14 days Post Op - 2 Weeks Guys!!

Well, my day off turned into three...But, I'm back. I do have a pretty good excuse - let's see if I can give reader's digest.

Tried to program my ATT Uverse remote to tv, it programmed but stopped the sound on my tv. Tech came out Monday night. He asked me to assist him (yes, hindsight I shouldn't have), but I agreed. It resulted in equipment falling on my face. Total disastrous scene followed including me crying, my mom panicking and some bleeding. Super Fun!! Oh, and the tv didn't get fixed and ATT is not acknowledging any of the incident. It's basically still a whole saga and I had to go back to the surgeon for him to check me. It didn't mess up my bite, but I am now having pain from it and more on pain meds than before so we'll see how that goes....

Ok, not reader's digest, but that's what I've been dealing with. Also, my Dad left Sunday and my Mom left today. So, I'm officially on my own as of today! Mixed feelings on that....

Tomorrow I have Dr. Sherry AGAIN (this will be NINTH POST OP) in 15 days. Luckily, he's super cool and I don't have too much going on yet. This visit he says he's going to teach me how to do my own rubber bands. He has been adjusting them and checking them up until now. Dr. Shrery also said I'll get to take the bands off for a few hours at a time AND we will talk nutrition. No clue what the second part means, but I'm hoping it involves mashed potatoes and mac n cheese!!

Fingers Crossed!!!

#attdisappoints  #doublejawrecovery #macncheeseplease #birdsflewthenest

I made it to 2 weeks!!!

Neck and cheek swelling BE GONE!!!

10 Days Post Op - First Milestone!

Dr. Sherry told me when I hit 10 days I should be feeling somewhat human again. I am still swollen and numb with the occasional pain, but I agree. I feel somewhat human! :)

Looking forward to a more continuous pace of uninterrupted recovery! #fingerscrossed.

I do miss the food...really really miss it. Blended diets just take all the joy out of it. But, I haven't got sick of the smoothie yet AND I tried pureed Mac n Cheese. It was quite delicious!

Also, I got a care package from some friends who own a sorbet company and they hooked me up!! So, the smoothies will be getting extra interesting. I'm stoked!

Yummmmm

I'm going to take tomorrow off and relax...you should too. :)

Talk on Monday after I meet with Dr. Sherry. Muah!!

#pureeanything #savoysorbet #dayofrest

9 Days Post Op

This will be a quickie :)-

Saw Dr. Sherry again this am. He really likes where my bite is hitting and says to just stay course with what I'm doing (talking, liquid diet, proper fluids, GOOD HYGIENE!!, etc.) Bc he likes where bite is hitting, he left my bands in same position this time. He said that opening in my palette will probably take until the splint comes off to fully heal. So, I guess that means my nose will be like a mini faucet for awhile.

I see Dr. Sherry again on Monday for him to see if he's still digging the bite.

Told ya it would be quick :)

-Ash #doublejawsurgery #quickie #rubberbandwoman

Band configuration for the day

8 Days Post Op

Ok, this post is late bc I was a busy lil bunny yesterday and then passed out!!

So, yesterday I had 3 doctors appointments. #1 was Dr. Adams, my ortho, for a post op visit to check out how my bite was looking after surgery. #2 was with Dr. Lee, a GP, to check out my cough and rule out pneumonia. #3 was with Dr. Sherry, to change my elastics and to just see how I was doing. 

Dr. Adams said he likes how everything was looking and said I was in great shape for only being just a week out. Every time someone tells me that, I want to believe them; but, when your whole face is swollen and numb, you have your own language of talking and eating only liquids, I feel like there's a rolling eye emoji sitting on my shoulder laughing. 

Next stop was Dr. Lee. My favorite part about this visit was her face while she was examining me. She looked like she was in so much pain just looking at me. And, she was doing that weird imitation thing some people do when they are uncomfortable. Like barely opening her mouth, holding on to her cheeks, etc. LOL  She wanted to look inside my mouth and I told her I could open it, but not very far. When I started to open it, it looked like she was going to pass out. She told me to stop and she didn't need to see. I don't know what she thought was in there (maybe a dragon?!) or what was going to happen, but it was pretty fucking funny. Anyways, the final verdict was she thought my lungs were okay, but she thought I had some kind of infection; so, she prescribed me Augmentin. 

