Monday, April 5, 2010

Good news!

I got the wires out today! I hadn't expected that when I went to see the surgeon; I thought it would just be a usual follow-up appointment.

The process itself was a little daunting. He gave me between 10-15 shots of Novocain. I wasn't doing too well by about #6. Then he said I'd feel a little pressure and then experience something like flossing (since the wires are pulled between each tooth). If you've ever flossed with razor wire, you can probably relate.

Now I have to work my way up to regular food. I tried a canned carrot, which sent spasms through my jaw, as does too much talking. So I'm still on purees, soups, and being a lot less loquacious than usual.

Also, something is wrong with my front teeth. They feel loose, for lack of a better word, and the gums are enormously sensitive. I'll have to see a regular dentist soon and have that checked out. I thought it would go away when the wires came out but no such luck and it's been true since the accident.

I also still have nasal surgery coming in June. The surgeon suggested I wait to see how well my breathing improved with the wires removed. And it has; no doubt, but I still can barely breathe through my nose. I can't say I'm too happy about more surgery but hopefully that will be the end of the surgeries.

Still, this is huge progress. And almost no syringes (unless my jaw flares up, then all bets are off).

3 comments:

  1. Awesome Progress Karen! And Loquacious is one of my favorite words!! That and conundrum. So I guess you are experiencing the lack of one and the abundance of the other!

    Good to hear you are moving forward.

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  2. I was wondering how painful the arch bar removal is. My doc gave me the option of shots and laughing gas or being put under in the office. I'm leaning towards being put under (she said I wouldn't even need a tube down my throat or anything).

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  3. Hi Sandy. I'm not a doctor/dentist, so the best I can do is just give you my experience. I was offered nothing (not uncommon, as I understand it) or Novocaine. I opted for the latter. The shots hurt just because there were so many but once I was numb, the removal did not.

    What is your email address? Might be easier to correspond directly.

    Karen

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