Day 32 Life Goes On

Here is the size difference between the
bands that I have to wear. The smaller one
I couldn't open my mouth to speak.
Thankfully the bigger one that I got
switched to last week, I can speak
no problem, but I take them out to eat.

I know, I'm a week late with this post! And... I forgot to ask my ortho for those pre braces pics!!!!! I'm horrible, I know! I will have to tie a string around my finger for my next appointment to remember! Next appointment date: July 30th. The last appointment was fairly uneventful. They really didnt do anything. But they noticed I'm missing a bracket in the very back, but aren't too worried about it right now, they'll fix it next time. I got new elastics too, a little bit bigger, so I can open my mouth easily and talk.

I asked how much longer he thinks I'll be in braces, he said 6-8 months. Disappointed!!!! It'll be 2 years already in September. I was really hoping they'd be off by Xmas. But, I'm sure it'll be nice to wait until my face settles, which he informed me that it takes up to 6 months. I'm beginning to like my results more and more every day, which I'm glad, I don't like feeling like I made a mistake.
As for my diet, I am enjoying soft meats, and tonight I had pizza! Yum! I've also been indulging in some melt in your mouth chocolate bars. I'm sure that 10lbs that I lost will be back in no time! Lol!

So, as the title of this post says, life goes on. I am pretty much back in my normal routines of life, although I have ALOT of housework to catch up on. It's coming along. My only real complaint is I do ache a little bit at night while I sleep, so I am not getting a very restful slumber as it wakes me up often throughout the night.

Sorry for such a late update! I'll be back in a week with a new post! XoXo

Day 24 Stubborn Bruises

On my computer this photo looks too over-
exposed so you can't really see it, but on
my iPad it's fine, so hopefully you all can
see it just fine. I will get some better shots
on Friday, and a side profile pic. Also,
I hope I don't forget to get the ortho's
"before" pics of me.

It's been just over 3 weeks since my surgery and these bruises are so frustrating! The dark ones are completely gone, it's the lighter ones that are so stubborn! They are yellow, on my neck, chin and chest. Good news is, I can hide them a little bit with makeup, thank goodness. 2 days ago I went out for dinner and bowling for my mom's birthday, I have attached a photo, just to show how well I can disguise the bruising, and hide the fact that I just had surgery on my face only weeks ago! However, there is still swelling under my chin and slightly on the sides of my face. I am very anxious for it to disappear, but from the research I have done, apparently it can take up to 6 months for my face to settle and take it's true shape. That means I'll be waiting until December! Also, my smiling seems a little restricted, and looks a little bit funny. I'll post a smiling picture eventually... 
The numbness in my lip hasn't changed, however I don't really notice it anymore, unless I'm thinking about it. I do however have to constantly be conscious of food being on it, that may become an embarrassing problem.
When I go to the orthodontist on Friday I will be sure to ask him if I will eventually learn to speak properly again, I struggle with certain words, and I find that I spit all over when i talk excitedly, another embarrassing detail. I'm hoping it'll eventually fix itself. I'm not sure if I've already mentioned also, that swallowing is a challenge. I suppose my muscles just need to learn their new positions.
I hope you all are having a fabulous week, I will be back Friday to update you on what happened at the orthodontist! Cheers!

Day 18 Bruises Fading

First off, I should say how my little jaunt on the elliptical was. I could only do about 10mins, only because after breaking a sweat, all the swollen areas were itchy and tingly, just unpleasant period. Then afterwards I felt nauseous, and I think the reason for that is not eating enough. I had a bowl of soggy cereal afterwards and felt much better. So instead of the elliptical today, I went for a nice walk, and then a few not too strenuous body weight exercises at home. Nothing major.

So, today I've been having alot of pain in the side of my face on one side. Not pleasant, but hopefully it'll calm down tomorrow. I think I may have pulled a muscle or something.

It's the long weekend! I'm going to get brave and go out in public, it's supposed to be hot out (hopefully that doesn't affect my swelling) I don't want to waste it by sitting at home all weekend! So I may not have any new posts for a few days!

Day 17 Cabin Fever

Not much to update today, only that I am tired of being cooped up in the house, hiding out because of my bruises. But they are fading! When I got up this morning, my 5 year old son said "Hey mom! Your neck is green!" Oh gee, thanks lol.



I think this evening I'm going to hop on my elliptical trainer and start getting back into a workout routine. I just need to make sure I don't over-do it, I can just see it, my face swelling up like a balloon and practically bursting. I just can't stand sitting around anymore. Once my bruises are gone, or at least hardly noticeable, I am going to get outside and power walk until I feel ok with running.

