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Hi Mom;
As previously reported, I got the results from my post-surgical sleep study and I am still very happy, excited, and grateful for these amazing results.
However, since then a couple of people have asked me about the specific differences between my pre-surgical sleep study and the post-surgical sleep study, so I thought I'd break it down and show you how "worth it" this whole "Excellent Adventure" was!
The figure on the left represents the before (4/28/08) sleep study, and the one on the right in bold represents the after (8/25/08) sleep study:
Sleep Efficiency Index: 74.2% / 93.3%
Minimum 02 Saturation: 85% / 94.%
RDI: 24.5 events per hour / 4.8 events per hour
Impression: Moderately Sever Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Mild Snoring without significgant OSA.
Sleep Architecture:
# of Stage 1 Shifts: 87 / 25
# of Stage shifts: 208 / 107
# of Awakenings: 77 / 19
# of REM periods: 4 / 4
REM Latency: 66.5 min/ 68.5 min.
REM Latency minus Awake: 43.5 min. / 67.5 min.
Sleep Stages:
Stage 1: 32.1% / 7.9%
Stage 2: 38.2% / 56.7%
Stage 3: 3.2% / 3.2%
Stage 4: 0% / 0%
REM: 26.4% / 32.2%
Apnea Events: Obstructive
Number: 59 / 2
Index: 10.9 / .03
Mean Duration (sec): 27.6 / 11.5
Longest Duration (sec): 49.6 / 13.0
Occur in REM: 0 / 2
Occur in Non-REM: 59 / 0
REM Index: 0.0 / 1.0
Non-REM Index: 14.9 / 0.0
Hypopnea Events: Obstructive
Number: 69 / 29
Index: 12.8 / 4.5
Mean Duration (sec): 25.5 / 16.3
Longest Duration (sec): 50.1 /27.4
Occur in REM: 9 /15
Occur in Non-REM: 60 / 14
REM Index: 6.3 / 7.2
Non-REM Index: 15.1 / 3.2
Respritory Events with Arousals:
Total Events: Index 24.5 Total 132 / Index 4.8 Total 31
Non-REM Events: Index 30.5 Total 121 / Index 3.2 Total 14
REM Events: Index 7.7 Total 11 / Index 8.2 Total 17
Actually, I'm not 100% sure what it all means, but at least I can refer people here if they want to see what the results of my MMA/GA experience was.
Love:
Pinski
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Voot-Voot! The post-op Sleep Study results are in!
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We interrupt this (now-)monthly blog to bring you this important News Flash!!
Hi Mom!
Yes, as I mentioned in my last blog, my recovery has definately slowed down at this point. I didn't really see the need for weekly updates anymore, so I figured monthly updates would suffice.
However, I have good news about my apnea (or lack thereof!), and even though I'm a little over a week shy of an official monthly update, I just couldn't wait to tell you.
Quick back story:
I had scheduled my 3-month post-op followup sleep study at Bay Sleep Clinic in San Francisco for September 5th. As you may recall, my surgery was June 4th :-), however I got a call in the middle of last week from the lady at the sleep clinic, telling me they had a cancellation and asked if I wanted to come in that Friday night. At first I told her no - that I needed to wait the full 3 months, but thanked her for calling. Then, I got to thinking about it, so I called Dr KL who said it would be okay to do it a little early.
So, last Friday night I hopped on the bus and got to the sleep clinic at 9:30 sharp. After waiting much longer than I would have liked, the nice technician Mandy hooked me all up, and exactly 3.7 minutes later, I was fast asleep. I woke up once at 3 a.m. to go to the restroom, and before I knew it, 6 1/2 hours had passed and Mandy was waking me up, telling me I was done. Uh, I guess she was kicking me out....at 6:00a.m.!
She didn't say much about how I slept except for the fact that I snored lightly.
Before I left, she told me the results should be sent to Dr. KL at the beginning of next (this) week.
...and sure enough, they were.
It turns out P.Smitty was almost right. He said he didn't think I had any events anymore, which wasn't too far off.
Dr Li called me at work this afternoon with the good news.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . drumroll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . My RDI is 4.8!!!
