Day 59: Profile Sketch & SPLINT OUT TOMORROW!

Drew this self-portrait of my profile today...

Drawn from this photo.  

...at work.  I have been extremely productive lately haha.

The splint comes out tomorrow and I am so incredibly ready.  Part of me thought this day would never come!  As I said before, I am a little weary about the anesthesia, but I almost feel like a surgery veteran now-- I know exactly what to expect!  After such a length of time dealing with remnants of surgery still in my mouth, I am itching with anticipation.  No more invasive poky wires or awkwardly having to repeat myself when others can't understand me?  I am SO ready.  Though I have to grudgingly accept braces for the next few months, they pale in comparison to everything else I've had to deal with.  Finally, I'll have a little normalcy!

Day 56: Anesthesia For Splint Removal

THREE DAYS until splint freedom.  Apparently, going under anesthesia for splint removal isn't entirely that common among other jaw surgery patients, so I thought I'd describe the process a little.  I've not been allowed to take pain medication for the past week or so which has intensified the pain of my ripped lips, ugh!  Also, I can't eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure-- it's like going into surgery all over again.  It should take less than a half hour and my mouth is expected to be very sore afterwards.  (I hope I don't have to revert to liquids again!)  The reason my surgeon decided that I need sedation plainly is that the pain of removal without it would be near unbearable.  In addition to the splint, he has to remove the wires under my gums and around my teeth that held everything in place during surgery.  There may be a lot of blood! But it will all be so incredibly worth it.