First Follow Up Appointment

YAY for Lana posting. 

You know she is feeling better since she now has her phone and computer close by.

She had her first follow up appointment with Dr. Arnett. They are pleased with the swelling and the results they are seeing. Dr. Arnett mentioned again just how difficult it was for him to work in her mouth with her tightness. Only two times out of 4000 surgeries has he had to screw the jaw in place from the outside.

We will continue will the same procedures that we have been doing. They couldn't stress enough the liquid intake. At time point, the liquid is for the healing of the body and the bones. If she isn't getting it orally, the body takes it from other organs. Also, she needs to increase her salt water rinses so there is no infection. Carbonated water or pop also can help cleanse the mouth, tongue, etc.

We have just learned so much though this whole process.

Hugs!
Heidi

Did I Really Just Get Surgery???

Hello all! Old Faithful here..

I'm alive!! And still can't believe I am finally to this point in my life! It is SO weird to think that once this process is over and I am back in Utah to jump back into life, I will no longer be wondering when and waiting for a surgery date! That will no longer be controlling my life!! Holy crap that feels great!

I would like to thank EVERYONE A MILLION TIMES for all your thoughts, support, prayers, concerns etc. over me and this situation. Seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cant thank everyone enough. I am overwhelmed EVERY day with how many people actually care about me and wish for the best. Sure makes a girl feel good! And all the wishes and faith for me to do well has sure given me courage to fight! Just like my mom mentioned, we are uplifted and can feel the power and help of all your thoughts, prayers etc. It's amazing! THANK YOU :)

Mom has done a great job keeping up the blog and an even better job taking care of me! There sure is a lot of nastiness involved in this healing and she is handling like a champ! I won't go into detail, you may have to run to the bathroom before you even finish reading, hah! Tyson has been so good and patient and takes care of whatever I need.. foot rub, neck rub, fluff my pillows, helps with meds and get liquids into me. My pops is a sport and my anchor. He can keep my calm the most. Its weird, whatever he says I really listen to and it just helps. He doesnt even have to do or say much, just being here helps me. He's alright with me walking around basically naked and he bought me my have drink! I seriously am just not hungry at all. Its such a struggle to drink and hurts to swallow that it takes all I've got to get any small amount into me. And then I'm exhausted hah. My lips are atrociously large marge and have no feeling whatsoever, so I have to hold a towel to my chin while I drink bc half of it comes out haha. I have to have some seeerrious concentration going on just to swallow, oh, maybe, a 1/4 of a teaspoon, and doing just that takes about 1 minute to get it down. But each day I can feel a teeny bit of progress! 

I have NEVER EVER in my ENTIRE LIFE felt so disgusting!! Surgery was last wed. the 20 and I cant brush my teeth for the first time until NEXT week. That's 2 whole weeks!! With braces!! You might be thinking, well she is only drinking particle free liquid so not much can get stuck..              Ó Contraire!

• Dried blood from the hospital (I think I must have coughed up a quart of blood. At times so much so that it shot ALL OVER, there were blood splatter stains at the bottom of my hospital bed hahaha, and I once heard Ty say some got in his mouth lol GROOOSSSS!!)
• Mucus
• I can only use medicated blistex for my lips. That stuff is thick and white and does not dissolve whatsoever. And it must be gobbed on at all times. SICK
• Dried skin/lips that get stuck to my braces
• Mucus
• Blood clots from all over in my mouth
• And did I say mucus? In any form

Mix all that to extra thick saliva and you've got yourself a petri dish of something un-human!

So sorry for all that nastiness. I said I wasnt going to go into detail, and I didn't, that wasn't the nastiness I was talking about, yes there is more. But ya know what?! I am SO grateful to be to this point!!! It's a miracle and a dream come true!

Time to go attempt a shower in my attempt to be somewhat hygienic when I go to my first follow up appt! Because that too is limited, my hair is dis.gus.ting!! Just plain nappy like you can't even imagine.

 Thanks again to you!! Sending my love right back atchya! :)

soakin' me up some UVs

Tiger

the next angelina jolie