Just kidding (day 2 cont)

Today isn't good at all. I'm starting to bruise. My face is unevenly swollen. My face is basically permanently sad... but I'm not sure if that's from swelling or pain.

Hospital (day 2)

Today is already MUCH better. My nose isn't bleeding as much. I really wish I had been forewarned about that one. Also, I'm in love with these pressure cuffs on my legs. They are like a constant leg massage. The nursing staff here is fabulous. I've never had a better hospital experience.
I was upgraded to a full liquid diet which is good because I'm dreadfully hungry after not eating since Friday. Oh man. Someone go eat for me. But at least I can drink an ensure today and snag some dairy free icecream. I promise its better than it sounds. There's also a few other things I can have but I'm pretty limited for a while. The pictures are of the progress
Ession of my face and of my menu for the day. I'm already feeling significantly better. Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers.

Saving grace

My aunt Cathy brought this gem to me yesterday. It has been so useful! If you have face surgery, I would make the investment. Also, snerv is my dad's trade mark drawing of a pig. Enjoy. :)

Right after surgery (day 1)

I woke up bawling and my face was very swollen. They took a wedge shape bone from both sides of my upper jaw. I have stitches all of the way around my top gums and my nose has been bleeding pretty badly. I have to drink clear liquids for 24 hours. I learned that knowing some basic sign language is really useful. With the medicines they have me on, my hand writing is a hot mess sometimes and talking is not even an option.

The first picture is my first pic after waking up. The second is my dad rubbing my head. It felt really good. I was so sore. The third picture is me trying to learn how to "eat" from a syringe. It's a lot harder than it looks. I'm not wired shut but I have bands and can barely move my mouth. The hardest part is learning how to swollow with a different mouth shape. The fourth is me completely zonked out with ice tied to my face.

Before and After Pic

Digitally altered before and after photos of my jaw surgery tomorrow. It's already weird seeing my face look different.
Updates coming this week.

Sorry I've been MIA...

It's been one heck of a few weeks prepping for my jaw surgery... joint #5 (woo! - sarcasm... obviously). Being in college with EDS is a circus at best most weeks but even more so when trying to squeeze in all speaking projects into the week before surgery and rearranging midterms for just after. Oh boy. I've been booked straight through to bed lately with papers and projects galore. And my "free time" is all doctor appointments or pre-surgical prep.

The good part about starting this blog when I did is that I'm going to be chronicling my journey through my surgery with you all. Pictures and all. I'll try to let you all know what taste good blended together, how the recovery process goes, and all the gritty details.

Stay tuned and stay blessed.

Doctors Defined

Previously, I wrote about the type of reactions you get from friends when you tell them about EDS. Well, I forgot to tell you about the doctor categories.

The Archaeologist - This is the doctor that treats you like a rare specimen. They could very well be anything from a joint doctor to an allergy specialist but regardless of their area of specialty, they find you fascinating  They will ask you to perform all of your party tricks... that they know you shouldn't do ;)... however, you leave their office feeling like a rock star

The Skeptic - This doctor is skeptical of the existence of EDS at all... and is more commonly known as ignorant. Blunt, I know, but these doctors belittle your condition while making you feel as small as an ant. Just because a disorder is rare doesn't mean it doesn't exist, or isn't as bad as you claim. I was told by one doctor that all it meant was that I was flexible and that probably half of all people have it... he needs to go back to school.

The Blank Slate - This doctor is like the majority of the world in that he hasn't heard of EDS. Let's face it, unless you are incredibly intelligent  you won't be able to remember everything you learned in school.Yes, they have to read the books and pass the BAR but unless you have come in contact with an EDS-er, he likely doesn't have much of a reason to know the ins and outs of our disorder.

The Partner in Crime- This guy will be your best friend through your treatment. He can be anyone from a geneticist to a massage therapist - as long as he understands EDS or is willing to dig in and learn about EDS in order to treat you, then they qualify under this category. They believe you, support you, and want to help you.