Re: My splint WAS removed today!! TO Jane

[Guest guest]

Hi Jane,

I'm glad to hear you got rid of those final stitches! I know they've

been bothering you forever. How is the chewing going? Is your cheek

finally staying out of the way?? I wish I could spend all day every

day practicing eating and chewing and opening my mouth. I never have

enough time! In fact, I'm getting ready to go eat something now....

mmmm mmmm I know what you mean about enjoying the changes that seem

so big to you, but aren't that big or even noticeable to anyone else.

After staring at particular facial features I have hated for 26

years,I know what is different and I love the improvement. Yea for

cheek bones and jaw bones and straight teeth and everything so

orthognathically pleasing and nice! Keep me posted on your eating

adventures!!!

Katja

> >

> > Hi Jane, , and everyone!

> > I was trying to post earlier but Yahoo was being slow and

lumbering

> > so I gave up.... Anyway! My splint was removed today and I have

> been

> > so pleased and thrilled ever since... Firstly, it was totally

> gross!

> > I asked my OS if I could see it and he fished it back out of the

> > trash with pliers for my viewing. After a quick glance of horror,

I

> > had enough and they were promptly returned to the garbage!

> >

> > My surgeon gave me the clearance to eat whatever I wanted. I

think

> > he knows it's a matter of my trying what I can manage and

gradually

> > easing back into this strange new business of eating again. I had

> > meatballs and rice tonight. I am eating a somewhat gingerly right

> > now, but my biggest obstacle seems to be how wide I can open my

> mouth

> > to get food in and to chew it. I was reassured that my opening

> would

> > increase the more I ate and stretched my mouth open. So far that

> has

> > seemed true.... I haven't measured my exact opening size though,

so

> I

> > can't report that... probably around an inch. My surgeon didn't

> > comment on my opening one way or the other, so I guess it is

> normal.

> >

> > Anyway, I brushed and brushed when I got home which was really

> > nice... I definitely relished being able to brush the backs of my

> > teeth finally after 6 weeks! Lindsey, I'm sorry about your

concern

> > about the cavity... that would make me feel terrible. I, myself,

> have

> > felt like my teeth have been rotting away in my splint all this

> time.

> > I hope I don't have any cavities too, but it's definitely

possible.

> I

> > wish your surgeon had been more reassuring to you about your jaw

> not

> > feeling quite right. I hope your Ortho does a better job of

easing

> > your concern. Let us know how that goes!

> >

> >

> > Well, it seems that the horrible pain I was having from clenching

> and

> > grinding my teeth at night since about week 2 or 3 post-sx has

paid

> > off because my " muscles of mastication " aren't totally shot and

my

> > jaw seems pretty good with the eating I've done so far.They seem

to

> > be about to withstand and exert some force on each other. Cross

my

> > fingers and yours, but no soreness YET at least! Let me tell ya

> > though... I paid for it already with plenty of pain- it would

wake

> up

> > all night long in horrible pain from the clenching.

> >

> > Anyway, I've had a great day... I think today I have felt the

> > prettiest I have ever felt in my whole life. That is not to imply

I

> > am gorgeous or anything, but, so far I am really pleased with the

> > changes and my results. Well, the day wasn't totally great- I was

> > late to work because of the appointment, but my boss was annoyed

> with

> > me because I was SO late coming in to work according to her (only

a

> > couple hours and I never promised her an exact time which she

knew

> > and was fine with!) BUT I HAD to go home and brush my teeth AND

> then

> > eat and CHEW SOMETHING!!! I know you all understand here... if

you

> > haven't masticated anything for 6 weeks or more, that takes

> > precedence somehow in some twisted way over work!!!

> >

> > Jane, I know you said your bite feels all over the place... I

know

> > exactly how that felt. Since our recovery was a bit different we

> have

> > had interesting overlaps and gone through the phases

differently...

> I

> > was only splinted when first out of surgery... then I got bands

> after

> > one week. At my three week check up, my surgeon said I could go

> with

> > out the bands during the day... at that point- OH BOY! my jaw

felt

> > all over the place! I think the muscles are finally getting

trained

> > and accustomed to their job. It takes a bit of time, but they

learn

> > pretty fast, surprisingly enough!! Give it a few days!

> >

> > So, at this point my teeth also don't all touch and meet and fit

> > together perfectly yet. I am anxious to meet with my ortho next

> > monday to get an idea of what he needs to do and what I have

ahead

> of

> > me. My midlines don't match up at this point either... but they

> > totally didn't before surgery either. I think ultimately they

will

> be

> > ok, but ortho has a bit of work ahead of him. It does make eating

> > again a bit awkward though because the teeth aren't all hitting

> each

> > other. BUT, that is how my teeth were before all of this... so

I'm

> > used to it AND I know it is only temporary now!! My OS wasn't

> > concerned. He said everything, with a bit of ortho, would lock

> right

> > in just where it needs to be. He said he was very pleased with

the

> > results. So far, so am I. I just can't wait to get the bite

> > perfected. Then I will be perfectly happy!

