1-YEAR Post-op!

So it's been a year since my BSSO and Genioplasty. I'm happy to report that life has definitely moved on.  It's interesting that because I moved so soon after my procedure, most of the people in my current circle didn't know me pre-surgery and many don't even know that I had surgery.  So much can happen in just a year's time!

So much change in just 1-year!

For those of you reading this because your are preparing for surgery, I must apologize, I didn't do a great job keeping up with the blog.  My last entry was 3-weeks post-op!  I'll fill in a bit.

4-weeks post-op
I drove from Colorado to Oklahoma and back so that I could see my nephew graduate high school.  Being on the road while on such a strict diet is interesting...and I was still really exhausted.  I was only able to drive 6-hours before I had to get a hotel.  But, I was able to make the trip!  So if you're wondering if travel is feasible within a month...it is, just plan to be able to rest frequently.

6-weeks post-op
 Dr. Z signed off on my case and I was well into preparing for a PCS (military move).  This is when I got the go ahead to eat "whatever my heart desired".  I wanted nothing more than a cheeseburger and fries.  So I left his office and went straight to Larkburger (best burgers in Colorado Springs).  Turns out that I wasn't quite ready for a burger or fries...it took WEEKS (maybe months?) to be able to bite and chew normally again.  That's part of why I didn't update my blog during that time, I was frustrated and not in the greatest of spirits.  I remember wondering during that time if my face would ever feel normal again? If I'd ever be able to chew food again? If the surgery was even worth it??  If I'd blogged, it would have been really negative!  I'm happy to tell you now, that it does get better.  BUT maybe don't expect to chow down on a burger the moment your doc gives you the green light to eat solid food.  I did finish that burger though...with a fork and a knife and tiny bites. 

7-weeks post-op
It was around this time, in 2016, that we were getting ready to PCS (military lingo for move)...which was really stressful so soon after surgery.  And now, one year later, here we are getting ready to PCS again!  This time around is much less stressful though.  PCSing is so much easier when you aren't recovering from surgery. Who knew? Ha!

So from then on things continued to get easier.  I did have to switch orthodontists due to the move, which wasn't ideal, but it worked out.  The only other significant event was getting my braces off on November 7, 2016!  That was a glorious day.

Here is a pic from braces off day!

Last month I went back to CO for Spring Break and was able to see my surgeon one last time (he'd asked me to stop in if I were in town so that he could finish my portfolio).  He said that my bite is perfect and that my case is the most successful he's ever seen.  It was so GOOD to hear that.

So, was it worth it?  YES, YES, YES.  Here are a few reasons why:

• I no longer clench my jaw (I used to clench at night while sleeping, but also any time I was stressed or tense)
• I only remember having 1 migraine in the last year...not having chronic headaches is a life changer.
• I can bite food...pizza, burgers, apples, tacos, fajitas, sandwiches.  Sometimes when we're eating foods that you bite I still hold it up for my husband and show him my perfect bite mark.  Ha-ha! It's a joy that's hard to explain if you've never experienced an overbite so bad that you couldn't bite a sandwich without the insides falling out.
• (and if I'm being a little vain) I like my smile and my face better.  As I stated in earlier blogs, it was a medical surgery, but it did result in some pretty significant cosmetic changes.
• I am so much more confident now...

While it  was well worth it, and if I had to go back I'd certainly choose to do it again, there were some lasting implications for me personally (not everyone will experience this though):

• My bottom lip and parts of my chin are still "numb".  It's a feeling that is kind of hard to explain.  I still have feeling, but the sensations I feel are different.  I've gotten pretty used to it, and it's not that big of a deal.  I knew going in that it was the #1 surgical risk and that the risk increased with age (I'm OLD compared to most who have this surgery).  The thing this issue has affected most is kissing my husband! I honestly don't think he notices, it just feels different to me.  Maybe a bit more tingly?  I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing??
• Weather changes (especially cold snaps) make my face sore.  I meant to ask my surgeon if that's normal, but I forgot to ask.  I assume that since I have 12 screws and a metal plate in my face...it's probably normal.  
• My jaw pops somewhat frequently now.  It's a little painful when if happens, but not unbearable.

The only other things I can think of to address to those of you preparing for surgery are weight loss and swelling.

Weight loss- I was told to prepare to lose 15-20 lbs (not sure how you prepare for that anyhow?), but for me personally that was not an issue.  I, in fact, GAINED 5 lbs.  That's what happens when your husband adds Heavy Whipping Cream to all of your "food". (insert eye roll, LOL)

Swelling- This was the hardest for me.  Not so much the swelling itself, as the fact that every time I saw my surgeon he'd say, "You look GREAT, the swelling is pretty much all gone!"  Now, I'm certain that he truely thought that.  BUT I could still see the swelling and was afraid he was right and that my face would be like that forever.  It took MONTHS (6-8 months) but eventually the swelling did all go away.