How awesome is that?? I feel SO fortunate that my MMA surgery was such a success. He said my O2 level never fell below 94%, and that I only stopped breathing about twice an hour for like 11 seconds. I can live with that!!!
Then, he said "For someone your age, we can consider this a success". Uh, hem? My age???
Well, I knew what he meant and I thanked him for the great news. He is a great surgeon and a great human being in general.
Anyway, I just had to share the good news with you, Mama! I'll save the rest for the monthly update, coming soon to a blogspot near you!!
Love;
Pinski
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We interrupt this (now-)monthly blog to bring you this important News Flash!!
Hi Mom!
Yes, as I mentioned in my last blog, my recovery has definately slowed down at this point. I didn't really see the need for weekly updates anymore, so I figured monthly updates would suffice.
However, I have good news about my apnea (or lack thereof!), and even though I'm a little over a week shy of an official monthly update, I just couldn't wait to tell you.
Quick back story:
I had scheduled my 3-month post-op followup sleep study at Bay Sleep Clinic in San Francisco for September 5th. As you may recall, my surgery was June 4th :-), however I got a call in the middle of last week from the lady at the sleep clinic, telling me they had a cancellation and asked if I wanted to come in that Friday night. At first I told her no - that I needed to wait the full 3 months, but thanked her for calling. Then, I got to thinking about it, so I called Dr KL who said it would be okay to do it a little early.
So, last Friday night I hopped on the bus and got to the sleep clinic at 9:30 sharp. After waiting much longer than I would have liked, the nice technician Mandy hooked me all up, and exactly 3.7 minutes later, I was fast asleep. I woke up once at 3 a.m. to go to the restroom, and before I knew it, 6 1/2 hours had passed and Mandy was waking me up, telling me I was done. Uh, I guess she was kicking me out....at 6:00a.m.!
She didn't say much about how I slept except for the fact that I snored lightly.
Before I left, she told me the results should be sent to Dr. KL at the beginning of next (this) week.
...and sure enough, they were.
It turns out P.Smitty was almost right. He said he didn't think I had any events anymore, which wasn't too far off.
Dr Li called me at work this afternoon with the good news.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . drumroll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . My RDI is 4.8!!!
How awesome is that?? I feel SO fortunate that my MMA surgery was such a success. He said my O2 level never fell below 94%, and that I only stopped breathing about twice an hour for like 11 seconds. I can live with that!!!
Then, he said "For someone your age, we can consider this a success". Uh, hem? My age???
Well, I knew what he meant and I thanked him for the great news. He is a great surgeon and a great human being in general.
Anyway, I just had to share the good news with you, Mama! I'll save the rest for the monthly update, coming soon to a blogspot near you!!
Love;
Pinski
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
2 Month (8 week) update - Back to work for Pinski !
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Ola', Mama!
Holy Crap! Where did the time go? One day I'm on the couch watching "The Price is Right" with ice bags on my face, and before you know it, I'm back at work!
Man, I enjoyed not working, but truthfully I was getting a little bored that last (7th) week.
I am fortunate to have had so much time off, actually.
The feedback I'm getting at work (about my appearance) is very good. The general consensus is, is that I look more rested, a "little bit different", and a little bit younger. Hmmm. I guess that's pretty good, eh'?
My energy level is great. My boss told me that I didn't have to "hit the ground running" when I returned, but there is just so much to do that it's tough to pace myself. It also doesn't help that I'm a little on the hyper side, but so far I'm holding up pretty well. I need to build my stamina a little bit, but I'm doing pretty well and getting A LOT accomplished. They definately saved plenty for me to do so I wouldn't be bored upon my return :-)
As far as the MMA/GA part goes, I think any further recovery is going to be slow.
Now that the Ouch Bars are gone, and the swelling is pretty much gone, it's just going to be a matter of time for my nerve-endings to connect so I can get some feeling back in my mouth.
Right now, most of my top and bottom teeth are still numb, as is the roof of my mouth (my hard pallet) and most of the area around my chin.
All that numbness is still making it quite tough to eat, limiting what I can eat. Dr KL said that I shouldn't push it, because if I try to eat foods that are too hard, it could slow down the healing and even possibly cause a set back. Wouldn't want that, now, would I?