> >

> > Jane, the weight issue is crazy, isn't it!?!? I am at 100 pounds.

> > Right after surgery, I went down to 95. I thought I was back up

to

> > 105, but it seems to be fluxuating a bit. This is WITH my eating

> tons

> > of really fattening food!! But, my change in weight hasn't been

as

> > dramatic as yours. Like you though, some of my clothes just hang

> and

> > look terrible! Add to the cost of this surgery, the expense of

> > needing a new wardrobe as well!

> >

> > Ok, this is my longwinded, boring blather about my splint

removal!

> > It's late and I need to go to bed!! Thank you for asking!!! I

> will

> > keep you updated and I hope you will keep me updated too.... I

> think

> > I will fall asleep tonight imagining what I will eat tomorrow.

> > Someone mentioned french fries here the other day... that sounds

> > really good! And chewy moist brownies.... Mmmm Mmmmm

> > Cheers! Katja

> >

> > PS, I will post pictures as soon as I can find

> some " representative "

> > Before pictures AND as soon as my boyfriend takes my most updated

> > post surgery photos.

[Guest guest]

Hey! Actually chewing is going well and my muscles in my jaw seem

strong. Its the right numb side that's still pestering me because I

chew accidentally on my lower right lip. I have new scar tissue from

it. My feeling around my right gum is coming back so when food rubs

against it it feels so weird and I can't tell if I am eating my

cheek! Other than that every thing IS getting back to normal.

Believe it or not I feel lucky because with my rubber bands in which

I never take them out my bite is perfect. My teeth all touch my

midpoint is perfectly aligned. I just hope it heals so it will do

that on its own! I ate at chilis tonight. I had southwestern

eggrolls, chicken crispers, french fries, and chocolate cake with ice

cream! I could even chew my food (on the left side). Things are

great. Not perfect but getting better. It sounds like you are

enjoying your no splint time! I am too...now imagine when we get our

braces off!!!!!!!!When do they say yours are getting yanked? Mine

maybe at the end of May IF my bite lines up on its own!

Jane

> > >

> > > Hi Jane, , and everyone!

> > > I was trying to post earlier but Yahoo was being slow and

> lumbering

> > > so I gave up.... Anyway! My splint was removed today and I have

> > been

> > > so pleased and thrilled ever since... Firstly, it was totally

> > gross!

> > > I asked my OS if I could see it and he fished it back out of

the

> > > trash with pliers for my viewing. After a quick glance of

horror,

> I

> > > had enough and they were promptly returned to the garbage!

> > >

> > > My surgeon gave me the clearance to eat whatever I wanted. I

> think

> > > he knows it's a matter of my trying what I can manage and

> gradually

> > > easing back into this strange new business of eating again. I

had

> > > meatballs and rice tonight. I am eating a somewhat gingerly

right

> > > now, but my biggest obstacle seems to be how wide I can open my

> > mouth

> > > to get food in and to chew it. I was reassured that my opening

> > would

> > > increase the more I ate and stretched my mouth open. So far

that

> > has

> > > seemed true.... I haven't measured my exact opening size

though,

> so

> > I

> > > can't report that... probably around an inch. My surgeon didn't

> > > comment on my opening one way or the other, so I guess it is

> > normal.

> > >

> > > Anyway, I brushed and brushed when I got home which was really

> > > nice... I definitely relished being able to brush the backs of

my

> > > teeth finally after 6 weeks! Lindsey, I'm sorry about your

> concern

> > > about the cavity... that would make me feel terrible. I,

myself,

> > have

> > > felt like my teeth have been rotting away in my splint all this

> > time.

> > > I hope I don't have any cavities too, but it's definitely

> possible.

> > I

> > > wish your surgeon had been more reassuring to you about your

jaw

> > not

> > > feeling quite right. I hope your Ortho does a better job of

> easing

> > > your concern. Let us know how that goes!

> > >

> > >

> > > Well, it seems that the horrible pain I was having from

clenching

> > and

> > > grinding my teeth at night since about week 2 or 3 post-sx has

> paid

> > > off because my " muscles of mastication " aren't totally shot and

> my

> > > jaw seems pretty good with the eating I've done so far.They

seem

> to

> > > be about to withstand and exert some force on each other. Cross

> my

> > > fingers and yours, but no soreness YET at least! Let me tell ya

> > > though... I paid for it already with plenty of pain- it would

> wake

> > up

> > > all night long in horrible pain from the clenching.

