I've been cheating...

I admit it. At my last appointment, I was told to wait at least another two weeks before chewing but I haven't really been able to help myself. I feel ready and able to chew again, and the temptation of solid foods again is just too much.

Braces and Eating

The main reason I was told to wait was because he wanted an orthodontic adjustment first. But my current braces aren't meant for that; they're only meant to hold the teeth in place, not adjust them. So in order to do that... I have to get these off and get new ones on. Which is now scheduled for September 23rd-24th, after which I'll be in them for a year to correct my crossbite and get my jaw to mesh again.

Right now, my teeth only contact in front and on the right side in a small area. So I can't grind with my molars or handle things like raw fruit or vegetables other than lettuce, but I can manage things like untoasted bread, softer meats (say, stir-fried chicken), and even a thin sandwich--I actually got a happy meal from McDonalds the other day, and was able to eat the rather squashed cheeseburger and a few fries. I'd note that's pretty much all it takes to fill me up right now as well.

My jaw is quite weak, however--no surprise after eleven weeks of no chewing--and I only chew gently, not really bringing my teeth together so as to not stress the grafts. Regardless, I can now manage things like bbq pulled pork, cooked potatoes, well-cooked vegetables, chicken noodle soup, alfredo pasta, and I was even able to eat a spring roll the other day. I'll know I've arrived when I can handle a Subway sandwich or something, but my jaw still won't open enough to accommodate that. It's getting there though... I can now get two and a half fingers between my teeth. Before surgery? Three. Right after? Not even one. So give me another month, and I'll probably be there. I also have significantly more side-to-side mobility in my lower jaw than before surgery, which suggests the TMJ issues have been helped.

So far so good there. Next week is my last post-op appointment, assuming the X-rays show good results in bone healing and regrowth (I'm pretty sure they will), and I become, at that point, "just a regular orthodontic patient" in the words of Dr. Jelic.

Oh, and my weight right now is 173. Down 30lbs since before surgery. I'm also hoping Dr. Jelic will clear me to start regular workouts again so I can get some of my lost muscle back.

One thing I'm not happy about...

Is the bill for additional orthodontic work. I grant it didn't have to be that way, if I'd allowed Dr. Mol to put me in braces for twelve months before surgery like she wanted. That simply wasn't an option to me, though--surgery came first, no ifs ands or buts. I wanted it as quickly as possible to gain relief from the apnea, and I got it. But now I pay nearly double what I would have otherwise. So be it.

Total costs:

Surgery, for the record, has thus far cost me about $15k out of pocket (out of $40k), and the new orthodontic bill will bring that total to nearly $20k though you could make the argument I needed some orthodontic work anyway. Yes and no. In all honesty, surgery seems to have worsened those issues, but it seems a small price to pay and I don't regret the choice. I can do braces again. At least I'm well over my personal tax deductible at this point, so I'll be getting a decent chunk of that back next April.

One thing that is bothering me is the appearance of my teeth outside the braces. They're badly discolored at this point, which is apparently a side effect of the oral rinse, which I've ceased using. Hopefully that will go away in time, though I think I'll ask Dr. Jelic about it next week.

New bed and illness

I'm sick for the first time since surgery, down with a cold. The good news is that I've been able able to sleep despite it, breathing through my mouth... which was an issue after surgery as I recall.

My new bed ensemble is complete, having just gotten my new down comforter from Lands' End which I specifically got because Amazon reviews said it was light and warm, a 4.5 star buy. Threw it on my bed last night, and... they're right. It's perfect. Keeps me warm without overheating me, doesn't weigh me down. I'm still not sold on the mattress or pillow at this point, but with a 100-day trial period from Mattress Firm, I'll give it a month.

The new stuff does seem to have helped. I'm still waking up more than I would like, but I fall back asleep more readily with all this new stuff.