Well it's been 2 1/2 weeks and I'm alive! Everything has been so different from what I'd expected. I first have to say that my coworkers are amazing! I was well equipped with pajamas, socks, books and supplies when I headed in. Such awesome people! I was able to fly into Dallas a few days early to enjoy quality time with Stephanie and some other friends I hadn't seen in a while, which was nice.
The surgery went well, only 6.5 hrs as opposed to the estimated 8. I stayed in the hospital overnight, until noon the following day. As much as I didn't want to be admitted, I'm really glad I was - we'll just leave it at that.
The day after surgery the doctor was impressed with my status - a combination of his skills, good care by my personal nurse (Cam), my determination and of course all the prayers from everyone at home. We stayed with Graden's grandmother for the first week following the operation. Sandra was a complete Godsend, so gracious. I took her sweet poodle Coco for a walk every day, and tried to be as active as possible.
Everyone (including myself) has been amazed at how little bruising I had. Just a little green around my mouth for a few days. Especially with my light complexion, they had warned me to expect significant bruising, under my eyes down to my neck and chest. It really is remarkable how little showed up. I did swell up, but not as badly as I could have. Everyone keeps telling me how great I look, but I still have a long way to go. Surprise, surprise...I'm a little impatient. It will take 6 mos. to a year before things are settled completely. I'll probably be in braces for another 6 mos. before things are exact, I'll know more about that by Tuesday.
I've been back and forth between Dallas and home, the most recent trip being complicated by the ridiculous ice storms in the DFW area. Luckily we were able to stay with an amazing family in Denton that helped us out immensely, thank you Noahs! We wound up having to leave Mom's new car at the airport - we'll fly back in on Monday for the splint removal (thank GOD) and drive home then. Hopefully by that point the roads will have cleared up.
So remember how I've been eating whatever I pleased in anticipation of significant weight loss? As it turns out, that's only if you ignore the doctor's instructions. He told me to drink 3 Ensure Plus every day, so I did. As it stands today, I've lost exactly 2 pounds. I'm not exactly complaining, I'd take this over malnourishment any day...but it is a little inconvenient in the whole jeans department. Soooooo I'm doing modified Jillian Michaels workouts and progressive elliptical stints to try and work up my endurance. This in anticipation of the P90X workouts I plan to start on Wednesday. *sigh*
Eating has been...interesting. I'm up to soft mechanical foods, hopefully moving to more solid things once the splint is gone and the orthodontist replaces things on Tuesday.
I go back to work on the 15th, hopefully that transition will be smooth and manageable. Thank you to everyone for the concern, flowers, prayers, diversions and humor, it's been very much appreciated!