Last Doctor stop, was Dr. Sherry. On the way there, my mom and I were hungry. We decided to find a smoothie place. This would be a good test. This was the first time me ordering/trying to eat outside the house. We ordered the smoothie with quite possibly every supplement they offered. Think it was a $15 smoothie. The tricky part was splitting the smoothie. I am still drinking out of the bottles bc I haven't got the hang of straws. So, getting the smoothie in there was a complete mess and they were looking at us like we were insane. The smoothie girls kept on saying here let me give you a better cup and I kept on mumbling I needed my bottle. Which probably sounded like my BA BA. Meanwhile, my mom has smoothie all over the counter, the floor, her hands...while I'm drooling. I kept on thinking to myself, oh my god, abort mission! abort mission! It was a total shit show!!! We did it though, but left a trail of destruction there with no guilt bc we were just proud of ourselves for ordering a damn smoothie, splitting it and getting it into my bottle without any real casualties. :/

Having a full stomach, may have contributed to why I was in a WAY better mood seeing Dr. Sherry this visit then the day (oh, and I felt wayyyy better too LOL).  I think he was happy he was getting happy Ashley and not cranky Ashley. Totally get it. Cranky Ashley even scares regular Ashley (yes, I know I'm referring to myself in the 3rd person, just go with it). Anyways, Dr. Sherry changed my elastics, said everything else looked good. He seemed to think my lymph nodes were swollen because of the surgery. And, he said the roof of my mouth should heal up fairly quickly. Fingers crossed on that one. For some reason, I have bad feeling about that opening. It's just really weird drinking water and the water coming out your nose like a faucet. He doesn't seem that concerned about it; so, I am not getting too worried about it...yet.

After this, my parents decided they were hungry and were going to go out. They were shocked when I said I wanted to go. I guess I'm just missing seeing people so I went with. We went to Mico Cina. They started ordering Mambo Taxis (very potent margaritas) and I started to get very jealous. So, I decided to order a non alcoholic margarita. We decided it would be funny to text Dr. Sherry and show him a picture of me drinking what looked like a real margarita. You have to look at the actual text below to appreciate it LOL.

This is what happens when doctors give me their cell phone number :)

Once we got home, I passed OUT! Which is why this post didn't go up yesterday :0 Here are my face pics of the day....

I mean did the day whip my ass or what?! #mascaraeverywhere

Still not sure about the chubby neck/cheek situation....

- Ash #doublejawsurgery #mocktails #crankyashley #allthesupplementsplease

7 Days Post Op

Well, Good News is I survived the first week!!! 1 down, 7 more to go (of my no chew diet)...

If you read my last post, you would know that my day 7 was not starting out to be a good one. Last night I was up with coughing and pain and never was able to go back to sleep.

I went to the doctor for a follow-up and he had a few comments on my concerns:

1. Coughing - He is also concerned about the chest cough. And, has advised me to go to my GP in the am to have it checked out and rule out pneumonia. (I will obvi do this, but I have already decided that I do not have and will NOT get pneumonia...end of story). 
2. Pain - Said to expect good days and bad days. He said the good days should be outweighing the bad days and to try to start to get back to some normal activity. Tho, I did go to the mall yesterday and ended up in a fit last night. So, go figure. 
3. Roof Split - He initially said I didn't have a split in my roof. And, then when I told him when I would drink or brush my teeth, liquid would pour out my nose...he decided to take a second look. And, after a lot of painful pulling of my cheeks to see in my mouth, he did see a little tear. SEE! I'm not CRAZY LOL. He didn't seem to concerned with it other than not to blow my nose and not to cause friction between my mouth and nose. Still am not exactly sure what that means. 
4. Swelling - I just started paying attention to the aesthetic results - Ive been pleasantly surprised, but I do still have quite a bit of swelling and also in my neck. So, main concern was will the swelling in neck go down some/away...Trying to understand how my profile will really look. He said I'm still swollen and to be patient while I'm healing and then we can make our assessments. Fair...I guess lol. 
5. Opening my Mouth - says I'm not opening it wide enough. My rebuttal was he had gladiator elastics on last time and my jaw wasn't ready to try to pump iron just to open my mouth. So, he took those off and put in just two and they were less tight. Said I need to practice opening my mouth. 

