So last time I wrote that I might get to go home (this was on Thursday). I had been in a lot of pain earlier that day as the oral medication wasn't doing much to relieve my symptoms and the IV medication lasted only for a while. By the time Dr. McPhillips came to see me I was feeling pretty good since they had just given me something with steroids to help with the swelling. He said it was up to me whether to stay or go. I decided that being home with my family would lift my spirits and help me recover so we left the hospital around 7.
During the car ride home, my face started throbbing again. By the time I got home my pain started steadily increasing again. I loved seeing my family and it definitely brought my spirits up. But ultimately we ended up going to the ER that night because the pain was just unbearable.
Luckily the ER was pretty quiet so I was admitted almost immediately. We were there until about 5am. I didn't want to leave because I was worried the pain still wasn't under control but I had a follow up appointment at 10 with the surgeon so that gave me some comfort.
We woke up at 9 after just 4 hours of sleep and my pain had already increased. By the time we got to his office I sort of had a breakdown because of everything that was going on. He was upset because he said we could've come into the office instead of the ER and he could've treated me, but we didn't know. I told him we didn't want to bother him and he said that I wasn't a bother, in fact, I was the only patient he was seeing that day. He is a wonderful doctor and I recommend him to anyone seeking maxillofacial surgery.
He proceeded to treat me with an IV in his office, rehydrating me and giving me some pain medication. He also gave me some shots to numb my entire mouth that were supposed to last 6 to 12 hours.
I was in such good spirits after that we went to IHOP and I had some mashed potatoes with gravy and smoothie king. Then we went to Ross so that I could walk around a bit (he encourages walking as much as possible to help with the healing process). Long story short, I was back at his office at 5pm because I still couldn't control the pain, despite having taken 6 hydrocodone and all my other medications. When the Dr. heard that, he was alarmed and said he has never had a patient go through this before, and he's done over 800 of these surgeries. He treated me again like he did before and then he took out my nasal splints. I've heard that it feels like having your brain ripped out of your head, but honestly, it barely hurt in comparison to the pain I've been having. Then he prescribed some stronger meds to help with the pain management. I had a very rough night again last night because I did not feel like it was working. Luckily the pain meds knocked me out and apparently I slept for about 5 hours straight. I woke up at 4 this morning and the pain was not unbearable. I woke up again at 10 and I have been feeling okay ever since.
The strangest thing is that I feel drowsy all the time so I will slip into a dream state even though I'm not really completely asleep. Every time I wake up I feel disoriented. But I have family around so it's not scary. And the food situation is not bad at all. I don't even feel like eating solid food because of the pain so my smoothies are hitting the spot.
Anyway, sorry for the super long post but it has been very eventful since the last post. I am feeling better now though and I am confident that I will keep improving. Once again, I'd like to thank all my family and friends who have been contacting me and helping me through this tough time. Especially the love of my life, Angelo, who has been here with me even when I'm passed out to the point where my parents have to tell him to go to sleep and that I'll be okay. And also a shout out to my wonderful parents who have gone through all the ups and downs with me, only sleeping when I sleep, and keeping my spirits up by showing me their endless love. I would never have been able to do this without you. And of course I want to thank God that I even had the opportunity to have this procedure done and that I have an amazing support system made up of family and friends who will help me get through this. I am so blessed and grateful.
There are so many other things I'd like to share with you but for the sake of not making this post any longer, now I'll post what you really want to see since you haven't heard from me in a while... Pictures:
I'LL COME AFTER YOU IN YOUR DREAMS!! My dad and I.
Eating my delicious large smoothie king. Yes, I finished it ALL.
My first day at the hospital: Taryn came to visit and brought me some presents to keep my spirit up.
Right after surgery, they have these ice packs on my cheeks to help with the swelling.
My second night there: My love and I posing with a turtle pillow that Taryn brought me. I love his smile here!
Self explanatory lol
Back at home, Thursday night. I'm super swollen and in pain. And no, I can't close my mouth lol
This syringe has been a lifesaver. Makes eating easier since I can feel my lips. I'm less likely to make a mess this way.
A side view of my face, on the way to the doctor's office.
Watson and I.
Hanging out with Biscuit with my AMAZING Tervis cup that Jennifer got for me. Aside from the syringe, it is the only cup I can drink out of without making a huge mess. It's kind of like an adult sippy cup....
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