> > >

> > > Anyway, I've had a great day... I think today I have felt the

> > > prettiest I have ever felt in my whole life. That is not to

imply

> I

> > > am gorgeous or anything, but, so far I am really pleased with

the

> > > changes and my results. Well, the day wasn't totally great- I

was

> > > late to work because of the appointment, but my boss was

annoyed

> > with

> > > me because I was SO late coming in to work according to her

(only

> a

> > > couple hours and I never promised her an exact time which she

> knew

> > > and was fine with!) BUT I HAD to go home and brush my teeth AND

> > then

> > > eat and CHEW SOMETHING!!! I know you all understand here... if

> you

> > > haven't masticated anything for 6 weeks or more, that takes

> > > precedence somehow in some twisted way over work!!!

> > >

> > > Jane, I know you said your bite feels all over the place... I

> know

> > > exactly how that felt. Since our recovery was a bit different

we

> > have

> > > had interesting overlaps and gone through the phases

> differently...

> > I

> > > was only splinted when first out of surgery... then I got bands

> > after

> > > one week. At my three week check up, my surgeon said I could go

> > with

> > > out the bands during the day... at that point- OH BOY! my jaw

> felt

> > > all over the place! I think the muscles are finally getting

> trained

> > > and accustomed to their job. It takes a bit of time, but they

> learn

> > > pretty fast, surprisingly enough!! Give it a few days!

> > >

> > > So, at this point my teeth also don't all touch and meet and

fit

> > > together perfectly yet. I am anxious to meet with my ortho next

> > > monday to get an idea of what he needs to do and what I have

> ahead

> > of

> > > me. My midlines don't match up at this point either... but they

> > > totally didn't before surgery either. I think ultimately they

> will

> > be

> > > ok, but ortho has a bit of work ahead of him. It does make

eating

> > > again a bit awkward though because the teeth aren't all hitting

> > each

> > > other. BUT, that is how my teeth were before all of this... so

> I'm

> > > used to it AND I know it is only temporary now!! My OS wasn't

> > > concerned. He said everything, with a bit of ortho, would lock

> > right

> > > in just where it needs to be. He said he was very pleased with

> the

> > > results. So far, so am I. I just can't wait to get the bite

> > > perfected. Then I will be perfectly happy!

> > >

> > > Jane, the weight issue is crazy, isn't it!?!? I am at 100

pounds.

> > > Right after surgery, I went down to 95. I thought I was back up

> to

> > > 105, but it seems to be fluxuating a bit. This is WITH my

eating

> > tons

> > > of really fattening food!! But, my change in weight hasn't been

> as

> > > dramatic as yours. Like you though, some of my clothes just

hang

> > and

> > > look terrible! Add to the cost of this surgery, the expense of

> > > needing a new wardrobe as well!

> > >

> > > Ok, this is my longwinded, boring blather about my splint

> removal!

> > > It's late and I need to go to bed!! Thank you for asking!!!

I

> > will

> > > keep you updated and I hope you will keep me updated too.... I

> > think

> > > I will fall asleep tonight imagining what I will eat tomorrow.

> > > Someone mentioned french fries here the other day... that

sounds

> > > really good! And chewy moist brownies.... Mmmm Mmmmm

> > > Cheers! Katja

> > >

> > > PS, I will post pictures as soon as I can find

> > some " representative "

> > > Before pictures AND as soon as my boyfriend takes my most

updated

> > > post surgery photos.

[Guest guest]

Jane,

Like you I have one side of my mouth that is very numb. For me it is

the left side of my mouth. I have the same kinds of problems

though.... I tend to dominate with my right side and want to chew

only on that side. The swollen cheeks have gotten in the way too....

I try to force myself to chew on both sides just for the practice.

Getting feeling back is wierd. I completely agree!! I think my

feeling improves day to day, but I am more able to discern the

difference on a week to week basis. I'm so glad for you that your

bite is perfect. It's probably good that you are doing all your

eating wtih the elastics in to guide and train your muscles

perfectly. That will definitely help you get your braces off when you

want to!!! My bite isn't perfect yet.... my lower teeth need to be

pulled in tight again... there are some spaces right now due to the

post surgery elastics. I find out Monday what is left that needs to

be done... hopefully I'll get an estimate of time too for how much

longer I'll have the braces. Last I heard it was 4-6 months. I can

handle that no problem! Good thing you're the one moving and not

me!!! You'll have to let me know if you are going to get the braces

off at the end of May like you are hoping!! I hope so!! I'll let you

know what my ortho says. Cheers and happy eating! Katja

In orthognathicsurgerysupport , " janepapillion "

<janepapillion@y...> wrote:

>

> Hey! Actually chewing is going well and my muscles in my jaw seem

> strong. Its the right numb side that's still pestering me because I

> chew accidentally on my lower right lip. I have new scar tissue

from

> it. My feeling around my right gum is coming back so when food

rubs

> against it it feels so weird and I can't tell if I am eating my

> cheek! Other than that every thing IS getting back to normal.