Needless to day, I still get kind of bummed around meal time.
....and one more sTrAnGe thing that's happening is my chapped lips....make that my chapped lip - *singular*. The top one is fine, but the bottom one gets all dry and always needs to be moisturized. I don't understand why that is, but I'm sure it'll get better eventually.
Oh!! ...and I booked a night at the Bay Sleep Clinic here in San Fran for my 3-month follow-up sleep study. I can't wait to know what my numbers are now. I'm bettin' they will be good. Paul thinks so too because he says I sleep quietly (even on my back) and I continue breathing without gasping, snoring or snorting.
....and I really don't feel exhausted any more. Tired? Sure, but at least I'm not falling asleep at the wheel on my way from home from work at 4:30 in the afternoon, like I once did. (uh, ya, I kept that from you for a *reason* ma!)
So, there you have it. I have made more interesting and informative updates, but this is all ya get this time.
much love;
Pinski
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Ola', Mama!
Holy Crap! Where did the time go? One day I'm on the couch watching "The Price is Right" with ice bags on my face, and before you know it, I'm back at work!
Man, I enjoyed not working, but truthfully I was getting a little bored that last (7th) week.
I am fortunate to have had so much time off, actually.
The feedback I'm getting at work (about my appearance) is very good. The general consensus is, is that I look more rested, a "little bit different", and a little bit younger. Hmmm. I guess that's pretty good, eh'?
My energy level is great. My boss told me that I didn't have to "hit the ground running" when I returned, but there is just so much to do that it's tough to pace myself. It also doesn't help that I'm a little on the hyper side, but so far I'm holding up pretty well. I need to build my stamina a little bit, but I'm doing pretty well and getting A LOT accomplished. They definately saved plenty for me to do so I wouldn't be bored upon my return :-)
As far as the MMA/GA part goes, I think any further recovery is going to be slow.
Now that the Ouch Bars are gone, and the swelling is pretty much gone, it's just going to be a matter of time for my nerve-endings to connect so I can get some feeling back in my mouth.
Right now, most of my top and bottom teeth are still numb, as is the roof of my mouth (my hard pallet) and most of the area around my chin.
All that numbness is still making it quite tough to eat, limiting what I can eat. Dr KL said that I shouldn't push it, because if I try to eat foods that are too hard, it could slow down the healing and even possibly cause a set back. Wouldn't want that, now, would I?
Needless to day, I still get kind of bummed around meal time.
....and one more sTrAnGe thing that's happening is my chapped lips....make that my chapped lip - *singular*. The top one is fine, but the bottom one gets all dry and always needs to be moisturized. I don't understand why that is, but I'm sure it'll get better eventually.
Oh!! ...and I booked a night at the Bay Sleep Clinic here in San Fran for my 3-month follow-up sleep study. I can't wait to know what my numbers are now. I'm bettin' they will be good. Paul thinks so too because he says I sleep quietly (even on my back) and I continue breathing without gasping, snoring or snorting.
....and I really don't feel exhausted any more. Tired? Sure, but at least I'm not falling asleep at the wheel on my way from home from work at 4:30 in the afternoon, like I once did. (uh, ya, I kept that from you for a *reason* ma!)
So, there you have it. I have made more interesting and informative updates, but this is all ya get this time.
much love;
Pinski
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
6 Week Update - ...and doing pretty well !
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Hey, Mom!
Things are coming along pretty well. I thought that since the Ouch Bars have been removed, things would really change a lot (especially in the eating department), but they actually haven't all that much.
I suppose it was an unrealistic expectation to think that I could miraculously start eating a lot of food that I couldn't eat before, but I have since learned that it's just going to take time before I can eat like a normal person.
Since our company from Ireland has been here for the past few days, we have been going out to eat a lot, but it took a few meals to realize what I should have already known. When I "bite off more than I can chew" (ar,ar!) I wind up bummed with a really sore jaw, and being that I'm a slow learner, I've done this more times than I care to admit.
Let me just say: I desperately miss double-bacon cheeseburgers, pizza and steak! Oh well, I'll live....
Hey, Mom!
Things are coming along pretty well. I thought that since the Ouch Bars have been removed, things would really change a lot (especially in the eating department), but they actually haven't all that much.
