3 Months

It feels very odd to say that I had my jaw surgery 3 Months ago.  I have certainly come a long way in terms of healing,  but it doesn't seem that the operation was that long ago as it is still a very relevant part of my daily life. I mean, I still think of my jaw/mouth multiple times throughout the day.  Be it in regards to pain, stiffness,  or difficulty with functional things like talking and eating.
I'm not trying to complain!  I knew going in that this was not going to be a surgery with a rapid recovery. But I also know that everyone around me must be sick of hearing about it by now! :)

So improvements... 

• I'm now eating cut up small bites of ground hamburger so red meat has been added back into my diet (!) 
• I'm seeing a physical therapist to help with jaw movement, after last week's session I opened to almost 30 mm (!) [Goal 40-50mm] 
• Talking feels much improved.  Although with work days longer than 8 hrs I still find myself fatiguing and avoiding long conversations. 
• The swelling is pretty much gone from my face. I feel like from straight on the right and left cheek/jaw are no more asymmetrical than they were before surgery. My nose is a little broader, but that's just vanity...maybe I'm breathing better and don't even realize it ;)

Of course I feel like when I can finally get my braces off, then it will feel like it is really all behind me. The Orthodontist says hopefully September *fingers crossed*

April ( &  January 

Day 81: Getting some Help

Has it really been 81 days since surgery??  Well this week brought several positives as far as healing.

• Have you heard of dry needling?  It is a modality administered within Physical Therapy for trigger point and muscle spasm relief.  (You have to be certified to do this!) Essentially it is the use of an acupuncture needle to go into the muscle belly to help release the trigger point and to stimulate the body's natural healing.  A friend of mine did a couple sessions of dry needling to each of my masseters, which has brought some pain relief!
• I also was able to find a Physical therapist to help me with some manual therapy to regain my jaw opening. I saw her a few days ago for the evaluation and was a bit surprised to find out how much my neck has actually tightened up through this whole processes. You know when you haven't realized that you are twisting your whole body around while driving to check your blind spot until someone asks you about it? :) Turns out that has been a contributor to all the muscle tightness around my mouth/jaw.  She did a little bit of gentle manual therapy work and gave me some new exercises to work on as it turns out I was being WAY to aggressive trying to force my jaw opening and I was actually doing more damage than good (which is why healthcare providers really should not "treat" themselves, but always find a skilled practitioner).
• No news on the food front. I'm still managing a soft food diet, but it is really so much better than squeezing liquids into my mouth with a syringe that I can't complain!

Its also hard to be upset about anything when the sun is shining and it feels like spring is finally here!  I see the Orthodontist again in a couple days, so I should have another update soon!