Today I feel human again. Yippee! *jumps and does a dance*
I got the nasal packing removed today, and for those that don't know what it is, please don't look it up. If you decide to ignore that advice, then please be prepared for some icky images and/or videos. I hereby absolve myself of any responsibility for being grossed out/passing out/gagging at the new information.
To be totally honest I was terrified of this step. People all over the interwebs were talking about it being the most horrific thing ever or accompanied by ungodly pain. That's may be true, but for me there wasn't one iota of pain. They injected litocaine (sp?) into the packs, thankfully not into me, and then pulled them out. The best description I can think of is that it felt as though they were flossing my brain lol.
In summary, things in nose recovery aren't too bad aside from the constant dripping and snotting (sorry for the gross). I can't blow my nose for at least 3 weeks post op, and I'm not to wear glasses or sunglasses for a year. On the lame side of the equation is that this added surgery means any hope of hitting the slopes in February (however slim they may have been) are entirely dashed to pieces. I got a lovely new snowboard for Christmas, but I won't be using it until December 2012. Poo. Oh well, there are certainly worse things in life.
Back on the jaw side of things is a little frustrating. I've noticed that my jaw crunches on the left sometimes when I open my mouth. It is not painful, but I am worried. I've also noticed that since my nose surgery my bite seems a little off. I have no worries about this being a bone issue, but more a matter of muscle change. That bit of muscle that had been stuck on the right by scar tissue has been freed up, so I think I hold my jaw differently. My front teeth no longer overlap slightly, but rather the uppers sit right on top of the lowers. I'm sure it's nothing that time or braces won't fix, but I'll mention it to Dr A and see what he things. I've also had a bit of joint soreness since my most recent surgery, but I think that's from constantly having my mouth hanging open to breath since my nose is useless for that function right now.
I hope you are all doing well. Keep cheer in your hearts and a smile on your face :)
Hi Nora, Congrats on being done with the second surgery. I hope your healing is fast! Can't wait to see pics!
ReplyDeleteHi Nora! Remember my surgery was a little before yours and I have had pain in my left TMJ. Now that time has passed and some orthodontic adjustments made, I feel almost 90% back to normal on that side. It never crunched but it has been so sore. My surgeon and ortho were not concerned so I kind of ignored it. But now it feels so much better. I'm 8 months post-op. Starting feeling much better last month.
ReplyDeleteThanks ladies!
ReplyDeleteAnd BraceFaced, it's good to know that I'm not alone, and even better to know that you had a positive outcome. Keeping my fingers crossed for the same :)