I hardly post anymore although I was sure I always would.
It's weird now when I look back and remember what it was like to be pre op and then post op. It's weird when I think about how different everything was, how different I was.
They say you're never handed more than you can handle in your life and I have to admit that I never understood that or believed it until recently. This was the year or realization that I thought I couldn't survive and would never make it through. Somehow I survived.
I won't bore you with the details but to all those of you reading my blog with that anxiety of the unknown, I promise you life gets better after jaw surgery. The journey isn't a simple one, and it's not easy, but you'll get through it and when you do you'll be happy you stuck to it.
It'll be a year since my jaw surgery is October and I hardly think about it except for the rare occasion when I get some TMJ pain from talking too much or chewing something too hard. It's not constant like it used to be. Every day is easier not having to think about jaw surgery. I like my face for the first time in my life probably because it's the face I feel like I was suppose to have, or the face I had before my jaws decided to shift around.
I am forever grateful that I had support when I needed it while going through this process. That is why I want to stress that if you're going through this, don't be afraid to talk to someone about it, someone who will understand where you're coming from.
Terra
Well said Terra! I am 8 months out and when I look back, I think of how far I've come. The post op braces treatment seemed to take over my life and I have never felt so down about everything. I got my braces off two weeks ago and it's like the fog has lifted. While it's been a tough journey, the reward is amazing! A lifetime of smiles.
ReplyDeleteKeep on smiling!
Terra, I'm a 21 year old from the states that came across your blog through a Google search. What I found was incredible... I went through only a fraction of your blog, but I already feel more comforted.
ReplyDeleteI went through an anterior open bite surgery July 24th. I'm 3 weeks post op and I have an additional 3 weeks wired shut. What I appreciated most about discovering you and your journey, is that I now feel less alone. I'm more hopeful for the future, especially seeing how beautifully things turned out for you.
Being wired shut is probably one of the most demanding things I've ever had to deal with. I can't say how much I miss regular food, and how I'd do anything to be able to be myself and speak clearly to my loved ones. One thing I'm looking forward to is to be able to sing while I play guitar again.
Seeing you and your progression made me teary-eyed. Maybe it was the swelling, or the slightly shorter face, but I didn't feel like me. I sure as hell didn't think I looked the same, but maybe it's all too early to tell. I got a great reassurance from a friend that told me so much of my personality and who I am is being restricted, and when I'm unwired I'll be the same charismatic guy I always am.
You've been through this, you've been through two corrective surgeries. I was fortunate to only need one. What would you say to someone 3 weeks post op with 3 more weeks wired shut? I loved this post, and I can't tell you how much you've already helped me... Throw me a bone, and remind me why we did this, and what bright stories the road ahead holds.
An incredible thank you and god bless, Terra.
~Ken