An old friend

[Guest guest]

I must admit that when I look at my photos I sometimes...miss the old

me. Yes I wanted straight teeth again and yes I was a bit self

conscience about my chin but I do miss " me " . Iam trying to adjust to

this new me which is hard because I am only 2 months post op so I

don't actually know what the new me is. I am having a hard day.

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to have the splint off and am

eating so many delicious foods. But it has been so painful today to

talk and eat.

My coworkers don't understand. They thought the splint was keeping

my mouth closed and thought now that the splint is gone I was going

to be back to normal. Boy do I wish! I can barely get a spoon or

fork with food to fit in my opening and when I do I am stretching

painfully. I feel my drs OS and res were surprised at how little I

can open and wonder is something wrong?? I am frustrated no one

informed me on a damn thing! I know it is a slow process but no

kidding around, before I had a big mouth with a huge opening. How

long til true recovery? 5 weeks is sounding more and more like a

joke. It has been 2 months and I still feel I am at the beginning.

(Sorry those who are still waiting for surgery!) At the very

beginning if I was told this is a 6 month to two year recovery

process I would be more prepared instead of you will have surgery and

then be wired for 5 weeks. No splint talk no soft diet talk.

Aghhhh! I am not frustrated with braces because I expected a two

year time frame. Being informed makes a big difference. I didn't

even know the extent of swelling or how long it would take to

disappear. Sometimes I feel so unattractive due to the shaoe of my

face and chubby cheeks. Well, at least I CAN eat. Even if it is

painful!!

Jane