So, I couldn't take it anymore. I know I have mentioned my lips before but, this time I just couldn't stand it.
On Friday my lips felt so incredibly chapped and the burning was pretty intense. I can't for the life of me, figure out why.
I called my OS and spoke with Jaime. She tells me that they recommend taht I go to the health food store to pick up a salve with comfrey and calendula in it. She says this stuff is great for the lips.
So, after work on Friday, that was the first place I stopped. I plastered my lips with the stuff Friday night, all day Saturday and again Saturday night. It did nothing!
I talked to my Mom about it on Sunday. She works for my dermatologist so, first thing Monday morning she checked his schedule and he had a cancellation for Monday evening.
After telling him my history, he almost looked stumped as to why my lips would still be bothering me. He has recommended that I use Hydrocortisone ointment 4x a day for 4 days and then 2x a day for 2 days. He said stop all of the other chap sticks that I've been using and only use Vaseline in between the hydrocortisone. I woke up this morning and my lips weren't great but, they didn't burn as bad as they have been and they also didn't seem as swollen.
So, I'll see where this gets me. I really want them to be feeling better before my BIG appt. on the 13th.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Good News
I brought my daughter to the Ortho yesterday afternoon. While she was getting her adjustment, I asked Dr. Post if he had any idea when I would be getting my bottom braces on. He actually came over to where I was sitting so he could take a look at my top teeth. I guess he felt like everything looked okay because, he said let's put them on when you come to your next visit on the 13th. WHOO HOO!!! PROGRESS!!
So, on the 13th I will be having my expander removed, my TPA placed and my bottom braces put on. It will be a 2 hour appt. I am sure that my mouth and jaw will be quite sore but, I always try to embrace the pain. It always means we're moving forward.
Oh, I also wanted to add that my daughter and I each got a slush puppie yesterday (an icy flavored drink). The cold actually bothered my gums and front teeth. I was so excited because things have been pretty numb still.
I feel like today is a good day. Things are headed in the right direction!
So, on the 13th I will be having my expander removed, my TPA placed and my bottom braces put on. It will be a 2 hour appt. I am sure that my mouth and jaw will be quite sore but, I always try to embrace the pain. It always means we're moving forward.
Oh, I also wanted to add that my daughter and I each got a slush puppie yesterday (an icy flavored drink). The cold actually bothered my gums and front teeth. I was so excited because things have been pretty numb still.
I feel like today is a good day. Things are headed in the right direction!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Thanks
Just wanted to thank everyone out there. I appreciate all of your comments and I love being able to read all of your blogs. It is so nice knowing that I'm not alone through all of this. Some days get tough and sometimes just reading that someone else went through the same thing, makes me feel better.
It's funny, when I speak to my husband or family about what's going on. I'll be like, Shontell did this or Michelle had that happen or yeah, I read about it in Amy or Brandy's blog. It's like I know you all. Somehow, you all have become my friends, even though I've never met you. Maybe someday we will.
So, I just wanted you all to know what a difference you have made to me! Thank you!!
I also wanted to say to my local ortho/surgery buddy, thanks for the e-mails Kortne!!
It's funny, when I speak to my husband or family about what's going on. I'll be like, Shontell did this or Michelle had that happen or yeah, I read about it in Amy or Brandy's blog. It's like I know you all. Somehow, you all have become my friends, even though I've never met you. Maybe someday we will.
So, I just wanted you all to know what a difference you have made to me! Thank you!!
I also wanted to say to my local ortho/surgery buddy, thanks for the e-mails Kortne!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
The lastest pic
To me, it doesn't look like much has changed. 21 more days until this dreaded expander comes out!!!! Not that I'm counting or anything!
I spoke to the other girl that I told you about earlier that had the same surgery and goes to my Ortho. She told me she has her bottom braces on. Now the Ortho. told me he didn't want mine on while I had the expander in. He said that would be too much all at once. What's up with that?? I say, bring em' on!
Crest Glide Threader Floss - the best thing since sliced bread!!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I think I need to relax!
I never got a chance to upload my pic, I'll try really hard to do it tonight. My husband is a police officer and he's been on the night shift for the last 6 months, so I feel like a single parent most of the time.
