Thursday, February 23, 2012



Day 26: Banana Success!

Jaw Pain- 5/10
Headache- 6/10

Before and after.
Wow, it’s already day 26. I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since I have had surgery. I am still not chewing. I am trying to add more to my diet because I am getting tired of chicken broth and smoothies. I got chocolate malt and vanilla Carnation Instant breakfast.  My mom has been putting them in my milkshakes. The vanilla tastes wonderful in a smoothie. So I am getting a little more food in me.
I slept in a recliner all weekend and my headaches didn’t go away, probably because I still end up sleeping on my side or flat. I also think I need a chiropractor. My back is killing me from sleeping like this. (The sleep I do get)
On a good note, I ate a banana! Not a full one of course. But I was making a smoothie and I took a piece of it and put it in my mouth. It was very exciting! I know a banana isn’t much. But today a banana, tomorrow a turkey sandwich!
My weekend consisted of relaxing and eating. I still managed to loose two more pounds. But I watched a really good movie! It was called Abduction. Before you make any judgments, I did not watch it because of Taylor Lautner. The previews were actually really intriguing.
           The picture I posted today is a before and after shot. The image to the right is what I looked like before these surgeries. The image on the left is what I look like now. That’s after 2.5 years of braces and 2 surgeries. Do you think my bite was messed up now? Notice how narrow my bite was. And look at my chin.
            I also learned something today. You know when you drink soda you get that weird feeling in your nose? Well, that feeling is VERY painful if you just had major surgery up there. I totally forgot that my surgeon had to go up in my sinus cavities when I took a sip of Pepsi. That’s when that feeling hit me. I will NEVER do that again. Lesson learned. So anyone who is considering getting this done, learn from all everyone's mistakes in these blogs. 

Friday, February 17, 2012

Day 22: Granny's House

Headache- 6/10
Jaw Pain- 5/10

I know it's hard to see but I am
wearing cool green elastics!
         As you can read, I am at my Granny's house this weekend! I am very close with my grandparents. Granny went shopping for soup, smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, and extremely soft snacks. She wants me to eat all weekend. Oh, she also got me vanilla flavored Carnation Breakfasts. I have been drinking the chocolate flavor for 3 weeks. A change is really nice.
        I have been taking it very easy. I'm not moving my jaw as much and not overdoing anything. My surgeon had to remind me that I am only 3 weeks post op. And my insicions and what not are still very raw. I shouldn't start really pushing myself until after 6 weeks. I am beginning to get use to the pain from these elastics. My othrodontist said that these elastics will make my back teeth touch. I already feel a difference. My teeth are starting to touch more on my right side than my left. It's a different feeling every day. Yesterday I was very comfortable. My braces for rubbing against my cheek. Good thing I have wax. It feels much better today.
         I am hungry and I am unsure about what I want. I really want PB&J. Now, can I make that in smoothie form???
        I had chicken pot pie for dinner tonight. I mached it. And couldnt eat the ckicken or the carrots in it. But it was still very delicious.
        On Thursday I had to take an ear training test which required singing. Talking isnt much of a problem anymore. It hurts to sing. I learned that you use different muscles in your face to sing than you do to talk. Luckily, my professor understood and let me do the singing part of the test after class when everyone left. I think I did very well on my test.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Day 19: Graduation day


 
Day 19: Graduation Day  

 
 
