My family head over to Buffet Town to celebrate my mom's birthday. While I am still regaining strength to chew on my food, I had almost no problems eating at all.
I love the feeling of indulging in good foods. Yums.
Sunday 27 July 2014
Friday 25 July 2014
Day 51: Back on Medication - Tongue Paralysis
I went back to NDC today for a post-op appointment with dr peck. It was kind of a depressing one.
I've always known that my tongue was numbed after surgery. But today, he used a needle-like tool to poke my tongue and apparently I couldn't feel most part of my (left) tongue. Now I am on Neuroxel for about a month, hopefully I'll regain the feelings in the tongue.
I researched the whole afternoon and apparently tongue paralysis is uncommon. Most common form of numbness is lips/chin/cheeks.
I don't know but I feel a little depress. Tongue paralysis affects speech too, no wonder I still couldn't pronounce most words and am constantly biting into my tongue. Sigh. Just sigh. This also affects my taste buds. No wonder... Everything just makes so much sense now.
Numbness doesn't seem to go away either.
Nerves, please regenerate quickly. Thank you.
Thursday 24 July 2014
Day 50: Rebel - Defied Surgeon's Instruction
Herrow there.
Remember how my surgeon disapproved me of participating in camp activities back then? Well, just wna say I'm back from a 3D2N camp, and I survived. (Or so I thought)
Well the camp that I WAS supposed to attend was scheduled next week. So technically, attending the camp this week was even risker because my surgeon forbids me joining the next.
Besides the fact that I couldn't open my mouth wide, I thought I felt really normal - like a human with no problems eating and chewing. So I decided to take the risk.
First of all, I was very afraid of getting hit in the jaws. I was really cautious making sure to protect my jaws whenever we're playing games. They are my number one priority in my life right now.
Although with my constant effort to protect them, I still feel a little mild pain on my left jaw. Near the jaw joint. The pain is similar to the feeling of attempting to yawn at day 5 post op. As long as I close my mouth fast enough, the pain will go away.
Surprisingly, during the camp I realised I can open my mouth two fingers wide big. I guess I talked too much and laugh a lot. And!!! Yawned a lot too. We slept between 4am - 5am every night. The slight pain is worth the 2 fingers but now, I am back to one finger +
I also brought home a really dry throat/cough. My voice, they are so hoarse. I could be misunderstood as a tranny. Any good homemade throat remedy for me to try??
Wednesday 23 July 2014
Day 49: Tip: Receding Gums + Yellow Teeth (BONUS!) Home Remedy
I have been experiencing receding gums after surgery and I was getting a little too paranoid that my teeth would fall off because of it.
So I went onto Google, everyone's best friend, to look for some cheap remedy and tried out TWO methods because I already have the ingredients on hand.
What you gna need:
- Coconut Oil (or any oil you have at home)
- Baking Soda
I know it's really hard to find coconut oil in Singapore's supermarket but I got mine at Mustafa. Mustafa has everything you need, a wide range of products. I went onto the milk section alone and I was amazed at the variety they offer.
These two ingredients seemed to be in most DIY ideas. I used a little bit of coconut oil on my hair too. And you can also use baking soda in baking, diy backheads/pimple, get rid of clog, etc. The possibility is endless.
#1 Coconut Oil
They call it the "oil-pulling" method. So basically all you have to do is to take 1 tablespoon (15ml) of coconut oil, don't have to be precised use however much you would as if you're using a mouthwash, swished it around your mouth for 15 - 20 mins. Yes, that long.
I tried this method only once and I already hate it. It feels really greasy and gross when you're gargling with oil. While I was swishing it around my mouth, I can feel bits of gunk inside my mouth. I did not swished it around for the full 15-20 minutes. I probably spit it out after 1 minute. ~.~ bleh.
Apparently, what this does is that it reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth and the oil creates a "barrier" on your teeth so the bacteria/plague will not be able to stick to it. Makes sense right? It also helps to control bad breath/gingivitis.
After you're done with this, brush your teeth.
#2 Baking Soda
I personally prefer this method. Firstly, you need to mix water and baking soda until it becomes a paste.
I do not have the exact measurements since I estimate everything. The good thing about baking soda is, if you accidentally poured in too much water, let the mixture rest for around 20 seconds or lesser and the baking soda will sink to the bottom, you can then pour out the excess water.