This weekend is really big for the city I live in. Have you ever heard of the pumpkin festival? If you haven't, here'e the link http://www.pumpkinfestival.org/ The city attempts to break the record every year for the most jack-o-lanterns. Our biggest year has been 28,952. I think Boston has beaten us once and they are huge compared to us. It's actually really busy, it generally brings about 80,000 people to our small city of less than 25,000. It is a beautiful sight, everywhere you look in our downtown area, it's lit up with all different carved creations. So, this means I won't see much of my husband, again!
Anyways, back to the teeth. They were actually really sore yesterday but things seem to be pretty good this morning. It seems like right after I have an adjustment, I always have to use wax again. The insides of the back of my cheeks were all torn up again. I haven't really noticed the top of my front teeth closing at all but, I think I should take that picture to really do some comparing. The bottoms have actually separated just a tiny bit. He wrapped that wire around my two front teeth this time but it definitely doesn't do the same job as the good ole power chain does.
So, a comment he made to the new girl has been weighing on me pretty heavily. I had asked him if the braces would be pushing my teeth back at all because I feel like I have to really work at closing my lips. His response was, no. That there really wasn't any room to move them back and that's where the surgery would come in to play. Then the new girl asked what I would be having, and he told her and then added, and a possible advancement. An advancement would mean my lower jaw too! When I signed up for this journey, we ONLY discussed the upper jaw. When he showed me his measurements that he drew up on the x-rays before I had the SARPE, it was only the upper jaw that was discussed.
Then last night, I was reading Amy's whole blog and she mentions that her O.S. says that the upper jaw can't be moved back, that it's the lower jaw that has to be moved forward. So now I am incredibly confused and feeling a little anxious about not knowing what will be happening in my future. Has anyone ever heard of an upper jaw being moved back?? This is what my OS put on the Ins. Paperwork: LeFort I Osteotomy to shorten my posterior maxilla.
Okay, I think I need to breath and give it some more time, then maybe after the holidays, we can see where things stand.
Thanks for listening!!!
This weekend is really big for the city I live in. Have you ever heard of the pumpkin festival? If you haven't, here'e the link http://www.pumpkinfestival.org/ The city attempts to break the record every year for the most jack-o-lanterns. Our biggest year has been 28,952. I think Boston has beaten us once and they are huge compared to us. It's actually really busy, it generally brings about 80,000 people to our small city of less than 25,000. It is a beautiful sight, everywhere you look in our downtown area, it's lit up with all different carved creations. So, this means I won't see much of my husband, again!
Anyways, back to the teeth. They were actually really sore yesterday but things seem to be pretty good this morning. It seems like right after I have an adjustment, I always have to use wax again. The insides of the back of my cheeks were all torn up again. I haven't really noticed the top of my front teeth closing at all but, I think I should take that picture to really do some comparing. The bottoms have actually separated just a tiny bit. He wrapped that wire around my two front teeth this time but it definitely doesn't do the same job as the good ole power chain does.
So, a comment he made to the new girl has been weighing on me pretty heavily. I had asked him if the braces would be pushing my teeth back at all because I feel like I have to really work at closing my lips. His response was, no. That there really wasn't any room to move them back and that's where the surgery would come in to play. Then the new girl asked what I would be having, and he told her and then added, and a possible advancement. An advancement would mean my lower jaw too! When I signed up for this journey, we ONLY discussed the upper jaw. When he showed me his measurements that he drew up on the x-rays before I had the SARPE, it was only the upper jaw that was discussed.
Then last night, I was reading Amy's whole blog and she mentions that her O.S. says that the upper jaw can't be moved back, that it's the lower jaw that has to be moved forward. So now I am incredibly confused and feeling a little anxious about not knowing what will be happening in my future. Has anyone ever heard of an upper jaw being moved back?? This is what my OS put on the Ins. Paperwork: LeFort I Osteotomy to shorten my posterior maxilla.
Okay, I think I need to breath and give it some more time, then maybe after the holidays, we can see where things stand.