When I got braces at 32...I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  When I found out my case would require surgery, I was not happy about it.  Two-years later, I look back and feel blessed.  The timing worked out perfectly, my surgical team was phenomenal, and Tricare covered all of the surgical costs (other than about $800 added to my orthodontics, which was out of pocket) of what can be a $40,000-$80,000 surgery in the US (many insurances refuse to cover this surgery), and I've experienced so many positive changes as a result.  Absolutely no regrets.

I'll end with something I find funny: I'm told all the time that my daughter is "looking more and more like me".  I think it's actually that I'm looking more and more like her as my face has changed throughout the year! Our profiles have become strikingly similar!  

11-month post-op appointment

3 weeks post-op

Hmmmmm.

So the first two-weeks were so.much.easier than I ever expected.  The past week hasn't been bad...except for the numbness and nerve regeneration.  It's driving me crazy. It's odd really, because when you think numbness, you think that you don't feel anything. Right?  And in about 1/2 my chin and lip, I can't feel when I touch, or when I drop food on it, or when my husband kisses me...BUT I can feel so much.  I feel "pins & needles", "tingling", "burning".  That feeling you get when your foot is asleep...I feel that in 1/2 of my lower lip and chin ALL.OF.THE.DANG.TIME.  The sensations, for me personally, are worse than pain.  I seriously want to sleep all the time so that I don't feel all of these sensations.  I never thought that the nerve regeneration (I hope that this is nerve regeneration that I'm experiencing) would be the worst part.  I guess I should be thankful??  It is a sign that I'm going to regain nerve function, which is a good thing.

What else?

I wake up stiff and sore in the bottom half of my face.  It's annoying but improves as the day goes on.  I'm assuming that it's normal, but I'll ask Dr. Z about it next week.

Most of the swelling is gone, but I still have some underneath my chin and on both sides of my jaws (where the screws are).  Most people say that they don't notice the swelling, but I do.  I'm assuming that it's that "10% of swelling that lingers".  Remember when I said that it wouldn't bother me?  Well, it does.  Just being honest...but I'm still certain it's worth it.

I'm still sore around the areas where I have screws.  It's not unbearable, just a little sore to touch.

Okay, so I thought I'd make a list of items that I've found really useful over the course of the past few weeks.  I'm a bit of a minimalist and didn't go too crazy...that being said, these are the things I suggest having if you are undergoing jaw surgery:

• Recliner:  If you don't have one, borrow one for a few weeks.  I personally cannot remain upright in a bed when I'm sleeping.  I just keep slumping and turning until I'm on my stomach and face down.  That wouldn't have been good!  The recliner helped me to sleep upright for the first two weeks to help keep the swelling down. And ya know, it kept me from accidentally sleeping on my face.
• Juicer:  I have this one (though I paid significantly less than $99.95)...this thing has been absolutely essential for me personally. http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BJE200XL-Fountain-700-Watt-Extractor/dp/B000MDHH06/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1463114034&sr=1-3&keywords=breville+juicer
• Essential Oils:  I've used Helichrysum,  Frankincense, Copaiba, & Lavender multiple times a day since the moment I was out of the OR.  If you have any questions about why/how I've used the oils, just leave me a comment.  
• Blender/Immersion Blender:  Having some kind of blender is absolutely essential.  Does it have to be a Vitamix?  No.  (though I would really, really love to have one...shelling out the $500 just isn't worth it for me personally).  I made do with my Ninja and a $20 Hamilton Beach Immersion Blender.  I will say that the immersion blender is nice because it's so much easier to clean between the oh so frequent uses. 
• Trader Joe's Soups:  I know not everyone has a Trader Joe's nearby, but if you do they have some awesome pureed soup options.  I bought some of each and have just cycled through them.  They are yummy and convenient.  My fave is the Roasted Red Pepper.  It's delish.
• Waterpik: It just makes keeping your teeth clean (clean is a loose term) easier. 
• Infant Toothbrush: because it's all that will fit in your mouth for the first few weeks.
• TheraPearl Sports Packs: These are great.  You can freeze them or heat them for hot/cold therapy.  I suggest having four.  Two to freeze and two to heat.
• Jaw Bra: To keep the TheraPearl Packs on your face.
• Small Spoons:  Either baby spoons or just small spoons that will fit in your mouth easier are really helpful.
• Young Living Lip Balm Trio: They are amazing.  Must have.
• Coconut Oil: So many uses...moisturizing, oil pulling, cooking, adding to smoothies...
• Dental Wax: Let's just say, surgical hooks+incisions=ouch.  Just make sure that you have some on hand.
• Facial Moisturizer: Splurge on something good.  I cannot explain how dry/chapped your face is going to be.  Then again, I live in a dry climate, so maybe it's worse here.  But it was bad for me.

Honestly...that's all that I can really think of that I really couldn't have lived without for the past 3 weeks.  If I think of more...I'll come back and add to my list.