For this method, you're supposed to take the mixture and massage your gums both outer and inner gums at the same time. But because I am unable to open my mouth wide enough to fit my finger in, I used my baby tooth brush and brushed my gums and also my teeth until I finished my baking soda paste. It tasted a little salty but you'll get used to it.
I tried this method for 2.5 days, every morning and night when I brushed my teeth and I got lazy so I stopped after that. After the first usage, I can immediately see that my teeth is whiter, I am not kidding I was like "wow, they looked so much whiter already" and this was not even the main concern. So it feels like a bonus to me. Although there wasn't any improvement in the gums even after day 2.5 so I stopped using it. Come to think about it, these are gums and they no need grow overnight.
Today, after stopping about a week I finally see a difference! My gums have grown a lot, though I still have a little receding gums. So I'm going to continue this method tonight again until they are fully grown.
What baking soda does is that it neutralises the acid that bacteria grows on, in our mouth. This is probably the cheapest method for receding gums problems.
All the best. x
So I went onto Google, everyone's best friend, to look for some cheap remedy and tried out TWO methods because I already have the ingredients on hand.
What you gna need:
- Coconut Oil (or any oil you have at home)
- Baking Soda
I know it's really hard to find coconut oil in Singapore's supermarket but I got mine at Mustafa. Mustafa has everything you need, a wide range of products. I went onto the milk section alone and I was amazed at the variety they offer.
These two ingredients seemed to be in most DIY ideas. I used a little bit of coconut oil on my hair too. And you can also use baking soda in baking, diy backheads/pimple, get rid of clog, etc. The possibility is endless.
#1 Coconut Oil
They call it the "oil-pulling" method. So basically all you have to do is to take 1 tablespoon (15ml) of coconut oil, don't have to be precised use however much you would as if you're using a mouthwash, swished it around your mouth for 15 - 20 mins. Yes, that long.
I tried this method only once and I already hate it. It feels really greasy and gross when you're gargling with oil. While I was swishing it around my mouth, I can feel bits of gunk inside my mouth. I did not swished it around for the full 15-20 minutes. I probably spit it out after 1 minute. ~.~ bleh.
Apparently, what this does is that it reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth and the oil creates a "barrier" on your teeth so the bacteria/plague will not be able to stick to it. Makes sense right? It also helps to control bad breath/gingivitis.
After you're done with this, brush your teeth.
#2 Baking Soda
I personally prefer this method. Firstly, you need to mix water and baking soda until it becomes a paste.
 |
| This is how it should look like |
For this method, you're supposed to take the mixture and massage your gums both outer and inner gums at the same time. But because I am unable to open my mouth wide enough to fit my finger in, I used my baby tooth brush and brushed my gums and also my teeth until I finished my baking soda paste. It tasted a little salty but you'll get used to it.
I tried this method for 2.5 days, every morning and night when I brushed my teeth and I got lazy so I stopped after that. After the first usage, I can immediately see that my teeth is whiter, I am not kidding I was like "wow, they looked so much whiter already" and this was not even the main concern. So it feels like a bonus to me. Although there wasn't any improvement in the gums even after day 2.5 so I stopped using it. Come to think about it, these are gums and they no need grow overnight.
Today, after stopping about a week I finally see a difference! My gums have grown a lot, though I still have a little receding gums. So I'm going to continue this method tonight again until they are fully grown.
What baking soda does is that it neutralises the acid that bacteria grows on, in our mouth. This is probably the cheapest method for receding gums problems.
All the best. x
Sunday 20 July 2014
Day 46: Like a Fool
Well, I have obviously neglected this space of mine pretty much. I am guilty of this but sometimes, I just have nothing to share with you guys.
At Day 46, I have already resumed my normal activities. When I met my old friends/hi-bye friends, they couldn't seem to tell a difference at all. When I met my closer friends, they mentioned I look the same while they can tell I am still a little swollen. They also pointed out that the way I speak is different, with air escaping from my slight overbite now and also I am always trying my best to pronounce words and speak properly.
I am still numbed, sigh. Yesterday I was talking and laughing with my friends and drooled without knowing. My friend laughed at me and had to point it out to me. This is so embarrassing. I feel like a fool. Thankfully, she understands because of the numbness on my face.
I can't help to think how am I gna survive next week with my school's camp. I'm sure out to embarrass myself with people I don't know.