> Believe it or not I feel lucky because with my rubber bands in

which

> I never take them out my bite is perfect. My teeth all touch my

> midpoint is perfectly aligned. I just hope it heals so it will do

> that on its own! I ate at chilis tonight. I had southwestern

> eggrolls, chicken crispers, french fries, and chocolate cake with

ice

> cream! I could even chew my food (on the left side). Things are

> great. Not perfect but getting better. It sounds like you are

> enjoying your no splint time! I am too...now imagine when we get

our

> braces off!!!!!!!!When do they say yours are getting yanked? Mine

> maybe at the end of May IF my bite lines up on its own!

>

>

> Jane

>

>

> > > >

> > > > Hi Jane, , and everyone!

> > > > I was trying to post earlier but Yahoo was being slow and

> > lumbering

> > > > so I gave up.... Anyway! My splint was removed today and I

have

> > > been

> > > > so pleased and thrilled ever since... Firstly, it was

totally

> > > gross!

> > > > I asked my OS if I could see it and he fished it back out of

> the

> > > > trash with pliers for my viewing. After a quick glance of

> horror,

> > I

> > > > had enough and they were promptly returned to the garbage!

> > > >

> > > > My surgeon gave me the clearance to eat whatever I wanted. I

> > think

> > > > he knows it's a matter of my trying what I can manage and

> > gradually

> > > > easing back into this strange new business of eating again. I

> had

> > > > meatballs and rice tonight. I am eating a somewhat gingerly

> right

> > > > now, but my biggest obstacle seems to be how wide I can open

my

> > > mouth

> > > > to get food in and to chew it. I was reassured that my

opening

> > > would

> > > > increase the more I ate and stretched my mouth open. So far

> that

> > > has

> > > > seemed true.... I haven't measured my exact opening size

> though,

> > so

> > > I

> > > > can't report that... probably around an inch. My surgeon

didn't

> > > > comment on my opening one way or the other, so I guess it is

> > > normal.

> > > >

> > > > Anyway, I brushed and brushed when I got home which was

really

> > > > nice... I definitely relished being able to brush the backs

of

> my

> > > > teeth finally after 6 weeks! Lindsey, I'm sorry about your

> > concern

> > > > about the cavity... that would make me feel terrible. I,

> myself,

> > > have

> > > > felt like my teeth have been rotting away in my splint all

this

> > > time.

> > > > I hope I don't have any cavities too, but it's definitely

> > possible.

> > > I

> > > > wish your surgeon had been more reassuring to you about your

> jaw

> > > not

> > > > feeling quite right. I hope your Ortho does a better job of

> > easing

> > > > your concern. Let us know how that goes!

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Well, it seems that the horrible pain I was having from

> clenching

> > > and

> > > > grinding my teeth at night since about week 2 or 3 post-sx

has

> > paid

> > > > off because my " muscles of mastication " aren't totally shot

and

> > my

> > > > jaw seems pretty good with the eating I've done so far.They

> seem

> > to

> > > > be about to withstand and exert some force on each other.

Cross

> > my

> > > > fingers and yours, but no soreness YET at least! Let me tell

ya

> > > > though... I paid for it already with plenty of pain- it would

> > wake

> > > up

> > > > all night long in horrible pain from the clenching.

> > > >

> > > > Anyway, I've had a great day... I think today I have felt the

> > > > prettiest I have ever felt in my whole life. That is not to

> imply

> > I

> > > > am gorgeous or anything, but, so far I am really pleased with

> the

> > > > changes and my results. Well, the day wasn't totally great- I

> was

> > > > late to work because of the appointment, but my boss was

> annoyed

> > > with

> > > > me because I was SO late coming in to work according to her

> (only

> > a

> > > > couple hours and I never promised her an exact time which she

> > knew

> > > > and was fine with!) BUT I HAD to go home and brush my teeth

AND

> > > then

> > > > eat and CHEW SOMETHING!!! I know you all understand here...

if

> > you

> > > > haven't masticated anything for 6 weeks or more, that takes

> > > > precedence somehow in some twisted way over work!!!

> > > >

> > > > Jane, I know you said your bite feels all over the place...