Thanks for listening!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Lastest update
My appt. today was okay. A little good news and a little bad. The office was quite busy so, I was a little worried I wouldn’t get the time I so desperately felt that I needed. I met the new girl today (I can’t remember her name, sorry). She has only been there for 3 weeks. I was worried because she wouldn’t know everything I have been through but, she was actually really good. I wonder if she sensed my apprehension because she explained to me that she had worked with an orthodontist for 10 years prior to coming here.
So after I chatted with her for a little bit and she removed my old wire, Dr. Post came over. He is so good. He knows I have been very interested in everything he is doing, so today he gave me a mirror so I could watch what he was doing while he explained it. He put in a 018 stainless steel wire today. He made a few bends in it to help close that triangle gap in between my upper front teeth. He actually had me feel the difference between the nickel titanium wire and the stainless steel. The first one you could bend or wiggle around but it always went back to its original form. The stainless steel stays right where he bends it. So he said from here on out, that’s what I will be having.
Then we discussed the Expander. The good news of the day is that we can remove it at my next appt. Now for the bad news… I have to have a TPA put in its place. UGH!!!! He tells me this won’t be a big deal but, I really don’t want anything. I know he is just being careful; it just doesn’t make any sense to me why all of the other people that I chat with don’t have to have one. The girl that was helping him said that the TPA will help so there won’t be any chance of collapse. I guess the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
I actually asked for orange ligs today, I thought orange would be a good color for this time of year, but the new girl said there weren’t any orange power chains to match so burgundy was my second choice. Then he didn’t even put a power chain on just a wire twisting the two front teeth together. It actually looks a little funny because she could only fit a lig on one front tooth because of that wire. So I have the burgundy color on every tooth except for one front one. Maybe I’ll tell people it’s for Halloween.
My teeth are a little achy right now but, that usually means good things! So it’s the waiting game once again. I’ll post my newest picture tomorrow.
So after I chatted with her for a little bit and she removed my old wire, Dr. Post came over. He is so good. He knows I have been very interested in everything he is doing, so today he gave me a mirror so I could watch what he was doing while he explained it. He put in a 018 stainless steel wire today. He made a few bends in it to help close that triangle gap in between my upper front teeth. He actually had me feel the difference between the nickel titanium wire and the stainless steel. The first one you could bend or wiggle around but it always went back to its original form. The stainless steel stays right where he bends it. So he said from here on out, that’s what I will be having.
Then we discussed the Expander. The good news of the day is that we can remove it at my next appt. Now for the bad news… I have to have a TPA put in its place. UGH!!!! He tells me this won’t be a big deal but, I really don’t want anything. I know he is just being careful; it just doesn’t make any sense to me why all of the other people that I chat with don’t have to have one. The girl that was helping him said that the TPA will help so there won’t be any chance of collapse. I guess the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
I actually asked for orange ligs today, I thought orange would be a good color for this time of year, but the new girl said there weren’t any orange power chains to match so burgundy was my second choice. Then he didn’t even put a power chain on just a wire twisting the two front teeth together. It actually looks a little funny because she could only fit a lig on one front tooth because of that wire. So I have the burgundy color on every tooth except for one front one. Maybe I’ll tell people it’s for Halloween.
My teeth are a little achy right now but, that usually means good things! So it’s the waiting game once again. I’ll post my newest picture tomorrow.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Lastest pic
Just wanted to give an updated pic before my next appt. Not sure what he will do tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I build myself up for these appt's and there's no way the appt. could live up to what I want.
I'm still hoping for an expected removal date for my expander... I'll post again tomorrow night to let you all know what happens. Until then.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Jaw pain...
I've noticed lately that my jaw is really bothering me. I have always had some trouble but, the last few weeks has been a little worse. My muscles are extremely tight and I find myself waking up with a headache lately. I don't have a good bite right now and I wonder if it's my jaw trying to find a comfortable place to sit.
I've also noticed and haven't mentioned before but, even since my surgery, I clench my teeth/jaw from time to time without even meaning to. It happened a lot more right after surgery. But now, I'll be eating or talking to someone and all of a sudden without notice, I'll clench. Sometimes I even bite my cheeks or tongue when it happens. I think it has to be a muscle thing going on. Has anyone ever experienced this?
