Shirley's Post Op pictures

July 9, 2005

Hi all, Just thought I'd let you know I uploaded 3 pictures.

They're not the greatest (my camera's only 2 megapixels) & I was

trying to take my own pictures. They're taken without any make up

with all the wrinkles visible and the red allergy eyes.

One photo shows how my bite (that was 2mm off midline on lower when

I started orthodontics) ended up 5mm off midline before surgery.

And there is a big gap between where the lower teeth meet the upper

teeth. The gap was purposedly done in my case to maximize the

movement of the lower jaw to correct the sleep apnea.

The swelling has been minimal and infact it is all gone at this

point (16 days post op). I still have a slight bruise on cheek as

seen in photo, plus still some brusing healing on the chest - almost

gone. Other brusies include where they tried to start IV's.

Another week and all the brusing should be gone.

Each day I get a little stronger, Thursday I drove the car, but

still tire easily.

The good thing is the sleep apnea appears to be gone!! Yeah, it

worked. Now it's just a matter of getting feeling back in my face.

I more numbness on upper left than upper right, but both still have

some numbness and what I call sort of a burning feeling as nerves

regenerate. Not painful just annoying. Sometimes putting pressure

on it helps. I do light massage of the areas each day hoping to

increase the return of feeling. I still have no feeling on left

nostril, upper lip has partial feeling in middle but edges are still

numb. Lower lip, and chin still fairly numb. I did notice if I try

to smile a certain way up right lower lip drops, which I will change

as a regain feeling in the lip.

I only have one elastic band on each side at this time (2 all

together). I can open my mouth about almost 2 fingers width. OS

said he'd be giving me exercises to do probably on the next visit

(18th).

I've had a few times where I have stressed the lt joint (which has

degenerative changes) and it's let me know, but otherwise I'm making

progress - looking forward to the day I can eat " real food " again.

Though I am able to suck in some soups, eggs, etc. Still on a no

chew diet for another 2-4 weeks.

I'll keep you all up updated as time goes by.

Shirley

(LeFort 1, BSSO, Genio, Turbinectomies - 6/23/05)

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