I

> > know

> > > > exactly how that felt. Since our recovery was a bit different

> we

> > > have

> > > > had interesting overlaps and gone through the phases

> > differently...

> > > I

> > > > was only splinted when first out of surgery... then I got

bands

> > > after

> > > > one week. At my three week check up, my surgeon said I could

go

> > > with

> > > > out the bands during the day... at that point- OH BOY! my jaw

> > felt

> > > > all over the place! I think the muscles are finally getting

> > trained

> > > > and accustomed to their job. It takes a bit of time, but they

> > learn

> > > > pretty fast, surprisingly enough!! Give it a few days!

> > > >

> > > > So, at this point my teeth also don't all touch and meet and

> fit

> > > > together perfectly yet. I am anxious to meet with my ortho

next

> > > > monday to get an idea of what he needs to do and what I have

> > ahead

> > > of

> > > > me. My midlines don't match up at this point either... but

they

> > > > totally didn't before surgery either. I think ultimately they

> > will

> > > be

> > > > ok, but ortho has a bit of work ahead of him. It does make

> eating

> > > > again a bit awkward though because the teeth aren't all

hitting

> > > each

> > > > other. BUT, that is how my teeth were before all of this...

so

> > I'm

> > > > used to it AND I know it is only temporary now!! My OS wasn't

> > > > concerned. He said everything, with a bit of ortho, would

lock

> > > right

> > > > in just where it needs to be. He said he was very pleased

with

> > the

> > > > results. So far, so am I. I just can't wait to get the bite

> > > > perfected. Then I will be perfectly happy!

> > > >

> > > > Jane, the weight issue is crazy, isn't it!?!? I am at 100

> pounds.

> > > > Right after surgery, I went down to 95. I thought I was back

up

> > to

> > > > 105, but it seems to be fluxuating a bit. This is WITH my

> eating

> > > tons

> > > > of really fattening food!! But, my change in weight hasn't

been

> > as

> > > > dramatic as yours. Like you though, some of my clothes just

> hang

> > > and

> > > > look terrible! Add to the cost of this surgery, the expense

of

> > > > needing a new wardrobe as well!

> > > >

> > > > Ok, this is my longwinded, boring blather about my splint

> > removal!

> > > > It's late and I need to go to bed!! Thank you for

asking!!!

> I

> > > will

> > > > keep you updated and I hope you will keep me updated too....

I

> > > think

> > > > I will fall asleep tonight imagining what I will eat

tomorrow.

> > > > Someone mentioned french fries here the other day... that

> sounds

> > > > really good! And chewy moist brownies.... Mmmm Mmmmm

> > > > Cheers! Katja

> > > >

> > > > PS, I will post pictures as soon as I can find

> > > some " representative "

> > > > Before pictures AND as soon as my boyfriend takes my most

> updated

> > > > post surgery photos.

[Guest guest]

Jane,

I know... my opening is one of my biggest problems too. I wish I

could get it open further!! I was chewing a lot yesterday and I think

today my jaw is a little more stiff now. SIGH. I made my brownies

though and they are SO chewy and Good!!! Yum! I highly recommend

them!! Sounds like your bite is getting better and better. I hope

it's there by 5/20. That is a whole month away! You have time, so

don't worry! Ok, My brownies are calling to me now.... I better

run. We can't resist each other! Katja

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi Jane, , and everyone!

> > > > > > I was trying to post earlier but Yahoo was being slow and

> > > > lumbering

> > > > > > so I gave up.... Anyway! My splint was removed today and

I

> > have

> > > > > been

> > > > > > so pleased and thrilled ever since... Firstly, it was

> > totally

> > > > > gross!

> > > > > > I asked my OS if I could see it and he fished it back out

of

> > > the

> > > > > > trash with pliers for my viewing. After a quick glance of

> > > horror,

> > > > I

> > > > > > had enough and they were promptly returned to the garbage!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > My surgeon gave me the clearance to eat whatever I

wanted. I

> > > > think

> > > > > > he knows it's a matter of my trying what I can manage and

> > > > gradually

> > > > > > easing back into this strange new business of eating

again. I

> > > had

> > > > > > meatballs and rice tonight. I am eating a somewhat

gingerly

> > > right

> > > > > > now, but my biggest obstacle seems to be how wide I can

open

> > my

> > > > > mouth

> > > > > > to get food in and to chew it. I was reassured that my

> > opening

> > > > > would

> > > > > > increase the more I ate and stretched my mouth open. So

far

> > > that

> > > > > has

> > > > > > seemed true.... I haven't measured my exact opening size

> > > though,

> > > > so

> > > > > I

> > > > > > can't report that... probably around an inch. My surgeon

> > didn't

> > > > > > comment on my opening one way or the other, so I guess it

is

> > > > > normal.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Anyway, I brushed and brushed when I got home which was

> > really

> > > > > > nice... I definitely relished being able to brush the

backs

> > of

> > > my

> > > > > > teeth finally after 6 weeks! Lindsey, I'm sorry about

your

> > > > concern

> > > > > > about the cavity... that would make me feel terrible. I,

> > > myself,

> > > > > have

> > > > > > felt like my teeth have been rotting away in my splint

all

> > this

> > > > > time.