I definitely won't push myself too hard though until I talk to the orthodontist on the 5th of July when I go for my appointment. Pretty sure after that appointment I can take my bands out permanently! Yay!! I am also going to ask for the 'before' front and side profile pics that they took at the ortho office at the very beginning of this journey.


I took a couple pics today just to show the bruising and swelling, it is improving more and more every day. I'm was in my pj's all day, so.... sorry lol.


Day 16 Regrets??

I sure hope I didn't make the HUGEST mistake of my life. Is hugest even a word? Anyway, I really don't like how my bottom lip sits. I don't know if I have given myself a complex or what, or if it just looks funny because it's only been a little over 2 weeks and I'm swollen. Will I be happy with the results when the braces come off??! Oh I really hope so because right now, I am wishing I didn't do it. I wonder if any one else can relate to this feeling? Everyone that I ask swears up and down that it doesn't look funny and that I didn't make a mistake but I don't know. As if anyone is going to tell me that I look stupid and I looked better before. ARGHH so frustrated today!!!! It's not like I can undo what has been done. *sigh*



And to update on how healing is coming along, much to my disappointment, I'm still completely numb, no signs of life on that front. And my bruises are turning all yellow and gross. Also I still have my square face from the persistent swelling. I've been going to bed with a heated bean bag around my neck trying to get blood flowing through to flush out the bruising and who knows, maybe the swelling too. I knew I'd feel gloomy but some days I tell ya...... *le sigh*

Bruising is looking quite icky

Still square faced. Can't wait for that to be gone.

Day 14 UGHHH

It's day 14. And I am already getting fed up with all of this.
I have a hard swollen lump on the left side of my face that just won't go away. It's frustrating. I also have a constant headache that nothing helps take it away. I'm thinking maybe I should start taking a multivitamin every day. I get dizzy and head rushes when I stand up too fast. Pretty sure that's a sign of bad nutrition. I am also super tired, I napped for 3-4 hrs today, as well as yesterday and I'm still uber tired. Today I ate yogurt, soggy cereal, cream of wheat, and a chocolate bar. Super healthy right? What I really crave is cheesies. The crunchy kind. Mmmmm.
When I woke up this morning, I was really sore again, but happy to report that my bruises improved a lot over night. Hopefully they'll heal fast from now on. Other than that, I really don't have much to report for today.

Day 13 Banana Bread & Chocolate Syrup

I am managing to get more food intake as the days go by! Which is good because I had almost all but given up. It took me about 15 minutes, but I ate a piece of banana bread. Yum! It took a long time because I still can't open my mouth more than half an inch, so it was just teensy piece after teensy piece.








I am a little bit ashamed to say it, but I've also used up an entire bottle of chocolate syrup in only 3 days. Some of it I used to make chocolate milk, but the rest was literally guzzled on it's own *blush*
I know I know, I'm an animal. But that's what happens when you don't eat properly! I'm just glad the bottle is empty now. I won't dare buy another!



I'm quite achy today in my jaw. As well as the incision sites are bothering me a little bit for the first time. I got brave and felt the inside a little more to see exactly where they cut me. It starts from as far back in my mouth as they could possibly go, and ends just under my eye teeth on both sides. I didn't realize it was that big of a cut. * shudder*
I am pretty much at the two week mark tomorrow. I weighed myself this morning, and I have lost about 7-8lbs. But that's not a big deal considering I gained a few before the surgery, so now I am where my weight is normally. I will be surprised if I lose much more because as of tomorrow I can start chewing very soft things, for example, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft rice dishes, and soft pasta dishes cut up to minimize chewing. It also depends probably on what I can fit in my mouth because I'm not supposed to force it open either. By the 4 week mark, I can up my diet to soft meats etc. and I should be able to fit two fingers in my mouth. Regular opening is anticipated at the 12 week mark, which isn't until September lol. I won't be able to bite or chew anything hard until that time as well. No apples or nuts or anything like that.

 

Today I found some video that I took back before I got my braces put on. I am trying to decide whether or not to upload it, or if I should just take some screenshots and post pictures.

