the pain still wasn't bad enough that I couldn't handle it. The hunger is hard to deal with, but I've started to cheat (shhh! Don't tell!) by adding things I consider soft food to my diet.... like stromboli, hot wings, and shredded chicken. I don't do this often, just every few days to keep my sanity. I just keep reminding myself that I'm on the home stretch.

From reading other people's blogs I've been able to compare how they were doing at the same milestones.  I was worried about post surgery depression and if I had it, I would say it was last week. Which seems to be right on point with everyone else. I miss being active and what it feels like to go for runs and weight lift. I just keep telling myself this is only temporary and it's almost over. I'm very fortunate to be as healthy as I am, and I think a lot of time we take our health for granted. I'm going to appreciate the health I've been blessed with a lot more from now on!

One thing I've learned that helps fight the "blues" is keeping yourself busy and spending as much time as you can with friends and family. You will forget your current predicament of not being able to eat, and will be much happier. I have a great support staff that's been there for me through the whole process!

Okay now here's the jaw status:

Numbness: Still the same. From my lower lip down to my chin is still completely numb. My outer gum line and teeth are still numb as well. I have found two spots that have regained feeling near my back molars though. I'd like to say the numbness doesn't bother me, but it does. When it tingles, it's annoying and right now it's almost always tingling. I'll take this as a good sign.

Swelling: I think it's about 90% gone. There is just a little bit left where the breaks are and under my jawline but it's not noticeable. I feel like I look "normal" again.

Pain: Only some joint stiffness in the morning and when I stretch it too far yawning. Also, sneezing is painful if I let my jaw move too much.

Range of Motion: I can open my mouth 1 1/4 inches (two fingers) wide. This is much improved from when it was just 1/2 an inch. I'm doing the stretches I was told to do and this improves every couple of days.

Energy: More and more each day. I'm not tired at work anymore, but still not sleeping right. If i can sleep in, I do. I also still take naps when possible which might be why I can't seem to get to sleep before 1:00 AM. This week will be the test since I'm back to working at the Curve too. Tomorrow we have a double header and will end up being a 16-18 hour work day for me with both jobs.

Overall: I feel pretty good! I know I'm on the home stretch now so I'm excited. My 5/6 week appointment is next Tuesday! I can't wait to see what Dr. Ochs has to say!

I've again forgotten to take pictures so here is the cat and I on Saturday. I'll probably be a crazy cat lady some day and I'm okay with that.