I suppose it was an unrealistic expectation to think that I could miraculously start eating a lot of food that I couldn't eat before, but I have since learned that it's just going to take time before I can eat like a normal person.
Since our company from Ireland has been here for the past few days, we have been going out to eat a lot, but it took a few meals to realize what I should have already known. When I "bite off more than I can chew" (ar,ar!) I wind up bummed with a really sore jaw, and being that I'm a slow learner, I've done this more times than I care to admit.
Let me just say: I desperately miss double-bacon cheeseburgers, pizza and steak! Oh well, I'll live....
I know I've posted a series of "Before and After Pics", but I thought I'd just put some "Then and Now Pics" right here.
.......THEN..............
..........and NOW.
So, what do you think? Significant? Not? I'm still getting used to the different-looking me. I definately like my profile better (what with a chin now, and my nose it a little "tipped-up"), but from the front, I'm still trying to get used to it. My nose seems wider and I feel like my cheeks are chubbier, making my eyes seem sunken. I *do* like the fact that those deep smile lines on either side of my nose have softened. Some people say I look a little younger. Not as much as I'd like, but beggers can't be choosers!! :-)
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Sleep continues to be great, although I don't think I'm having much luck transitioning in to a "nose breather" as opposed to a "mouth breather", like Dr. KL said I probably would. I still wake up with a very dry mouth most of the time which is just like it used to be.
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Fortunately, I *think* I'm starting to get a little bit more feeling in the left side of my teeth which is enabling me to eat stuff a little bit easier. Still not EASY, but a little easier.
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We have had a great time with Vince and David and I think they've really been enjoying San Francisco and the Bay Area. They'll be heading back to Ireland (via NYC) on Saturday and I will have one more week before returning to work on the 28th. Hopefully, they'll have fond memories of their vacation, and if they forget any part of it, they can refer to the 1,754 pictures they took!! :-) kidding...
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Anyway, that's about it for now.
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Much love:
Pinski
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Friday, July 11, 2008
Week 5(ish). Goodbye Ouch Bars!!
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Hi Mom!
Before...................................After!! Ta-Dah!!
Left to Right: Linda, Daisy, Moi', Juanita and Dr Li. (A fine lookin' bunch, they are!)
...so it will be a good way to start building my stamina so it won't be so tough getting back to work.
Hi Mom!
Sorry I'm a little late with my weekly update, but I wanted to wait a few days so I could also include the good news that I got my Ouch Bars taken out today. Yay!
Before...................................After!! Ta-Dah!!
Actually, it was a pretty easy procedure. Other doctors actually consider it an out-patient surgical procedure, but this was done right in his office, using only novicane and it was really not bad at all. I did save a dose of pain meds for this occasion (previously okayed by the doc), so that may have made it even easier.
Daisy was there to help the good doctor and the whole procedure took less than a half an hour. In fact, it was even easier than getting a cavity filled.
Any way, the Ouch Bars are now out of my mouth, and I am allowed to start chewing soft foods, and not just soup, smoothies, yogurt and pulverized food from the Cuisinart. Alla-Louie!! This will be a big boost for my mental health, as I was getting really tired of my dietary limitations.
Before leaving, I asked if everyone in the office would pose for a quick pic for the bloggie, and even though a couple of the ladies deemed it "a bad hair day", I convinced them that it's only going to be in my blog, and not in People magazine....so they reluctantly agreed.
Left to Right: Linda, Daisy, Moi', Juanita and Dr Li. (A fine lookin' bunch, they are!)So, I was 193 lbs. on surgery day, and now I'm at 178. (down 15#). I'm hoping to only gain about 5 pounds back, so I have a bit of eating to do! I figure 183 lbs. is a good weight for me.
Also, after I return to work on the 28th, I'll definately start going to the gym again, since I've gotten a little"soft".
I talked to my boss the other day, and he let me know that when I come back to work,
I don't necessarily have to "hit the ground running" and can take a little time to re-acclimate. That's a good thing, since I'll have been away for 7 weeks. Wow. Time flies.