Prior to my surgery, I was treated for a number of sinus infections. I was on antibiotics and steroids all the time. Now, I haven't had one for a while but, when I did get one I was always very congested and couldn't breath through my nose at all. Lately, I've had an incredible amount of pressure around my eyes, forehead and temples. When I bend over, the pressure is horrible. I'm breathing through my nose pretty well though. So now, I'm wondering if it's a sinus infection but not the one's I am used to getting. I just don't know… maybe I'll give it a few more days before I call the doctor.
There's a girl that goes to my Ortho's office that had the same surgery as me about a month earlier. I have never met her but, I did get her number and I have called her on a few occasions just to see how she is doing. She actually e-mailed me on Friday and said that she had her expander removed and a TPA put in it's place. Hmmm. Now I'm wondering what my Ortho has in store for me. I actually mentioned the TPA to him at my last appt. just to see if he would consider it so I could get this expander out sooner. His reply was that he occasionally uses them. Then he went on to say I could have my expander removed in early November. I hope I don't have to have a TPA put in at this stage of the game.
I guess I'll just sit tight and wait patiently for my appt. on Tuesday. Then the answers will come… I hope!!
I've also noticed and haven't mentioned before but, even since my surgery, I clench my teeth/jaw from time to time without even meaning to. It happened a lot more right after surgery. But now, I'll be eating or talking to someone and all of a sudden without notice, I'll clench. Sometimes I even bite my cheeks or tongue when it happens. I think it has to be a muscle thing going on. Has anyone ever experienced this?
Prior to my surgery, I was treated for a number of sinus infections. I was on antibiotics and steroids all the time. Now, I haven't had one for a while but, when I did get one I was always very congested and couldn't breath through my nose at all. Lately, I've had an incredible amount of pressure around my eyes, forehead and temples. When I bend over, the pressure is horrible. I'm breathing through my nose pretty well though. So now, I'm wondering if it's a sinus infection but not the one's I am used to getting. I just don't know… maybe I'll give it a few more days before I call the doctor.
There's a girl that goes to my Ortho's office that had the same surgery as me about a month earlier. I have never met her but, I did get her number and I have called her on a few occasions just to see how she is doing. She actually e-mailed me on Friday and said that she had her expander removed and a TPA put in it's place. Hmmm. Now I'm wondering what my Ortho has in store for me. I actually mentioned the TPA to him at my last appt. just to see if he would consider it so I could get this expander out sooner. His reply was that he occasionally uses them. Then he went on to say I could have my expander removed in early November. I hope I don't have to have a TPA put in at this stage of the game.
I guess I'll just sit tight and wait patiently for my appt. on Tuesday. Then the answers will come… I hope!!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Ho Hum
Things are still about the same... Yesterday I did notice some tingling in the area of my 4 front teeth again. I haven't felt this for a little while or at least I haven't noticed it but, it was definitely there yesterday. It made me feel better, because I at least feel like something is happening. Healing hopefully.
I also noticed a new sore on the inside of my right cheek. It's in a place that hasn't bothered me before which, led me to believe things must be shifting around in there.
I had a weird dream the other night that the Ortho. took my expander out and my teeth
wiggled and then moved all out of place again. I guess as much as I want this thing out, it has brought some stability to me through this process.
I have been wondering lately how the Ortho will remove my expander. It seems like some of you have just had the wires cut and the bands stay on and others have had their bands removed. I'll have to ask him about this on the 16th so I can prepare myself for what lies ahead. I guess I don't really care either way, I would like the bands removed but, getting this thing out is all that matters. I can't wait to be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner without it. Mmmm!
So, I still have the triangle gap in my front teeth. I actually see the potential for the bottom of my front teeth to start overlapping. They were pretty even but, I see that one is a little more out than the other one. Does that make sense? The power chain is pulling them together but the bottom is as together as they can be without starting to crowd.
I guess he'll address this on the 16th too.
Today is Friday for me, I took tomorrow off and I have off Monday too. A nice long weekend ahead. Now if I can just relax and stop thinking about what's ahead!