Anyway, I am back to my normal diet. I can eat whatever I want now, as long as I can fit it into my mouth. I usually have to cut it into smaller pieces since I can only open a tad bigger than a finger's width. I'm not sure why my progress is so slow. T_T
But I am able to eat like what I've been eating pre-surgery. I can chew normally although sometimes I still bite into the left side of my tongue which I believe it's numbed. It's funny cause I always thought my tongue is my "food" while I'm eating. Sucks to have numbed tongue. With the numbed tongue, I find it a little hard to eat veggies like lettuce because it's too "thin".
I have not tried eating nuts and I don't planned to since I do not like them either. Anyway, I don't think I can. Eating has become a bliss and I am very thankful for it. I love normal foods.
At Day 46, I have already resumed my normal activities. When I met my old friends/hi-bye friends, they couldn't seem to tell a difference at all. When I met my closer friends, they mentioned I look the same while they can tell I am still a little swollen. They also pointed out that the way I speak is different, with air escaping from my slight overbite now and also I am always trying my best to pronounce words and speak properly.
I am still numbed, sigh. Yesterday I was talking and laughing with my friends and drooled without knowing. My friend laughed at me and had to point it out to me. This is so embarrassing. I feel like a fool. Thankfully, she understands because of the numbness on my face.
I can't help to think how am I gna survive next week with my school's camp. I'm sure out to embarrass myself with people I don't know.
Anyway, I am back to my normal diet. I can eat whatever I want now, as long as I can fit it into my mouth. I usually have to cut it into smaller pieces since I can only open a tad bigger than a finger's width. I'm not sure why my progress is so slow. T_T
But I am able to eat like what I've been eating pre-surgery. I can chew normally although sometimes I still bite into the left side of my tongue which I believe it's numbed. It's funny cause I always thought my tongue is my "food" while I'm eating. Sucks to have numbed tongue. With the numbed tongue, I find it a little hard to eat veggies like lettuce because it's too "thin".
I have not tried eating nuts and I don't planned to since I do not like them either. Anyway, I don't think I can. Eating has become a bliss and I am very thankful for it. I love normal foods.
Monday 14 July 2014
Day 40: Insurance Claims
Well hi there. Today I'll talk about something besides my recovery since I'm almost running out of updates.
Anyway, besides the braces cost, I paid absolutely nothing for my jaw surgery. Simply because I'm covered under prudential's prushield premier A medical insurance. (Sounds like some advertisement now)
Anyway, on top of that, they gave me $200 a day as a hospitalization allowance because I chose to stay in b2 ward instead of A ward which I'm entitled to. Which is pretty good actually.
You go for a jaw surgery, you get to lose weight, get rid of sinus and other functional problems, you don't have to pay a single cent and instead, you get allowance! If I knew, I'll request for an extension for my hospitalization stay hahaha!
Ok jokes aside, I am also covered for all the doctor's consultation before and after the surgery. Which means that whenever I go back for review/cleaning I do not need to pay as well.
The only thing I need to pay is my braces costs. That's all.
So if you're thinking of getting a jaw surgery in singapore, make sure you get yourself covered!
I remembered looking at sgh's letter of discharge that my condition is medical and it states "major deformity in jaw" can't remember the exact words used since I couldn't recognize it, I had to google.
Sunday 13 July 2014
Day 39: Taste Buds
I have no idea why, after the surgery my taste buds are extremely sensitive. I used to be able to take a lot of chilli/spicy. But now, I can barely eat anything that's spicy without downing litres of water.
I'm also more sensitive to sweet/salty food.
The good thing is, I do not gag reflex anymore when my paracetamol pill gets stuck on my throat. I believe this is trained from all the medication I have taken through the syringe after my surgery. Haha
Friday 11 July 2014
Day 37: Surgical hooks + Wires Removed
I went back to my dentist yesterday. He removed my surgical hooks and wires and did not replace a new wire for me. He said he wants to let the teeth settle into the "new position" first and it's his special technique not common to other dentists.
I then went to work after the appointment. I did some waitressing and moving furniture a for around 6 hours and I was dead exhausted. I'm even experiencing some aches now. I am so weak. Boo.
Wednesday 9 July 2014
Day 35: 5 weeks update!
Wow, I am 5 weeks post op. I have been rotting at home for the past 5 weeks trying to recuperate.