Headache- 7/10
Jaw pain- 5/10

 
This is 2 nights ago. I didn't
have time to take a picture this
morning since I am at school.
I saw my surgeon yesterday! He said my bite is looking great and I am really coming along. He gave me the okay to do VERY lightly chewing again. His example was really tender chicken off the bone. And I am now wearing elastics in the shape of triangles in the very front of my mouth. Boy, do they hurt. I can’t really open my mouth with them in. And it is rubbing on a sore on my lip. So that looks wonderful right now. It was a good appointment.  I graduated from weekly appointments. Now I get to start going every 2-3 weeks.
After I got home from my appointment I tried to eat some tender chicken. It didn’t work out. Since my back teeth don’t touch, I couldn’t chew it. And the Elastics make the front of my mouth very sore. My dad stepped in and shredded up the chicken for me. I switched to spaghetti-os after that.  
I finally slept good last night thanks to some Melatonin. I had two wonderful dreams! One was me playing at Carnegie Hall again. Then I woke up because my jaw decided to have a spasm. The second one was me going to Australia. I was strange because it wasn’t just me in the dream. It was my whole high school band.
I didn’t eat anything this morning. And I still have this headache. I told my surgeon about the headache. He told me to keep my head up. (Both literally and metaphorically) By lying down I am creating more pressure in my head and sinuses. So it’s going to be another 3 weeks of sitting up while sleeping sitting up.

 
I made a list of goals for this week:

 
  • Up my water intake
  • Create an awesome shake
  • Stay asleep sitting up (Because I keep moving to my side)
  • Add some type of very soft food to my diet

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Day 16: Cupcake!


 
Day 16: CUPCAKE!

 
Jaw Pain- 5/10
Headache- 6.5-/10

 
I was so hungry today and my Granny came over with cupcakes. I could't chew it. But I successfully licked off all the frosting. It was delicious!!!
Good news! I ate raviolis today! No, I didn’t chew it. I used my tongue and crushed it at the top of my mouth. It was very tiring. And after an hour of doing this I got very tired. I have been having this rice faddish the past few days. Not that I can chew it. But it is something simple to eat and has more taste to it.
            I really miss playing my trombone. I can’t wait until I can get back to playing. I know it’s not going to be easy. But I miss it so much. My moms’ friend came over today and gave me a trumpet! I won’t be touching that for a while. Since I can’t play I have been catching up on my theory and playing a lot of piano. I decided that I am going to work on my clef studies. I might not be able to play my trombone, but I can still work on being a good musician. That’s my goal!
            I did my first long day of school on Thursday. It took a lot out of me. And my theory professor was really fascinated with what I’m going through. I showed him my x-rays and I explained to him exactly what I had done. Let’s just say I have full permission to miss that class whenever I want.
            As for my jaw, it still hurts. It really only hurts on the right side because it’s so tight. It is still kind of sore above my lip (where the stitches are). And my stitches are starting to come out and dissolve. It is gross.  But it is a step closer to being done with all this!

 

 
Here is an updated list of food I want:
  • Turkey sandwich
  • Steak
  • Hot wings
  • Cheese Burger with tomatoes and ketchup
  • Hot hog
  • Bagel with cream cheese
  • Bagel with egg and cheese
  • Salad
  • PB&J
  • Chips and dip
  • Celery
  • Pizza
  • Candy Apple
  • Subway
  • Crepes
 
Today we had a party for my sisters’ 14th birthday. You know what that means? FOOD! Guess what I couldn’t do… I am starting to get use to people eating in front of me. And I don’t get as upset about it anymore.
            No plans for the weekend. I am probably going to study because I am a nerd. I am sleeping over Granny’s next weekend! That’s exciting because I haven’t slept out since the first week of January. I can’t wait.

 
Surgeon on Monday! 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Day 13: Hanging stitches


Face is still uneven.
:(

Day 13: Hanging stitches
Jaw Pain- 6/10
Headache- 7/10




I will start out today’s post with some exciting news. My dad made breakfast for dinner. So I was able to eat what everyone else was eating, scrambled eggs and cream chipped beef. Oh course I only ate the cream part of that. But I stilled looked like a normal human at the dinner table! Kinda…

I got absolutely no sleep last night. And I had class at 10am this morning. It was my first day back in class since surgery. It was quite interesting because I am not allowed to look down yet. My surgeon told me to keep my head up at all times. So I used a music stand as my desk. I am behind in that class too. I plan to spend my lunch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with my professor for extra help. At least it’s a class I really enjoy.