> > > > > > I hope I don't have any cavities too, but it's definitely

> > > > possible.

> > > > > I

> > > > > > wish your surgeon had been more reassuring to you about

your

> > > jaw

> > > > > not

> > > > > > feeling quite right. I hope your Ortho does a better job

of

> > > > easing

> > > > > > your concern. Let us know how that goes!

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Well, it seems that the horrible pain I was having from

> > > clenching

> > > > > and

> > > > > > grinding my teeth at night since about week 2 or 3 post-

sx

> > has

> > > > paid

> > > > > > off because my " muscles of mastication " aren't totally

shot

> > and

> > > > my

> > > > > > jaw seems pretty good with the eating I've done so

far.They

> > > seem

> > > > to

> > > > > > be about to withstand and exert some force on each other.

> > Cross

> > > > my

> > > > > > fingers and yours, but no soreness YET at least! Let me

tell

> > ya

> > > > > > though... I paid for it already with plenty of pain- it

would

> > > > wake

> > > > > up

> > > > > > all night long in horrible pain from the clenching.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Anyway, I've had a great day... I think today I have felt

the

> > > > > > prettiest I have ever felt in my whole life. That is not

to

> > > imply

> > > > I

> > > > > > am gorgeous or anything, but, so far I am really pleased

with

> > > the

> > > > > > changes and my results. Well, the day wasn't totally

great- I

> > > was

> > > > > > late to work because of the appointment, but my boss was

> > > annoyed

> > > > > with

> > > > > > me because I was SO late coming in to work according to

her

> > > (only

> > > > a

> > > > > > couple hours and I never promised her an exact time which

she

> > > > knew

> > > > > > and was fine with!) BUT I HAD to go home and brush my

teeth

> > AND

> > > > > then

> > > > > > eat and CHEW SOMETHING!!! I know you all understand

here...

> > if

> > > > you

> > > > > > haven't masticated anything for 6 weeks or more, that

takes

> > > > > > precedence somehow in some twisted way over work!!!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Jane, I know you said your bite feels all over the

place...

> > I

> > > > know

> > > > > > exactly how that felt. Since our recovery was a bit

different

> > > we

> > > > > have

> > > > > > had interesting overlaps and gone through the phases

> > > > differently...

> > > > > I

> > > > > > was only splinted when first out of surgery... then I got

> > bands

> > > > > after

> > > > > > one week. At my three week check up, my surgeon said I

could

> > go

> > > > > with

> > > > > > out the bands during the day... at that point- OH BOY! my

jaw

> > > > felt

> > > > > > all over the place! I think the muscles are finally

getting

> > > > trained

> > > > > > and accustomed to their job. It takes a bit of time, but

they

> > > > learn

> > > > > > pretty fast, surprisingly enough!! Give it a few days!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > So, at this point my teeth also don't all touch and meet

and

> > > fit

> > > > > > together perfectly yet. I am anxious to meet with my

ortho

> > next

> > > > > > monday to get an idea of what he needs to do and what I

have

> > > > ahead

> > > > > of

> > > > > > me. My midlines don't match up at this point either...

but

> > they

> > > > > > totally didn't before surgery either. I think ultimately

they

> > > > will

> > > > > be

> > > > > > ok, but ortho has a bit of work ahead of him. It does

make

> > > eating

> > > > > > again a bit awkward though because the teeth aren't all

> > hitting

> > > > > each

> > > > > > other. BUT, that is how my teeth were before all of

this...

> > so

> > > > I'm

> > > > > > used to it AND I know it is only temporary now!! My OS

wasn't

> > > > > > concerned. He said everything, with a bit of ortho, would

> > lock

> > > > > right

> > > > > > in just where it needs to be. He said he was very pleased

> > with

> > > > the

> > > > > > results. So far, so am I. I just can't wait to get the

bite

> > > > > > perfected. Then I will be perfectly happy!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Jane, the weight issue is crazy, isn't it!?!? I am at 100

> > > pounds.