I also had to return Bertha, the handy suctioning machine. I was so sad to let her go. She has been my dear friend during the past week. RIP Bertha. 

So tomorrow, Dr. Sherry wants to see me again to check my bands and my palette situation, I have an appointment with Dr. Adams to check my ortho and bite, and now I have to meet with my GP in the am about my cough so we can rule out pneumonia. 

When I got home, I slept some, sulked and then had a full pity party of 1. I let myself do that for about 45 minutes and then got up and started to try to think of the positives. One being how ridiculously awesome my friends and family have stepped up during this ordeal. Bringing me flowers, checking in on me, letting me vent, making food for me and my parents, it all has been really humbling and I am very grateful for all of the great people I have supporting me. All the feels :)

I have pics from today - I definitely notice the swelling is starting to go down so that's also comforting news. 

RIP sweet Suctioning Friend

Starting to look somewhat normal

Slowly but surely the chubby cheeks are leaving

6.75 Days Post Op - Not a Happy Camper

I've learned just because I have a good day or night, doesn't mean the next is going to be the same....

I went to sleep last night with proper meds and I woke up only a few hours later in tons of pain and a nasty cough. I've actually had the cough a few days, but now it's a deep chest cough. With all the coughing, I can't sleep, I'm constantly trying to use the suction machine to try to catch whatever the hell I'm coughing up from my chest (if I can get to it, otherwise I have to swallow it...GROSS). And, the coughing is causing so much pressure that I feel like I'm going to break my upper jaw. AND, I don't know if this is possible, but it feels like the roof of my mouth is split. I pray it's not possible. It's not bleeding, but it sure feels like it.

I'm tired, I'm in pain and I'm really really frustrated. Basically....I. AM. MISERABLE.

I have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon. He will obvi be hearing about all of this. I may actually bump the appointment to earlier since I can't sleep right now anyways.

- CryBaby
#makeitstop

PS - Crying hurts like a MOTHER! :((((

6 Days Post Op

Hey Peeps! I'm happy to report today was a good day!! The swelling has finally stopped, I didn't have any fits of pain last night and I had a lot more energy overall today.

I braved getting out to the mall today with my Dad for a bit. There was a store he wanted to show me and it was a good place to walk a little in the AC. I don't think it's dipped below 100 in almost two weeks. Anyways, I did okay, but I did get some crazy looks there. I think my Dad actually got some dirty looks. I guess I kinda do look like a battered woman :/ I maybe overdid it on how long I was out, but it felt soooooooo good to just get out of the house.

Other than that, I really don't have too much to report annnnnd I'm also really really into watching Women's Gymnastics tonight. Team USA is bad ass!! Soo, I'll report more tomorrow.

Team Bad Ass
photo cred: True Viral News

Muah!

#doublejawsurgery #todaywasagoodday #teamusa #doublejawrecovery

5 Days Post Op

Remember on my last post that I was starting to get some feeling back and I was a tad nervous about that?! Yeaaaaa, about that. I went to sleep and woke up around 3 am with excruciating pain. My parents heard my whimpers and promptly gave me a good dose of my pain meds.  It took a few for those to kick in, but they did and I was able to go back to sleep. I guess it's from things waking up; however, the doctor just said to stay on meds to keep that from happening this week.