 

 

Day 12 Fatigue

It was a fairly uneventful day. I kept my jaw banded most of the day, it feels better that way, as I believe I may have left my bands off too long yesterday and over did the talking. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I have a massive headache tonight, regular pain killers aren't helping, so I am wondering if some of my leftover morphine would do the job. Ick.
I took a couple photos of myself this morning. Questioning again whether I made a mistake or not. Time will tell..... I'm just not sure if I like where my bottom lip sits now.
Oh! I ate Rice Krispies for breakfast and lunch! Soggy cereal, but it was still delicious!!
Early bedtime for this girl.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

 

I still have a bit of a square face, hoping the swelling disappears sooner than later!!

Day 11 Electricity

Another day, another bruised and swollen face.
Sleeping in a bed definitely has it's down sides, like, a little more morning swelling and pain. But that could be due to the fact that I woke up this morning laying on the side of my face (OMG) Gypse came in this morning (after graciously sleeping on the couch again) and was like, wake up you're on your face!!! I don't even know if I'm allowed to sleep on it! But I'm too afraid to anyway!
Late this afternoon I took the bands out for quite a few hours because my mom and brother & sister were visiting, and I wanted to talk without spitting all over through gritted teeth. I ended up putting the bands back in because my jaw actually started getting quite fatigued. When I talk I have sort of a lisp now, which hopefully will go away after I learn how to use my new mouth. Near the end of the day I've also been noticing weird electricity feeling sensations in the numb part of my lip and chin. I'm really hoping it's some sort of a good sign of awakening in the nerve.
I should add one thing I learned today, if I accidentally strain my mouth open too far, it sends an electric shock type pain into the side of my jaw near my ear. Not a pleasant sensation. I can still barely open my mouth, only enough to fit ibuprofen and Tylenol in.
Tomorrow I will take a couple of pictures just to update on the bruising and the swelling. Today I am looking like a bit of a troll, so I would rather not.

Day 10 The Light Switch

Before my surgery I remember my surgeon telling me that most people have a light switch go on at the 10 day mark. Who'da thunk it. He was exactly right! I feel pretty much 100% back to my old self today.
Zero pain, energized, happy.
The only real reminder I have that I had the surgery is when I look in the mirror and that I'm still elastic shut. And the fact that my lip and chin are completely numb on the right side.
I really hope the feeling comes back. There's been no signs of any life other than phantom itches that I can't scratch. I will be very disappointed if the feeling doesn't come back, there's a 20% chance that it won't. It feels pretty much exactly the same as when the dentist freezes you. I feel like my lip is huge.
Positive thoughts. At least it's not the entire lip. I have caught myself drooling on it though, and I've dribbled drinks off of that side.
Another milestone: I slept in my own bed for the first time last night! I fell asleep almost instantly when my head hit the pillow. I had a hot bean bag wrapped around my neck hoping it'll help with the bruises. I was too afraid that Gypse would hit me in the face in his sleep, so he offered to sleep on the couch. It was a fabulous sleep. I woke up refreshed and my neck is not nearly as stiff. I can probably drive again no problem.
I had one problem though, the lack of water and proper sleep caught up with me not long after I woke up, I started seeing shattered glass/sparkly auras. Good thing I can take my bands off and fit pills in my mouth, here comes a migraine!! Arghh! Curse!!! Hiss!!

In this picture, I highlighted in blue exactly where my numbness is. Much easier to show than to explain. I should also add, that is not me in the picture lol.

Day 9 Post Op

First appointment back at the orthodontist today.
My dad offered to take me in instead of Gypse and the kids. My neck is still too stiff to drive, and I'm afraid of falling asleep at the wheel. I definitely wasn't passing up on that. A break from everything would be nice. Maybe some peace and quiet.
My appointment was a little embarrassing. I walked in and all the assistants and secretaries and the orthodontist are all surrounding me, smiling excitedly.
"Oh you look sooooo good!!! Oh you look so different, you are going to look beautiful!"
I pulled my scarf up over my face to hide my flushing face.
I wonder if when I left, they all huddled in a circle saying, oh my god she made a huge mistake, what have we made her do???
Heads are gonna roll if that's the case lol.

Afterwards I went for some retail therapy at the dollar store, and my dad gave me $20 for the casino. I sure love those penny slots.

I seen an old friend with his entire family at walmart later on. I was so embarrassed because I probably look like such a fool. I haven't seen him in so many years, but it felt good seeing someone from long ago that I have been missing and thinking about over the years.

All in all, today was the best day I've had so far since the surgery. I had a nice break from the kids and husband, and my orthodontist fixed my band hooks to make it easier to re-band. He even told me I can have the bands off just for a break from them from time to time during the day. It's amazing how much my mood has changed today.
In two weeks I won't even have to have the bands on anymore!