Tomorrow, our friends from Ireland (Dave and Vince) will be visiting for the week and staying with us for a few nights, so we will take them to see all the sights (Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, Union Square, Fishermans Warf, Golden Gate Park etc.) and we are even going to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on a day trip. I've not done a whole lot in the past 5 weeks (other than some semi-long walks, and re-finishing this table:-),
...so it will be a good way to start building my stamina so it won't be so tough getting back to work.I'm going to hold-off on this weeks "Before and After" pics because I'm really not looking any different from last week, but I will post some next week for sure.
Lastly, my sleeping (the whole reason I've gone through all of this) has been fantastic. I am so rested, have been sleeping quietly. and feel like even though there's been some rough spots, it's been totally worth it.
Well, that's about it for now, so toodles!!
love always;
Pinski
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
1 Month Update; Time continues to fly!
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Hey Mom;
Wow !! It's hard to believe that a month ago today, I went under the knife for my MMA/GA operation. In some ways, it seems like it happened months ago, and in other ways it feels like it was only last week. Would I do it again? Yes, I would. This whole experience has come with a lot of challenges, but all in all, I think it has benefitted me a lot.
Of course, I wasn't too crazy about having to go in for "ICU Part Deux", but that couldn't be avoided. I guess that's what makes me "unique".
I won't be able to really know HOW MUCH I've benefitted until I do another sleep study (which won't be for another 2 months), but Paul has said I am sleeping as quiet as a mouse (and this is while sleeping on my back, which is amazing!) , I continue breathing, and no more gasping!
Also, I used to be able to nap in the afternoons (when given the opportunity) quite easily, and now napping is not as easy as it used to be. I think that's because I get a much better and restful sleep at night now and don't need the naps as much.
However, I still have a long way to go. Especially in the "getting the feeling in my mouth and chin back" department.
After the first surgery 4 weeks ago, I was able to feel much of my chin still, most of my pallet (the "roof of my mouth"), and most of my teeth on both sides, but after the 2nd surgery, my chin is tingly but much more numb, my pallet has nearly no feeling yet, the teeth on my left side have nearly no feeling as well, and the teeth on my right side have very little feeling. I'm sure that with time, I will gain more feeling in my chin, pallet and teeth, although I know it will probably take quite a bit more time.
At this point, (as I have mentioned before), I'm really getting tired of the liquid diet I'm on and can't wait to start nibbling on soft foods.
Fortunately, last night Paul and I sat down to our first real dinner at the table in over a month.
On the menu was crab-stuffed salmon, creamed corn, and a nice ripe sliced avocado with italian dressing on it. All with no chewing required. It was really representative of things starting to "get back to normal".
Hey Mom;
Wow !! It's hard to believe that a month ago today, I went under the knife for my MMA/GA operation. In some ways, it seems like it happened months ago, and in other ways it feels like it was only last week. Would I do it again? Yes, I would. This whole experience has come with a lot of challenges, but all in all, I think it has benefitted me a lot.
Of course, I wasn't too crazy about having to go in for "ICU Part Deux", but that couldn't be avoided. I guess that's what makes me "unique".
I won't be able to really know HOW MUCH I've benefitted until I do another sleep study (which won't be for another 2 months), but Paul has said I am sleeping as quiet as a mouse (and this is while sleeping on my back, which is amazing!) , I continue breathing, and no more gasping!
Also, I used to be able to nap in the afternoons (when given the opportunity) quite easily, and now napping is not as easy as it used to be. I think that's because I get a much better and restful sleep at night now and don't need the naps as much.
However, I still have a long way to go. Especially in the "getting the feeling in my mouth and chin back" department.
After the first surgery 4 weeks ago, I was able to feel much of my chin still, most of my pallet (the "roof of my mouth"), and most of my teeth on both sides, but after the 2nd surgery, my chin is tingly but much more numb, my pallet has nearly no feeling yet, the teeth on my left side have nearly no feeling as well, and the teeth on my right side have very little feeling. I'm sure that with time, I will gain more feeling in my chin, pallet and teeth, although I know it will probably take quite a bit more time.
At this point, (as I have mentioned before), I'm really getting tired of the liquid diet I'm on and can't wait to start nibbling on soft foods.
Fortunately, last night Paul and I sat down to our first real dinner at the table in over a month.
