Water is important.

You probably already knew that, but I was reminded yesterday how important it is.

I tried to do what my doctor suggested. I tried to drink only liquid thicker than water in order to avoid aggravating the friend in the roof of my mouth.  I lasted one day.  There is a limit to how much Ensure one can endure though and soup and milk have started to wear out their welcome too.  It felt impossible to replace the amount of water I drink - which is not small - with thicker fluids.
The longer I went without water, the grumpier I got and the harder it was to concentrate and the less energy/wherewithal I had to prepare other food and prep syringes and wash syringes and measure meds, etc.  By the time 7pm rolled around, I was a mess - climbing one set of stairs winded me, my heart was racing, I was experiencing complete blackouts that last tens of seconds and several other symptoms of mild dehydration.
Thankfully, Dave saw this was not going well and quickly put his MacGyver skills to good use, building a contraption that allows me to trickle water into the back of my mouth and down my throat, bypassing the need to swallow, assuming I move the syringe plunger VERY slowly.
I also have to give a big shout out to Casey who put me on to thickened liquids, which are exactly what they sound like.  Dave ran out after the kids were in bed and bought some thickener for me after she explained how it worked.
This morning, I spent an hour getting about 1 cup of fluid into me. The thickener worked a treat when added to fruit punch. I am very sensitive about textures, so I was skeptical, but when chilled, it is the same texture as a fruit cocktail or a slushy, if it were smooth. This in combination with Ensure and water made for a good start to the day.
As a result of the kind and creative souls in my life, today has been much better.  I can already say quite confidently that I feel more energized and can think clearly. I can move around the house without taking breaks to catch my breath or regain my vision.  I'm considering reading a book, which I couldn't do yesterday - I tried.
Next goal is using this new approach to get me to next Wednesday when I see the surgeon.

Using the water dribbling contraption while drying my hair.

Looking tired and puffy, but at least I've got good hair :P  *Ha*

Day 46 - Ugh #2

I've been rather quiet partially because September start-up is always chaotic and partially because nothing I have to say is good.

Initially, I was doing alright with work, despite my jaw. The slight increase in irritation that I did experience, I chalked up to increased use. When I spoke to the orthodontist about it at my last appointment, nearly two seeks ago, he said that everything looked alright.

Since then though, things have continued to get worse. The swelling is pretty significant again, inside and out. It has swollen even just tonight. The tingling and feeling is no longer just in my chin. Now, it is all over my jaw bone. I am pretty concerned that I have an infection of some sort.

Add to that the fact that I have a virus and I have been feeling pretty miserable.

The other thing that I've noticed and that may be of interest to people considering this surgery is the decreased range of motion in my neck and shoulders. Both had been sore for a while a few weeks ago, but in the last week or so, I've noticed that I can't turn my neck the amount I usually could. It is similar to what I experienced after the car accident back in 2000. I am going to ask about physiotherapy.

I am going to see my surgeon tomorrow; I'll have a more thorough report then.

Day 33 - Muscle Relaxants and Maritime Chowder

I took all my complaints to the orthodontist this morning. He was sympathetic and took a good look around in there, making sure there was no infection. The consensus was that the discomfort was likely a combination of the nerve regeneration in my chin and my return to work, which has resulted in a lot more talking and activity than I'd been doing in the weeks since my surgery. The suggestion on the part of the ortho was what surprised me a little - he recommended a moist, warm compress and muscle relaxants. The idea of me taking something so strong is laughable, in my opinion, but it is tempting. The great news from the appointment is that I came out free of one of my elastics - the ortho said I could get rid of the front one and suggested that, at the next appointment, we may be able to change the rest of the elastics out for lower-tension ones!! This is such good news - I am cool with baby steps because progress is progress. After my appointment, I went downtown to join the rest of my colleagues at the district professional development day. There were lots of interesting little tidbits in the speakers' presentations. I met up with a friend for lunch. Neither of us could eat the bag lunches that were available, so we decided to head over to the restaurant across the street in the hope of finding something palatable (though I wasn't entire convinced it would work). Much to my pleasant surprise, I found a delectable Maritime Seafood Chowder on their lunch menu. I loved every spoonful and my only regret was that I couldn't devour the warm, multigrain roll that accompanied it. Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, 3 being the highest, today was an 11. ;)

Day 32 - This is a little disappointing

I seem to have regressed again :( My swelling has about doubled. I am in enough pain to take Advil a couple of times each day. The feeling is still coming back in my chin, but the swelling and pain are keeping me from being comfortable and using my lips properly.
I am getting cranky about the whole thing, honestly. I am seeing my orthodontist tomorrow and I am hoping he will be able to shed some light on the situation. I really hope that it is short-lived because it is making my job, sleeping, eating and just generally existing rather less pleasant.

The glamour shot for the day.