My pain today is still here. My headache hasn’t gotten any better. And my jaw feels extra tight today. My stitches are also beginning to come out. I actually had to cut one shorter today. Well, my mom did. I was too afraid to. It kept popping out of my mouth every time I would try and talk. It was really annoying. My jaw is also starting to have spasms on the left side. They are not cool at all.
                       

I am adding Crepes to my list of foods that I want after surgery.

Earlier today I went and saw my friends’ performance. It was awesome. Makes really realize how much I truly appreciate music.

Well, I am hitting the hay early tonight. Sorry these blogs are getting boring. I think I am going to switch to every other day. More excitement that way. 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Day 12: Can't sleep


 
Day 12: Can't sleep
 Jaw pain- 6/10
Headache- 8/10

 
 
Why, hello insomnia!

 
Me and my overly protective cat, Voodoo.
(Notice the swelling on the one side of my face)
Yes, as you can see from my lovely introduction, I can’t sleep. I have trouble falling to sleep. And on top of that I was in a lot of pain today. I am clenching. I don’t even notice that I am doing it until I am in a lot of pain. It’s weird because only three of my teeth touch. So you think it would be weird for me to say I am in pain because of clenching. I also still have this headache. I finished my antibiotics yesterday. I don’t know if I should refill the prescription or not. I am starting to get sick though. I guess I will be calling my surgeon tomorrow.
I went back to school yesterday! And I didn’t even get to go to class!! Every kids dream. Go to school, get told you can’t go to class, and see your friends. I actually was quite annoyed. But I only had one class. And they were taking a test. I didn’t go to school today. I woke up feeling terrible. And my jaw was killing me. But the pain has diminished since this morning. It’s just my one side. It feels so tight. I see my surgeon on Monday. If the pain worsens I will have to call him. On a good note, it was GREAT seeing all my friends and professors!
My awesome gift basket <3
            I have decided I am just going to “buck up” and eat. I haven’t been eating much in days. Not saying I was eating a lot after surgery. But I have been refusing to eat soup or smoothies. Now I am really dizzy and lightheaded. I am learning from my mistakes.
            Wanna hear something exciting?! Well, my best friend her family sent me an awesome gift basket. In this basket were a crocheted yellow scarf, manuscript paper, hot apple cider mix, mashed potatoes, chicken and stars, and every flavor of jello and pudding imaginable! I seriously can not thank you guys enough! I truly love you!
           

 
 

 
 
Here is a list of foods I have been craving:

 
  • Turkey sandwich
  • Steak
  •            Hot wings
  •            Cheese Burger with tomatoes and ketchup
  • Hot hog
  • Bagel with cream cheese
  • Bagel with egg and cheese
  • Salad
  • PB&J
  • Chips and dip
  • Celery
  • Pizza
 
Feel free to add more to my list!

 
            My best friend and I already decided we are having a party when I am able to chew, I have my braces off, and I have my new permanent caps on. I CAN”T WAIT! It will be the party of the century!

 
 
P.s.- I apologize for any grammatical errors. I took pain medicine before I wrote this.  
           

 

 

 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Day 10: Super bowl sunday


Day 10: Super bowl Sunday
Pain- 5/10

Like my uneven face? Gotta love swelling.
Today was another very relaxing day. I woke up to my parents telling me they want to get a puppy. I am thrilled by this! I have been asking for a puppy for the past 6 years of my life. We found one we would like to adopt. Now we wait for the owner to call back. Oh how I love suspense. Then my mom made me a delicious banana smoothie. After that I went for a walk outside. I even got to pet my neighbors dogs. Ended the watching the super bowl. My dad got so much food! I broke down in tears because I couldn’t chew any of it. I have been trying to be so positive about this recovery. I just lost it today.
My pain today isn’t too bad. I haven’t been moving my jaw too much for it to really hurt. And my headache isn’t as bad today either. I fell asleep on my side last night and I woke up much more swollen than yesterday, nothing that a bag of ice can’t fix. The left side of my jaw is still very tight. But I see my surgeon Tuesday! Woo!
I get to go to school tomorrow! I have piano lessons and jazz theory! I can’t wait! And today I got a letter saying I made honors society. See, it can only get better from here.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Day 9: Mashed potatoes and Vitamin water


Day 9: Mashed Potatoes and Vitamin Water
Pain- 6/10
My special mouthwash. 