> > > > > > Right after surgery, I went down to 95. I thought I was

back

> > up

> > > > to

> > > > > > 105, but it seems to be fluxuating a bit. This is WITH my

> > > eating

> > > > > tons

> > > > > > of really fattening food!! But, my change in weight

hasn't

> > been

> > > > as

> > > > > > dramatic as yours. Like you though, some of my clothes

just

> > > hang

> > > > > and

> > > > > > look terrible! Add to the cost of this surgery, the

expense

> > of

> > > > > > needing a new wardrobe as well!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Ok, this is my longwinded, boring blather about my splint

> > > > removal!

> > > > > > It's late and I need to go to bed!! Thank you for

> > asking!!!

> > > I

> > > > > will

> > > > > > keep you updated and I hope you will keep me updated

too....

> > I

> > > > > think

> > > > > > I will fall asleep tonight imagining what I will eat

> > tomorrow.

> > > > > > Someone mentioned french fries here the other day... that

> > > sounds

> > > > > > really good! And chewy moist brownies.... Mmmm Mmmmm

> > > > > > Cheers! Katja

> > > > > >

> > > > > > PS, I will post pictures as soon as I can find

> > > > > some " representative "

> > > > > > Before pictures AND as soon as my boyfriend takes my most

> > > updated

> > > > > > post surgery photos.

[Guest guest]

Katja

Can you post a recipe for your delicious sounding brownies or is it a

secret? I didn't realize brownies were soft enough to eat 6 weeks

post-op...i love it when i find out good news like this!

Sara

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Hi Jane, , and everyone!

> > > > > > > I was trying to post earlier but Yahoo was being slow

and

> > > > > lumbering

> > > > > > > so I gave up.... Anyway! My splint was removed today

and

> I

> > > have

> > > > > > been

> > > > > > > so pleased and thrilled ever since... Firstly, it was

> > > totally

> > > > > > gross!

> > > > > > > I asked my OS if I could see it and he fished it back

out

> of

> > > > the

> > > > > > > trash with pliers for my viewing. After a quick glance

of

> > > > horror,

> > > > > I

> > > > > > > had enough and they were promptly returned to the

garbage!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > My surgeon gave me the clearance to eat whatever I

> wanted. I

> > > > > think

> > > > > > > he knows it's a matter of my trying what I can manage

and

> > > > > gradually

> > > > > > > easing back into this strange new business of eating

> again. I

> > > > had

> > > > > > > meatballs and rice tonight. I am eating a somewhat

> gingerly

> > > > right

> > > > > > > now, but my biggest obstacle seems to be how wide I can

> open

> > > my

> > > > > > mouth

> > > > > > > to get food in and to chew it. I was reassured that my

> > > opening

> > > > > > would

> > > > > > > increase the more I ate and stretched my mouth open. So

> far

> > > > that

> > > > > > has

> > > > > > > seemed true.... I haven't measured my exact opening

size

> > > > though,

> > > > > so

> > > > > > I

> > > > > > > can't report that... probably around an inch. My

surgeon

> > > didn't

> > > > > > > comment on my opening one way or the other, so I guess

it

> is

> > > > > > normal.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Anyway, I brushed and brushed when I got home which was

> > > really

> > > > > > > nice... I definitely relished being able to brush the

> backs

> > > of

> > > > my

> > > > > > > teeth finally after 6 weeks! Lindsey, I'm sorry about

> your

> > > > > concern

> > > > > > > about the cavity... that would make me feel terrible.

I,

> > > > myself,

> > > > > > have

> > > > > > > felt like my teeth have been rotting away in my splint

> all

> > > this

> > > > > > time.

> > > > > > > I hope I don't have any cavities too, but it's

definitely

> > > > > possible.

> > > > > > I

> > > > > > > wish your surgeon had been more reassuring to you about

> your

> > > > jaw

> > > > > > not

> > > > > > > feeling quite right. I hope your Ortho does a better

job

> of

> > > > > easing

> > > > > > > your concern. Let us know how that goes!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Well, it seems that the horrible pain I was having from

> > > > clenching

> > > > > > and

> > > > > > > grinding my teeth at night since about week 2 or 3 post-

> sx

> > > has

> > > > > paid

> > > > > > > off because my " muscles of mastication " aren't totally

> shot

> > > and

> > > > > my

> > > > > > > jaw seems pretty good with the eating I've done so

> far.They

> > > > seem

> > > > > to

> > > > > > > be about to withstand and exert some force on each

other.

> > > Cross

> > > > > my

> > > > > > > fingers and yours, but no soreness YET at least! Let me

> tell

> > > ya

> > > > > > > though... I paid for it already with plenty of pain- it

> would

> > > > > wake

> > > > > > up

> > > > > > > all night long in horrible pain from the clenching.