When I got home, I took my bands out for about 15mins. Took some photos and checked myself out in the mirror. Feeling a little bit excited now! It's amazing how my bite has changed! I feel happy enough to almost cry.
I can't explain how good it feels to not feel so gloomy and angry anymore.
I should also add, I must be getting used to the lack of food, all I've had today is a small smoothie and 2 Ensures, and it's really not bothering me that much anymore.

Here's a few of the pictures that I took while the bands were out. Oh, and by the way, I put them back in like a pro! 20 seconds and they were in!!!

Still swollen obviously, but looking alot better!

And I apoligize for the goofy pics lol but I still can't smile much either because of the swelling.

BEFORE SURGERY PICS

Just a couple before shots. These selfies were taken only days before my surgery. I'll get more "before" pics on this blog as I find them. Hopefully I have a side profile shot somewhere. At the very beginning of the blog I have some pre braces pictures put up.

4:30am Ouch.

I took some of my leftover Tylenol 3s before I sat on my recliner ready for bed tonight. My back and neck hurt soooo bad. But I put on the True Blood season premier that I was too tired to watch last night, and it wasn't long before I was somewhat comfortable.
Went to sleep no problem afterward. On the couch recliner. Sitting up to sleep is getting to be a literal pain in my back, but I will remain sleeping this way until all my swelling is gone. Hurry and be gone!! Oh how I long to lay my head down *sad face*
Gahh! It's almost 5am now. My 3am alarm woke me up. I'm glad my antibiotics are almost done. And I'm glad I saved some morphine. Yowzers, my face hurts tonight. Maybe I was sleeping slumped on it? Seems a little more swollen too.
Thankful today. For leftover narcotics! Arghh!

Hunger Pangs

I thought I'd better add, by day 8, a blenderized double cheeseburger sounds DIVINE

Day 8 post op

First Visit Back to the Surgeon

Today was my first check up since the surgery. I twiddled my thumbs the entire way to the clinic, which is about an hour from my house. My ears have changed since the surgery. They react differently to altitude changes now. Will I never have to yawn like a fool to get them to pop anymore? They seemed to by popping quite regularily on their own.

The whole way, I was cranky.

I was snippy.

Called Gypse a Jackass several times.

I was afraid of how my face was going to react when they took out the bands that are holding my mouth cemented shut. I almost feel like my jaw is going to just hang down, lifeless, swaying back and forth by a thread. *shudder*

Shake that thought.

It really wasn't bad at all. Aside from not being able to say who I am, or say I was heading to the washroom, all was well.

I stealthfully cried when he cut the bands out and handed me a toothbrush and some mouthwash. Good thing they left me alone in that room for awhile. I had to wipe away several tears. The whole thing was strange. I have someone else's lower face. It feels completely foreign. I tried to get the toothbrush inside my mouth to finally get my tongue scrubbed clean (and oh my freaking lord was it NASTY) but apparently my mouth refuses to open more than about half an inch. Another alien feeling. Not being able to open your own mouth. I have to re train my jaw. My mouth was shaking like a leaf. I couldn't talk. I don't know where to put my tongue, or how to move my mouth when I speak. No different than being wired shut, really. I felt a little bit stupid.

The doctor came in, put my bands back in. Wired shut again. But not so tightly. I am allowed to take them off when I want to eat, or clean my mouth. But otherwise, the bands STAY ON. The liquid diet continues also. Chewing is 100% forbidding. I'm too afraid to anyway. There's a lot of strange clicking and creaking in my bones.

Apparently my orthodontist is taking over from here. There is no need to go back to see the surgeon unless I want to. Maybe this will go by more quickly than I realize.

　

Roll on a couple of hours, and I'm sitting at home. Way less cranky, I feel like there is a weight lifted off my face, just because I CAN take off the bands if I chose.

The kids go to bed.

I'm excited to clean my mouth.

Yay!

Off the the bathroom, baby toothbrush, toothpaste, tongue scrapers. My rubber bands.

Off they go!! But I still can't get a baby brush in there, but that's ok, I'll make due for now. It'll get better. I can't force these things.

Time to put the bands back in. The doctor showed me how. Took him less than 20 seconds. Piece. Of. Cake.....

Right?!!!

WRONG!!

I couldn't get them back on. My mouth is still swollen, it's hard to peel back my cheek to hook them up! Not to mention the incisions are all along my gumline almost to the front.

That's where I lost it.

I went mad. Insane.