Good morning! The time is 1:30am. I just woke up from a nap. From this surgery I have learned to take naps when I feel the least bit tired because it hurts immensely to yawn. I guess it’s a good thing. Before this surgery I had a lot of trouble falling asleep. Problem solved!
Today was pretty boring. My Granny and Gramps came over. They brought me mashed potatoes from Wawa and some XXX Vitamin Water. The mashed potatoes were absolutely delicious! It was great having something besides broth and smoothies.
Tomorrow is super bowl Sunday. I don’t really care about the super bowl. But my dad always makes a bunch of food and we relax and watch it. I watch it for the commercials and the half time show. I was in marching band for 6 years. Never missed a high school football game and I still don’t get the game. All I know is that when they run across the end zone I had to play Mr. Touchdown USA. And when they kicked it in the goal I had to play Washington Lee Swing. I am a true music nerd.
On an exciting note, I can almost drink through a straw! It is very difficult and tiring. It really is amazing how much work it takes to do simple things like chewing or drinking through a straw. So the next time you are doing one of these actions think twice about.
My pain today is about the same as yesterday. I am trying not to move my mouth too much. My surgeon advised me to do so. And I have been lying with warm washcloths on my jaw all night. 3 days until I see my surgeon. I hope he can help loosen my jaw.
I also have noticed that my cheek keeps getting caught with the wire in the back of my mouth. For those who don’t have braces there is a wire that goes through the bracket on the very last tooth. Normally the orthodontist asks if it feels good when you’re in the office. They could really do that because I am still numb and I can’t open my mouth up wide enough for them to feel it for me. It doesn’t hurt. It’s just annoying.
So a few years ago I lost my Nanny to Cancer. She lived with us and my one cat, Voodoo, would always be there by her side. He even got my mom one time because Nanny fell. Well, Voodoo hasn’t left me alone the past 2 days. I love him and all. But he take sup my whole bed. I wouldn’t mind of he was a normal size cat. But Voodoo is huge. Like 20 pounds huge. Big kitty. 

Appreciation


Me and my mommy! Now tell me,
who is cuter? 
This quick post goes out to my mother, Erin Gansworth. I can't even describe how thankful I am and how much I truly appreciate everything you have done for me. You stayed over night in the hospital for me, dripped water in my mouth with a syringe, gave me that gross medicine, refilled my ice, and made GREAT smoothies. Even when you put that icky protean powder in it, I still appreciate it. :) Thank you so much! I wouldn’t be anywhere without you!