I also noticed a new sore on the inside of my right cheek. It's in a place that hasn't bothered me before which, led me to believe things must be shifting around in there.
I had a weird dream the other night that the Ortho. took my expander out and my teeth
wiggled and then moved all out of place again. I guess as much as I want this thing out, it has brought some stability to me through this process.
I have been wondering lately how the Ortho will remove my expander. It seems like some of you have just had the wires cut and the bands stay on and others have had their bands removed. I'll have to ask him about this on the 16th so I can prepare myself for what lies ahead. I guess I don't really care either way, I would like the bands removed but, getting this thing out is all that matters. I can't wait to be able to eat Thanksgiving dinner without it. Mmmm!
So, I still have the triangle gap in my front teeth. I actually see the potential for the bottom of my front teeth to start overlapping. They were pretty even but, I see that one is a little more out than the other one. Does that make sense? The power chain is pulling them together but the bottom is as together as they can be without starting to crowd.
I guess he'll address this on the 16th too.
Today is Friday for me, I took tomorrow off and I have off Monday too. A nice long weekend ahead. Now if I can just relax and stop thinking about what's ahead!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Still patiently waiting
I've been fighting off a cold for the last few days, finally I'm feeling a bit better. I figured I would give a more detailed update today.
Since my SARPE, I feel that my gums are a little numb still. The most noticeable spots are around my 4 front teeth. A little bit above my front teeth on the outside but, mostly on the inside behind my front teeth. My right lateral incisor is still quite sensitive too. I very rarely chew on my right side (which I didn't prior to surgery either) but, when I try to, that tooth feels very very sensitive. Something has to be happening with the nerves in that area.
I still don't really bite into anything with my front teeth. I did try a few soft things just to test them out but, they are still quite sensitive and not as stable as I would like them to be.
I know things take time and I'm still only 4 months post op. I'm just anxious for things to start feeling 100%.
I think my biggest concern right now is my open bite. It seems to have gotten so much bigger since surgery. I didn't even realize how bad it had gotten until I compared the pictures. I'm hoping a stronger wire is going to help with it. I see the Ortho on the 16th and he told me at my last visit that he would be putting in a stainless steel wire this time. Has anyone had any open bite issues?
I hope that one day I won't have to cut everything up and eat it with a fork and knife. I went apple picking this weekend and it was so horrible not being able to take a bite out of a freshly picked apple. Maybe next year!!
I'm trying to look on the bright side this week. Although, I don't have a date to have my expander removed, he did say the beginning of November. I was thinking, even if I got an appt. to go back 4 weeks after my appt. on the 16th, that would only be 6 more weeks to deal with it. I can handle that (I think). So, I'm shooting to have it out on November 13th or sooner. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!!!
Since my SARPE, I feel that my gums are a little numb still. The most noticeable spots are around my 4 front teeth. A little bit above my front teeth on the outside but, mostly on the inside behind my front teeth. My right lateral incisor is still quite sensitive too. I very rarely chew on my right side (which I didn't prior to surgery either) but, when I try to, that tooth feels very very sensitive. Something has to be happening with the nerves in that area.
I still don't really bite into anything with my front teeth. I did try a few soft things just to test them out but, they are still quite sensitive and not as stable as I would like them to be.
I know things take time and I'm still only 4 months post op. I'm just anxious for things to start feeling 100%.
I think my biggest concern right now is my open bite. It seems to have gotten so much bigger since surgery. I didn't even realize how bad it had gotten until I compared the pictures. I'm hoping a stronger wire is going to help with it. I see the Ortho on the 16th and he told me at my last visit that he would be putting in a stainless steel wire this time. Has anyone had any open bite issues?
I hope that one day I won't have to cut everything up and eat it with a fork and knife. I went apple picking this weekend and it was so horrible not being able to take a bite out of a freshly picked apple. Maybe next year!!
I'm trying to look on the bright side this week. Although, I don't have a date to have my expander removed, he did say the beginning of November. I was thinking, even if I got an appt. to go back 4 weeks after my appt. on the 16th, that would only be 6 more weeks to deal with it. I can handle that (I think). So, I'm shooting to have it out on November 13th or sooner. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!!!
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