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. 

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.  

           

 

 

 

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.

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!

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.