Friday, February 3, 2012

Day 8: Orthodontist


Day 8: Orthodontist
Pain- 6/10

Today started out very hectic. My brother stayed home from school. He was very sick. So my dad took him to our Pediatrician. He was there for over 3 hours.  I was afraid I was going to miss my first post op appointment with my orthodontist. I got there. I called one of my best friend’s dad. It was a long morning but I finally got a ride to my orthodontist.
Everyone in my orthodontist office said I look great. I agree with them to an extent. I am glad that my swelling is going down. But I am not happy or comfortable with my face yet. The right side of my face is uneven and much more swollen than my left. It bothers me.
Not a very good pic. But my pain levels
are very high today. Swelling is a little worse
as you can see. But it can only get better! 
My orthodontist looked in my mouth and said I look very sore. He told me that my surgeon said he can take off my surgical hooks. But that might make me hurt more. I told him to take the hooks out, so one of his assistants proceeded to take them off. It was very painful because she kept moving my lip and it was hurting my stitches. Once she got all the hooks and wires off I got to brush my teeth. It felt FANTASTIC! I spent 20 minutes brushing my teeth. Once I finished she put on new wires and these things called T hooks in my mouth. Then my orthodontist Showed my how to wear my elastics. But told me I don’t have to wear them until I see my surgeon. So I get a few more days of freedom. Then he asked of I had any questions. I asked him about the tightness in my jaw. And asked if there is anything I can do. I told me to do whatever my surgeon says… I guess I will be calling my surgeon later..
Once I got home I tried to eat something. But I couldn’t decide what I wanted. I didn’t want soup or a smoothie.  I ate some yogurt and it was disgusting. So I gave it to my sister and took a nap. I woke up from my nap in a lot of pain.  And my surgeon’s office was closed. I didn’t know what to do. Then I remembered I had my surgeon’s cell phone number for emergencies. Was this an emergency? No. But I was in pain. I texted him and he texted back. His response was,” Motrin, gentle movement, heat with washcloth. That washcloth felt so good! But when I took it off the pain was back. I can’t wait until I see my surgeon on Tuesday.

On an educational note: To anyone is plans on having any type of jaw surgery, I leave you with this tip. You are going to be hungry. And you might go a little crazy. Do NOT try to eat a spoon full of peanut butter. It will not end well. I learned this the hard way...

Have a nice night! :)


Day 7: What a great day
Pain- 5/10
This is my trombone. His name is Herbert.
I cant wait to get back to playing! 
I slept in my own bed last night. And I woke up to my mom giving me the phone. It was the advising lady from my school. Her name is Patricia. She is the sweetest person I have ever met. She called to see how I was doing. And she told me my trombone teacher just had surgery.
“Everyone here is thinking and praying for you! Our two best low brass players are in recovery. We need to get you guys back in shape!”
Boy did I feel special after that phone call. The good news is that I get to go back to school on Monday. Thank goodness! My boredom will be over soon!
I also saw my surgeon today. I walked in the waiting room and everyone is awkwardly spread out. You know how there is an empty seat in between every single person? I had to pick to sit next to someone. So I choose the nicely dressed man in the suit. I was sitting there minding my own business. And I hear him chuckle. I am playing temple run and he is playing on his iPad. So I started talking to him. Then the nurse calls me back and laughs at me. Apparently that man was their representative. I knew he was important!
I got x-rays and I saw my surgeon. He gave me a big hug and checked out my mouth. I open my mouth and his first reaction is, “Sweet!” Then I got to see my x-rays. They look wicked! I have 4 titanium plates and 20 screws. I have officially started my life as a cyborg! My surgeon also gave me permission to start very VERY light chewing. It was an overall great appointment!
Later that night I tried to eat raviolis. That didn’t end so well… I felt something cracking in my mouth. So I stopped and decided to eat some soup. I think I am going to hold off on chewing.
As for my pain, it is still there. My head is pounding right in between my eyes. It is very sore where the stitches are. And the right side of my jaw is very tight. The ice is helping everything but my jaw joint. But my pain isn’t going to bring me down. I had a great day! 


My X-rays!

My life as a cyborg.

Day 3-6: It's getting tingly



Day 6: SMILE! 
Day 3-6: It’s getting tingly

The past few days have been brutal. But again, this is temporary and I know it is all for the better. My surgeon said swelling peaks at 72 hours. That was not true for me. My swelling peaked at 96 hours. I noticed my swelling isn’t nearly as bad as the other people who get to partake on this awesome adventure. I am very thankful for that.
Earlier this week I tried scrabbled eggs. That didn’t go well. I am using my tongue and rubbing it at the roof of my mouth to much the eggs. It took me about 2 hours to eat them. But it tasted much better than soup. I also spent over an hour in the bathroom trying to shower and brush my teeth. The inside of my mouth just tastes gross. I am convinced something crawled in my mouth and died while I was sleeping. Sounds gross? It is.
I am still completely numb on the right side of my face. As for the left, I am starting to feel something. I had a few tingly sensations while I was rinsing my mouth out the other day. I also was trying to smile. The left side of my mouth kept quivering. It was interesting. That just means I am getting feeling back! WOO! 

