Smile Like You Mean It-Rebelda's Story: Upd. Sep. 16!

Message

#136 Post by **Andantae** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:25 pm

I am so glad for this to FINALLY be behind you. Let us hear from you as soon as you're up to it!

#137 Post by **Rebelda** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:42 am

No matter how much you think you are ready, there is no preparation for what this feels like. I am 2 days out of the hospital and man, am I swollen! I am wired shut with a splint in.....and...I had a lingual frenectomy. I have a lot of stuff going on--so many wires going in and out of my teeth and jaws. I have some feeling in my face, but very little. Drinking is a chore, but it is my only source of nutrition. The meds are overly sweet and gross. I am currently on Childrenâ€™s Motrin and Amoxicillin for swelling. I am also taking Afrin twice a day and saline spray as needed. The schedule is slowly panning out, as it takes me forever to eat a meal and they all seem to run together. I am amazed at what I see in the mirror, I didnâ€™t know my face could swell that much! I know that it gets better, but itâ€™s hard to keep yourself in that mindset.
My boyfriend is being a sweetheart, telling me that Iâ€™m beautiful, even though I canâ€™t stand to look at myself right now. I have basically been on my own since I left the hospital because everyone is working. I left the hospital the following day because I couldnâ€™t stand being strapped in and out of that IV to go to the restroom. Anyway, Iâ€™m kind of all over the place, I know, but just wanted to give all of you an update. I am doing okay, just taking things day by day. Thatâ€™s the best advice I can give: take things day by day.
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#138 Post by **Sleclerc** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:49 pm

I read your story from beginning to just a day or so ago. Im just heading down the journey youve almost completed. I hope you get to feeling better. You beautiful smile is right around the corner, hang in their girl!

#139 Post by ***melissa*** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 1:02 pm

Wow, sounds like you're going throug alot, but I wish you the best and I hope you feel better very soon!

#140 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:56 pm

You'll be back out eating and drinking like most of the rest of us. Glad you survived to come online for a bit to give us an update! I can't wait to see those post-op pics once the swelling goes down.

#141 Post by **Rebelda** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:20 am

Check out my Blogspot for pics!
http://rebelda-smilelikeyoumeanit.blogspot.com/

#142 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:15 pm

I went to the link and thought for a second "Where did I go?" Forgot you had surgery for a second. I don't see much bruising and you look pretty good!

#143 Post by **Rebelda** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:11 am

Yes, I too am very surprised at the lack of bruising. I suspect I may see some in the upcoming days. I have my first follow up apointment today at 2, good thing too because I am completely out of liquid Motrin and I need it. I had to use the Oxycodone early this morning and it helped but I would rather not be on narcotics. Well, I'll update with what the doc says...stay tuned!

#144 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:22 pm

I can't wait to see you brace free with your newly adjusted jaws! You had a beautiful smile before and I'm sure this time you'll have a beautiful bite to match!

#145 Post by **Tommm** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 1:16 am

Your "Domo" picture made me smile.

You'll be smiling pretty in no time too. Congrats on getting your surgery!

#146 Post by **Rebelda** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:45 am

It's almost been 3 weeks and I am so glad that I'm halfway there! I had my 2 wk follow up and it went fine. The swelling on my right side is still noticeable and I'm hoping it evens out soon. 3 more weeks and I'll be able to move my jaw! I just want to talk---it's been really difficult trying to communicate with everybody, especially when I don't have my whiteboard handy. I'm trying to keep my head up and the only thing that really motivates me is that I am going home soon. I get unwired one week before I fly out, I just hope my speaking is up to par by the time I get there. We shall see.

#147 Post by **Miss Smiley** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:14 am

Looking good!

#148 Post by **Rebelda** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:19 am

No I am not dead!

I know it's been a while, but I do have some good news: I have my debond date!

Next Wednesday! (June 17th)

I've updated my surgery blog, so check out the new pics! I will post some brace-free pics soon!

Stay tuned!

#149 Post by ***melissa*** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:36 am

Congrats on your debond date! Thats so soon!!
I checked out your updated pics and wow, you look great!!

#150 Post by **Rebelda** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:55 pm

thanks Melissa! I've gone through a lot of ups and downs, but I think I'm finally starting to get used to my new face now that the swelling has mostly subsided.