One Week post-op appt with surgeon- to Fran & everyone

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Hi Everyone,

This past Thursday, after my miserable breakdown, I had my one week

post op appt. with my surgeon. I got the stitches from my cheeks

removed and I was banded at the appt... one super heavy duty

rubberband on each side- stretched around like a big square.

Definitely had a headache that night! Anyway, he said everything

looked really good and that all the bones are right where they need

to be. He couldn't believe that I wasn't more swollen and bruised

than I was. I'm very fair, so he was convinced that I would be

horribly enlarged and multicolored. I really wasn't and by today

almost all the obvious swelling and discoloration is gone. Except for

those who know me well, you can't really tell I've had surgery

(unless I open my mouth to speak). Hard because I think people judge

how well you're doing by your appearance. Now that I look fine... I

must feel fine as well, right?!?! Yeah! Sure..... My boyfriend, in

all his wonderfulness , asked me today why I was so tired. I had

gotten a good night's rest the night before, hadn't I?? I asked him

how many bones in my face were broken?! and how fast did he think

they would heal?! and if the body is trying to heal itself, isn't it

more likely to be very taxed and pretty (damned) tired!?!?!? He was

very dear and cute- just totally didn't realize cause I APPEAR like

I'm doing so much better, that why would I be tired and all.... Just

the same, it is nice to feel human again (for the most part anyway!)

So I mentioned again to the doctor about the little fiasco with the

discharge instructions. It WAS, as I suspected, the responsibility of

the resident. I guess the resident taking care of my discharge was a

first year and not yet up to speed. They didn't know he wasn't up to

speed until this all happened, but the doctor had already spoken to

all his residents about what had happened by the time I had my appt.

with him. Because of what happened with me they are putting together

a standardized sheet to be given out. I would have thought they

already had one, but oh well. At least this will help others in the

future. I was surprised and pleased that he had already discussed the

matter with the residents by the time I met with him only two days

later after it all happened. I'm glad he didn't just put it aside or

anything. All's well that ends well, I suppose.

At this point,I'm weaned down to just aleve 3pills twice a day

granted.... but I'm getting there slowly. Still really numb though-

Dr said all the nerves are their and intact and fine... just will

take a while to come back. My nose has stopped running for the most

part. I can drink out of a glass again. Yea! I'm not drooling (except

when I'm sleeping! Then it becomes drool me a river...) My lips have

had a lot of discomfort however... I carry around a lip balm jar

EVERYWHERE. I can't remember what else....

Apparently I am a first for the surgeon too!! After 26 years in OMFS,

I am the first person he's had react allergically to the medication.

He suspects it was the antibiotic. I don't know! But my ultra-itchy

rash is FINALLY going away!! Thank goodness!

Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what happened at that

appointment. Thank you again to everyone who was so supportive. It's

finally going a lot better for me. I can't believe it hasn't even

been two weeks yet! Take care all, Katja

PS How are you doing Bob from 3/8???? Haven't heard from you in a

while!! Graduated to auto racing??