Fast forward to the morning, I woke up and showered (which I've been doing every day and I highly encourage bc it makes you feel better and somewhat productive). I had some family coming over to visit me. I spent some time with them, but I tired quickly and went to my room to sleep. Not to mention, I still look kinda like Quasimodo so I think my appearance was tripping them out. 🐰🐰

This afternoon I had my second PostOp. I actually was so excited to just get out of the house that I forgot what was going to take place at the appointment. Today they took my stitch out on my check (which was easy peazy) and they also suctioned my nose. Holy SHIT!! That shit hurt!! He told me that it would not be the most pleasant experience of my life and that was a massive understatement. Luckily it was really quick!! As soon as it was done, I was able to breathe like a champ. So, even tho it sucked, I'd still do it again no question. But, I clench up just thinking about that possibility :0

They also did X-rays today at the PostOp. I'm posting a before and after and I've highlighted in red my air passage. It really is amazing how much the airway has opened up. Like how did I function before this? It really is crazy everytime I look at it.

Let's see...what else. Oh, two of my friends came over to hang with me while my parents went to dinner. It was so nice to have them here and just chill. Besides texting people, there isn't much social interaction; so, having some visitors is nice change of pace :) And, I'm sure my parents like getting the F out of the house to not do any nurse related errands.

That's about it. No set plans for tomorrow. Hoping I don't have a repeat of last night....pretty sure I won't. #positivevibes

Check out my airway!! 

- Ash #doublejaw #breatheeasy

4 days Post Op - Soooo Tirreddd

This is going to be short bc I'll probably fall asleep during this post if not 💤💤💤💤💤 I've been extremely tired today with little energy. I'm still getting all the fluids and calories in, but guess today was my day to sleep.

Swelling is well, still 'swell hell' as my friend called it. It's still at its peak I'm guessing. I don't think it is swelling more, but it's definitely not going down yet. Started to see bruising on my neck today too.

See doctor tomorrow and get my nose "roto-rooted" as my dad calls it. 👃👃👃👃

Also, feeling and pain in my mouth, teeth and face started tonight. I'm encouraged that that sensation is starting, but not encouraged it's starting as I want to go to sleep right now.

That's all this lil bunny has right now.

My Aunt and Mom discussing recipes for my new liquid diet 

Some of the gorgeous flowers I've received 

Yes, that is my happy face

So swollen lol

Xo -Ash #swellhell #jawpain #sosleepy

3 Day Post OP

I definitely woke up on the wrong side of my recliner (see what I did there?) I went to bed last night around 8:30 and took my last pain med then. I then woke up at 6:30 coughing clots and feeling pretty uncomfortable. I dealt with coughing the clots out. SOOO Gross!! And, I still have a suctioning device here that the nurse left for me and it has been very handy in times like this. Because it gets scary when they get stuck!!! I immediately took my pain meds and started to calm down. I made the mistake again of not staying on top of my meds. 10 hours is way too long to go for me without any meds. So, we're going to keep on more of a schedule with them and, if i'm not in any pain, I might just take half of one. Also, I'm going to make a point to set my alarm in the middle of the night to get up and walk for a minute. I think that will help break up congestion.

Let's see what else. I've been extremely bored. I don't have enough energy to actually do anything; so, it's a catch 22. I haven't even really been able to focus on a movie, book or tv bc I just nod off. And, by the time I am ready to do something, it's time to try to eat or drink. Basically, I'm like a baby at this point. I'm drinking from a bottle and I sleep, drink, eat and Drool. And, repeat. 

Today the swelling is the most pronounced. It has moved to my cheeks and neck. A lil bruising is showing up, but not much yet. He said to expect some on my neck. It's like the bad Jaw Santa comes every am, and I see what he left me...swollen cheeks, swollen lips, bruising, etc. For some reason, it's kinda entertaining to see what your body does during the healing process. 

Tonight, my mom whipped up a potato, kale and leek soup that was pureed for my handy bottle. It was pretty tasty, but she couldn't convince my Dad to try it so they ordered Thai Food, from my fave place. Bastards! j/k I'd totally do the same and they deserve it considering they're taking care of this princess patient :)-

#jawproblems #doublejawrecovery #droollife #swolleneverything #badsanta

Does my ponytail make my face look fat?! lol

Where does my face end and neck start

Cocktail Hour!