Here is my mug shots for the past few days.

Day 3: Say hello to the creepiest smile ever
Day 4: Scrambled egg attempt
Day 5: A day of relaxation








Thursday, February 2, 2012

Day 2: Disney Channel 


Pain- 8/10
Holy lips!!!

It feels so much better being home than being in that hospital bed. I do miss that revolting yet useful spit sucker machine. I also miss the humidifier. I am having a lot of trouble breathing. My surgeon said I should work on opening my mouth. I can’t even fit a finger in my mouth yet. I hope I can soon. I do not like taking medicine through a syringe. It is gross.
I am really bored and I feel lazy. I keep telling myself that it’s okay because I just had major surgery. I am the kind of person that keeps going. I always have to be busy. I am just sitting here watching my Disney Channel. It’s early, so the only thing on is Mickey Mouse Club House. That’s not too bad. Everyone loves Mickey!
Mom made me a yummy smoothie. And dad made me really thin cream of wheat. I took my meds. And then I fell asleep again. I slept most of the day. It seems easier. The pain is better when I sleep.
All my siblings are home from school now. I can’t tell you how many times they have asked if I needed anything. I kept saying no, unless I needed more ice. The hospital gave us a bunch of ice bags. We tied them together and put a towel behind them. So the ice hits directly where it hurts. The ice is really helping!
For dinner I had soup. My mom’s friend made me soup. But she made them in ice cube form. Awesome right?! Yeah I hurt. But I’m not going to complain too much about. My main complaint is that my dad my steak for dinner. And it smells delicious!
I would like to thank my whole family for being there for me while I am under the weather here. I truly appreciate it. As they said in Dolphin Tale, my favorite movie, “Family is forever”.  

Day 1: Going home



Like my head wrap? Awesome right!?

I slept on and off all night. And I felt really bad for my nurses. I needed their assistance every hour so I could use the bathroom due to all the liquids they were running through me. But I needed to stay hydrated.
Around 9am my nurse brought me some food. I had chicken broth, apple juice, water ice, and green jello. I tried to have some juice and I spilled it all over me since I am numb from under my eyes down to my lip. I can’t open my mouth for jello, which was quite upsetting. Green is my favorite jello.  So I had some of the broth. And I fell asleep while eating it.
Around 2:30 my surgeon came in and cut off my head wrap I was wearing. He told me I could go home in a few hours. Then he told me I will be on a liquid diet, I can’t blow my nose, and I should keep my head up to prevent bleeding. He also said I will be back to playing my trombone before I know it!
My nose is stuffed, my throat hurts, and I have a killer sinus headache. As for my jaw, it is very sore. I was also very thirsty. Since I couldn't drink through a cup my mother had to drip water into my mouth using a spoon. Thanks Mom! <3  But I need to keep in mind that this is temporary.


day 0


Day 0

Don't I look thrilled? 
I arrived to the hospital at 9:30AM and my surgery was at 11:30AM. A nurse called me back. She checked my weight, and then sent me room 3. That’s where she gave me my oh so fashionable gown and comfy socks! After I got dressed she put in my IV. Once the IV was in I got to watch some television. The only thing on was the news and Jerry Springer. I think the hospital should get Disney Channel. It will make everyone’s life easier.
             The Operating room was running behind. So I just played some Temple Run on my phone. Still can’t reach a million. My anesthesiologist walks in. Explains what he is doing and asks if anything has changed from the last surgery. Lucky for me, I now have asthma! So something has changed for me. Then my surgeon comes in. He looks at me and says it’s my turn to get better and assures me that everything was going to be okay.
            Finally, I get wheeled up to my operating room. I was terrified. It was like being on a roller coaster. You know, you slowly go up that big hill, and it just gets colder. I’m finally in my operating room. I see a team full of doctors. I couldn’t even look at them. They move me next to that awesome table. And make my move on it. I lay down and my whole body starts to shake. They just keep putting hot blankets on me. My surgeon walks over and tells me it’s going to be okay. And he introduced me to his assistant surgeon. Shows him my bite and explains what he wants to do. I see my anesthesiologist and he puts that mask on me. My surgeon held my hand and said it’s going to be okay.
            My surgery took longer then it should have. Apparently I have really dense bones. My surgeon wanted to use dynamite. I woke up in the recovery room with a 104 degree fever. I don’t remember much. But I remember seeing my surgeon and just holding his hand. I felt terrible. 