What have I been eating???: 

• Soup, Soup, SOUP!  I actually really love soup.  It's quick, easy and there is a ton of variety.  
• Avocado.  It's my favorite food in the whole world, so the fact that I can eat it is AMAZING.  I mush a whole one almost every day, add salt and pepper, and eat it with a spoon.  Yum. 
• Fried Eggs.  Not my favorite food, but it seems like "real food", so it has recently become much more appealing!
• Fresh Vegetable/Fruit Juice.  I juice fruits and veggies in my juicer.  If I miss a day, I notice a huge difference in my energy levels and how I feel overall.  I highly suggest juicing through this entire affair.
• Shakeology/Smoothies: Quick and easy meals.  Peanut Butter/Banana with vanilla Shakeology is my go to fave. 
• Mashed Potatoes.  If you can eat mashed potatoes, you can survive.  Am I right?
• Tilapia. I'm not sure if this one is technically "allowed"? But to be fair, it is soft and I swallowed it completely whole, so no chewing was involved.  
• Peanut Butter and syrup.  What can I say...I'm from the south.  It has been a staple.
• Chocolate.  It can absolutely melt in your mouth. 
• Cookie Dough.  Okay, so the raw eggs are frowned upon, but it's a risk I am willing to take.

Those are for the most part the staples.  I'm certainly not starving (though I do miss "real food").  My weight loss at 3-weeks is ONE POUND.  And you were all so worried that I was going to waste away.  Ha-ha.

 Day 17 Photos

 

Day 18 Photos 

Day 21 Photos

At 3-weeks in, I'm still very much not used to having a chin.  Maybe it'll grow on me ahem, I'll get used to it soon! 

Day-12 (*2-week* Post-op Appointment)

Today was my "2-week post-op appointment" (though 2-weeks is technically on Wednesday).

It was great!  Dr. Z said all the same things.  Bite still looks perfect, healing perfectly, etc...

He took another profile pic for my portfolio and printed this for me...

LEFT: 1-week pre-op                                                                         RIGHT: 2-weeks post-op

Isn't that insane?  Crazy how putting your jaw/chin where they're supposed to be changes the entire structure of your face.  It's taken some getting used to on my part (I did live with my other face for 33.5 years after all...it's a big change)!

That being said, it's been an awesome day.  I've had a ton of energy & zero pain...I can mostly smile again, which is pretty much the best thing ever, and I'm sleeping in my bed and on my face again (as opposed to upright in the recliner) which is really nice.  I'm supposed to be working on my range of motion (I can only open my mouth about a finger width right now).  Oh, and I'm allowed to start using my waterpik.

Dr. Z was so happy with my recovery that he doesn't want to see me again for 2-weeks which will be my 1-month post-op appointment.  Between now and then, I'll update with photos if I see significant change.  But if not, I'll just make weekly updates.

Day-11 (I didn't take any pics on Day-10)

Sunday.  I felt pretty good today.  My energy levels were down a bit, so we just had a family day and hung around the house.  I think the extent of my productiveness was making a batch of Zuppa Tuscana soup (which purees pretty well) and doing the dishes.  Other than that, Netflix spent a lot of time judging me and asking me if I was *still* watching?  Yes, darn it, I'm STILL WATCHING.

I did manage to get a few pictures...the swelling is going down more!

Day-9

So today was BUSY. 

I did stop in to see my surgeon because one of my incisions just didn't "feel right" and it looked a little inflamed and pussy.  He irrigated my incisions and said there was just a little food stuck in them irritating them (gross, I know). 

It was my first really full day out and about.  By the end of the day, I was exhausted.  But, I made it through, and it was a good day.  My biggest annoyance is that my smile is still super wonky, so socializing is at best awkward.  Hopefully that will improve soon. 

Smile is getting better...but it still isn't "my smile". The right half of my bottom lip is still numb and doesn't move.

Day-8 (just pictures)

I know I'm a bit behind.  That's because things have just been progressing more slowly now.

Day-8 was good.  My energy levels were up a bit, I was able to do laundry all day.  It's a charmed life y'all. 

Anyhow, I know when I was scouring blogs pre-surgery, I mostly wanted to see progression pictures...so here they are.  No makeup, PJs (which I stayed in all day), and all.  

This is just to show how much I bruised, all the way down my chest.  I should have taken a picture days ago, this doesn't really do it justice.  But yeah, the bruising was crazy.

Day-7 ONE WEEK!!

Today has been much, much better than yesterday.  I'm feeling a lot better and I have more energy.  And having my kids here is really nice too.

I can't believe it's already been a week!

Okay...so most people when they have this surgery lose a lot of weight, 5-10 lbs in the first week...20+ overall.  Then there's me.  I GAINED 6 lbs in the first few days.  Ha-I'm not sure if it was all swelling or the fact that my diet had a sudden mass increase in heavy whipping cream (I thin soups, shakes, smoothies, etc with it).  As of today I'm back down to my "pre-surgery weight".  And while I'm by no means "trying" to lose weight, I do expect losing some will be the natural consequence of a 6-week "no chew" diet.  I just found it humorous that I found a way to gain weight during this process! Ha-ha.

I honestly don't have much to report...

I am having some spasms in my face today.  Uncomfortable, but not unbearable.  And from what I understand, completely normal.

I did make the effort to put on make up and jewelry today, so that's special!

Attempted smile...

...but no, my face is still frozen.

Still a ton of swelling...but it's getting better every day!