2 Day Post Op

I was a lot more swollen on this day. Most of the swelling had moved to my cheeks and under my neck. The doctor said that it was normal and to expect more swelling into day 3. By that time, he said it should plateau. Thank god bc I'm not sure where else I can swell! Besides the swelling, I'm pretty much numb from my lower eyelids down. I seem to have some sensation on the side of my cheeks, but that's about it. I remember this is par for the course at this point. I can move my lips some, but don't think i can manage a straw just yet.

The discomfort was definitely heightened with the increased swelling. I was able to eat some today including a yummy shake my mom made and some pureed black beens. Still trying to stay on top of the hydration. I've found I can knock one or the other out, but doing both is still kinda tricky right now bc of how much time it takes.

I had a few friends stop by and it was nice to see their faces. Not sure they would say the same about mine just yet lol. But, it was nice to have something to do, but sit here. I also went on a little walk with my mom just to get outside and try to keep up some energy. It felt good to get outside, even if it was 107 out.

Took a few pictures of the day....The lighting wasn't great, but you get some of the idea. The white stuff on my lips is a prescribed steroid cream...make sure you have it bc your lips will become insanely swollen and it helps medicate them when they start splitting. Also, I think I mentioned this bottle. It is a game changer to drink out of and eat...makes things so much easier and quicker!

From Swollen Face :0

#jawproblems #doublejawsurgery #doublejawrecovery

Took a few pictures of the day....and I Am looking hot 😆😆😆

I think I was trying to smile there...I think

What swelling?!

Gatorade never tasted so good

Surgery Day and 1 Day Post Op

I'm going to combine these two days since I'm just now able to fathom typing on a computer :)

Surgery Day:

Let's start with surgery day. I checked in at 7 am. Met with the ICU nurse, anesthesiologist and then the surgeon. They moved pretty quickly and I would say I was in the OR by 8 ish. I really wasn't that nervous considering I had a 7 hour double jaw surgery ahead of me.

As a reminder, they had to remove most of the prior hardware before starting the new surgery to set my jaws in place. They also decided to remove my chin implant as they felt it would protrude too much with the advancement. They planned and did advance me 5 mm on top jaw and 19 mm on the bottom. I think this was the right decision from what I have seen.

I'm about to have my face broken...Peace!

Next thing I knew, I was awake and all reports of the surgery said it had gone well. The first thing I noticed was my breathing. I felt like it was the first time in my life I had a really big breath. He told me that my airway was very small and I should notice a big difference. He was totally right and I was quite amazed. The other two things I really noticed was my sore throat from being intubated and then my heel that had a stress fracture. I guess how they had it sitting did not sit well and it hurt like a mother! I really didn't feel too bad either. Think I took a few doses of the good stuff via the IV, but after about 4 hours in recovery we got ready to go home.

Doing my Real Housewives impersonation 

I survived!

Why Yes, Dr. Sherry, I want a pic with you on my couch even tho I look like a swollen 90 year old woman

Dr. Sherry's ICU nurse, Michelle came home with me to stay the night. She was equipped with IV, meds, oxygen and overall awesome nursing care. Oh and Dr. Sherry made a surprise visit at my house to check in on me. It really lifted my spirits seeing him. Last night we had to adjust meds a few times to find the right fit so I could sleep, but we did it. But, it really wasn't that bad and my parents also got a break and were able to have a good night's sleep. Michelle left about 5:30 this morning and I was definitely sad to see her go.

Today - 1 Day Post OP
So things gradually started going downhill today. Nothing incredibly major, but the swelling started kicking into high gear which caused a lot of discomfort. And, my lips are ridiculous. All I can suggest is to have the steroid cream prescribed to you to stay on top of coating them. Also, I tried to eat in the am with apple sauce and not only was it virtually impossible, I seemed to have breathing/swallowing problems after that. So, we tried a boost shake and it did the same thing.

HOT, just sooo HOT LOL. I really like the bloody drool...

