Almost 7 weeks post op

[Guest guest]

Hi. Can't believe almost 7 weeks from upper, lower and chin. I saw

my surgeon on 3/2 and he gave me the go ahead to start chewing soft

foods and to only wear my rubber bands at night and he took some of

my long stiches out which hurt. It is really hard/weird trying to

chew though and I still have to use a baby spoon b/c can only open

like 2 fingers wide. I guess I can't really tell if I am chewing

b/c still numb inside and my teeth feel like they are in a totally

new position that feels really awkward. I ate a twinkie with a baby

spoon and a piece of chocolate cake and it was sooo good. I am

still swollen in my cheeks/nose area. My muscles feel so tight

also, when I try and open my mouth its like opening against a brick

wall or something, so stiff and still painful. I still can't smile

or make any facial expressions, I see the very bottom of my top 2

teeth and that is it (when does this usually come back?) Also when

does your face start to feel normal and not like you are wearing

this tight mask or what I like to call robot like face. Just

curious. My surgeon is sending me back to my orthodontist on 3/10,

I looked at him like he was nuts saying how is she going to get in

there or touch me for that matter as I can't open much and hurt

alot. He told me I was ready for her to continue. Guess I'll have

to talk with her Thursday before she touches me asking what she is

going to do. I'm excited for her to see how I look now but scared

of her touching my mouth. I need to print out the pictures I have

taken and post them, I look so different now (and its a good thing

and amazing). I used to have a long face with my jewish nose and no

chin and now my face is shorter, my nose is flatter and really

different and I have a nice chin and full cheeks (probably b/c of

swelling still there so know things will change more in time). All

in all I am feeling pretty good this week which is a first and I

finally slept through the night the past 2 nights which is a first

also.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I remember thinking my surgeon had screwed up because I could only

see the tips of my teeth, like a baby's smile. My upper lip was quite

stiff. I remember feeling like I was hitting a brick wall when

opening, no pain, just couldn't open beyond a certain point.

I did lots of gentle stretches for the upper lip (big wide grins,

puckers, etc). If nothing else, it's entertaining watching yourself

in the mirror! I also removed my rubber bands and stretched my mouth

open gently just to the point where it might feel like it would hurt,

and hold it for about 20-30 seconds. My massage therapist is always

telling me that 20 seconds is needed to allow the reflex muscles to

release, then you can stretch gently a bit more. It's important to go

easy, though, don't force anything.

If you're a member of site 2, you can see my photos under

Fiddlesticks folder.

It takes a long time and a lot of patience, but I'm sure you'll get

back to normal (whatever that is now!). 7 weeks is still pretty early

on in the recovery. Things slow down a bit after the initial healing.

>

> Hi. Can't believe almost 7 weeks from upper, lower and chin. I

saw

> my surgeon on 3/2 and he gave me the go ahead to start chewing soft

> foods and to only wear my rubber bands at night and he took some of

> my long stiches out which hurt. It is really hard/weird trying to

> chew though and I still have to use a baby spoon b/c can only open

> like 2 fingers wide. I guess I can't really tell if I am chewing

> b/c still numb inside and my teeth feel like they are in a totally

> new position that feels really awkward. I ate a twinkie with a baby

> spoon and a piece of chocolate cake and it was sooo good. I am

> still swollen in my cheeks/nose area. My muscles feel so tight

> also, when I try and open my mouth its like opening against a brick

> wall or something, so stiff and still painful. I still can't smile

> or make any facial expressions, I see the very bottom of my top 2

> teeth and that is it (when does this usually come back?) Also when

> does your face start to feel normal and not like you are wearing

> this tight mask or what I like to call robot like face. Just

> curious. My surgeon is sending me back to my orthodontist on 3/10,

> I looked at him like he was nuts saying how is she going to get in

> there or touch me for that matter as I can't open much and hurt

> alot. He told me I was ready for her to continue. Guess I'll have

> to talk with her Thursday before she touches me asking what she is

> going to do. I'm excited for her to see how I look now but scared

> of her touching my mouth. I need to print out the pictures I have

> taken and post them, I look so different now (and its a good thing

> and amazing). I used to have a long face with my jewish nose and

no

> chin and now my face is shorter, my nose is flatter and really

> different and I have a nice chin and full cheeks (probably b/c of

> swelling still there so know things will change more in time). All

> in all I am feeling pretty good this week which is a first and I

> finally slept through the night the past 2 nights which is a first

> also.