On the menu was crab-stuffed salmon, creamed corn, and a nice ripe sliced avocado with italian dressing on it. All with no chewing required. It was really representative of things starting to "get back to normal".
Pain-wise, there's not that much now. Just a lot of "tightness".... as if my teeth and jaw were in a vice. I went ahead and took the pain meds for possibly longer than I needed to. There were a few times when I missed taking the pain meds on time, and it was quite uncomfortable, so that's why I continued with them.
I'm still getting used to my new look. I do like my new profile. I have more of a chin now (yay!), and my nose is "tipped-up" just a litle bit. From the front is a different story. My right cheek is still a little bit swollen on the right side, so becasue of that, my eye loooks a little "sunken" and my nose seems wider than it used to be. Also, the crevices on either side of my nose have lessened and I'm told I look a little bit younger. Hmm.
I stopped by work on my way home from my last Dr KL appointment and those who saw me said they thought "I look different". Not having facial hair probably contributes to the "looking different" as well, but I think the overall change is fairly subtle.
So lastly, I've update the "Before and After Pics" page with more photos, but I don't think you'll notice too much of a signifigant change from last weeks pics. Maybe a little less swelling.
Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for al the e-mails and care packages throughout all of this. It's really helped. Have a great 4th of July!!
much love;
Pinski
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Week 3. Improving Slowly but Surely
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Yo Mama!
How's everything going in your neck of the woods? It was great hearing from you the other day and I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well.
Earlier this week, Pauls mom RoseMarie and Alex came up to S.F. for a long weekend and dropped in to see us. They also went up to Petaluma to see RM's sister Nanette and her family.
While they were here, we went out for a couple of meals, which was a little bittersweet. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them to bits, but watching them eating hash browns and sausage one day, and caeser salad and fish and chips the next kind of bummed me out a little, since all I could really eat were poached eggs, cream of wheat, part of a mushy pancake and really mashed potatos. (not in the same meal, mind you) Pity party for Pinski!! Actually, at dinner I ate some light extra-flakey fish that required no chewing, so that was quite scrummy.
I know. The day will come when I will finally be able to start eating soft foods. In fact, I'm slated for my Ouch Bar removal on July 11th, so mark your calendar! After that, look out!
Dr KL will remove them in his office while I'm under "twilight sedation", which means for me I'll be out cold and won't remember a damned thing. Can you say "Cheap Date"?
No bother!! I like it like that!!
UPDATE!!: I have been informed that the Ouch Bar removal process is not one utilizing "twilight sedation". I assumed it was, but apparently it's just a matter of getting shot-up with a lot of novicaine. I'm hoping he'll throw in a little nitrus oxide just to make it more fun, but I guess I won't know till it happens.
Well, it's Week 3 and like the subject line says, I'm improving "slowly but surely". I've updated the "Before" and "After" Pics page with Week 3 (Day 21) pics, so make sure to check it out.
BTW, here is a candid shot of MY "Ouch Bars" that Paul took this morning. They are woven with wire around my teeth (not bolted or screwed in to my jaw), so it should be a pretty easy procedure taking them off. I won't miss them. No sirree. Right now, each of those little silver things sticking out (where the rubber bands can attach) are embedded in to my lip, and although there are no sharp edges, they are still rather uncomfortable. I know I could use wax, but it's REALLY not that bad....but with a little more than 2 weeks before their removal, it wouldn't surprise me if I eventually break out the wax.
Yo Mama!
How's everything going in your neck of the woods? It was great hearing from you the other day and I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well.
Earlier this week, Pauls mom RoseMarie and Alex came up to S.F. for a long weekend and dropped in to see us. They also went up to Petaluma to see RM's sister Nanette and her family.
While they were here, we went out for a couple of meals, which was a little bittersweet. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE them to bits, but watching them eating hash browns and sausage one day, and caeser salad and fish and chips the next kind of bummed me out a little, since all I could really eat were poached eggs, cream of wheat, part of a mushy pancake and really mashed potatos. (not in the same meal, mind you) Pity party for Pinski!! Actually, at dinner I ate some light extra-flakey fish that required no chewing, so that was quite scrummy.