Steriod Duck Lips

Dinner

I had an appointment with Dr. Sherry in his office today at 1 so we reviewed some of the concerns, specifically the breathing. They did seem to think I may possibly be having an allergic reaction to either meds or something I was eating; however, I do have an underlying esophagus issue that can have similar symptoms. So, the game plan was to take benadryl and add some adivan and that seemed to do the trick. I was able to drink an extra two bottles of gatorade, 2 cups of broth and almost a full chocolate lil boost. Was pretty happy with my progress. PS get these bottles that are like ketchup and mustard plastic containers. They are so much easier than the syringes!

That's about it for now. Going to keep on the same regime until Sunday. Going to meet with Surgeon and he said if I can stand it, he'd like to suction. I'm game for whatever makes things easier.

#ashleysjawprobz #doublejawsurgery #doublejawsurgeryrecovery

Tomorrow is D Day

Tomorrow is my "re-do" double jaw surgery. Re-do meaning I had this surgery done over 20 years ago and it was not done properly. So, here it goes again!

My surgery will be performed in Dallas by Dr. Steven Sherry at the Woodhill Surgery Center. I check in at 7 and I assume the surgery will kick off around 8-ish. The sooner, the better in my eyes! They said the surgery will last approximately 7 hours. I obviously will get stabilized and once they think I'm ok, I'm going home tomorrow evening. Dr. Sherry's ICU nurse will be staying with me at my house. Kinda crazy I will be able to go home considering what I endured the last surgery (3 night ICU stay and 2 night hospital stay thereafter); but, they say this is typical for their patients. So, I'm being cautiously optimistic!

Because it is a re-do, they also have to remove the old hardware (plates, screws, wires) currently in my jaws. I spoke to Dr. Sherry tonight and think I threw him for a loop when I  requested for the hardware being removed to be saved for me. Pretty sure he's never got that request before. Never know, I could make it into some weird art or jewelry. I like to keep shit weird sometimes. :0

I got my surgical hooks on at my orthodontist's office, Dr. Terry Adams. For anyone in Dallas, I would more than highly recommend him. He's amazing and very well respected and is very familiar with surgery cases and works very closely with the surgeons. Back to the surgical hooks, they were fairly easy for them to be installed. Did have a little shock hearing I would have them in for up to 6 weeks. I guess they use them for my mouth to be wired just during the surgery and then a crazy combo of rubber bands after. The hooks don't really looks so bad, but I'm sure once the rubber bands are on there, it will be super cute :) But, I'm just going to roll with the punches and try to stay as positive as possible.

I had my last proper meal tonight and ordered the most random stuff, but it was delish... The waiter thought I was crazy how I was ordering and my parents told me this was "my last supper" and he started bringing me more food LOL. He also ended the meal with saying a prayer for me which definitely choked me up. Everyone's kindness has been overwhelming.

I've posted some pics of the hooks, my old bite before braces last year, and the last supper with my awesome parents who flew in to help take care of me. Guess it's time for me to attempt to go to bed. Will try to post updates in a few days.

Muah! -Ash

#itsgotime #doublejawsurgery #jawprobs #ashleysjawproblems #surgicalhooks #lastsupper

Surgical Hook Grill 

Can't wait to get this corrected

One of everything please

Not An Easy Choice

Hey Friends,

I wish all my posts can be fun, but I promise they all will be real....

It's been a little while. Last week was not fun, but it's better today and that's all that matters. I honestly had second thoughts about my decision while enduring ortho hell because I know I have harder days ahead. But, not everything comes easy. 

For those of you who don't know me or newly know me from past five years, it's somewhat difficult to explain exactly why I'm going through with this surgery. I promise you, I would never do this if there was a quick fix or it had not really, really bothered me for years.  But, as a good exercise to myself, and others, I'm going to explain why someone might do this....so here it goes:

My bite is totally off and this is what it affects:

My overall bite....breathing, speech, eating, etc. And, not in small ways. All are enough affected that after 4 years of really noticing it enough, I decided to do something about it. This isn't to say, I didn't notice it after my first surgery, but I was young and wanted to believe something worked the first time. Not the case. At all.

