Almost 5 months Post surgery!

 Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone has been enjoying the holiday season. I wanted to check back in with everyone on my progress.

12/10

-So eating has been a journey again. I couldn't chew again for about 2-3 weeks since my last post. I reached out to my surgeon and I started back on an anti-inflammatory (Difusional) and went back to physical therapy. Physical therapy is sooooo helpful. I absolutely love it. I have learned that the right side of my mouth/ jaw area is more numb than my left. I noticed that if I chew, that it is only on the left side of my mouth. After doing some exercises, I realize that my right side is still pretty numb. 

12/23

- I unfortunately am not chewing the past few days again. I am sitting at my desk icing my left side of my face. I do not know what happened, probably slept on it funny or clenched my teeth at night, but the pain is back without even chewing. 

- I am still rocking the PT and dry needling. Y'all have to try it if you have TMJ pain. It may hurt at first, but it is really helpful later on. If you have had the surgery, do PT after you hit your deductible lol 

-I bought new pillows again as many with similar issues know, our pillows are important! I am not sure they are the "perfect" pillows for my jaw, but for right now it works.

-My surgeon wants me out of braces ASAP so I can get into a night time bite guard. I have an appointment next week so we shall see what the orthodontist says.

-5 months later and my chin is still numb and my lower lip is tingly, but I know it will still heal in time.

-To be super honest with everyone, I am happy that I no longer wear a bite splint 24/7, but I am still healing and I still have issues. I am hopeful and know they will fade with time, but this surgery is no joke and changed my life forever. 

Here is the most updated photo comparison:

Left: Day before Surgery

Right: 5 months after surgery