I sobbed like I don't remember the last time I sobbed like that.

I wailed loudly. Everyone in the house heard it. Including Gypse who was sitting in front of me looking stunned.

I was stunned at myself for losing it like that.

And I just couldn't stop. But I am so thankful to have my husband there to pull me back when I'm losing it. And my son. My 5 year old boy wonder who heard the commossion, came in and with the most worried look I've ever seen on his face, handed me his Tigger and told me that it will be alright. God I love my kids. They're amazing.

And with that, I pulled myself together slowly, and with Gypse's help, got those bands back in where they belong!!!!

Such a traumatizing experience! I don't want to take them off anymore!

I'm so glad I go in to the orthodontist tomorrow. I hope this gets easier.

It will.

I know it will.

 

Day 7 Post-Op!!

Sunday June 16

My mom went home last night, after staying here babysitting since last Sunday, and Gypse was working graveyard til 630am this morning, so last night and today I cannot believe the depression that has swept over me! I have cried several times. Looking at my big black ugly bruises, questioning what I've done. Even cried in the bath dreading washing my own hair. I stopped taking my morphine and t3s the other night, but I took some regular strength Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Even my birth control. All mixed in one concoction in a shot glass. Won't be doing that again, horrible horrible flavor flavs.

I didn't eat much today other than a few Ensures (which bother my tummy, Boost is the way to go) and I got desperate and liquified some of last nights casserole, drank about half a cup of that. It was strangely satisfying. I had to also make a huge 4 cup smoothie with banana, frozen peach, frozen berries, yogurt, almond milk and frozen strawberries, just so I could get my strength back up and not feel like I want to faint anymore. I have to strain my smoothies though, otherwise my teeth get all clogged up. Not sure how many rubber bands are holding my mouth closed but it looks like ALOT. On both sides. I took a couple pictures, I look like I got beat up in a huge brawl lol.



 There is a bruise goes all the way down the center of my chest to my tank top shirt line. It's a little bit greenish. Hopefully that means it'll only start healing instead of getting worse. 

I also have to report that I haven't drank nearly as much water today as I have been all week, which I'm wondering if that is contributing to the fact that my tongue hurts so much and feels lumpy and gross. Almost like it's covered in bumps or blisters. Also, I haven't worn ice packs most of the day yesterday and today but half the day it has felt like my lower jaw weighs 100lbs, and alot of tension inside. Sort of feel like I have horse reigns on. I will be more sensitive the next time I ride a horse. Maybe from no pain meds? And lack of ice? Also feels super hot. Maybe my feeling is coming back.

Anyhow, really hoping I get back to myself soon. I was a cranky bitch today. Here's to a better tomorrow! 

Which reminds me! I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow! Guess we'll see how things are coming along!!!! I am scared to let them touch me!!

 

Tomorrow I will post some pre-op stuff. I'll dig up all my pre profile and pre braces stuff. It's getting so late now. My eyes are bloodshot. Time to watch True Blood :)

Day 1-6

June 10-15

The last 22 months have been leading up to this. The day of my surgery. To align my bite, and to give me a nice profile.

For many years, I've always admired beautiful jaw lines and chins. My surgeon had asked me if I wanted a chin implant, but I said no, I think that would be too much. Plus, I think I've invested enough money in my face lol.

So, Day 1, hours before surgery. I had to be at the hospital by 8am, and hadn't been allowed to eat since midnight. No makeup, freshly showered. Besides being hungry, the drive in to Kelowna was OK. Then my husband dropped me off at the front doors so he could go park. I went in by myself. Went up the elevator by myself. Registered at the surgical registration, and went to sit in the waiting area. I could feel the tears burning up in my eyes. But I'm not going to cry. Watching the elevator doors. I will not cry. You are not a cryer girlfriend.
Cell phone vibrates. It's dad.
"Paige I will be thinking about you. Everything will go just fine"

*looks over at elevator* It opens and out steps Gypse. And here comes the water works! So much for being strong.
Moments later the nurses call me to get interviewed and change into hospital duds etc. Then back to the waiting room, waiting for my surgeon. At this point I'm hoping for a cancellation. But no such luck. Finally, an hour later, I'm called into the operating room.
It's a huge blur from there. I cried the entire walk to the room, the nurses tried to console me, but not too much. I walked in the HUGE silver room, looked alien. There were 5 or 6 people dressed in blue. Including my surgeon and the anesthesiologist. I felt so strange and afraid. I laid down like they asked. Began to hyperventilate. Breathing HARD and fast. I could barely answer their questions. What if I don't wake up? What if I can't handle the consequences of all this? The anesthesia guy begins poking and prodding. I'm shaking like I leaf looking for exits in the room. Would have bolted right then and there if they hadn't hooked me up to the dizzy stuff. Told them "I'm freaking terrified" and don't remember anything else.