So here goes my update..
Bruising
I am only left with the little small bruise beside my lip. It is going down verrrrrry slowly. Other than that, I do not have anymore visible bruise.
Swelling
My right jaw muscles are still quite swollen, I can still feel the bump. The funny thing about this swelling is it goes up and down. I feel that my face is smaller last week then it got big again. I have no idea how this exactly works. I'm pretty sure that 80% of my swelling is gone by now. 20% still resides around my cheeks and chin I guess.
Numbness
My numbness has worsen in my lower left lip and chin areas ever since last week but he has gotten slightly better. I do not actually think I have gotten better. I am prepared for permanent numbness in these two areas already, I do not mind that.
Other than that, I am still totally numb in my left jaw/gums. I cannot feel the food that I am chewing if I were to chew with my left teeth. It feels weird like as if there is a gap between my upper and lower jaw. On the other hand, I have regained feelings in my lower right jaw/gums. Just not 100%.
My upper gums are still completely numbed.
Pain
Not much pain with regards to the jaw. Since I am regaining some feelings back, I can finally feel the my braces' wires/hooks/brackets cutting into my cheeks again. Not cool. Boo. This is the only pain that is bothering me whenever I open my mouth to speak/eat. The back wires is constantly scratching my inner cheeks as if it is digging for gold. I have been putting on wax on my braces to help relieve some pain.
No more painless ulcers. T_T
Diet - Eating and Drinking
I have started chewing on normal food a few days back. I definitely do not have the strength to chew chicken/pork not to mention steaks. My main protein now has got to be fish. I tried eating rice but after he has been soaked in soup so it puffs up and softens a little.
Some other soft food I tried were pastas, fries, noodles.
Sleeping
I am unable to sleep at night, I'll go to bed around 12mn and finally fall asleep around 4-5am. This has nothing to do with my jaw but just a really bad habit of mine.
However, I do wake up in the middle of the night because of bruxism which I have talked about in my previous post.
Breathing
Have been having a little breathing difficulty lately because of mucous buildup. I think my sinus is partially back but I am still not very sure. The mucous that I have been experiencing is extremely thick which makes it difficult for me to blow it out. Sometimes when I exert too much strength to force it out, I see remnants of blood(?) since it's dark brown in colour. Not sure whether it's related to my diet.
Talking
Speech is still a problem for me. Firstly, the pain from the braces' cuts makes me not wna speak because it hurts every time i move my jaws. Next, the 1-2mm overbite allows air to escape while I speak so I am still unable to pronounce certain words properly. It is the almost the same as if pre-op since I had a more severe underbite. Hopefully, I am able to speak properly after I go back to my dentist.
Energy
Energy level is fine IF I am not doing any strenuous activities. I tried to cycle yesterday and I felt dizzy after about 3km. I have not tried going back to work yet which I will, tomorrow but only for 4 hours. I wonder how it'll be.
Weight loss
Because I fell sick last week, I lost extra weight there which I have gained back already. Weight lost has peaked at 5.8kg last week. I have now lost a total of 5.5kg. It has been lingering around these digits so I will not be updating about this component after today's post.
Skin
Skin condition is back to how it was pre-op. I am thankful for a less oily face..
Jaws
I can open my mouth about 1.3 fingers max now. I think I am really slow when it comes to opening my mouth. I have also been slacking on jaw exercises.
I'll be back to my resume my ortho journey, I hope dr loh will be gentle on me since I am unable to open my mouth wide enough for him yet.
So here goes my update..
Bruising
I am only left with the little small bruise beside my lip. It is going down verrrrrry slowly. Other than that, I do not have anymore visible bruise.
Swelling
My right jaw muscles are still quite swollen, I can still feel the bump. The funny thing about this swelling is it goes up and down. I feel that my face is smaller last week then it got big again. I have no idea how this exactly works. I'm pretty sure that 80% of my swelling is gone by now. 20% still resides around my cheeks and chin I guess.
Numbness
My numbness has worsen in my lower left lip and chin areas ever since last week but he has gotten slightly better. I do not actually think I have gotten better. I am prepared for permanent numbness in these two areas already, I do not mind that.
Other than that, I am still totally numb in my left jaw/gums. I cannot feel the food that I am chewing if I were to chew with my left teeth. It feels weird like as if there is a gap between my upper and lower jaw. On the other hand, I have regained feelings in my lower right jaw/gums. Just not 100%.
