3 Weeks Post-Op
Hey Everyone! 3 weeks after surgery here! I was able to get out of the house with the family and visit Castlewood Park. We took our son swimming in the creek there. You can see I can make some sort of a crooked smile. Here are some photo updates: |
| At Castlewood |
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| 3 week photos showing scars |
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| 1 Week vs 3 Weeks |
Pain Levels:
Right now I am mostly at a 5 or 6 in pain. The amount of pain hasn't really decreased but I can go a bit longer between doses. When my pain medications wear off, the pain comes on pretty strong. I've had some headaches but mostly it's just pain from the muscles in my face. I also have extreme pain at my temples when you touch it. It must have been from them clamping my head down during surgery but I would think that would have subsided by now. Something I need to ask the doctor about. My teeth hurt off and on. I think it is from nerves trying to wake back up.
Numbness:
Numbness has gotten a little bit better but not much. Half of my lips are numb which makes it really hard to drink anything so I still have to use my syringes to drink. My nose, cheeks, under-eyes, and chin are still numb. I've had some nerves trying to come back to life, which can range from tingling feelings to sharp shooting pain.
Doctor Comments:
Dr. Keller said it will take several months before some of my face muscles start to wake back up. Some of the muscles were cut and pushed through the joint device. The other muscles are trying to compensate and all those muscles have been overworked for a long time. Overall, Dr. Movahed is happy with my progress. He's amazed I can open my mouth as much as I can. He's madly in love with my new airway. haha He talks about how he wants an airway like mine all the time.
Eating:
I'm still on a diet of liquids and some really soft foods. I have to use my syringes to drink anything.
Hudson:
Hudson is still being a little violent at times. I have been lucky to have family here to help watch him for several weeks but I will have to take over soon. He had head-butted me in the jaw a few times which could cause irreversible damage. Luckily, after some x-rays, we found there were no injuries to my jaw.
Summary:
I still have rough days but I'm slowly getting better. I start physical therapy at the end of next week. That should help with the swelling and help restore muscle function. I've been trying to get back to a normal routine but I tire out easily. I've still had several days where I need to lay in bed all day. It's getting better though. Still a long road ahead.
Thank you to all the friends, family, and even strangers who have helped our family out in this stressful time. My church has been amazing. My parents and in-laws have gone out of there way to be here for us and watch my son. I just can't even express how grateful we are to everyone! We are very blessed.
Until later,
Sarah
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