My symptoms have continually increased and I have been told there are more negative affects that can happen with my breathing, speech and other bite issues that could impact me resulting in procedures I don't want....(Besides one cavity, and my first unsuccessful jaw surgery, I am very gun shy on any procedures if not necessary).

Yes, there are aesthetic aspects to the surgery. But, that isn't why I'm doing it. BUT, it's my FACE. So, it is very important to me whatever they do rearranging my jaw and face bones, it keeps me in tact or makes it better. Let's be real. Who would go through a surgery like this (especially second time around just cosmetic)? Not Me!

My goal is to be able to breath normally, eat normally and speak normally. I can do well at most because I have adapted well. But, me adapting has caused more and more problems. I'm healthy, still young and have the ability to correct this situation. So, here it goes.

Beginning of August, Surgery, it is! And, that's a Yay! Because let's get this shit moving....

It will be a big undertaking considering I just recently bought a house by myself and have been promoted. I am confident this is a good decision with an amazing team of surgeons, doctors, family and friends behind me. I thank all of you for your support. I am truly lucky for all the support I have.

This is not an easy choice, but it is one I am nervous, but confident about!

Much Love,

Ash

#walkamileinsomesshoes #doublejawsurgery #thanksforthesupport #doublejawsurgery

Fun?!

The perks of being single and living alone - you can decide to go out at 11....Then, get tipsy with one of your closest friends. We can fast forward all the other fun details.... e.g.. cigs, cat nip and gatorade lol.

Update: My mouth hurts like a motha. Wax, ora jel base and vodka are my friend.

Surgeon is almost final...Will let you know :)

-SHLEE aka #doublejawsurgery #ouch #annoyedtodothistwice

Til Monday...

Hey Guys-

Really nothing to report until Monday. I get my brackets on and front braces adjusted then...Eek...

I will say I'm starting to really think about where I would like to recover after my surgery - despite the surgeons. As amazing as Santa Barbara is and my parents obviously are, I think I might have a hard time not being around my Dallas friends for that long. Weird saying that. I cherish my family, but they aren't my day to day check in on me like my friends are. Possession is 9/10th of the law, they say, and my friends have me in Dallas...for now. Wish I had my family closer, but it is what it is.

At the end of the day, I will chose the best surgeon regardless. I sure as hell am not doing this again. But, I guess when you are making a big decision like this, you really start to evaluate things :/

Deep Thoughts ...

- Shlee

PS - Much love to all my Family from all over the US and all my Cali, NY, UK Friends - I know I have a ton of support from you and I wish I had possession of you guys always!!

#jawprobz #doublejawsurgery #deepthoughts #familyandfriends #firstworldproblems #santabarbara #dallas

First Client Meeting :)

Hey Hey -

Welp! If you are following, I survived the weekend...barely:). The Kid Cudi concert was super fun!! This is what I learned ....the braces did not affect what I believed was my amazing rapping skills. Nope. Not at ALL. The braces were not the problem! Pretty sure...I never had them to start. But, that's another blog I guess?! :)

I did just get back from Atlanta on a work trip visiting a client and seeing co-workers that have not seen my GRILL  (my mouth for you folks not up on my ever ridiculous lingo) . The consensus is no one really notices. That's great and all, but I still feel so awkward and it sucks. Good news is...I'm playing it off. Whew!

So, my take aways from the past few days are: What is really bothering you, probably no one else notices. Second, I am too old to go to a Kid Cudi concert.

Two very valuable lessons!

I meet with Dr. Adams on Monday to discuss the surgeons and adding brackets. I expect a lot  more to report then! Till then...

Love you guys,

-Shlee

#jawprobs #toooldforCUDI #rockyourGrill #doublejawsurgery #ashleysjawprobs

Happy FriYay

Hey Peeps,

Sorry it's been a week, there really wasn't too much to report. The pain of the braces definitely is much better. Besides occasional cuts in my mouth from the surgical hooks on the brackets :0, a spacer popping and a bracket breaking, all is well..LOL.