My upper gums are still completely numbed.
Pain
Not much pain with regards to the jaw. Since I am regaining some feelings back, I can finally feel the my braces' wires/hooks/brackets cutting into my cheeks again. Not cool. Boo. This is the only pain that is bothering me whenever I open my mouth to speak/eat. The back wires is constantly scratching my inner cheeks as if it is digging for gold. I have been putting on wax on my braces to help relieve some pain.
No more painless ulcers. T_T
Diet - Eating and Drinking
I have started chewing on normal food a few days back. I definitely do not have the strength to chew chicken/pork not to mention steaks. My main protein now has got to be fish. I tried eating rice but after he has been soaked in soup so it puffs up and softens a little.
Some other soft food I tried were pastas, fries, noodles.
Sleeping
I am unable to sleep at night, I'll go to bed around 12mn and finally fall asleep around 4-5am. This has nothing to do with my jaw but just a really bad habit of mine.
However, I do wake up in the middle of the night because of bruxism which I have talked about in my previous post.
Breathing
Have been having a little breathing difficulty lately because of mucous buildup. I think my sinus is partially back but I am still not very sure. The mucous that I have been experiencing is extremely thick which makes it difficult for me to blow it out. Sometimes when I exert too much strength to force it out, I see remnants of blood(?) since it's dark brown in colour. Not sure whether it's related to my diet.
Talking
Speech is still a problem for me. Firstly, the pain from the braces' cuts makes me not wna speak because it hurts every time i move my jaws. Next, the 1-2mm overbite allows air to escape while I speak so I am still unable to pronounce certain words properly. It is the almost the same as if pre-op since I had a more severe underbite. Hopefully, I am able to speak properly after I go back to my dentist.
Energy
Energy level is fine IF I am not doing any strenuous activities. I tried to cycle yesterday and I felt dizzy after about 3km. I have not tried going back to work yet which I will, tomorrow but only for 4 hours. I wonder how it'll be.
Weight loss
Because I fell sick last week, I lost extra weight there which I have gained back already. Weight lost has peaked at 5.8kg last week. I have now lost a total of 5.5kg. It has been lingering around these digits so I will not be updating about this component after today's post.
Skin
Skin condition is back to how it was pre-op. I am thankful for a less oily face..
Jaws
I can open my mouth about 1.3 fingers max now. I think I am really slow when it comes to opening my mouth. I have also been slacking on jaw exercises.
I'll be back to my resume my ortho journey, I hope dr loh will be gentle on me since I am unable to open my mouth wide enough for him yet.
Tuesday 8 July 2014
Day 34: Bruxism
According to the wiki; Bruxism is the excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw.
Unfortunately, my sleep in disturbed several times a night because of buxism. I do not usually experience this pre-op/post-op until about a week ago?
It did not really bother me until a few days ago the frequency of it happening is higher. Does anyone of you experience this?
Initially I thought it was associated with the dreams that I had but apparently on days when I did not dream, I still have grind/clench my jaws rly tightly.
I'll just wake up and go back to sleep with my mouth open. The damage? I'll end up with a really dry and uncomfortable throat. Bleh. And probably with a chipped tooth sooner or later.
Friday 4 July 2014
Day 30: Flossing is DANGEROUS
So I tried flossing my teeth for the first time after surgery. Everything went well, since I am still numbed in the gums when all of a sudden I started bleeding. Slightly.
I panicked I think the floss has gone too deep in or something and I stopped flossing.
Quite a scare?
No flossing for the time being! Haha.
Thursday 3 July 2014
Day 29: finished my meds!
I finished all my vitamin b already. Hopefully they will do it's job and regenerate those nerves back quickly.
I am still pretty numbed around my lips and chin :(
One month's update coming up! Soon.
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Day 28: It's been 4 weeks!
Hi. Happy one month post op to me. I will not do the proper update today since I'm still not feeling well. I just want to laze in bed all day and do nothing.
I made a smoothie with ensure milk for my meal today.
It has a can of strawberry ensure milk, a handful of frozen strawberry and also a splash of banana milk.
It tasted weird. The ensure milk is still overpowering the taste. You know how sweet the milk is right? I should have added a little water in as well.
That's all for today!
Tuesday 1 July 2014
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