Only waking up in recovery.

It was SO bright. I couldn't open my eyes. I could feel the ice packs on the side of my face and it felt like absolute torture. I can't explain how waking up felt, it was a weird kind of pain. I checked the clock thinking what the hell, I should still be in surgery?? I was only in 45mins instead of the 90mins that I was told it would take. The nurses kept asking me about my pain level. Out of 10? I said 7 or 8, but it was more. I just didn't want to look like a baby. I heard her say to give me enough for the ride back to my room. Then off I went. Being wheeled off. Feeling like a fool in front of the good looking man nurses. Feeling lonely and confused and scared. Where was my husband? We got to my room, and transferred me to my new bed. It is all a blur. I passed out. I don't know for how long. According to Gypse I had already been in my room almost an hour when he finally found me. I only remember opening my eyes and seeing him running in, worry written all over his face. Passed out again. I woke up a few times to text people and type things to Gypse. But really, it was a huge blur. I enjoyed receiving my morphine. Brought a euphoric and comfortable sleepy feeling. I needed it. I remember waking up sometimes, hearing Gypse and someone talking about me, seeing their sillouettes in my squinting vision. But I'd just pass out immediately.

Night time came. Gypse was tired. He sat there all day while I slept. Just watching me. I told him to go. Go eat. Go sleep. He was off to spend the night at my sisters. And then I was alone. I am thankful for the young night nurses though. They are much more caring and understanding than the tough veterans. She cared about getting me my pain meds. Even though I felt stupid asking for it. What a long night, up every 2-3 hrs. Thinking. Playing Candy Crush. Checking Facebook. I think the morphine was doing a little more than easing my pain!

Morning came. Gypse was there by 7am, just so he wouldn't miss my surgeon. Which he almost did anyway! Dr. Naito said it couldn't have gone better and that he expected me to heal fast. He seemed happy with everything. I didn't even have any questions. What's done is done I suppose. He asked if I wanted to go home. I said of course. I was out by noon. After 80% coverage on my meds, I still paid $89.00 out of pocket. Prescriptions are crazy expensive!! Yikes!

I tried to sleep on the way home, but I just listened to the lyrics of all the songs that played instead. I was anxious, but extremely nervous to go home. I looked like I was wearing a fat suit, so it was tough. I have self esteem issues as it is. I was SWOLLEN.

We pulled in the driveway and of course my youngest little girl was EXTATIC that I was home. She wanted hugs, kisses, the whole nine yards. I was just nervous of being touched at all.
I felt a little hyper, but I cried while explaining the process and how it made me feel, the operation, the recover room. I sat in my living room most of the day. But I was so tired. Gypse moved my recliner into the bedroom, and I went in and crashed hard. Ice packs surrounding my face. Alarms set for medications. iPad and phone nearby.

Basically this is how it's been all week. I went to my sons preschool grad on the 4th day. I was dizzy. Couldn't drive. Almost couldn't stand up on my own. Worried how people were looking at me.

I go outside everyday. Water my flowers and my garden. Even watered the grass. My teenage daughter seemed to have it out for me though. She had me hyperventilating in the bathroom on my 6th day. That's a whole other story.

Here's some pics of how the week progressed:

I look like a freaking bearded lady! So embarrassing! It's like I woke up from a bad hangover or something!! A mean college prank!!

How I Got Here

Back in 2011, I decided I wanted to fix my teeth. Get braces. I felt like a fool being a grown up in pursuit of a metal mouth, but I've always been so self conscious of my smile. I have the money now, so why not!?
Too bad it wasn't that simple. My orthodontist strongly suggested surgery on my jaw to align my bite, because braces alone just won't do the job.

Click Here for animation video of what exactly is happening

My instincts told me to do it. So, without much thought, I said yes!

Braces $6500
Wisdom removal $1100
Fuel and cost for countless appointments : roughly $3000
Surgery $4300

Total $15,000

Yikes

I'll go faint now.....

PRE BRACES

 

 This is from Christmas 2010. 9 months pre braces

 

 

 

 

 

This one is about 5 months pre braces

 

 

 

 

 

And this one is 3 days pre braces.