My next appointment with the ortho is next next Monday (in a week and a half). I think they will be placing the brackets around my back molars on that appointment along with the adjustments for my top teeth (ouch).

I will say that in just two short weeks of having my top braces on, my teeth have definitely moved. And, really, in a weird kind of way. I have spaces between certain teeth. With the movement, I can tell my bite is already dramatically different - not in a good way. Unfortunately, I think it's going to get worse before it gets better and everything is aligned properly. Sigh....

I'm hoping to make a decision on my surgeon next week when I meet with my ortho. It's been really difficult trying to decide which surgeon to go with :/. Hopefully, the ortho can help me weigh out the pros and cons of each because this limbo is super SUPER annoying.

On a fun note, I'm headed to the Kid Cudi concert tonight with one of my besties. Super excited about that! I'll see how my rapping/singing skills hold up with my new bite and awesome braces.

Hope everyone has a fun weekend and doesn't do anything I would do....

Bye for Now, Ash aka Shlee

PS - So far, the braces do not seem to have affected my dating life :)-

#sexinthebracescity #jawprobs #doublejawsurgery

Ohhhh Happy Day

Yay! Today I feel a TON better. My mouth is starting to heal and the pain from the braces and the spacers have subsided....Whoop!!

I figure I better get used to the adjustments because they are child's play compared to the surgery/recovery. I'm really hoping the second surgery will not be as bad as the first one, but I at least have an idea of what I'm getting myself into this time. Last time, I really had no clue the extent of what the recovery process would be. Not exactly sure what I expected by having my upper and lower jaw broken ... tho, I was 14 so I'm sure I wasn't thinking period. Oh, the joys of being a teenager :)-

Pic attached is x-ray of my jaw with all the hardware prior to braces being put on this week :0. At some point, I'll post more pictures of all films, etc.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Thursday - Muah!

-Ash

#frankenstein #nomorepain #doublejawsurgery #jawprobs

Ugh

I feel like my mouth has been through a cheese grater, wood chipper or other equally painful device. Not. Fucking. Fun.

#crybaby #jawprobs #doublejawsurgery #whatbonniewantsiswhatbonniegets

Braces Day 2

This post will be short. Pretty uncomfortable today between the top braces and the spacers. Talking and eating are a little awkward too. Note to self: salad leafs are NOT your friend.

Most people say they can barely see them - meanwhile, I feel like I have an 18 wheeler  in my mouth. It's all relative I guess. 

To keep myself entertained, I have searched pinterest for creative rubber band creations for my braces...story developing :$

- Ashley 

#jawproblems #doublejawsurgery 

Day 1 - Let the fun begin - BRACES :0

Day 1 - BRACES THIS AM :$


I'm counting this as Day 1 of treatment for my SECOND double jaw surgery even though my research/office visits to different surgeons started well over 6 months ago.  This morning, Dr. Adams in Dallas put my top braces on. Apparently, they wait until the next visit to put the brackets in and the following to put the bottom braces on. My memory was quickly jogged on the never ending ortho office visits that I'll have for the next 12 months (praying to god it will be 12!!) Basically, I feel like I'm 14 all over again....And, not in the I feel so young and fresh kind of way, but more of a feeling of general pissy angst. That being said, it really wasn't thattttt bad and they don't look too hideous. But, I'm still not stoked about having to get these things on....for the second time...in my thirties....while I'm single. I just keep on reminding myself that this is the first step to correct something I want fixed. So, braces on, check.

I know that I'll be in braces for about 6 months prior to surgery and 6 months after. I am still in the decision making process for the surgeon, but I have it narrowed down to two surgeons - one is in Dallas and the other is in California. Both surgeons come highly recommended, but I have reservations about both. One has more experience with 're-do's' like mine, but he's out of state in California (which gives me pause as I'm in Dallas). Hopefully, I can weigh out the pros and cons one last time and make a decision here in the next week or two.

That's it for now, will keep everyone updated on the surgeon I land on. Feel free to ask me any questions or offer any guidance.

Chow for Now!

-Ashley
#jawprobs #doublejawsurgery #jawsurgeryrecovery