I know. The day will come when I will finally be able to start eating soft foods. In fact, I'm slated for my Ouch Bar removal on July 11th, so mark your calendar! After that, look out!
Dr KL will remove them in his office while I'm under "twilight sedation", which means for me I'll be out cold and won't remember a damned thing. Can you say "Cheap Date"?
No bother!! I like it like that!!
UPDATE!!: I have been informed that the Ouch Bar removal process is not one utilizing "twilight sedation". I assumed it was, but apparently it's just a matter of getting shot-up with a lot of novicaine. I'm hoping he'll throw in a little nitrus oxide just to make it more fun, but I guess I won't know till it happens.
Well, it's Week 3 and like the subject line says, I'm improving "slowly but surely". I've updated the "Before" and "After" Pics page with Week 3 (Day 21) pics, so make sure to check it out.
BTW, here is a candid shot of MY "Ouch Bars" that Paul took this morning. They are woven with wire around my teeth (not bolted or screwed in to my jaw), so it should be a pretty easy procedure taking them off. I won't miss them. No sirree. Right now, each of those little silver things sticking out (where the rubber bands can attach) are embedded in to my lip, and although there are no sharp edges, they are still rather uncomfortable. I know I could use wax, but it's REALLY not that bad....but with a little more than 2 weeks before their removal, it wouldn't surprise me if I eventually break out the wax.
Attractive, aren't they?? As you can see on the right, there are rubber bands from the top to the bottom. They are only on the right because we are at the stage of "fine tuning" my bite before the Ouch Bars come off. Dr KL said that he will be removing the rubber bands all together on Monday, which is great because it's not really the Ouch Bars themselves that cause the Ouch. It's really the pressure from the rubber bands. My bite feels pretty good, but honestly, it's still so hard to tell because of all the numbness that I still have.
I really can't feel any of my teeth on the left side. The right side is better but not 100%. Also, my chin (from the Genioglossus) is still numb but it starting to get tingly, so that indicates that the feeling is slowly returning. Unfortunately, shaving is a huge pain in the *ss. Shaving my chin is especially difficult and weird. Almost like it's not actually MY chin that I'm shaving.
The nasal infection that I reported last week is getting better by the day, but still not completely gone. Still taking the antibiotics for that for a few more days. Eeeuu. That whole thing was uber-gross.
Also, the popping in my ears is still happening. Dr KL said this will eventually subside, but for now, it's still kind of strange and a bit annoying.
Pain-wise, I've reached a point where I'm starting to lessen the dosage of my pain meds. Sometimes I'm okay, and other times...not so much. I'm going to have to ask Dr. KL his opinion on how to wein myself down from my pain meds "gracefully". Unfortunately, I'm almost out of meds, so I'll have to see weather one last prescription is in order or if it's time to just suck-it-up and bite the bullet with stuff like Tylenol etc...
On the food front, I have not been eating much soup becasue I'm sick of it. Almost in all forms (except for maybe the ones with bacon in it:-). I have blended the chunky style soups, noodle soups and any other kind of soup you can imagine. Now, I'm just primarily drinking the protein shakes with any kind of fruits I can think of. Yesterday, I broke out the Mini Cuisinart and pulverized some delicious chicken chow mein, (and removing some of the vegetables that didn't get pulverized enough). With a little soy sauce, it was really really good. (both taste-wise as well as for my mental health!) I am still not supposed to chew anything (and I'm not) but just by putting the mushy stuff in my mouth and leaving it there for a few seconds before swallowing it, was still really nice.
Lastly, I think Paul is doing better. I was a little worried about him - especially after what I refer to as "The Stanford Bleed-Out" incident, but I think things are getting back to normal, and I don't think he's permanently traumatized over that now. Poor Boopie. Who'd have thought that in only 6 years, he'd have to go through, 2 elbow scoping operations, 1 hospitalization for a bowel obstruction, and 2 (MMA/GA-related) surgeries. I'm glad he hasn't ran for the hills. Apparently he still likes me enough to stick around, so I consider myself very, very lucky.
So, I think I'll close for now. Not the most clever letter I've written, but I just wanted to keep you updated on what's been going on.
All my love;
Pinski
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