11 Weeks Post Op & 5 Weeks Post Wires

July 11, 2005

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I was visiting

family in Washington, and then I spent some time im Boston with my

boyfriend. Just haven't had time to access a computer. Actually, I

kept away from it so I wouldn't be tempted to do work.

Anyway, I just wanted to give an update on how I am doing. I met

with my OS today, and at 11 weeks post-op, I can eat quite a bit.

The OD is pulling together my back molars, so I am very sore right

now, but that is how it is with any adjustment to the braces. I

can't eat steak yet, but I have gone so far as to suck on chips

until they are soft enough to chew.

In the 5 weeks that I have been unwired, I am getting much of my

mobility back. However, I still can't open really wide. It is

difficult for me to bite into a burger or hot dog. I have to break

everything into small pieces and eat it that way. I even eat pizza

with a knife and fork. My OS says that this is normal, and I may

only gain about 80% of the opening that I used to have.

My numbness has almost completely gone away, but there are times

when I am very aware that there is still some left. My OS says that

after 7 months, whatever feeling I have will be what I will have. So

far, he said that my recover has gone better than expected, and that

he doesn't see any reason why I would have any problems. The only

thing that might be a problem is the swelling in the back of my

cheeks has caused scar tissue that may need to be removed. He said

that he can't tell if that is necessary until the braces are off.

For now, I don't have to go back to the OS for 6 months. Amazing!

Now for the best news! I met with my OD last week, and he said that

it looks like I will be ready to get my braces off in 6 weeks. I

just wanted to give him a great big kiss!!! This will be just in

time for my trip to New Orleans. I told him not to rush on my

account, but at the same time, the sooner these babies come off, the

better!

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