So today my supervisor took us out to lunch and then we went swimming. I can't get my head under water yet but it was nice to splash around. I got a little emotional at lunch, but I kind of expect it now. I cry like once a day, over the silliest most random things. I've been pretty hyper emotional since the surgery. Exercise does help though! So thanks for those who have given me that tip. It helps me feel a little more grounded.
So I've been wearing the bands for almost a week now and my bite is still working at it, slowly but surely. I've been taking them out to eat though and it doesn't take long for my bite to fall back so I know it still needs work, but I have noticed a little improvement.
I'm a little concerned because right now my jaw really needs to be relaxing and settling into this new bite, but I clench at night, always have. I told my surgeon this before my surgery and he said there really wasn't anything we could do about this. I've been taking a valium at night to help relax the muscles, but I don't think it's really doing anything.... Anyone else who went through this clench? What did your surgeon suggest? I can take y'alls feedback to my next apt. on Monday.
On a lighter more happier note, today I feel like a fighter, despite being exhausted. I chose to have this surgery and I'm going to fight for the perfect bite. I love my new profile and it's here to stay. I'm going to train my muscles up. They are going to learn how to take this new bite, even if I have to wear my rubber bands and keep this splint in much longer than I would like. I'm in it for the long haul. And as hard as this can be sometimes I stop myself and think about everything I have to be grateful for and this puts me at peace.
Here are some pictures.
Why I had the surgery: BEFORE
AFTER to the LEFT
AFTER to the RIGHT
Check it out! Swelling is going down.
you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteLouise
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI am fighting the clenching jaw muscles thing too which is hindering me regaining my ROM.
My surgeon has me on muscle relaxers at night - the first one he prescribed didn't do anything for me so he upped to a stronger one at my last appt - that one is helping me some. I'm waking up feeling less tension in my jaw than before, and I'm able to get my mouth open a little farther w/o so much pain.
My ROM is still not where it should be though, so I will most likely be starting some physical therapy soon. I'll find out more at next week's appts.
I really hope your jaw relaxes, and adjusts to the new bite soon! Glad to hear the swelling is down, you look great!
Roxie
Hi Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to hear you had a good day! I have heard of the Americorp Vista program...isn't it an internship of sort? And, what assignment did you choose?
Your profile is just amazing, I really hope you get beyond the band and splint soon! It will be awsome to read about your experience with that new freedom!
Cheers to you and your success!
Brent
I love Americorps! The first middle school I worked at had an Americorps group and it was amazing :)
ReplyDeleteAbout the muscles/clenching - I've never been a clencher but I've read about people getting botox injections (sounds funny, but it forces the muscles to relax) in the jaw muscles. Also, I would ask about getting something other than Valium - something that is used as a stronger muscle relaxant. I used Flexeral (spelling might be off) for my wretched muscle spasming and know it's a pretty common one used after jaw surgery. Be very explicit that you are really clenching and make sure to mention it gives you headaches, if it does (which I imagine it does).
Glad you're exercising. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the tip Stephanie! I am going to bring up both the botox and the Flexeral with my surgeon on Monday. The Valium was suppose to be serving as both anti anxiety and muscle relaxation but I haven't been having much trouble with anxiety so maybe it's time to try something different.
ReplyDeleteHey Brent! There are few different branches of Americorps. The Vista program is basically like being a paid volunteer. Volunteers in Service to America! That's what the vista stands for :)
Thanks for the kind words you guys. :)