This is what I looked like several hours after surgery.



Why I needed surgery

My Story: 




Let me take you back to the summer of 2007. This was the best summer of my life. I met one of my best friends this summer. We were skaters. We skateboarded everywhere. And one night my board seemed a little unstable. So that night I let my friends’ dad see it. He fixed, but told me it wasn’t going to last very long. I should have listened…
The next morning I got a text from my other friend. He wanted to hang out. Well, I was grounded. I don’t remember what I did, but I clearly remember being grounded. Anyway, I needed a way to get out of the house. So I walked in the kitchen and hid the milk and bread. Then I told my Mom we needed milk and bread. She gave me money to go to the Deli. The Deli is about 25 minutes away in walking distance. That’s when I grabbed my skateboard.
At this point I met up with my friend. And we started going to the Deli. There are some pretty big hills on the way. We rode down every single one. Everything was going fine. My board was riding smoothly. Then we hit the BIG hill. I call it Death Hill because I already crashed on it once. Except that was on my bike (no helmet, no front breaks). We walked up that hill. Once we reach the top we realize that there was a lot of construction going on. We didn’t care. We proceeded to skate down this hill. And you know how in construction sites they have that weird sand? Well, my board didn’t like it. I tried to turn and control it and I went flying! All I remember is my face hitting the asphalt.
Before you ask, No, it did not hurt. The only one thing that was running through my head was how the heck am I going to hide this from my parents?! My friend was freaking out. We continued to walk to the Deli. So I can try to get cleaned up. And so I could get milk and bread…
I finally made it home. I ran in the bathroom to see the damage. My nose was broken and my 4 front teeth were pretty much gone or dangling. So I had to tell my parents, because I obviously couldn’t hide it.
My dad made me a dentist appointment later on that day; my dentist shaved down my four front teeth and put a one piece appliance on them. The appliance looked exactly like four teeth. You couldn't even tell when I smiled. I looked “normal”. This one piece appliance was in my mouth for 3 years. Since I was only 13 when this happened, I wasn’t done growing. So everything was moving in my mouth while my four front teeth were set in that one position.
The pain didn't even start until I was in 10th grade. It was marching band season. And it wasn’t my mouth that was hurting. It was my ears. My ENT said my ears were inflamed. This pain kept reoccurring for months. So he put tubes in my ears to try and release some pressure. The pain didn’t stop and I started to have trouble chewing. That’s when my ENT felt my jaw. He said it was very tight. He actually looked really concerned. I should also mention this all was causing vertigo....
To make this extremely long story short: I saw my NEW dentist. He sent me to physical therapy. That didn’t work. Then he sent me to an orthodontist. A year later I was in braces. My and I had my first surgery to expand my upper palate. The pain started to get worse. I was having terrible headaches, I had a lot of difficulty chewing foods, my jaw was locking, clicking, and having spasms, and I was having even more difficulty trying to play my trombone.

Now it's 2012. And On January 25th I underwent upper jaw surgery.

For those who don’t feel like reading all that, here is the breakdown:

-         Got in a skateboarding accident
-         Dentist put an appliance in my mouth and my jaw grew wrong.
-         In lots of pain
o       Jaw pain
o       Difficulty chewing
o       Jaw locks and clicks
o       Headaches
o       Ear pain