Post-Op recovery (Day 3)

I've been debating doing a blog post because whenever I'm awake it usually just means I'm in too much pain to sleep. But seeing as my memory isn't working great right now with all of the medications and whatnot, I might as well type up some of what I feel.

I was so afraid just before the surgery while waiting for my anesthesiologist that I was laughing through tears. It's hard to distinguish a happy laugh from a nervous laugh, so it's no wonder the doctors liked me so much. If only they knew how afraid I was. Anywho, they made my parents go wait for a couple of hours and sent me off to get dressed (or undressed). I walked into the Operation Room, and there were a bunch of busy people. So I asked everyone at once if I put my things on right. Heather, the surgeon's assistant and my friend throughout the surgical process, told me it looked great. So they told me to sit in the chair, and I was literally shaking. I knew three of the faces, but the other new ones seemed kind enough. I trusted them. The anesthesiologist asked me about what I'd be doing the rest of the summer, then warned me that I would breathe pepperminty gas. No, he didn't make me count or anything on my way under. He told me I'd feel like laughing. So I laughed a few times, then my eyes shut.

When I woke up, I slowly blinked my eyes open and I could hear and see my anesthesiologist right before me, but I cant remember what he said. They pulled a wheelchair next to me, and helped me into it. I was feeling like I was barely there. On the inside I felt like laughing, but I couldn't move my face or say anything. They wheeled me to the recovery room, which was dark. Mom and Dad (together, I know. Weird!) were waiting for me with their happiest "it's-going-to-be-ok" faces on, but even I knew I looked dreadful and pathetic. I slowly wavered in and out of consciousness for a couple of hours (not sure on actual time, I lost track). One time I woke up to my dad taking a video. Then he worried I might laugh so he stopped recording. I have the video on my camera if I decide to upload it later. Someone wiped my mouth and I could tell I was dripping blood. Then I motioned that I needed to go to the bathroom, so a nurse wheeled me into the bathroom and helped me pull my pants down. I wasn't expecting THAT much help. She watched me try to use the bathroom, but instead I just motioned that I needed to throw up. I settled down enough and the nausea left me. They asked if I was ready to go home, and I motioned "no". I was worried I'd throw up in the car. So they gave me some more time to rest before wheeling me out into the bright outside and helping me into the car.

I got home and basically slept the rest of the day. If I needed something, I could ring a bell and write on a pad, because I couldnt talk.

Day two was really awful. My throat hurt so bad! Every little ounce of liquid was costly to consume. I had to go upstairs and get changed, so mom and I slowly walked upstairs and I got changed into a comfortable tee shirt and a pair of jeans. Then I brushed my hair and we went off to our check up with Heather and Dr. Spagnoli (the surgeon). Heather showed me how to brush my teeth, and Dr. Spagnoli showed me how to open my mouth. Then I was also shown how to put rubber bands in. If they aren't in, my jaw just flys open. lol.

It's day three now. And I woke up in pain at 9:30. I was supposed to have my medicine at 8, but my mom forgot. My entire left side of my face hurt. But I can talk now! I talk like a shy fat person though. Hell, I look like a shy ft person. lol. I'll show you. As a reward for going to my blog.



Here I am at day two.


















And here I am today, at day three. Major difference is in the bottom lip.







I can't wait to be un-ugly.




Thanks for listening =]

Love,
Carrie Anne.