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Anyway, I've had a great day... I think today I have

felt

> the

> > > > > > > prettiest I have ever felt in my whole life. That is

not

> to

> > > > imply

> > > > > I

> > > > > > > am gorgeous or anything, but, so far I am really

pleased

> with

> > > > the

> > > > > > > changes and my results. Well, the day wasn't totally

> great- I

> > > > was

> > > > > > > late to work because of the appointment, but my boss

was

> > > > annoyed

> > > > > > with

> > > > > > > me because I was SO late coming in to work according to

> her

> > > > (only

> > > > > a

> > > > > > > couple hours and I never promised her an exact time

which

> she

> > > > > knew

> > > > > > > and was fine with!) BUT I HAD to go home and brush my

> teeth

> > > AND

> > > > > > then

> > > > > > > eat and CHEW SOMETHING!!! I know you all understand

> here...

> > > if

> > > > > you

> > > > > > > haven't masticated anything for 6 weeks or more, that

> takes

> > > > > > > precedence somehow in some twisted way over work!!!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Jane, I know you said your bite feels all over the

> place...

> > > I

> > > > > know

> > > > > > > exactly how that felt. Since our recovery was a bit

> different

> > > > we

> > > > > > have

> > > > > > > had interesting overlaps and gone through the phases

> > > > > differently...

> > > > > > I

> > > > > > > was only splinted when first out of surgery... then I

got

> > > bands

> > > > > > after

> > > > > > > one week. At my three week check up, my surgeon said I

> could

> > > go

> > > > > > with

> > > > > > > out the bands during the day... at that point- OH BOY!

my

> jaw

> > > > > felt

> > > > > > > all over the place! I think the muscles are finally

> getting

> > > > > trained

> > > > > > > and accustomed to their job. It takes a bit of time,

but

> they

> > > > > learn

> > > > > > > pretty fast, surprisingly enough!! Give it a few

days!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > So, at this point my teeth also don't all touch and

meet

> and

> > > > fit

> > > > > > > together perfectly yet. I am anxious to meet with my

> ortho

> > > next

> > > > > > > monday to get an idea of what he needs to do and what I

> have

> > > > > ahead

> > > > > > of

> > > > > > > me. My midlines don't match up at this point either...

> but

> > > they

> > > > > > > totally didn't before surgery either. I think

ultimately

> they

> > > > > will

> > > > > > be

> > > > > > > ok, but ortho has a bit of work ahead of him. It does

> make

> > > > eating

> > > > > > > again a bit awkward though because the teeth aren't all

> > > hitting

> > > > > > each

> > > > > > > other. BUT, that is how my teeth were before all of

> this...

> > > so

> > > > > I'm

> > > > > > > used to it AND I know it is only temporary now!! My OS

> wasn't

> > > > > > > concerned. He said everything, with a bit of ortho,

would

> > > lock

> > > > > > right

> > > > > > > in just where it needs to be. He said he was very

pleased

> > > with

> > > > > the

> > > > > > > results. So far, so am I. I just can't wait to get the

> bite

> > > > > > > perfected. Then I will be perfectly happy!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Jane, the weight issue is crazy, isn't it!?!? I am at

100

> > > > pounds.

> > > > > > > Right after surgery, I went down to 95. I thought I was

> back

> > > up

> > > > > to

> > > > > > > 105, but it seems to be fluxuating a bit. This is WITH

my

> > > > eating

> > > > > > tons

> > > > > > > of really fattening food!! But, my change in weight

> hasn't

> > > been

> > > > > as

> > > > > > > dramatic as yours. Like you though, some of my clothes

> just

> > > > hang

> > > > > > and

> > > > > > > look terrible! Add to the cost of this surgery, the

> expense

> > > of

> > > > > > > needing a new wardrobe as well!

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > Ok, this is my longwinded, boring blather about my

splint

> > > > > removal!

> > > > > > > It's late and I need to go to bed!! Thank you for

> > > asking!!!

> > > > I

> > > > > > will

> > > > > > > keep you updated and I hope you will keep me updated

> too....

> > > I

> > > > > > think

> > > > > > > I will fall asleep tonight imagining what I will eat

> > > tomorrow.

> > > > > > > Someone mentioned french fries here the other day...

that

> > > > sounds

> > > > > > > really good! And chewy moist brownies.... Mmmm Mmmmm

> > > > > > > Cheers! Katja

> > > > > > >

> > > > > > > PS, I will post pictures as soon as I can find

> > > > > > some " representative "

> > > > > > > Before pictures AND as soon as my boyfriend takes my

most

> > > > updated

> > > > > > > post surgery photos.